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Total lunar eclipse 2026: Watch the moon turn red this Holi; know when and where it will be visible in India.

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Total lunar eclipse 2026: Watch the moon turn red this Holi; know when and where it will be visible in India.
Total lunar eclipse 2026: Watch the moon turn red this Holi; Know when and where it will be visible in India

The Moon will turn red in a rare total lunar eclipse on March 3, 2026. This bloody moon coincides with Holi, giving the sky its own festival of colours. In many areas, the moon will already rise bright red, making the eclipse feel like a dramatic start to the evening. For those in the best viewing locations, the total period when the moon will be completely in Earth’s shadow will last about 58 minutes, giving skywatchers about an hour to enjoy the spectacle. People are already planning where to watch, especially in Northeast India. The sight of the red moon shining over the hills or rivers remains in the memory. Experts say that while total lunar eclipses occur a few times a year globally, they are not always visible in India.

Total Lunar Eclipse: 2026 – How and When to Watch in India

The eclipse will begin in the afternoon on March 3, 2026. The penumbral phase begins at around 4:58 pm IST. In total, the time when the Moon is completely in Earth’s shadow lasts for about 58 minutes, ending around 5:32 p.m. Depending on your city, maximum eclipse occurs around 5:10-5:25 pm. In most parts of India, the moon rises during the eclipse. This means that only the last step can be visible. Still, catching the red moon shining on the horizon is reportedly magical. And no one has to stay awake very late. Just go outside at dusk and look east.

lunar eclipse 2026: Indian states where blood moon is visible

State
Type
beginning of penumbral
beginning of totality
end of totality
end of shadow
Andaman and Nicobar islands total lunar eclipse 17:18 IST 17:18 IST 17:32 IST 19:53 IST
Andhra Pradesh partial lunar eclipse 17:55 IST 19:53 IST
Arunachal Pradesh total lunar eclipse 17:58 mmt 17:58 mmt 17:32 IST 19:53 IST
Assam total lunar eclipse 17:04 IST 17:04 IST 17:32 IST 19:53 IST
Bihar partial lunar eclipse 17:37 IST 19:53 IST
Chandigarh partial lunar eclipse 18:22 IST 19:53 IST
Chhattisgarh partial lunar eclipse 17:55 IST 19:53 IST
Delhi partial lunar eclipse 18:21 IST 19:53 IST
Goa partial lunar eclipse 18:40 IST 19:53 IST
Gujarat partial lunar eclipse 18:36 IST 19:53 IST
Haryana partial lunar eclipse 18:19 IST 19:53 IST
Himachal Pradesh partial lunar eclipse 18:13 IST 19:53 IST
Jammu and Kashmir partial lunar eclipse 18:21 IST 19:53 IST
Jharkhand partial lunar eclipse 17:39 IST 19:53 IST
Karnataka partial lunar eclipse 18:24 IST 19:53 IST
Kerala partial lunar eclipse 18:30 IST 19:53 IST
Lakshadweep partial lunar eclipse 18:45 IST 19:53 IST
Madhya Pradesh partial lunar eclipse 18:00 IST 19:53 IST
Maharashtra partial lunar eclipse 18:11 IST 19:53 IST
Manipur total lunar eclipse 17:11 IST 17:11 IST 17:32 IST 19:53 IST
Meghalaya total lunar eclipse 17:18 IST 17:18 IST 17:32 IST 19:53 IST
Mizoram total lunar eclipse 17:17 IST 17:17 IST 17:32 IST 19:53 IST
Nagaland total lunar eclipse 17:07 IST 17:07 IST 17:32 IST 19:53 IST
Odisha partial lunar eclipse 17:43 IST 19:53 IST
Pondicherry partial lunar eclipse 18:07 IST 19:53 IST
Punjab partial lunar eclipse 18:22 IST 19:53 IST
Rajasthan partial lunar eclipse 18:18 IST 19:53 IST
Sikkim partial lunar eclipse 17:33 IST 19:53 IST
Tamil Nadu partial lunar eclipse 18:16 IST 19:53 IST
Telangana partial lunar eclipse 18:08 IST 19:53 IST
Tripura total lunar eclipse 17:21 IST 17:21 IST 17:32 IST 19:53 IST
Uttar Pradesh partial lunar eclipse 17:52 IST 19:53 IST
Uttarakhand partial lunar eclipse 18:05 IST 19:53 IST
west bengal total lunar eclipse 17:30 IST 17:30 IST 17:32 IST 19:53 IST

Source: Time and Date

blood moon 2026: Global places to view the total lunar eclipse

Areas that will see at least part of the eclipse, according to timeanddate.com: Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, South America, the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, the Arctic, and Antarctica.

