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Trump to host DR Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame to sign peace deal

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Trump to host DR Congo’s Félix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame to sign peace deal


Emery Makumeno,BBC Africa, Kinshasaand

Samba Cyuzuzo,BBC Great Lakes

Reuters / BBC A composite image showing DR Congo's President Tshisekedi and Rwandan President Kagame.Reuters / BBC

The presidents of DR Congo (left) and Rwanda are to sign the deal in Washington

The leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are set to sign a peace deal aimed at ending the long-running conflict in the region at a summit hosted by US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Ahead of the summit, there has been an escalation in fighting in resource-rich eastern DR Congo between government forces and rebels believed to be backed by Rwanda.

DR Congo’s army accused its rivals of attempting to “sabotage” the peace process, but the M23 rebels said the army had launched an offensive in breach of a ceasefire.

At the start of the year, the M23 seized large parts of eastern DR Congo in an offensive that saw thousands killed and many more forced from their homes.

DR Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame have frequently exchanged insults in recent years, each accusing the other of starting the conflict.

Trump got the two countries’ foreign ministers to sign a peace accord in June, hailing it as a “glorious triumph”.

Tshisekedi and Kagame will now endorse it, with several other African and Arab leaders – including those of Burundi and Qatar – expected to attend the signing ceremony.

The M23 will not be present – it is in talks with DR Congo’s government in a parallel peace process led by Qatar.

The Trump administration has spearheaded talks between DR Congo and Rwanda, hoping that resolving the differences between the two neighbours will pave the way for the US to increase investments in the resource-rich region.

Rwanda denies supporting the M23, despite UN experts saying its army is in “de facto control of M23 operations”.

Despite the fanfare and the presence of the two leaders in Washington, some analysts are sceptical about whether the deal will lead to lasting peace.

A DR Congo researcher with the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies think-tank, Bram Verelst, told the BBC that there was “currently no ceasefire in place, and the M23 rebellion continues to expand and consolidate its control”.

“The signing ceremony is unlikely to alter this situation, though there is some small hope it could increase accountability on Congolese and Rwandan leaders to honour their commitments,” he said.

The M23 seized key cities in eastern DR Congo earlier this year, including Goma and Bukavu.

In a statement, DR Congo army spokesman Gen Sylvain Ekenge said the rebels had launched a fresh offensive on Tuesday on villages in the South Kivu province.

The villages are about 75km (47 miles) from Uvira city, which lies on the border with Burundi, and has been the headquarters of the South Kivu regional government since the rebels seized Bukavu.

For its part, the M23 said the DR Congo army had launched an air and ground assault against its positions, and this was done in cahoots with Burundian forces.

Burundi has not commented on the allegation. It has several thousand troops in eastern DR Congo to support the embattled army.

AFP via Getty Images A young girl sells vegetables near the meeting site of the M23 and residents in Goma in October 2025AFP via Getty Images

The main trading hub in eastern DR Congo, Goma, has been under rebel control since January

Rwanda says it has adopted “defensive measures” in eastern DR Congo because of the threat posed by the FDLR militia group, which includes fighters who carried out the 1994 Rwandan genocide.

Kagame insists on the disarmament of the group, while DR Congo demands the withdrawal of Rwandan troops as a condition for peace.

The deal to be signed says both of these should happen.

However, several peace deals going back to the 1990s have failed after Rwanda accused previous Congolese government of failing to disarm the FDLR, and this remains one of the main stumbling blocks in current efforts to end the conflict.

DR Congo’s government has also demanded that the M23 gives up the territory it has seized, something it has so far refused to do in the Qatar-brokered talks.

Qatar and the US are co-ordinating their mediation efforts. Qatar has strong ties with Rwanda, while the US is seen to be closer to DR Congo.

The US State Department said in 2023 that DR Congo had an estimated $25trn (£21.2trn) in mineral reserves.

This includes cobalt, copper, lithium, manganese and tantalum – key ingredients needed to make the electronic components used in computers, electric vehicles, mobile phones, wind turbines and military hardware.

“We’re getting, for the United States, a lot of the mineral rights from the Congo as part of it,” Trump said, ahead of the deal signed in June.

Prof Jason Stearns, a Canada-based political scientist who specialises in the region, told the BBC that the US has been pushing for an economic agreement that could see DR Congo and Rwanda co-operate on hydro-electric power, mining and infrastructure development.

“The logic is that it will provide the peace dividend,” he said.

