A substantial security perimeter has been established around the location of Spain’s most severe railway catastrophe in more than ten years. BBC correspondent Guy Hedgecoe provided firsthand observations from the scene, describing a landscape dominated by emergency response protocols and a palpable atmosphere of official inquiry. The incident, which marks the darkest moment for the nation’s rail infrastructure in recent memory, has triggered a comprehensive mobilization of law enforcement and crisis management teams. The cordon signifies the commencement of what is anticipated to be a meticulous and prolonged investigation into the causative factors behind the disaster. The presence of a significant police force underscores the gravity of the situation and the priority placed on securing evidence and managing the aftermath. The site itself has transitioned from a scene of immediate rescue operations to one of forensic examination, as authorities work to determine the sequence of events that led to this tragic outcome.
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Intercontinental Commodity Exchange 2026 summit to convene global leaders in Dubai
Dubai is set to host the Intercontinental Commodity Exchange (ICX) 2026 Summit on January 29 at the Museum of the Future, assembling government officials, agricultural exporters, and logistics experts to address critical threats to global food security. The convening occurs during one of the most strained periods for agricultural systems in decades, with particular focus on disruptions across the Black Sea region—a vital export corridor for grains and oilseeds.
Supply chains to MENA, Africa, and Asia have been severely destabilized, compelling importers to seek alternative sources under conditions of elevated cost, extended transit durations, and heightened operational risk. These challenges are compounded by attacks on export infrastructure, shifting energy dynamics—including Venezuela’s evolving role—and persistent security threats in the Red Sea, a crucial maritime passage.
Philip Werle, Executive Director of ICX, emphasized the urgency: “The summit was established under the recognition that stable food supply can no longer be assumed. With freight routes imperiled and energy markets in flux, closer collaboration between governments and market participants is essential to preempt systemic crisis.”
The event will feature high-level participation from key agricultural nations, including Kazakhstan’s Minister of Agriculture Aidarbek Saparov, alongside delegates from Egypt, Brazil, and Argentina. UAE entities such as the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) and the Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment (AAAID) will also contribute, underscoring the Emirates’ strategic role in food security governance.
Major market institutions including Al Dahra, Agthia, and Transoil Group are slated to attend, alongside sponsors like FERGUS Kazakhstan and Turkish trading firm MEKE, which operates across Black Sea territories. The dialogue will center on stabilizing trade routes, safeguarding import-dependent regions, and ensuring long-term commodity availability in an increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.
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Police raid Paris bookshop over children’s colouring book about Palestine
In a controversial operation that has sparked widespread debate about freedom of expression, French police conducted a raid on Violette and Co, a prominent feminist and LGBTQIA+ bookstore in Paris on January 7th. The operation targeted “From the River to the Sea: A Colouring Book” by South African author Nathi Ngubane, which explores Palestinian history, culture, and resistance movements under Israeli occupation.
The raid involved five uniformed officers accompanied by a prosecutor, who conducted a 45-minute search of the premises while wearing body cameras. According to the Paris prosecutor’s office, the operation followed a referral from the Ministry of the Interior, which had denounced the book’s “strong historical and ideological bias.” However, no copies were seized as the bookstore had sold all available copies by September.
This incident represents a significant escalation from previous controversies surrounding the same title, which had triggered far-right vandalism and threats against the establishment during the summer. The bookstore’s legal representative, Thibault Laforcade, condemned the operation as “illegal and disproportionate,” arguing that the October recommendation to ban the book’s import by the Commission for the Surveillance and Control of Publications for Youth lacked legal foundation.
The raid has ignited fierce criticism across political, cultural, and online communities, with many denouncing it as an attack on cultural freedoms and an example of political policing. Several elected officials pointed to a pattern of pressure against the independent bookstore, including previous political attacks, vandalism, and attempts to cut its public funding.
The incident has also been linked to broader legislative debates in France, particularly the proposed “Yadan bill” on combating renewed forms of antisemitism. Critics warn that such legislation could further restrict freedom of expression regarding criticism of Israeli policies, with some arguing that the raid demonstrates these constraints are already being enforced.
Bookstore staff have been summoned for questioning later this month as part of an ongoing police investigation, while the publisher, Social Bandit Media, has rejected accusations that the children’s book incites hatred or harms moral development.
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No OTPs? UAE residents get in-app bank alerts as new rule goes into effect
Financial institutions across the United Arab Emirates are implementing a significant security overhaul, replacing traditional SMS-based one-time passwords with in-app authentication systems for transaction verification. This strategic shift responds to escalating concerns about sophisticated phishing and social engineering schemes that exploit OTP vulnerabilities to authorize fraudulent payments.
