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  • Freddy Schott seals maiden DP World Tour win in dramatic Bahrain play-off

    Freddy Schott seals maiden DP World Tour win in dramatic Bahrain play-off

    In a stunning display of nerve and skill, 24-year-old German golfer Freddy Schott secured his inaugural DP World Tour victory following a tense three-way playoff at the Bahrain Championship. The dramatic conclusion saw Schott outlast Scotland’s Calum Hill and American Patrick Reed to claim the $2.75 million tournament title.

    The trio finished regulation play tied at 17-under-par 271 after 72 holes of intense competition at the 7,347-yard course. Reed mounted a spectacular Sunday charge with a 67, erasing a four-shot deficit to join the leaders. Hill, who began the final round with a two-stroke advantage, saw his hopes diminish with a critical bogey on the challenging 18th hole that forced the playoff.

    The extra-hole drama unfolded with immediate surprises. Reed eliminated himself on the first playoff hole with a bogey, leaving Schott and Hill to continue the battle. The championship reached its climax on the second playoff hole when Hill’s game unraveled completely—his drive sailed out of bounds, followed by his fourth shot finding water, conceding victory to Schott without requiring the German to complete the hole.

    Schott received the championship trophy from His Royal Highness Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Bahrain. The emotional champion expressed disbelief at his achievement: ‘I have no idea. It’s just amazing, I’m just extremely happy, surprised… I don’t know what’s happening right now.’

    The victory marked a significant milestone in Schott’s professional career, achieved through consistent performance across all four rounds (65-67-70-69). The tournament represented the eighth event of the DP World Tour season and significantly impacted the Race to Dubai rankings, where South Africa’s Jaydan Schaper maintains a narrow lead over Patrick Reed.

    Spanish veteran Sergio Garcia and New Zealand’s Daniel Hillier shared fourth place at 16-under-par, while France’s Ugo Coussaud finished sixth in the international field.

  • Aid agencies in South Sudan decry restricted access as government and opposition troops fight

    Aid agencies in South Sudan decry restricted access as government and opposition troops fight

    JUBA, South Sudan — A severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding in South Sudan’s conflict-ravaged Jonglei State as major aid organizations warn that government restrictions and intensified fighting are preventing life-saving assistance from reaching vulnerable populations. The situation has triggered alarms at the United Nations and among international humanitarian agencies about potential mass violence and a slide back into full-scale war.

    The International Rescue Committee confirmed the suspension of critical services due to ‘intensified fighting and the militarization of key areas,’ according to country director Richard Orengo. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that the South Sudanese government has suspended all humanitarian flights, severing supply lines for medical equipment, staff mobility, and emergency medical evacuations. The organization identified at least 23 critically ill patients, including children and pregnant women, requiring urgent evacuation currently impossible under the flight ban.

    The World Food Program issued dire warnings that escalating violence threatens food assistance for hundreds of thousands of people. This comes as nearly 60% of Jonglei’s population faces crisis-level hunger ahead of the rainy season, which traditionally cuts off access roads. The preemptive delivery of aid has been prevented by ongoing hostilities.

    Civilians are enduring the devastating consequences of renewed clashes between government forces and opposition fighters loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition (SPLA-IO) under Riek Machar. Reports indicate homes destroyed, civilians killed in crossfire, and families repeatedly displaced. Opposition forces, alongside allied ‘White Army’ fighters, have recently gained ground against government troops.

    The UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan expressed ‘grave alarm’ over inflammatory rhetoric from a senior army commander who urged troops to ‘spare no lives’—language the opposition characterizes as ‘an early indicator of genocidal intent.’ Government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny dismissed the comments as ‘uncalled for’ and ‘a slip of the tongue.’

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appealed for an immediate cessation of hostilities, civilian protection, and guaranteed humanitarian access, emphasizing that South Sudan’s crisis demands political rather than military solutions. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the renewed conflict has displaced over 230,000 people since December.

    This escalating violence places South Sudan’s fragile 2018 peace agreement under severe strain and intensifies political tensions ahead of the country’s first general election scheduled for December, raising concerns about further destabilization in the region.