What is lunar eclipse and why does the moon turn red

A blood moon occurs during a total lunar eclipse. The Earth comes exactly between the Sun and the Moon. Sunlight passes through our atmosphere to filter red light on the Moon. This is why its shine becomes like copper, almost real. During a total lunar eclipse, the Earth comes directly between the Sun and the Moon. Due to this, the Earth’s shadow falls on the surface of the Moon, which is called the penumbra. While Earth blocks direct sunlight, our atmosphere acts like a lens. It filters blue and violet light. It bends red and orange light toward the moon. This effect is known as Rayleigh scattering. This is why the sunset looks red. When you look at a blood moon, you are seeing the reflection of all the sunrises and sunsets on Earth falling on the moon simultaneously.

Blood Moon Viewing Tips

Watching a lunar eclipse is surprisingly simple.

  • Step outside.
  • Find a clear view of the eastern horizon.
  • Avoid bright city lights if possible.
  • Binoculars or a telescope can add detail but are not necessary. Terraces, beaches and mountain peaks are popular destinations.

People are sharing photos online. Some people picture the moon by city skylines, some by rivers.

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Ramadan 2026 Stay in UAE: Top Trending Getaways You Can Book Before Suhoor for Special Discounts

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Ramadan 2026 Stay in UAE: Top Trending Getaways You Can Book Before Suhoor for Special Discounts
What UAE Staycations Offer During Ramadan 2026

As Ramadan 2026 begins across the UAE, the growing travel trend of Ramadan migration is attracting the attention of residents and visitors alike. With cooler weather, reimagined hospitality experiences and the spirit of the holy month in the air, more people are choosing to turn weekends or short breaks into a contemplative and refreshing stay experience, especially before Suhur, the morning meal before the fast begins each day. This creative twist on leisure is reshaping the way people think about travel and leisure during Ramadan and is fast becoming one of the most talked-about domestic travel trends in the UAE. Unlike traditional holiday periods, Ramadan stays focused less on partying and more on family, food, reflection and community, blending meaningful experiences with relaxation. These short breaks, usually one or two nights, are emerging as a popular way to balance the rigours of fasting with opportunities to rest, explore new surroundings, and enjoy shared moments with loved ones.

Why wait for Ramadan? trending in UAE in 2026

For many residents, Ramadan brings changes to the daily schedule by waking up early for suhoor, fasting for longer periods, and enjoying special evenings with iftar meals. This change naturally creates a slower pace of life and the staycation provides a structured but relaxing break from the pressures of the workday. People are using these mini-getaways to refresh physically and mentally, giving them a chance to fully experience the spirit of Ramadan. Unlike longer holidays, which require meals and activities around busy tourist attractions, a staycation in Ramadan encourages introspection, connection and the opportunity to enjoy natural beauty, quiet spaces and time with family. A unique aspect of Ramadan holidays is the idea of ​​waking up before dawn for Suhoor in a serene environment. Many residents choose scenic spots or quiet resorts where they can savour the pre-fast meal in quiet, beautiful surroundings, whether it’s overlooking ocean views, desert landscapes or enjoying open spaces away from the urban hustle and bustle. The atmosphere of a dedicated stay enhances the spiritual significance of Ramadan, providing a chance to eat suhoor in a peaceful environment that feels far away from the usual metropolitan routine. This feeling of peace is a big draw for people looking to make the most of the holy month. Ramadan has always been a time of community and togetherness. The accommodations provide opportunities for family gatherings, group iftars and shared suhoor experiences that strengthen social bonds. Extended family, friends and even coworkers are booking weekend getaways not for the nightlife, but for a shared cultural and spiritual experience rooted in Ramadan traditions. This trend particularly resonates with young residents and families who want a break from the city routine but still cherish the spirit of the Ramadan occasion.