The transition comes as banking authorities acknowledge the inherent security weaknesses of SMS-delivered codes, which have proven susceptible to interception and manipulation by cybercriminals. The new framework requires customers to verify transactions directly within their banking applications, providing enhanced visibility of payment details before authorization.
Consumer reactions reflect a nuanced balance between security priorities and convenience considerations. Cosmina Condrat, a kitchen appliance advisor who fell victim to OTP fraud, expressed strong support for the change after losing over Dh1,000 to scammers. ‘The SMS I received didn’t clearly state the amount being charged,’ she recounted. ‘Now I prefer the new system because I can double-check the transaction amount within the app before approval.’
While some users initially find the additional steps cumbersome, many acknowledge the security benefits. Reema Khan noted that although the process requires opening the banking application rather than simply reading a notification, the added protection outweighs the minor inconvenience. ‘Unless you open the app and approve it, the transaction will not go through,’ she emphasized.
The implementation has not been without challenges. Some customers report occasional notification delays and the necessity of maintaining internet connectivity for transaction approval. However, banking institutions maintain that the enhanced security measures provide critical protection against the escalating threat of financial fraud in the digital banking landscape.
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Iran to consider lifting internet ban; state TV hacked as arrests continue
Iranian authorities are contemplating the reinstatement of internet services following a widespread blackout imposed during recent anti-government protests, according to a senior parliamentary official on Monday. The communications shutdown coincided with what has been described as the most severe domestic upheaval since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
In a striking demonstration of vulnerability, Iran’s state television network experienced a significant security breach Sunday evening. The broadcast was temporarily hijacked, displaying speeches by U.S. President Donald Trump and Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last monarch, both urging public rebellion against the current regime.
The streets have remained predominantly calm over the past week, according to both official sources and social media indicators, following three days of intensive government crackdowns on demonstrations that initially emerged in late December. An anonymous Iranian official disclosed to Reuters that the confirmed death toll exceeds 5,000 individuals, including 500 security personnel, with particularly severe violence reported in northwestern Kurdish regions. These figures substantially surpass casualty counts from previous government suppressions of dissent in 2022 and 2009.
Independent human rights organizations based outside Iran have corroborated the scale of casualties, with the U.S.-based HRANA documenting numerous injuries resulting from pellet gun attacks to facial and thoracic regions, causing blindness, internal hemorrhaging, and organ damage among protesters.
Authorities continue to conduct arrests across multiple provinces, including Tehran, Kerman, and Semnan, targeting individuals allegedly connected to Israeli terrorist operations according to state media. The government maintains that armed agitators, instigated by foreign adversaries, assaulted medical facilities and religious sites, while opposition groups accuse security forces of firing upon peaceful demonstrators.
Internet monitoring collective Netblocks reported that national connectivity remains severely limited, though authorities appear to be testing a restricted ‘filternet’ system that permits controlled messaging. Ebrahim Azizi, head of parliament’s National Security Committee, indicated that security agencies would determine internet restoration timing based on appropriate conditions.
The television intrusion featured several minutes of programming under the banner ‘the real news of the Iranian national revolution,’ including Pahlavi’s calls for clerical overthrow. While Pahlavi has emerged as a notable opposition figure claiming plans to return, his actual support within Iran remains challenging to verify independently.
Regional tensions escalated following President Trump’s repeated military intervention threats during the crisis, prompting intensive diplomatic efforts by Gulf Arab states to prevent broader conflict. Iranian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Alireza Enayati cautioned that regional consequences would follow any ignited conflict.
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Fragrance World reaches historic milestone in 150+ countries
DUBAI – Fragrance World, the international scent conglomerate, has achieved an extraordinary global footprint by establishing distribution networks across more than 150 countries worldwide. The landmark achievement was commemorated with a spectacular celebration at Expo City Dubai, attended by thousands of international partners and dignitaries.
The company’s remarkable journey traces back to 1988 when visionary entrepreneur Poland Moosa founded Al Ghuroob in Dubai, laying the groundwork for what would become a fragrance industry powerhouse. The official establishment of Fragrance World in 2004 marked the beginning of an unprecedented expansion story that has transformed the Middle Eastern enterprise into a global phenomenon.
Headquartered in Dubai, the corporation operates a cutting-edge manufacturing facility employing thousands of workers who produce hundreds of thousands of fragrance units daily. Their diverse portfolio includes successful brands like French Avenue (launched 2012) and the recently introduced Street Origins collection, catering to varied international market preferences.
