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  • Dubai: Poets, musicians, performers open Emirates LitFest with nostalgic storytelling

    Dubai: Poets, musicians, performers open Emirates LitFest with nostalgic storytelling

    The 18th Emirates Airline Festival of Literature commenced on January 21st along Dubai Creek, launching an eight-day celebration of global literary arts with a profoundly local spirit. This year’s opening ceremony at InterContinental Festival City transformed into an evocative homage to pre-literate storytelling traditions, emphasizing memory and oral history over written texts.

    Emirati poets, musicians, and performers established the festival’s thematic foundation by revisiting an era when narratives traveled verbally through homes rather than libraries. The National Youth String Chamber Orchestra and Repton Al Barsha Choir provided melodic accompaniment while Dubai Police’s mounted cavalry and young drummers contributed visual rhythm, creating a multisensory experience that connected contemporary arts with cultural heritage.

    One of the most poignant moments featured Um Mohammed, whose recollections of old Dubai were preserved through the Erth Dubai heritage project. She described a tightly-knit community where open doors facilitated constant communication and the creek served as daily companion rather than tourist landmark. Emirati poet Shamma Al Bastaki later articulated poetry’s role as “a vessel for preserving lived experience,” drawing inspiration from her father’s nautical life and the celestial navigation methods of sailors.

    International voices echoed these themes, with children’s author Rachel Bright and poet Afra Atiq discussing poetry as “an act of belief” during a walk through Shindagha that inspired place-specific verse. Festival Director Ahlam Bolooki framed the evening as a reminder that “stories have always been part of who we are” long before they were committed to paper.

    The festival, featuring over 200 sessions and participants from 40 nationalities, will concurrently celebrate the 20th anniversaries of both the Sheikh Zayed Book Award and the Saif Ghobash Banipal Prize for Arabic Literary Translation. While promising diverse programming ranging from crime fiction to Nobel laureate conversations, the opening ceremony established literature not merely as written art but as living practice connecting generations through shared narrative traditions.

  • Surprise jump in UK inflation not expected to derail rate cuts

    Surprise jump in UK inflation not expected to derail rate cuts

    Britain’s inflation rate defied economic forecasts in December 2026, climbing to 3.4% from November’s 3.2% according to Office for National Statistics data. This unexpected increase marks the first upward movement since July, primarily driven by seasonal airfare adjustments and tobacco duty increases implemented during the holiday period.

    Despite this temporary acceleration, economic analysts maintain that the trajectory toward price stability remains intact. Services inflation—a critical metric monitored by the Bank of England—edged upward to 4.5%, aligning precisely with economist projections in Reuters’ polling. The nation continues to exhibit the highest inflation rate among G7 countries despite experiencing sluggish economic growth patterns.

    Market reactions remained notably subdued following the announcement, with investors maintaining existing positions regarding anticipated interest rate reductions. Financial instruments currently price in one to two quarter-point cuts by the Bank of England throughout 2026. Governor Andrew Bailey has previously indicated that inflation should approach the central bank’s 2% target around April or May, reflecting expectations that utility cost increases and government-regulated tariffs from the previous year will cycle out of annual comparisons.

    Geopolitical tensions introduce potential complications to this forecast. British natural gas futures have surged approximately 25% over recent weeks, partly attributable to deteriorating transatlantic relations following controversial tariff threats by U.S. leadership. The Monetary Policy Committee’s December decision to reduce Bank Rate to 3.75% encountered significant dissent, with nearly half of members advocating for maintaining previous levels due to persistent inflation concerns.

    Fourth-quarter data revealed notable pressures in services sector producer prices, which accelerated to 2.9% from the previous quarter’s 2.0%, while manufacturing output prices remained stable. Economic research institutions including the National Institute of Economic and Social Research anticipate at least one rate reduction in the first half of 2026, contingent upon geopolitical developments not disrupting current inflation pathways.

  • City have to ‘change the dynamic’, says Guardiola after humiliating defeat

    City have to ‘change the dynamic’, says Guardiola after humiliating defeat

    In a stunning Champions League upset that reverberated across European football, Manchester City suffered a humiliating 3-1 defeat against Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday. The Premier League giants, reigning European champions from 2023, found themselves comprehensively outplayed at the ecstatic Aspmyra Stadion despite their overwhelming financial and talent advantages.

    The match turned decisively when Spanish midfielder Rodri received his marching orders for two quick bookings, leaving City in complete disarray during the second half. Bodo/Glimt’s remarkable victory was secured through Kasper Hogh’s first-half brace and a clinical finish from Jens Petter Hauge after the interval. Although Rayan Cherki managed to pull one back momentarily for City, the damage had already been done as the Norwegian underdogs celebrated their historic first-ever Champions League group stage victory.