Experiences that define Ramadan stay

Although not focused on brands and specific properties here, the types of experiences people are looking for during Ramadan are emerging and growing:

  • Sunrise Suhoor in scenic surroundings – Instead of having a hasty meal at home before dawn, many people are choosing scenic overlooks, coastal areas or desert locations where they can enjoy a peaceful suhoor surrounded by nature or panoramic views. The stillness of the early morning becomes part of the experience itself, a moment to reflect, give thanks, and prepare for the day’s fast in a memorable setting.
  • Iftar with a view – Breaking the fast after the sun sets often becomes even more special when it is shared outside of the usual home environment. Many staycationers look for locations with serene views that enhance the iftar experience, from quiet spots on the beach to slightly elevated locations that show off the colours of the sunset on the horizon.
  • Cultural and spiritual connection – Ramadan holidays are not just about the sights; they are about culture, heritage and meaning. Some residents combine their holidays with visits to local heritage sites, cultural parks, or spending time in quieter areas where traditional Ramadan customs and community activities are more pronounced.
  • Wellness and Mindfulness – The combination of fasting, spirituality and contemplative rest has made wellness-orientated stays increasingly popular. Many travellers seek out natural locations for light walks, sunrises by the sea, or quiet reading time, which aid in physical and mental well-being during the month-long fast.

Prestigious and unique accommodation options in the emirate

The diversity of accommodation offerings in the UAE during Ramadan 2026 reflects both cultural emphasis and creative travel-season thinking, with deals and experiences that go far beyond standard hotel rooms.

  • Desert Serenity and Upscale Retreat: A popular option for UAE residents seeking true isolation from daily routine is to head to the Empty Quarter desert. For example, a desert resort in Abu Dhabi’s rugged landscape offers reduced summer season rates and additional perks such as dining credits, room upgrades and an extremely laid-back rhythm of life, perfect for evening prayer, contemplation and quiet suhoor under the stars. These desert stays fulfil UAE residents’ desire to balance spiritual reflection with natural beauty, making a traditional hotel experience closer to a retreat.
  • family fun And themed adventures – For families, especially those with children, theme-based resorts in Dubai are emerging as attractive Ramadan options. Properties in key entertainment zones are offering combined stay and play packages, which include access to theme parks, splash zones and Suhoor and Iftar options, as well as dedicated seasonal activities. Another family-friendly option is a Lego-themed hotel in one of Dubai’s family entertainment centres, where themed rooms and seasonal activities for children create peaceful moments of reflection and prayer, as well as a memorable break during Ramadan nights.
  • Urban comfort with convenience and culture – In Dubai Investment Park, Hala, a popular hotel, is offering Ramadan packages that make staying in the city easy. As part of the deal, Suhoor and Iftar can be delivered straight to your room, meaning travellers can focus on prayers, relaxation and family rather than coordinating hectic preparation and meal schedules. These urban stays appeal to those who want proximity to city conveniences, shopping, cultural events or community gatherings, without sacrificing the peace and vibrancy of Ramadan evenings.
  • Seaside Escapes and Golf Retreat Options – Those who prefer a coastal backdrop will love the seaside resorts in the Northern Emirates. Ras Al Khaimah luxury accommodation is offered along the beach. These include extended stays, golf experiences, all-day refreshments and panoramic ocean views, allowing guests to relax during the day and enjoy sunset iftar followed by morning suhoor near the water.

Such spaces are ideal for those who want to combine fitness or relaxing daytime activities with evening cultural traditions, all in a setting that feels far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

staycation category Property What makes it worth booking? ideal for
Desert Serenity Retreat Desert-location resorts (for example, in Abu Dhabi’s Empty Quarter) Serene, beautiful setting for peaceful suhoor and reflection Couples, adults looking for peace and spiritual meditation
Family themes and adventures Family-Oriented Hotels Near Major Entertainment Centers Themed rooms, kid-friendly activities and Ramadan meals families with children
Urban comfort and convenience City hotels with dedicated Ramadan packages Suhoor delivery, retreat to a peaceful room, easy access to community events city ​​dweller, commuter traveler
Seaside Escapes and Golf Retreats Coastal resorts in the Northern Emirates Beach views, water or golf activities, sunset iftar experience Beach lovers and active travelers
wellness-focused travel Health-oriented hotels offering spa/yoga Quiet place to relax, light exercise, mindful relaxation health and wellness seekers
Cultural and heritage remains Boutique stays near historic areas Mix of local culture, access to museums, cultural exploration culture lover