The celebratory event featured an awe-inspiring drone display that illuminated the Dubai skyline with a commemorative logo digitally authenticated by Founder Moosa. Distinguished attendees included CEO P V Salam, Joint CEO P V Safeer, Labeeb, and legendary film personality Mammootty, alongside global distributors and business leaders.
Key highlights included the premiere of ‘Kunjon,’ an ambitious docu-fiction film directed by Jeevan Jose that chronicles the brand’s entrepreneurial odyssey across multiple countries with a cast exceeding 200 performers. The celebration also showcased the unveiling of ‘Fragrance of Legacy,’ a biographical work by Sebin Poulose documenting the brand’s evolution and its founder’s visionary leadership.
The corporation honored its pioneering international partners who facilitated early global expansion, recognizing contributors from Poland, Bulgaria, Russia, and Azerbaijan. A symbolic parade involving over 1,000 factory employees demonstrated the organization’s operational strength and collective unity. The company further demonstrated its commitment to workforce appreciation by distributing gifts exceeding Dh3 million to staff members and recognizing employees with 10-30 years of service.
This milestone positions Fragrance World among the most extensively distributed fragrance manufacturers globally, representing a significant case study in Middle Eastern brand globalization and entrepreneurial success.
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Arab League delegation visits China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development for 10th anniversary
A high-level Arab League delegation commemorated the 10th anniversary of the China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development during a landmark visit to its Shanghai headquarters on January 15th. The delegation comprised permanent representatives from Arab nations to the League of Arab States alongside senior officials from the organization’s general secretariat.
Established in 2017 and administered by Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), the center has emerged as a pivotal institution in Sino-Arab relations. During the anniversary proceedings, Yin Dongmei, SISU Party Secretary and Center Chairperson, emphasized the university’s deep-rooted expertise in Arabic language education and regional studies, highlighting its sustained commitment to advancing China-Arab cooperation through multiple channels.
‘Over the past decade, SISU has maintained robust exchange mechanisms with the Arab League, yielding significant achievements in professional training, talent development, think tank research, and cultural diplomacy,’ Yin stated. She expressed optimism that the current visit would catalyze more substantive collaboration, thereby reinforcing the stability and long-term progression of China-Arab relations.
Leading the delegation, Kahtan Taha Khalaf, Ambassador of Iraq to Egypt and Permanent Representative to the Arab League, acknowledged the center’s critical function as a platform for bilateral exchange. ‘This institution provides indispensable support for deepening mutual understanding between our nations,’ Khalaf remarked, noting that Arab countries attach great importance to their relationship with China. He referenced the upcoming second China-Arab Summit in China as evidence of the relationship’s solid foundation and positive trajectory, pledging Arab support for the center’s continued development.
Vice-President of SISU and Center Director Yi Yonggang outlined ambitious plans for 2026, including the completion of a dedicated facility that will serve as a permanent venue for governance experience sharing. The new building will feature a thematic exhibition hall documenting the history and accomplishments of China-Arab interactions, creating an important window for cultural exchange and public diplomacy.
Additionally, SISU is accelerating the development of specialized Arab studies programs and constructing a comprehensive research model that integrates talent, academic, and technological resources. These initiatives aim to establish a high-level think tank and digital platform supporting the qualitative advancement of China-Arab relations. Arab representatives unanimously stressed the priority they place on relations with China and expressed eagerness to deepen practical cooperation in academic research, policy dialogue, and capacity building.
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Shanghai Jiao Tong University launches Center for Studies of Global South Sustainable Development
Shanghai Jiao Tong University has inaugurated a pioneering research institution dedicated to sustainable development challenges facing Global South nations. The Center for Studies of Global South Sustainable Development, launched on January 16, represents a significant academic commitment to addressing pressing global issues through interdisciplinary collaboration.
The newly established center will concentrate on six transformative technological domains: future manufacturing, information systems, advanced materials, sustainable energy, space exploration, and health innovations. These research priorities align with the university’s existing strategic focus on marine science, health technologies, information systems, materials engineering, and energy solutions.
Director Peng Qinglong outlined the center’s ambitious mission to conduct groundbreaking interdisciplinary research that produces both theoretical advancements and practical applications. “Our objective is to generate outcomes that are intellectually pioneering, technologically supportive, socially beneficial, and internationally influential,” Peng stated during the inauguration ceremony.
The institution will prioritize critical global challenges including climate change mitigation, public health initiatives, and international technological cooperation. Deputy Director Cheng Lingzhi emphasized the center’s additional focus on comprehensive assessments and policy evaluations across next-generation information technology, renewable energy systems, aerospace applications, agricultural innovation, biomedical research, and advanced manufacturing.