However, DR Congo has made it clear that while it would sign the agreement, it would not “advance on that deal until Rwandan troops have withdrawn from eastern DR Congo”, Prof Stearns added.

Map of central Africa showing DR Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.

More about the DR Congo conflict:

Getty Images/BBC A woman looking at her mobile phone and the graphic BBC News AfricaGetty Images/BBC



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ADHD & autism diagnoses face major overhaul as disability benefit claims soar with 4.4MILLION Brits now getting handouts

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ADHD & autism diagnoses face major overhaul as disability benefit claims soar with 4.4MILLION Brits now getting handouts


A MAJOR probe has been launched into mental health diagnoses as disability benefit claims soar.

Wes Streeting today ordered an inquiry into the rise of autism, ADHD and conditions such as depression, now the most common reasons for claiming handouts.

London, England, UK. 2nd Dec, 2025. WES STREETING, Health Secretary, leaves 10 Downing Street after a Cabinet Meeting. (Credit Image: ¿ Thomas Krych/ZUMA Press Wire) EDITORIAL USAGE ONLY! Not for Commercial USAGE!
Health Secretary Wes Streeting has launched a probe in to the “overdiagnosis” of mental health conditionsCredit: Alamy

Experts will also examine whether social media is fuelling the bloated welfare bill by driving depression and anxiety in youngsters.

An eye-watering 4.4 million Brits of working age claim disability or incapacity benefit – up 1.2 million since 2019.

The Health Secretary will look at whether feelings of stress are being “over pathologised” and if “overdiagnosis” has led to too many being “written off”.

Shocking stats show 8.9 million people in England are now on antidepressants, up from 6.9 million a decade ago.

And in a major warning for public finances, the number of 16 to 34-year-olds off work with long-term sickness rose by 76 per cent between 2019 and 2024.

Mr Streeting said: “I know from personal experience how devastating it can be for people who face poor mental health, have ADHD or autism and can’t get a diagnosis or the right support.

“I also know, from speaking to clinicians, how the diagnosis of these conditions is sharply rising.

“We must look at this through a strictly clinical lens to get an evidence-based understanding of what we know, what we don’t know, and what these patterns tell us about our mental health system, autism and ADHD services.”

He added: “That’s the only way we can ensure everyone gets timely access to accurate diagnosis and effective support.”

The review, led by clinical psychologist Peter Fonagy, will make recommendations for improving NHS mental health services and getting people care before they hit crisis point.

More than half a million people are now on ADHD waiting lists, with around 800,000 having been diagnosed with the condition.

Professor Fonagy said: “We will examine the evidence with care — from research, from people with lived experience, and from clinicians working at the frontline of mental health, autism and ADHD services — to understand, in a grounded way, what is driving rising demand.

“We owe it to children and families, young people and adults to provide government with advice that is proportionate, evidence-based and capable of improving people’s lives.”



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NHL Playoff Odds 2025: The Teams Making the Biggest Moves Early – The Sports Mirror – Sports News, Transfers, Scores

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NHL Playoff Odds 2025: The Teams Making the Biggest Moves Early – The Sports Mirror – Sports News, Transfers, Scores


The 2025-26 NHL season has its blades on the ice for hardly any time, and the power is already shifting. Some franchises are not just winning, they’re making statements to the league.

For fans, these first weeks are something more than entertainment; they’re a sign of where the real momentum is in the NHL power rankings and what that means for the shifting NHL Playoff Odds.

Five teams wow with their early playmaking intensity and urgency: the Colorado Avalanche, Las Vegas Golden Knights, New Jersey Devils, Winnipeg Jets, and the fast-rising Utah Mammoth. Each is carving its own script and grappling with the playoff picture.

Colorado Avalanche: Pressure Meets Precision

Few teams make the balance between flash and precision as well as the Avalanche does. Every year, they refine their identity, a franchise built on breakneck speed and surgical precision. This season is no different with odds set at -2000.

Nathan MacKinnon continues to lead the pace with boundless energy, as Cale Makar anchors a blue line that distorts games to Denver’s rhythm.

Colorado’s 6-1-4 record isn’t just a respectable mark; it’s a declaration of their ability to maintain it. The Avalanche’s steadiness on the transition and solid goaltending make them a less-than-desirable matchup for anyone trying to outskate them.

From a betting point of view, that consistency is essential. Early-season dominance almost always tightens up NHL Playoff Odds, and Colorado’s odds are narrowing in a hurry. They’re not just chasing another Stanley Cup; they’re reminding the world they intend to be there.