Special Ramadan meals and inclusive experiences

What sets these Ramadan stays apart from typical travel deals is the integration of Suhoor and Iftar into the stay. Many hotels offer Suhoor before dawn in rooms or in beautiful communal dining spaces, meaning guests do not have to prepare or rush to eat before starting their fast. Iftar is often a curated buffet or set meal with seasonal flavours based on traditional and regional dishes, looking both familiar and festive. Some properties also offer special Ramadan amenity packages, cool lounges or late-night lounges for guests to gather, break the fast together and enjoy gentle conversation or cultural performances. By wrapping both food and accommodation into one seamless experience, hotels are attracting those who want the stress-free Ramadan rhythm of prayers, meals and relaxing evenings. Accommodation can book up quickly in Ramadan, especially for weekends and times before Suhoor, as many residents seek out beautiful or peaceful locations. Travelling during fasting hours, especially in the mid-afternoon, can cause fatigue, especially on long drives, so scheduling travel before dawn or after iftar can increase comfort and safety. Choose destinations or activities that complement the spirit of Ramadan, like quiet beaches, cultural attractions, sunset views or open spaces for peaceful reflection. Whether with family or a small group of friends, staying in during Ramadan is often more meaningful when shared, turning suhoor and iftar into collective memories. Ramadan staycations in the UAE are becoming a major trend in 2026, especially for pre-Suhoor breaks that provide peace and reflection. These mini-holidays are a blend of cultural significance, family bonding and relaxation, creating a meaningful experience during the holy month. This trend reflects a broader shift in domestic tourism, experiential travel and cultural engagement within the UAE. Planning early and choosing a tranquil, beautiful setting can make a Ramadan stay truly memorable.

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Bill Gates apologizes to Gates Foundation staff over Epstein ties, admits to having affairs

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Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has apologised to the employees.

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has apologized to the employees of his philanthropic foundation his relations. To Jeffrey Epstein, Gates told attendees of a Foundation town hall on Tuesday that mistakes he made affected the group’s work, but he denied he was involved in or had knowledge of Epstein’s crimes.

While not directly confirming the apology, a spokesperson for the Gates Foundation told CBS News that Gates “answered questions posed by Foundation staff on a range of issues, including the release of the Epstein files, the Foundation’s work in AI, and the future of global health. At the town hall, Bill spoke candidly, addressed many questions in detail, and took responsibility for his actions.”

The Wall Street Journal first reported the billionaire’s apology on Tuesday and said it had reviewed a recording of his comments.

The photo provided to Congress by the Jeffrey Epstein estate shows Bill Gates with an unidentified man, whose face has been edited.
The photo provided to Congress by the Jeffrey Epstein estate shows Bill Gates with an unidentified man, whose face has been edited.

US House Oversight Committee Democrats

According to the Journal, Gates said, “Spending time with Epstein was a big mistake.” “I apologise to other people who got involved because of my mistake.”

According to the newspaper, Gates said, “I didn’t do anything illegal.” I didn’t see anything illegal.”

Gates said he first met Epstein in 2011, three years after the late financier was convicted on state charges, including soliciting the prostitution of a minor, for which he was sentenced to 18 months of detention in a minimum-security facility. According to the Journal, Gates told staff that he was aware of some “18-month-old issue” that limited Epstein’s travel but said he had not fully investigated his background.

“What I know now not only makes it a hundred times worse in terms of his crimes in the past, but it is now clear that bad behaviour was going on,” the newspaper quoted him as saying. Gates also praised his former wife and foundation co-founder Melinda French Gates, whom he said had always been “suspicious” of Epstein.

The Journal said Gates told staff he continued to meet with Epstein as far back as 2014, including flying on a private jet and spending time with him in Germany, France, New York and Washington, but he denied staying overnight at any location with Epstein or visiting the convicted sex offender’s private island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Among the many documents related to Epstein released by the US Department of Justice, Epstein sent two emails to himself. On July 18, 2013, unverified allegations surfaced that Gates had had “extramarital sex with Russian girls”, resulting in a sexually transmitted infection that required antibiotic treatment. In an email, Epstein claimed that Gates had also sought to “secretly give antibiotics” to his then-wife, Melinda Gates.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Gates admitted to staff at a town hall on Tuesday that he “had affairs, including with a Russian bridge player who met me at a bridge event and with a Russian nuclear physicist whom I met during business activities.”