  • Epstein and Steve Bannon discuss Tommy Robinson in newly released files

    Epstein and Steve Bannon discuss Tommy Robinson in newly released files

    Recently disclosed communications have exposed conversations between convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Steve Bannon, former chief strategist to President Donald Trump, concerning their views on controversial far-right British activist Tommy Robinson.

    The exchange, dated July 3, 2019, began when Epstein shared a news article with Bannon detailing Robinson’s contempt of court conviction. The charge stemmed from Robinson’s live-streaming of a trial involving defendants accused of sexually abusing young girls during 2018 proceedings.

    Bannon responded by characterizing Robinson, whose legal name is Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, as the “‘backbone of England’”—a description he had previously used in off-air comments to LBC radio’s political editor Theo Usherwood in July 2018.

    Epstein’s reply—”Thats why the pound so low”—prompted Bannon’s cryptic response: “Cheap @ any price.” The ambiguous nature of these messages leaves unclear whether the two were genuinely praising Robinson while criticizing Britain or instead mocking the far-right figure.

    Historical context shows this wasn’t their first discussion about the activist. In August 2018, when Robinson was released from prison on contempt charges, Epstein messaged Bannon stating: “Tommy Robinson. !! good work”, to which Bannon simply replied: “Thanks”. Bannon had publicly defended Robinson following his arrest, insisting “he’s got to be released from prison”.

    Robinson, formerly a tanning salon owner, has spent two decades building a violent street movement known for intimidating British-Muslim communities and promoting fears of an Islamic takeover in the UK. His extensive criminal record includes offenses dating to 2003: football brawling, passport fraud, mortgage fraud, drug possession, threatening behavior, and multiple breaches of court orders.

    In 2021, Robinson lost a libel lawsuit against him for falsely claiming a Syrian schoolboy filmed being attacked had himself “violently attacks young English girls in his school”. These demonstrably false comments formed the basis of the successful legal action against him.

  • This Week in Golf: Global stage heats up with full schedules across all tours

    This Week in Golf: Global stage heats up with full schedules across all tours

    The international golf circuit erupts into simultaneous action this week with prestigious tournaments spanning multiple continents and tours. Professional golfers worldwide are competing for critical ranking points, substantial prize pools, and seasonal momentum across seven distinct championships.

    DP World Tour athletes have converged on Doha Golf Club for the Qatar Masters, marking the ninth tournament of the season. The field features notable competitors including Patrick Reed, who recently departed LIV Golf, alongside defending champion Ewen Ferguson and Dubai-based professionals Paul Waring and Johannes Veerman.

    Meanwhile, Dubai’s emerging talent Rayhan Thomas continues his Korn Ferry Tour campaign at the Astara Golf Championship in Bogota, Colombia. Following a challenging performance in Panama where he finished four over par, Thomas remains optimistic about replicating his previous success at the Fundadores Golf Club. ‘The conditions were extremely demanding with strong winds,’ Thomas reflected. ‘I’m confident about this week’s prospects and need minimal adjustments to my technique.’

    The 2026 LIV Golf season commences under stadium lighting at Riyadh Golf Club, featuring a $30 million purse but absent former stars Brooks Koepka and Patrick Reed. Adrian Meronk returns to defend his title amid the league’s revamped broadcasting approach.

    Simultaneously, the Asian Tour initiates its competitive calendar at Manila’s Wack Wack Golf Club, while the PGA Tour prepares for its WM Phoenix Open in Arizona. Justin Rose’s recent victory propelled him to third in official world rankings, creating European dominance with Rory McIlroy and Tommy Fleetwood occupying three of the top four positions.

    The comprehensive schedule includes:
    – LIV Golf Riyadh: February 4-7, $30M purse
    – PGA Tour WM Phoenix Open: February 5-8, $9.6M purse
    – DP World Tour Qatar Masters: February 5-8, $2.75M purse
    – Asian Tour Philippine Championship: February 5-8, $500K purse
    – Korn Ferry Tour Astara Championship: February 5-8, $1M purse
    – MENA Tour Egypt Event: February 3-5, $100K purse

  • Crypto ‘godfather’ David Chaum unveils breakthrough to protect Bitcoin in UAE

    Crypto ‘godfather’ David Chaum unveils breakthrough to protect Bitcoin in UAE

    In a landmark announcement at the World Government Summit in Dubai, cryptocurrency visionary David Chaum has unveiled a revolutionary solution to safeguard Bitcoin against emerging quantum computing threats. The American cryptographer, widely regarded as the founding father of digital currency, demonstrated what he describes as the first practical method to quantum-proof Bitcoin without requiring fundamental changes to its underlying blockchain architecture.