Las Vegas Golden Knights: The Standard Bearers of Swagger

At -2000, no squad oozes confidence like the Golden Knights. They started the year perched atop several NHL power rankings, and they’re proving worthy of their hype. With a stoic start, Vegas looks every inch the squad that has mastered navigating expectation and adversity alike.

Jack Eichel has found the perfect mixture of power and precision, and the defense is a fortress, one of the most well-rounded groups in the league. The system that was installed by head coach Bruce Cassidy is about possession and structure, and therefore, Vegas is never really rattled, even in close games.

For bettors, that composure translates directly into trust. Vegas is the embodiment of consistency in a sport that’s anything but, and their early stability rides them high in the NHL Playoff conversation. They’re not doing something entirely new; they’re honing what already works, which comes across in analytics that bettors monitor.

New Jersey Devils: The East’s Next Heavyweight

Across the land, the Devils are accomplishing something unusual; they’re maturing into their potential in front of our eyes. For years, New Jersey was wrongly dubbed a “promising young team.” Now they look like the real deal. Their scorching 8-2-0 beginning and -750 odds are proof.

Jack Hughes is totally in command, turning speed into chaos for defensemen, and Dougie Hamilton’s return to form has calmed their back end. ESPN’s NHL power rankings supplement that the Devils’ chemistry at even strength is translating into more extended zone time and higher-quality chances.

For bettors, this is the holy grail: a team beating market expectation before their odds close in. That divergence of viewpoint can be pure gold. If they can sustain this, that remains to be seen, but for the moment, the Devils are the unwanted but infrequent combination of fun to watch and smart to bet on.

Winnipeg Jets: Quiet Strength, Loud Results

Winnipeg never seems to get headlines until it makes everyone stand up and take notice of the standings. The Jets’ stong start is the result of discipline, not of drama. Their systems are tight, their pace is measured and their defense is often underrated.

The most impressive thing about the NHL power rankings is how proficient they’ve become. The shot suppression and special teams play rank among the best in the league. Connor Hellebuyck remains the equalizer in net, calm, unflappable, and criminally underappreciated.

For fans, Winnipeg’s rise is gratifying. For bettors, it’s an opportunity. The Jets often start seasons under the radar, which means their NHL Playoff odds at around -340 tend to lag behind their true potential. If you’re looking for a value play before the oddsmakers fully adjust, Winnipeg might be the ticket.

Utah Mammoth: The Newcomer Nobody Wants to Play

There is always one disruptor per league, and this year it is Utah. The Mammoth are only new to the NHL, but are already gaining notoriety as a fearless home team. Experts and fans alike are already paying attention as they enter the NHL power ranking conversation.

What’s excellent about Utah isn’t their record, it’s their attitude. They play with purpose, they check with haste, and they skate like a team that’s been informed they can’t lose. That type of energy is contagious.

For bettors, the Mammoth are the very definition of high-risk, high-reward. Their playoff odds sit at roughly -270. That’s where smart money lives, scouring out teams that can outrun expectations before the world catches up. Utah isn’t there yet for the playoffs, but they’ve arrived early.

Betting Dynamics: Reading the Market Before It Moves

Hockey’s fast pace and unpredictable momentum swings make it one of the most thrilling options for fans exploring the top sports for betting this season.

Understanding the impact that NHL power rankings have on perception is crucial for anyone who tracks odds. Contenders that gain early, like the Avalanche or Devils, create a domino effect, public money pours in, sportsbooks lower lines, and value disappears. The great bettors get it done before that move.

It’s not so much about forecasting results and more about getting on board before it shows up in prices. Currently, these five teams are in that ideal spot: real improvement, statistical backing, and growing belief.

Momentum Is the New Currency

Momentum doesn’t take a spring break; it starts in October. The early weeks of 2025-26 are rewriting the narrative and reshaping both the NHL power rankings and betting pools. The Avalanche and Golden Knights remain the gold standards; the Devils and Jets are on the rise with a purpose; and the Utah Mammoth are the wild card no one can deny. For the fans, it’s the perfect mix of talent and storylines. For the gamblers, it’s a market on the move. As the NHL Playoff Odds shift, this one thing is guaranteed: in a league founded on equality, the early movers will typically pave the way for the playoffs.