Bill and Melinda Gates were divorced in 2021 after 27 years of marriage. Earlier this month, Melinda French Gates said on an NPR podcast that she felt “incredibly sad” after her ex-husband’s name came up in the Epstein files.

He said, “For me, it’s personally difficult whenever these details come out, OK? Because it brings back memories of some very painful times in my marriage.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, Gates also said Tuesday that his relationship with Epstein had distracted from his foundation’s philanthropic work and that he had maintained a relationship with the disgraced financier in hopes of raising money for global health.

“Epstein talked about his close relationships with many billionaires, particularly Wall Street billionaires,” Gates said, adding that Epstein was accompanied by other prominent people at these meetings, which “made it easy for me to feel that this was a normal situation.”

Gates Foundation issued a statement. Earlier this month a letter acknowledging the exchanges between foundation staff and Epstein was publicly released by the Justice Department.

“Based on Epstein’s claims that he could raise significant philanthropic resources for global health and development, certain employees of the Foundation negotiated with Epstein to secure this potential funding. Ultimately, the Foundation entered into no collaboration with Epstein, and no funds were ever made. Epstein was not paid financially by the Foundation at any time, nor was he employed by the Foundation at any time,” the foundation said in the statement, adding that he “has no right to interact with any employee. “Regretfully, Epstein either way.”

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Cuba says its forces have killed four Cubans aboard a US-registered speedboat. World News

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The Cuban government says its forces have shot dead four Cuban citizens aboard a US-registered speedboat that had entered its territorial waters and fired on a patrol boat.

It said six others on the speedboat, also Cuban citizens, were injured and taken into custody.

The Cuban commander of the border patrol boat was also injured by the Cuban Interior Ministry.

In a statement, the ministry said the 10 passengers on board the speedboat, which it claimed was registered in Florida, were living in the US, and “according to preliminary statements of the detained, their intention was to infiltrate for terrorist purposes”.

It said the passengers were armed, and most of them had “prior records involving criminal and violent activities”.

The statement said the items seized included assault rifles, handguns and Molotov cocktails.

The ministry identified the six detained and said they were wanted by Cuban authorities “based on their participation in the promotion, planning, organisation, financing, support or commission of acts carried out on national territory or in other countries in connection with acts of terrorism.”

The ministry also identified one of the dead and said efforts were underway to identify the other three.

The government said another Cuban national had been arrested, adding that he “was sent from the United States to facilitate the disembarkation and reception of the armed group and has confessed to his role”.

Would the US try to determine whether those involved in the incident?

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that no US government personnel were involved but insisted, “We will have our own information on this; we will find out exactly what happened.”

He said the US would try to determine whether those involved in the incident were US citizens or permanent residents.

How did the incident unfold?

The interior ministry earlier said in a statement that the speedboat had come within a nautical mile of a channel off Falcon’s Cay off Cuba’s northern coast when five members of a Cuban patrol unit approached it.

The speedboat’s crew then opened fire, wounding the Cuban ship’s commander, the statement said.

It said the injured were evacuated and given medical aid.

A Cuban coast guard ship. File photo: Reuters
Image:
A Cuban coast guard ship. File photo: Reuters

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Florida Attorney General James Uthmeyer said he was ordering prosecutors to launch a separate investigation with other state and federal law enforcement partners.

“The Cuban government cannot be trusted, and we will do everything in our power to hold these communists accountable,” he wrote on X.

Florida Congressman Carlos Jimenez, a former Cuban-American mayor of Miami, called for an “immediate” investigation into what he called a “massacre”.

This comes at a time of increased tension between the US and Cuba following increasing pressure from the Donald Trump administration.

The two countries previously cooperated to combat drug trafficking and other crimes but have now stopped doing so.

The US has also blocked almost all oil shipments to the island, increasing pressure on its Communist-run government.

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Big shock for Rachel Reeves: grim data shows concern is ‘huge’ Politics news

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Rachel Reeves faces grim statistics as confidence in Britain’s economic future plunges.