Beyond research, the center will serve as an international talent incubator, fostering collaborative networks and project mechanisms specifically designed for Global South development. Experts associated with the facility indicate that its research will examine sustainable modernization pathways, with particular attention to China’s development experience, while contributing to the establishment of a more equitable multipolar international order.
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Number of UK Jews moving to Israel rising significantly, says minister
Israel’s Minister of Aliyah and Integration, Ofir Sofer, has revealed a dramatic increase in British Jewish migration to Israel, with numbers tripling from 300 to 900 annually over the past three years. Speaking on Kol BaRama radio, Minister Sofer emphasized that Israel now “ranks first” as the destination of choice for British Jews seeking relocation.
The phenomenon of aliyah—a foundational Zionist concept where Jews worldwide are encouraged to settle in Israel with state support—has shown particularly strong growth from Western nations. Official data from Israel’s Integration Ministry and the Jewish Agency indicates 840 UK Jews migrated in the most recent reporting period, representing a 19% increase year-over-year.
This trend extends beyond Britain, with France experiencing a 45% surge in Jewish emigration to Israel (3,300 individuals) and the United States showing a 12% increase (4,150 individuals). Russia contributed the highest absolute numbers at 8,300 migrants, though this reflected a significant 57% decrease from previous levels, likely influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Minister Sofer’s ministry directly attributes this migration pattern to rising antisemitism in Western nations, particularly since the October 2023 Hamas attacks. Financial incentives also play a role, with olim (new immigrants) receiving substantial tax benefits including decade-long exemptions on foreign income and temporary exemptions on Israeli earnings below approximately £250,000 annually.
However, this narrative of mass emigration is contested by research organizations. The Institute for Jewish Policy Research (JPR) notes that fewer than 0.2% of British Jews actually make aliyah annually, with director Jonathan Boyd observing that for every two British Jews moving to Israel, three Israelis are migrating to the UK.
Paradoxically, while Israel promotes immigration, it faces its own emigration challenges. Knesset reports indicate record net emigration from Israel between 2020-2024, with 145,900 more Israelis leaving long-term than returning. The years 2023 and 2024 saw particularly sharp increases in departures, partially linked to the Gaza conflict that began in October 2023.
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Ras Al Khaimah welcomes 1.3 million international visitors in 2025
Ras Al Khaimah has emerged as a formidable tourism destination, achieving unprecedented growth with 1.3 million international visitors in 2025, marking a 6% increase from the previous year. The emirate’s Tourism Development Authority reported a substantial 12% surge in tourism revenues, underscoring its successful strategic initiatives.
Phillipa Harrison, CEO of Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority, characterized 2025 as a landmark year, emphasizing the emirate’s evolution beyond numerical growth to encompass expanded offerings, signature events, new hotel developments, and strengthened global partnerships. The authority remains committed to developing sustainable tourism that delivers long-term value for visitors, investors, and the local community through 2030.
Market diversification played a crucial role in this success, with exceptional performance across key source regions including the CIS nations, United Kingdom, India, China, and Central and Eastern Europe. Specific countries demonstrated remarkable growth: Romania (+41%), Poland (+22%), Uzbekistan (+19%), Belarus (+26%), India (+14%), China (+19%), UK (+10%), and Russia (+20%).
High-value tourism segments experienced particularly strong performance, with MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) and wedding tourism recording a 25% revenue increase. This reflects Ras Al Khaimah’s growing appeal as a premium destination for business events and luxury celebrations.
The emirate’s hospitality landscape continued to expand with strategic openings including Rove Al Marjan Island and SO/ Ras Al Khaimah, introducing new beachfront lifestyle experiences. International luxury brands such as Janu, Four Seasons, Fairmont, Taj, and NH Collection announced new projects, supporting the emirate’s ambitious goal to double hotel capacity by 2030.
A significant milestone was achieved at Wynn Al Marjan Island, the UAE’s first integrated resort, which topped out its 283-meter, 70-story tower. The $5.1 billion destination resort, scheduled to open in 2027, will feature 1,530 rooms and suites, 22 dining venues, a theater, luxury retail spaces, and a marina. This development is projected to generate over 9,000 jobs and catalyze a new wave of international tourism.
Major master-planned projects advanced substantially throughout 2025. Marjan Beach, an 85 million square foot development, will incorporate 12,000 hotel keys, 22,000 residential units, and extensive sustainable green spaces. RAK Central, a new mixed-use commercial district, achieved full commercial plot sales within a year, demonstrating strong investor confidence in the emirate’s economic vision.