Tags: NHL, NHL Playoff



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Taiwan’s UMC in pact with Polar to explore US production of eight-inch chip

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Taiwan’s UMC in pact with Polar to explore US production of eight-inch chip




Taiwan’s UMC in pact with Polar to explore US production of eight-inch chip



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‘Agar Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma ka dimaag … ‘: Ravi Shastri’s bold warning – WATCH | Cricket News

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‘Agar Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma ka dimaag … ‘: Ravi Shastri’s bold warning – WATCH | Cricket News


'Agar Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma ka dimaag ... ': Ravi Shastri's bold warning - WATCH
Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli (AFP Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri has issued a strong message to those questioning the places of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in the Indian team, especially amid growing discussions around their ODI future and India’s roadmap for the 2027 World Cup.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Speaking in a recent interview, Shastri made it clear that any attempts to sideline the senior duo were unacceptable. He called out critics who have been casting doubts following Kohli and Rohit’s retirements from Tests and ODIs.

Ruturaj Gaikwad press conference: Reveals Gautam Gambhir message, No.4 and more

“Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are ODI giants. You don’t mess around with players of that stature,” Shastri told Prabhat Khabar.When asked who was responsible for creating such doubts, Shastri chose not to name anyone directly. “Some people are doing it. That’s all I will say,” he replied, before adding, “And if these two switch on properly, hit the right buttons, all the ones messing around will disappear from the scene real quick.”Shastri, who has worked closely with both Indian greats and shares a particularly strong emotional bond with Kohli, didn’t hesitate to express his point in Hindi as well.“Aise players ke sath aap masti mat karo yaar,” he said. When pressed further on who was interfering, Shastri added, “Karne waale kar rahe hain. Agar unka dimaag theek ho gaya na aur sahi bata daba diya, to sab aaju baaju nikal jayenge.”Watch the video hereHis remarks come at a time when public and expert scrutiny on Indian cricket’s senior players has intensified, with long-term team planning and the 2027 World Cup strategy at the centre of the debate.





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Team USA Paralympic Sled Hockey Stars Declan Farmer Describes His Life as an athlete

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Team USA Paralympic Sled Hockey Stars Declan Farmer Describes His Life as an athlete


Declan Farmer has been defying the limited expectations of others his whole life. Born without the use of his legs, he picked up a sled hockey stick at the age of 9 and has since become one of the most celebrated athletes on the circuit, helping Team USA to win gold medals in five world championships and three Paralympic Games. But despite his tenacity, this Tampa-born hero often comes up against obstacles in his day-to-day life. So, with the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milano Cortina less than 100 days away, M&F wanted to know more about the highs and lows of his prep.

Born with bilateral fibular hemimelia, a congenital birth defect, meaning that part or all of the fibula is missing or underdeveloped, Farmer had both of his legs amputated as a baby, but he’s never stopped moving forward. “As someone with two leg prosthetics, I actually workout a lot,” he explains, reflecting that he began his gym journey as a kid in school before regularly visiting a local YMCA in Tampa. “I work a lot on training my legs and balance as well, just to help me in life, and walking, and in longevity,” he notes. During his mid-teens, Farmer also began training in a sports performance gym with other elite athletes, and it is these formative fitness experiences that have served to alleviate the types of gym related social anxiety’s that many of us face.

While Farmer says that his workouts aren’t that dissimilar to those of able-bodied athletes, focusing on functional movements first, he does have additional considerations that many gymgoer’s wouldn’t think of. “One of my amputations is above the knee, the other is below the knee,” explains the sled star. “So, I have an inherent asymmetry that I have to deal with.” To address this, Farmer works on his balance and utilizes unilateral movements to force each limb to work independently. “But as far as my sport on the ice, it’s kind of like a catch all where you need cardio, you need strength, you need mobility, you need balance.”

What’s in Declan Farmer’s Gym Bag?

“I would say the biggest adaptation for me in my legs is having the right kind of shoes,” explains Farmer. “Very flat, neutral shoes, close to being barefoot is helpful for walking. I’m always changing into different shoes that have different heel widths and things like that, as it can throw off the walking.”

Of course, disabilities differ among para-athletes and some of Farmer’s teammates get around in a wheelchair, adding further considerations for their training. “They just have to be a bit more thoughtful on not having these super elaborate setups, and having machines or free weights or cables that are kind of too close to each other, and that kind of thing,” explains Farmer. “But I think when you have enough time, everyone kind of finds their routine and gets creative and makes it work for themselves. The whole Paralympic movement is about kind of expanding access for people with disabilities.”

Declan Farmer Hopes to See Ice Sled Hockey Gain a Professional League

While Farmer is an ice sled hockey fanatic, he hopes that all disabled kids can be offered a chance to find the sport that fits them best. But while this inspirational athlete has been winning on the ice, he’s faced obstacles around pay while trying to support his own sporting career. This seems all the more unfair when you consider that Farmer is considered to be one of the greatest hockey players out there, regardless of his disability.