High net worth individuals’ (HNWI) confidence in the UK economy and their wealth has fallen, according to a new survey.

saltus wealth index report It was suggested that the figure had fallen from 64.7 to 61. 3. Overall confidence has fallen to 59% from 66% at the last report, according to the wealth management firm, and is well below the 84% recorded before Labour’s first budget.

In another blow to the Chancellor, confidence that London will remain Europe’s financial capital over the next decade fell from 73% to 66% overall and to just 32% among people over 65, according to the figures. Nearly a quarter (23%) of HNWIs now describe themselves as “distrustful”, and this is three times higher (61%) among those over 65.

HNWIs’ confidence in their personal finances has fallen from 92% to 87%, which is in line with the same time last year (86%).

Mike Stimpson, partner at wealth management firm Saltus, said, “The latest data suggests that the temporary improvement in confidence we saw in the second half of last year has not been sustained. While sentiment remains above the lows previously recorded in 2025, concerns about taxation, economic growth and political decision-making are once again weighing on HNWIs.

“There remains uncertainty over future tax policy. Whether it is income tax, inheritance tax or changes affecting businesses and employers, HNWIs are clearly concerned about the direction of travel and what further measures may be introduced.

“These individuals are investors, business owners and employers, and the risks of prolonged uncertainty are impacting investment decisions at a time when the UK needs growth. Restoring confidence will require greater clarity and stability around tax and economic policy.”

Dr Michael PC, senior lecturer at the School of Economics at the University of Bristol, said: “The latest fall in the index highlights how fragile the recovery in confidence is proving to be. While sentiment temporarily improved in the latter half of last year, the data now shows that underlying concerns have risen again, particularly around taxation and the macroeconomic outlook.

“The fact that confidence rose and has now fallen again in just six months underlines the extent to which uncertainty has become embedded. This volatility reflects a combination of domestic policy concerns and broader global risks, including inflation and interest rate uncertainty.

“To recover confidence more sustainably, HNWIs will need to see clear signals on future tax policy and strong evidence that economic conditions are stabilising.”

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Real Madrid condemn fan for giving Nazi salute before Benfica clash

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Real Madrid have launched an investigation

After a supporter allegedly gave a Nazi salute before the club’s Champions League win against Benfica on Wednesday.

Before kick-off at the Bernabéu, as television cameras panned around the 83,000-seat stadium, a fan appeared to make a fascist gesture.

After some time, security staff identified the fan, and he was removed from the field.

Real progressed to the last 16 of the Champions League 3–1 on aggregate after beating Portuguese side Benfica 2–1 in the second leg of their knockout round play-off tie.

In a statement, the Spanish club said they had asked their disciplinary committee to “immediately initiate expulsion procedures” for the fan.

“Real Madrid condemns these types of gestures and expressions that incite violence and hatred in sport and society,” it added.

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‘There is tension here’: Jerusalem braces for possibility of war in Middle East world news.

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Mohammed Liftawi sits in his chair in Jerusalem’s Old City, waiting for something to happen.

He runs two shops, which are filled with clothes, bedding, jewellery, souvenirs and jewellery, and has not sold anything for many days.

The tourists who should be flocking to these streets are not here.

Mohammed Liftawi (R), who runs two shops, believes another war is imminent
image:
Mohammed Liftawi (R), who runs two shops, believes another war is imminent

We are just a short walk from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, one of Christendom’s most important sites, and the Jaffa Gate, one of the main entrances to the city’s historic sites and shops.

But it is quiet. Peace from worry.

‘I think there will be another war.’

“Jerusalem is so empty.”

he says, waving at the quiet street. “We don’t have any tourists; we don’t have anything. They’ve fled because of the war.”

After surviving the Covid lockdown, his business is now facing another downturn. And now Mohammed fears another blow.

I ask, do they think there will be another war? “To be honest, from what I’ve heard, yes, I think so. I think there will be another war. And nobody likes war.”

This may be true, but there are certainly some people who are more open-minded to war than others.

old city of jerusalem
Image:
old city of jerusalem

‘Take off your head.’

At the Jaffa Gate, we meet 23-year-old Moshe Cohen, who is actually quite eager for military action in Iran to start as soon as possible.