    The contextual disparity between the clubs couldn’t be more dramatic—Bodo’s entire population of merely 55,000 residents could almost fit into City’s Etihad Stadium. Yet manager Kjetil Knutsen’s squad ignored this massive gap to deliver a performance that will be remembered as one of European football’s greatest shocks.

    Manager Pep Guardiola struck a despairing tone in his post-match assessment, acknowledging that his team must urgently “change the dynamic” following this devastating result. City’s campaign to secure automatic qualification for the last 16 now hinges entirely on their final group phase encounter against Galatasaray next week.

    The defeat compounds what has become a concerning slump for the Manchester club, who remain without a victory in their last four Premier League matches. Their recent 2-0 defeat at Manchester United left them trailing league leaders Arsenal by seven points, adding pressure to an already challenging season.

    Guardiola revealed the extent of City’s personnel crisis, with eleven senior players unavailable through injury, illness, suspension, or ineligibility. Despite these circumstances, the manager refused to criticize Rodri for his dismissal, noting the midfielder’s difficult comeback season following last year’s serious knee injury.

    “Everything has started to be, since the new year, against us in many, many things,” Guardiola stated. “We arrived in some departments without important players who give consistency to the team. They are a little bit fragile, as they were last season in a certain period.”

  • Russia watches US-European tensions over Greenland with some glee, gloating and wariness

    Russia watches US-European tensions over Greenland with some glee, gloating and wariness

    Amid escalating transatlantic tensions surrounding former President Donald Trump’s controversial proposition to acquire Greenland, Russian officials and state-aligned media have responded with a complex blend of triumphalism and strategic apprehension. The Kremlin’s reaction reveals a multifaceted geopolitical calculus as Moscow assesses both opportunities and threats arising from Washington’s unexpected territorial ambitions.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov characterized the potential acquisition as potentially historic, suggesting Trump could enter ‘world history’ regardless of legal or ethical considerations. This measured endorsement aligns with Moscow’s broader strategy toward the Trump administration, seeking concessions in ongoing Ukraine negotiations and improved bilateral relations.

    Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov framed Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland as a colonial relic, drawing direct parallels to Russia’s annexation of Crimea while asserting equivalent security interests. State media outlets amplified this narrative, with Rossiyskaya Gazeta comparing the potential acquisition to Abraham Lincoln’s abolition of slavery in historical significance.

    The Russian response simultaneously highlighted perceived divisions within NATO, with officials including Lavrov and presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev declaring a ‘deep crisis’ in Atlantic solidarity. State news agency RIA Novosti mocked European military responses as impotent while celebrating the diversion of Western attention from Russia’s operations in Ukraine.

    Beyond the political maneuvering, Russian analysts expressed significant security concerns regarding Arctic dominance. Prominent military blogger Aleksander Kots interpreted the move as targeting Russia’s Arctic interests, while Moskovsky Komsomolets warned Greenland could become an ‘icy noose around Russia’s throat’ threatening the Northern Fleet and economic projects. These security apprehensions contrast with Putin’s public offers of Arctic cooperation, even as Russia strengthens its military capabilities in response to NATO activities in the region.

  • Is ‘GTA 6’ delayed after explosion scare at Rockstar’s Edinburgh studio?

    Is ‘GTA 6’ delayed after explosion scare at Rockstar’s Edinburgh studio?

    A sudden wave of concern gripped the global gaming community following early morning reports of a potential explosion at Rockstar North’s Edinburgh headquarters, the primary development studio for the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto VI. Emergency services responded to Holyrood Road at approximately 5:02 AM local time, establishing security perimeters and deploying multiple fire engines with specialized response units.

    Initial unverified accounts suggested possible structural damage originating from the building’s boiler room, prompting immediate fears among fans about potential disruptions to GTA VI’s development timeline. The gaming studio remained the focus of emergency operations for over four hours as authorities conducted comprehensive safety assessments.

    Subsequent investigations by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service revealed the incident resulted from a mechanical failure in a heating system rather than an explosive event. All emergency personnel concluded operations by 9:21 AM, confirming no injuries and only minimal property damage.

    Rockstar Games promptly issued an official statement clarifying the situation: “A technical malfunction occurred in one of our heating boilers at Rockstar North. We confirm all staff are safe and the studio maintains normal operations.” Employees returned to work the same day with development schedules remaining unaffected.

    The intense public reaction underscores Rockstar North’s pivotal role in gaming history, having developed the entire Grand Theft Auto franchise and the acclaimed Red Dead Redemption series. Recent industry layoffs and development tensions contributed to heightened sensitivity around any potential disruption to GTA VI’s progress.