“Pay should be based on the commitment and the value that we bring to the movements,” he explains. “I think for sled hockey specifically, we have gotten a lot of support, it’s grown, but without a kind of professional league, there’s still a lot of room for growth. In the U.S., women’s able-bodied sports have grown a lot in recent years. There’s been a recent league, the professional women’s hockey league coming up in the US. And that’s always been our goal, what we chase as sled hockey players. So, we’re going to kind of follow suit and try to pave the same change for people with disabilities. I think there is room for a professional sled hockey league at some point. There’ are so many great players around the world.”

Declan Farmer is Excited About Traveling to the 2026 Paralympic Games

Currently living near to the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center in Colorado, Declan Farmer will move to northern Italy for the entirety of January and February, for an extended training camp in the 2026 Paralympic Games’ host country. “I think there, we’re going to put the final touches on the last four years of preparation for the games,” he notes. “I think we’re really going to try to focus more on getting better at scoring and just some offensive skills.”

While accessible training venues are sometimes a challenge, the act of traveling from country to country is becoming less burdensome shares Farmer, noting that a firm family connection with Delta Air Lines is playing a huge part in his Paralympic experience. “My mom is actually a Delta flight attendant,” he tells M&F, adding that she will be taking some well-earned time off to fly from the U.S. to Italy for the winter games. As a company, Delta has long been a great ally of para-sports, boasting ‘Team Delta,’ a group of Olympia and Paralympic ambassadors that include Declan Farmer himself, plus other stars like snowboarder Amy Purdy and Track & Field’s Dani Aravich.

As the official airline of Team USA, Delta will manage travel for all the winter games athletes. For disabled athletes, that’s huge win. “With travel, and with a disability, sometimes it can be hard because you need to bring extra bags for different medical equipment and things like that, and Delta’s never charged or extra for that,” shares Farmer. “They’re very good about being accommodating, whether that’s getting to the gate, getting to your seat if you’re in a wheelchair, and things like that.” Right now, however, Farmer is still very much all about the training. “As a team, we’re really good defensively in skating and being creative,” he reflects. “But I think just touching up some skill work is going to be our biggest focus.”

To follow Declan Farmer on Instagram, click here. 





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UAE: Abu Dhabi launches AI scholarship for undergraduate students at MBZUAI | World News

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UAE: Abu Dhabi launches AI scholarship for undergraduate students at MBZUAI | World News


UAE: Abu Dhabi launches AI scholarship for undergraduate students at MBZUAI
Abu Dhabi’s Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship will support 350 MBZUAI undergraduates starting 2025–2026/Representative Image

Abu Dhabi has introduced the Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship in AI Excellence, a pioneering initiative to support outstanding undergraduate students at the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI). Starting in the 2025–2026 academic year, the scholarship will benefit around 350 students over six years, offering financial support, global exposure, and resources to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship.

Supporting talent and leadership

The scholarship, guided by His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Technology Council (AIATC), reflects the UAE’s broader vision to become a global hub for artificial intelligence and advanced technology, championed by President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.Selection will be merit-based, focusing on mathematical fluency, leadership skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. In addition to financial aid, recipients will gain opportunities to represent the UAE at high profile youth events locally and globally and access resources to launch technology ventures. Sheikh Tahnoon emphasized that the scholarship is intended to empower young innovators to apply knowledge responsibly, serve humanity, and strengthen the UAE’s position as a leader in global innovation.

A unique undergraduate AI experience

MBZUAI’s Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence is distinct from traditional AI programmes, integrating core technical training with leadership, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary study. Students engage with humanities, business, and liberal arts to develop ethical and critical perspectives essential for responsible AI development.The programme welcomes both national and international students and offers hands-on experience through industry placements, internships, and mentorships with leading organisations. MBZUAI also provides a world-class learning environment, including high-performance computational infrastructure, smart classrooms, incubation spaces, and faculty with expertise in academia and industry.Professor Eric Xing, MBZUAI President, noted that the scholarship will inspire students to grow and innovate with purpose. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of MBZUAI’s Board of Trustees, described it as an investment in human potential, shaping the next generation of global AI leaders.The Tahnoon bin Zayed Scholarship positions MBZUAI at the forefront of undergraduate AI education, combining rigorous academics, leadership development, and practical innovation opportunities, enabling students to drive the UAE’s AI future.





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