“I hope it starts in a few days,” he tells me, smiling.

I ask why. “Because they give all the money to Gaza, to Hamas. Everything comes from them. It’s a lot of money, so you have to take your head off and make the world a better place.”

Moshe Cohen supports military action against Iran
image:
Moshe Cohen supports military action against Iran

So what if Americans decide not to attack Iran – should they? Israel goes alone? “Yes, we should. If they [the Americans] don’t want to, then we will have to go first.”

Along with him, his friend Bezalel also nods his head in agreement. They have no doubt at all that Iran is bound to be attacked.

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A drone view of Jerusalem. Photo: Reuters
image:
A drone view of Jerusalem. Photo: Reuters

In contrast, Khalil al-Daqaq freely admits that he does not know what is near.

His shop, a short distance from Holy Church, has been run by his family for decades. He first worked here as a child – he is now 67. Friendly, welcoming and happy to talk.

‘Some people are really scared.’

“Business is bad, but we’re surviving,” he tells me. “It could be worse. I’m a very optimistic person. In this country, you have to be.”

“It’s stressful here. Unpredictably. We don’t know what’s going to happen in the coming days or the next hour. Some people are really scared, but you know – whatever will happen, will happen.

“But people will always want to come here. When there is peace here, they will return. This is a sacred place for everyone. We are missing logical, sensible people here. For the leaders… we are just numbers for them.”

Khalil al-Daqaq says he is unsure what will happen
image:
Khalil al-Daqaq says he is unsure what will happen

And that sense of fatalism is a line you hear regularly – a feeling that the future isn’t worth worrying about because it will happen soon enough.

We meet 21-year-old Yaakov Simcha, who has moved from New Jersey to study the Torah, Judaism’s most important text.

So I ask, what’s going to happen?

“I have no idea. I’m not nervous or anything. I believe in God, and I believe that what He wants will happen. And so, you know, I think His plan is going to work.”

He smiles at me. “Whatever happens, happens. That’s his plan. I’ll just sit back and continue my studies.”

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Brazil’s Supreme Court awarded harsh punishment for the murder of Marielle Franco. court news

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The shooting death of Franco, an activist, raised questions about political violence and corruption within the Brazilian government

Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled five men guilty.

A panel of Brazil’s Supreme Court has ruled guilty five men accused of plotting the 2018 murder of human rights leader-turned-politician Marielle Franco and her driver, Anderson Gomes.

The panel’s judges were unanimous in Wednesday’s ruling, which marked the climax of a closely watched trial that has raised questions about polarisation, corruption and race in Brazilian society.

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“Human justice is not capable of assuaging this pain,” Justice Carmen Lucia told the victims’ families as the court sentenced the five defendants to decades-long sentences.

At the time of her death, Franco, 38, was a city councillor in the city of Rio de Janeiro, just one year into her term. He was considered a rising member of left-wing socialism and the Liberty Party.

Franco, a Black woman from densely populated, low-income areas of Brazil, was known for campaigning for the rights of LGBTQ people, racial minorities and women.

He also used his platform to condemn excessive police violence in villages as well as illegal land appropriation by local officials.

On March 14, 2018, after an evening debate in Rio de Janeiro, a car drove up alongside the vehicle carrying Franco and Gomes.

The attacker fired 13 bullets at his car. Franco and Gomes were killed, and a colleague travelling in the vehicle was also injured.

Prosecutors have described the attack as an assassination designed to silence Franco and prevent him from moving forward against powerful interests.

In Wednesday’s ruling, Supreme Court judges found that former congressman Chiquinho Brazão and his brother Domingos Brazão – a councillor on Rio’s state audit court – conspired to assassinate Franco in response to his efforts to end illegal land grabs.

Both brothers had benefited from efforts to claim public land in Rio de Janeiro for private development. Previously, he was considered among the most powerful politicians in the city.

They were arrested in 2024, and both were sentenced to 76 years in prison under Wednesday’s verdict.

His three co-defendants were also sentenced to lengthy prison terms. One, Robson Calixto Fonseca, was an assistant to the Brazeau brothers and was given a nine-year sentence for criminal conspiracy.

The other two were law enforcement officers. Former police investigator Rivaldo Barbosa received an 18-year sentence for passive corruption and obstruction of justice. Police officer Ronald Paulo Alves Pereira was convicted of murder and attempted murder and sentenced to 56 years in prison.