    Crucially, Rockstar Games has confirmed the November 19, 2026 release date for Grand Theft Auto VI remains unchanged, with no anticipated delays resulting from this incident. The event ultimately concluded without casualties, structural damage, or impact on one of the most anticipated game releases in industry history.

  • Canadian teen who died in Australia remembered for ‘infectious laugh’ and adventurous spirit

    Canadian teen who died in Australia remembered for ‘infectious laugh’ and adventurous spirit

    Australian authorities are investigating the tragic death of 19-year-old Canadian backpacker Piper James, whose body was discovered surrounded by dingoes on K’Gari Island’s shoreline Monday morning. The teenager had been working at a local hostel for six weeks before her life ended under mysterious circumstances near the historic Maheno shipwreck site.

    Queensland coroners are examining whether James drowned during an early morning swim, fell victim to animal attacks, or succumbed to another unknown cause. The investigation may require substantial time to reach definitive conclusions, according to official statements from the Coroners Court.

    The young traveler’s family shared heartfelt memories of their daughter’s adventurous spirit and determination. Her father recalled her insistence on making the journey despite parental concerns, quoting her decisive words: ‘I’m 18, and you can’t stop me!’ Angela James, Piper’s mother, expressed profound grief to Global News, acknowledging their daughter had broken safety protocols against swimming alone—a decision with tragic consequences.

    K’Gari Island, a World Heritage site formerly known as Fraser Island, sustains approximately 200 dingoes protected under Queensland’s conservation laws. The wild canines, considered native species, frequently roam beach areas where the incident occurred. Two witnesses driving along the coast at approximately 6:30 AM initially spotted about ten dingoes congregating around what they later identified as human remains.

    Piper had meticulously saved funds following her high school graduation to fulfill her travel aspirations, embodying the adventurous spirit her family now commemorates through stories of her infectious laughter and compassionate nature.

  • Ex–China Construction Bank executive gets 18 years for bribery, loan violations

    Ex–China Construction Bank executive gets 18 years for bribery, loan violations

    In a significant ruling against financial corruption, a Chinese court has sentenced Zhang Gengsheng, former vice-president of China Construction Bank (CCB), to 18 years imprisonment for bribery and illegal lending practices. The Zibo Intermediate People’s Court in Shandong province delivered the verdict on Wednesday, additionally imposing a substantial fine of 4.1 million yuan ($589,000).

    The court delineated separate sentences for each offense: 13 years imprisonment with a 4 million yuan fine for accepting bribes, and 10 years with a 100,000 yuan penalty for illicit loan issuance. The combined sentence reflects the severity of the crimes committed by the former banking executive.

    Judicial investigations revealed that between 2006 and September 2019, Zhang systematically exploited his executive positions—progressing from general manager of a client department to vice-president—to provide unlawful advantages to various entities and individuals. His corrupt activities involved manipulating loan credit approvals and facilitating improper job adjustments in exchange for monetary benefits totaling over 40.64 million yuan in property and cash.

    Particularly egregious were Zhang’s actions between late 2016 and April 2017, when he authorized substantial loans to unqualified borrowers despite being fully aware of their non-compliance with lending standards. These transactions resulted in exceptionally significant financial losses for the state-owned banking institution.

    The court acknowledged several mitigating factors that contributed to a relatively lenient punishment considering the magnitude of the crimes. Zhang demonstrated cooperation by providing truthful confessions, voluntarily disclosing previously unknown criminal activities to investigators, and actively returning illegal gains. Authorities have successfully recovered most of the bribes and associated interest, which will be transferred to the state treasury.

    Zhang’s professional trajectory shows a long-standing career with CCB, where he served as vice-president from April 2013 and held concurrent positions as executive director and vice president from 2015 until his retirement in December 2020. Following his banking career, the 65-year-old Anhui native briefly served as an external director for State Grid Corp. of China before being placed under investigation in November 2024.

  • First batch of eco-friendly pioneer zones for construction of beautiful countryside unveiled

    First batch of eco-friendly pioneer zones for construction of beautiful countryside unveiled

    China has officially designated 23 county-level regions as the nation’s inaugural batch of ecological demonstration zones for beautiful countryside development. The Ministry of Ecology and Environment announced the pioneering initiative on Wednesday, highlighting these areas as exemplary models for sustainable rural transformation.

    The selected regions represent three distinct approaches to environmentally-conscious development. Ten mountainous counties have successfully reconciled ecological preservation with enhanced livelihoods, overcoming the unique challenges of highland village development. Seven other areas have achieved balanced urban-rural integration by coupling environmental conservation with the growth of distinctive local industries. The remaining six zones have utilized their well-maintained ecosystems to drive agricultural modernization and rural economic revitalization.