    Chaum’s breakthrough centers on modifying wallet software rather than altering the core blockchain protocol. “This can be implemented without modifying the chain itself, simply by updating the software in users’ digital wallets,” Chaum explained to Khaleej Times. “The solution is immediately deployable and addresses a critical vulnerability that could otherwise compromise Bitcoin’s security infrastructure.”

    The timing coincides with the UAE’s accelerating emergence as a global cryptocurrency hub. Chaum praised the nation’s balanced approach to regulation and innovation, noting: “The UAE is establishing itself as the genuine center of crypto technologies through rigorous standards combined with remarkable diversity across different emirates. The level of interest and energy here is unprecedented.”

    Chaum, who previously attended the summit, expressed particular admiration for UAE leadership’s forward-thinking approach. The event itself, themed ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ brings together international organizations, thought leaders, and private sector representatives to explore technological solutions to global challenges.

    Beyond cryptocurrency security, Chaum addressed broader technological transformations, highlighting artificial intelligence’s growing influence on governance structures. “The fundamental question humanity must confront is how we can leverage AI to enhance self-governance without ceding control to autonomous systems,” he stated, acknowledging the UAE’s rapid integration of AI into government operations.

    Chaum identified privacy as an increasingly critical concern in the AI era, noting that “privacy has evolved from a niche interest to a pivotal issue” as artificial intelligence systems develop unprecedented knowledge about individuals.

    Looking toward the coming decade, Chaum characterized the current period as a historical inflection point: “We’re at a phase change in human history—potentially moving toward either a constrained world or one of greater openness and abundance. My work is dedicated to steering us toward the more positive trajectory.”

  • UAE eyes long-term space missions as it builds next-gen astronauts

    UAE eyes long-term space missions as it builds next-gen astronauts

    The United Arab Emirates is strategically transitioning from short-term space missions to establishing a sustainable, long-term presence beyond Earth’s orbit. This ambitious shift was articulated by Major Hazzaa Al Mansouri, the nation’s pioneering astronaut, during his address at the Young Arab Leaders Forum.

    Addressing the session titled ‘The Space Silk Route: Mapping Arab Ambition,’ Al Mansouri revealed that this new phase of space exploration necessitates a fundamental transformation in astronaut training methodologies, international cooperation frameworks, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies. The vision is firmly anchored in the UAE’s 15-year commitment to NASA’s Lunar Gateway program and aligns with the broader Mars 2117 strategy.

    “We are moving beyond the concept of temporary space visits toward establishing permanent settlements in space,” Al Mansouri emphasized. He highlighted the critical challenges posed by the immense distance to the lunar station—approximately 450,000 kilometers from Earth compared to the International Space Station’s 400-kilometer orbit. This vast distance demands unprecedented astronaut autonomy and decision-making capabilities without constant reliance on ground control.

    The next generation of Emirati astronauts will require advanced proficiency in artificial intelligence systems, particularly for missions where real-time communication with Earth becomes impractical. Al Mansouri noted that current ISS operations already incorporate AI-supported models to enhance crew decision-making processes.

    Complementing the UAE’s scientific ambitions, Oman is developing the Arab world’s first commercial spaceport through ETLAQ, its national launch company. Founder Sayyid Azzan bin Qais Al Said detailed the strategic advantages of the near-equatorial Etlaq spaceport, which aims to provide satellite companies with accelerated access to orbit amid growing launch backlogs globally.

    The comprehensive project extends beyond launch capabilities to include a “Space Valley” in Duqm—an integrated zone designed to support downstream businesses ranging from data processing and logistics to space-grade fuel production. This infrastructure initiative seeks to democratize space access for entrepreneurs without specialized rocket engineering backgrounds.