All five men sentenced in Wednesday’s verdict have denied responsibility for the crimes.

Prosecutors have credited information from the two men who carried out the drive-by attack for uncovering the involvement of their five alleged co-conspirators.

Those suspects were previously identified as two former police officers, Ronnie Lessa and Elcio Quiroz. He was arrested in 2019 for being a double murder convict.

According to prosecutors, both men eventually signed plea agreements that led to the arrest of the Brazeau brothers. In October 2024, Lessa and Queiroz were sentenced to 78 and 59 years in prison, respectively.

Officials have also indicated that the government of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who returns to the presidency in 2023, has paved the way for pursuing a broader investigation.

Announcing his vote on Wednesday, Justice Alexandre de Moraes described the killings as part of a “militia modus operandi” carried out “to preserve financial gain and maintain political power.”

Meanwhile, human rights group Amnesty International called this week’s hearing a “decisive test” of Brazil’s “willingness to confront impunity”.

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Ocado to cut 1,000 jobs as part of restructuring plan

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Ocado is to cut around 1,000 jobs as part of a plan to reduce costs and restructure its operations.

The company, which provides automated technology for distribution centres and runs its own UK online grocery business through a joint venture with Marks & Spencer, said two-thirds of the job losses would be in the UK.

The majority of those affected have roles at the head office in Hatfield.

Ocado chief executive Tim Steiner said of the change, “Unfortunately, this means a large number of roles will no longer be required.

“We are grateful to the colleagues who are affected by these changes and whose talent and hard work have made a lasting contribution to Ocado.

“We will support those affected through this process,” he told investors.

This breaking news story is being updated, and more details will be published soon.

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AI bubble as world’s most valuable company fails to live up to expectations

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The world’s most valuable company has reported another series of disappointing results, putting fears of the AI ​​bubble bursting to rest for the time being.

Nvidia said its revenue reached another all-time high by more than $200bn (£147bn) in the 2026 financial year, far exceeding Wall Street estimates and the company’s own guidance.

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This marked the largest increase from one three-month period to the next in the company’s history.

The set of results was described as “absolutely spectacular” by Kyle Rodda, senior financial markets analyst at trading platform Capital.com, and “monster” by Kathleen Brooks, research director at broking firm XTB.

Across a number of metrics, Nvidia recorded notable growth: gross profit surpassed $150bn (£110bn) in the 12 months to the end of January. Data centre revenue reached $62bn (£45.7bn) in the most recent three-month period alone, as the company said it saw demand from a diverse customer base.

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The company said in a call with investors that demand is “broad, diverse and expanding”, while its Chief Executive Jensen Huang said the need for computing is “increasingly high”, and so is the demand for his company’s chips.

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Nvidia also said it expected revenue to rise even further to $78bn (£57.5bn) during the current three-month period running to the end of April.

Why focus on Nvidia?

These results matter because Nvidia is a key company behind the artificial intelligence (AI) boom, given both the tech company’s skyrocketing valuation and the growing use and potential of AI in recent years.

The expansion of AI into daily life is being driven by Nvidia computer chips. They are a key part of AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Nvidia’s customers are the world’s largest technology companies.

Its financial performance serves as a good proxy for whether demand for AI products is growing and whether the billions of dollars invested by companies in AI are paying off.

As its share price soared to stratospheric heights, it outperformed major US stock indices to new records.

In October, it became the first company to be worth $5 trillion (£3.83 trillion), equal to the German economy, Europe’s largest, and twice the size of the UK’s benchmark stock index, the FTSE 100.

Why does the AI ​​boom matter?

The creation of AI infrastructure, through data centre construction, has been a significant contributor to US economic growth as measured by gross domestic product (GDP).

Therefore, the faltering AI expansion will impact the US economy, the world’s largest, which in turn impacts the UK and global economies.

What next?

Regardless of the market data, the moves were expected, considering the results and the company’s importance.

Nvidia’s shares rose 2% so much in after-hours trading.

Company officials have exercised caution as they warned about some supply chain issues that could hamper deliveries.

For now, the AI ​​bubble remains intact, but Nvidia results alone may not be enough to calm fears.

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