    According to Zhao Shixin, Director of the Ministry’s Department of Soil Ecology and Environment, these demonstration zones extend beyond creating habitable environments. They provide tangible blueprints for other regions seeking to enable residents to prosper from their natural assets—literally transforming ‘lucid waters and lush mountains’ into invaluable ecological and economic resources.

    All 23 zones feature immaculate villages with comprehensive sewage and waste management systems that have successfully eradicated black, malodorous water bodies. The Ministry further revealed ambitious plans to support approximately 100 additional county-level areas in developing similar pioneer zones by 2027, significantly expanding the national network of eco-conscious rural development models.

  • Supreme Court sceptical of Trump firing of Lisa Cook

    Supreme Court sceptical of Trump firing of Lisa Cook

    In a landmark hearing with profound implications for central bank autonomy, U.S. Supreme Court justices across ideological lines expressed significant skepticism toward the Trump administration’s unprecedented dismissal of Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. The case, which questions the boundaries of presidential authority over independent agencies, saw unusual alliances form as conservative and liberal justices alike raised concerns about due process and institutional integrity.

    The legal confrontation stems from President Trump’s August declaration removing Cook from her position over allegations of mortgage fraud—claims she has consistently denied. During oral arguments, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, a Trump appointee, emerged as a pivotal voice questioning the administration’s stance. “What’s the fear of more process here?” he asked, later warning that the administration’s interpretation could “weaken, if not shatter, the independence of the Federal Reserve.”

    Central to the dispute is the statutory requirement that Fed governors may only be removed “for cause,” a provision designed to insulate monetary policy from political pressure. The White House contends Cook’s mortgage filings—which allegedly claimed two different primary residences simultaneously—constitute sufficient cause for dismissal. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that even inadvertent errors could undermine confidence in the institution, asserting that courts should defer to presidential judgment on such matters.

    Cook’s legal team presented a starkly different narrative, characterizing the allegations as “cherry-picked, incomplete snippets” taken out of context. In a November letter to the Justice Department, her attorneys explained that a single stray reference in an Alabama mortgage application was accompanied by “truthful and more specific disclosures about the property’s use.” They maintained there was “no fraud, no intent to deceive, nothing whatsoever criminal or remotely a basis to allege mortgage fraud.”

    Justice Samuel Alito questioned the hurried nature of the proceedings, asking why the matter required such expedited treatment. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, another Trump appointee, pressed the administration to explain what harm would come from allowing lower courts to fully examine the evidence first. The court appeared particularly concerned about the economic ramifications of a ruling that might undermine confidence in the Fed’s independence, with Justice Sonia Sotomayor noting that “the independence of the agency is very important and that independence is harmed if we decide these issues too quickly.”

    The case unfolds against a backdrop of ongoing tension between the Trump administration and the Federal Reserve, with the president previously criticizing the institution’s interest rate policies. The outcome could redefine the relationship between the executive branch and independent agencies for generations to come.

  • ‘The Rip’ star Matt Damon explains how Netflix keeps viewers engaged

    ‘The Rip’ star Matt Damon explains how Netflix keeps viewers engaged

    In a revealing discussion on the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Ben Affleck detailed Netflix’s innovative approach to maintaining viewer engagement in the streaming era. The actors, currently promoting their Netflix film ‘The Rip,’ explained how the platform has developed specific techniques to combat distracted viewing habits in home environments.

    Damon articulated Netflix’s strategy of front-loading action sequences, noting that traditional filmmaking structures have been fundamentally altered. “The standard paradigm for action films involved three major set pieces building toward a grand finale,” Damon explained. “Now Netflix requests a significant action sequence within the first five minutes to immediately capture audience attention.”

    The Oscar-winning actor further disclosed that streaming executives explicitly request plot points to be reiterated three to four times within dialogue. This approach directly addresses the reality that home viewers frequently multitask with mobile devices during streaming sessions, potentially missing crucial narrative elements.

    Affleck provided a counterpoint, highlighting that Netflix’s formula isn’t absolute. He cited the platform’s recent critically acclaimed limited series ‘Adolescence’ as evidence that unconventional, contemplative storytelling can still achieve success without employing these engagement tactics. The dark drama featured extended silent sequences and minimal exposition, yet resonated strongly with audiences.

    The conversation also touched on the groundbreaking compensation model implemented for ‘The Rip.’ In a significant departure from standard streaming industry practice, Damon and Affleck negotiated a profit-sharing agreement that provides potential bonuses for all cast and crew based on the film’s performance metrics. This innovative approach could establish new precedents for how streaming platforms compensate creative professionals, moving beyond flat fees toward performance-based incentives.

    Industry analysts are closely monitoring this compensation model, which may influence future negotiations between streaming services and content creators. The traditional studio system’s backend participation deals have largely been absent from streaming, making this arrangement potentially transformative for industry compensation standards.