    Together, these parallel developments create a complete value chain positioning the Gulf region as a significant contributor to the trillion-dollar global space economy. The collaborative approach emphasizes sovereign capability development while fostering regional partnerships that inspire future generations to pursue leadership roles in the space sector.

  • China braces for peak air travel as Spring Festival rush starts

    China braces for peak air travel as Spring Festival rush starts

    China’s civil aviation network has activated comprehensive operational measures as the nation’s massive Spring Festival travel migration (chunyun) commenced on February 2, 2026. This year’s extended nine-day holiday period—the longest in recorded history—has triggered unprecedented demand for air transportation, testing the capacity of the country’s aviation infrastructure.

    According to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), the opening day witnessed approximately 19,080 scheduled flights transporting an estimated 2.19 million passengers. Major aviation hubs including Guangzhou Baiyun, Shanghai Pudong, Shenzhen Bao’an, Beijing Capital, and Chengdu Tianfu airports reported particularly heavy traffic volumes, with robust demand on routes connecting Shanghai, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Beijing.

    The extended holiday period has fundamentally altered travel patterns, stimulating long-distance journeys and prolonging the pre-festival peak travel window. Aviation authorities project daily flight operations could approach 20,000 in the week preceding the Spring Festival, while the holiday period itself (excluding New Year’s Eve and the first day) is expected to maintain a daily average of approximately 19,500 flights—representing a substantial increase of roughly 1,000 flights daily compared to 2025 levels.

    Throughout the entire 40-day travel period spanning February 2 to March 13, China’s aviation sector anticipates processing approximately 95 million passenger journeys. This translates to a daily average of 19,400 flights and 2.38 million passenger trips, demonstrating the immense scale of this annual population movement.

    Airlines have implemented significant capacity expansion strategies to accommodate surging demand. Air China revealed plans to operate over 70,000 passenger flights during the chunyun period, marking a year-on-year increase exceeding 10%. The carrier has strategically focused additional capacity on trunk routes connecting major urban clusters and popular tourist destinations. Notably, the airline has deployed all nine of its domestically manufactured C919 aircraft for Spring Festival services, showcasing China’s growing aviation manufacturing capabilities.

    Air traffic management authorities have enhanced coordination protocols to ensure operational efficiency. The North China Air Traffic Management Bureau forecasts that Beijing’s Capital and Daxing airports will collectively handle 88,800 takeoffs and landings throughout the travel rush. Refined traffic flow management measures have been implemented to optimize efficiency during peak operational periods.

    At Beijing Capital International Airport—projected to process 7.89 million passengers during the 40-day period, representing a 1.5% increase from 2025—authorities have adjusted staffing patterns at critical passenger service points and strengthened coordination with municipal transportation authorities. These measures aim to ensure seamless air-rail connections and ground transportation integration. The airport has also introduced specialized assistance programs catering to elderly passengers, children, and family groups traveling together.

    With the travel rush gaining momentum, aviation authorities confirm that cross-sector coordination between airlines, airports, and air traffic control systems has been fully activated to manage peak passenger flows. Through expanded capacity, refined operational procedures, and high-intensity operations at key transportation hubs, China’s civil aviation network is positioned to navigate the world’s largest annual human migration event with emphasis on safety, efficiency, and service reliability.

  • Ghana suspends citizenship process for people of African descent

    Ghana suspends citizenship process for people of African descent

    Ghana has temporarily suspended citizenship applications for members of the African diaspora as authorities work to streamline what many applicants describe as a challenging and costly process. The program, established in 2016, enables individuals who can demonstrate African ancestry—particularly descendants of transatlantic slave trade victims—to obtain Ghanaian nationality.

    This initiative has attracted significant interest, with over 1,000 people securing citizenship in recent years, including renowned African American musician Stevie Wonder. However, the application process has faced criticism for its complexity and financial barriers.

    Dr. Erieka Bennet, ambassador for the Diaspora African Forum, highlighted several practical obstacles facing applicants. The requirement to submit DNA evidence within one week of application has proven particularly problematic, with many describing the timeframe as “impossible” to meet. Questions regarding the reliability of DNA testing have also emerged among potential candidates.

    The financial commitment presents another significant hurdle. While the initial application fee is $136, shortlisted candidates must pay an additional $2,280 before undergoing vetting, attending a citizenship orientation, and finally receiving their nationality at a ceremony presided over by President John Mahama.

    The suspension has created uncertainty for those planning relocations or investments, though government officials have indicated that updated timelines and guidelines will be issued “in due course.” Dr. Bennet remains optimistic that the issues will be resolved and the application process will resume.

    Ghana’s diaspora outreach program stems from the Pan-African vision championed by the nation’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah, following independence. The program was revitalized in 2019 as the “Year of Return,” reigniting global interest in reconnecting with Ghana. Today, diaspora members frequently invest in real estate, agriculture, technology, and small businesses, with citizenship enabling property ownership, voting rights, and access to public services.

    Other African nations, including Benin and Sierra Leone, offer similar citizenship pathways based on verified ancestral connections, though Ghana’s program remains among the most prominent initiatives of its kind.

  • Epstein advised former Israeli PM Ehud Barak to ‘look at’ Palantir

    Epstein advised former Israeli PM Ehud Barak to ‘look at’ Palantir

    Newly released audio evidence from the US Department of Justice reveals convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein actively advised former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak on potential collaboration with controversial technology firm Palantir. The recording, dated February 2013, captures Epstein characterizing Palantir co-founder Peter Thiel as behaving “really strange, like he’s on drugs” while simultaneously proposing Barak’s potential board membership with the company.

    This revelation emerges amid the ongoing release of thousands of Epstein documents under congressional pressure, depicting the disgraced financier operating as an unofficial intermediary for numerous political figures. Despite Barak’s recent attempts to minimize their association, documentation shows 4,078 references to the former Israeli leader within the Epstein files, including their 2015 joint venture funding Reporty Homeland Security (now Carbyne) – established years after Epstein’s initial sex crime convictions.

    Further correspondence from December 2016 reveals Epstein’s accountant discussing opportunities to acquire Palantir shares at approximately 50% discount, coinciding with reports of the company’s strategic meeting with then-President-elect Donald Trump.

    The disclosures gain particular significance given Palantir’s substantial role in Israeli military operations. The AI-driven surveillance technology company established its Tel Aviv headquarters in 2015 and has since become integral to Israel’s defense infrastructure. Company leadership has openly endorsed Israel’s military campaigns in Gaza, with co-founder Alex Karp’s writings confirming Palantir software was deployed in the controversial 2024 pager attacks across Lebanon that targeted Hezbollah members and civilians.

    United Nations experts have condemned these operations as “terrifying” violations of international law, while a report from UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese indicates reasonable grounds to believe Palantir provided predictive policing technology and automated battlefield decision-making systems for military applications.

  • US and India reach trade deal, Trump says after Modi call

    US and India reach trade deal, Trump says after Modi call

    In a landmark diplomatic breakthrough, former U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi have orchestrated a comprehensive trade agreement that fundamentally reshapes economic relations between the world’s largest democracies. The arrangement, announced through Trump’s Truth Social platform, commits India to purchasing over $500 billion in American goods across energy, technology, agriculture, and coal sectors.

    The agreement eliminates the contentious 25% tariff penalty previously imposed on India for its Russian oil purchases, with the overall tariff rate on Indian goods reduced to 18% from the previous 50% peak. In return, India has committed to eliminating all trade barriers against U.S. products and will cease purchasing Russian oil, redirecting its energy procurement to American suppliers and potentially Venezuelan sources.

    This development follows closely after India’s separate trade agreement with the European Union, concluded after nearly twenty years of intermittent negotiations. Both leaders emphasized the strategic importance of the pact, with Modi expressing delight at the outcome and Trump suggesting the economic cooperation could contribute to resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

    The White House confirmed the tariff adjustments to the BBC, noting the Russian oil-linked tariffs would be dropped entirely as part of the comprehensive agreement. The deal marks a dramatic reversal from August, when U.S. tariffs on Indian goods reached 50% – the highest rate imposed on any Asian nation – causing Indian exports to the U.S. to plummet dramatically.

    Prime Modi acknowledged the agreement on social media platform X, thanking Trump ‘on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India’ and highlighting the immense opportunities created when major economies and democracies collaborate effectively.