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दुनिया भर में नए साल की शुरुआत होते ही नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या 2026 का जश्न शुरू हो गया है

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दुनिया भर में 2026 का आगमन शुरू हो गया है। नए साल का जश्न मनाने के लिए दुनिया भर में भीड़ उमड़ पड़ी है, अक्सर भीड़ भी बढ़ जाती है सुरक्षा उपाय.

कुछ समुदायों में, पारंपरिक उत्सवों पर शोक छाया रहा। हांगकांग ने हाल ही में एक बहुमंजिला अपार्टमेंट में आग लगने से मारे गए 161 लोगों के सम्मान में अपनी योजनाओं को समायोजित किया, जबकि सिडनी, ऑस्ट्रेलिया में सार्वजनिक कार्यक्रमों में उन्हें श्रद्धांजलि दी गई। 15 लोग मारे गए 14 दिसंबर को हनुक्का समारोह में एक आतंकवादी हमले में।

तस्वीरों में देखिए दुनिया में 2026 की घंटी कैसे बज रही है।

यूरोप में नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या के लिए सुरक्षा बढ़ा दी गई है

आधी रात के यूरोप पहुंचने से कुछ घंटे पहले, पोप लियो XIV ने अपना परिचय दिया अंतिम सामान्य दर्शक 2025 में वेटिकन के सेंट पीटर स्क्वायर में। उन्होंने दिवंगत पोप फ्रांसिस को उद्धृत किया, पारंपरिक प्रार्थना में मंडली का नेतृत्व किया और 2025 की घटनाओं पर नज़र डाली।

APTOPIX वेटिकन पोप नव वर्ष की पूर्वसंध्या
पोप लियो XIV, बुधवार, 31 दिसंबर, 2025 को वेटिकन में सेंट पीटर स्क्वायर को सजाने वाले नैटिविटी दृश्य के सामने प्रार्थना के एक क्षण के बाद हाथ हिलाते हैं।

एंड्रयू मेडिचिनी/एपी

पेरिस में, नए साल की पूर्व संध्या पर एक संगीत कार्यक्रम रद्द कर दिया गया क्योंकि अधिकारियों को चैंप्स-एलिसीस पर “अप्रत्याशित भीड़ की गतिविधियों” की आशंका थी, जिसे कार्यक्रम के लिए “उचित आकार नहीं” माना गया था। नए साल का जश्न आर्क डी ट्रायम्फ पर एक वीडियो प्रक्षेपण के साथ मनाया जाएगा।

फ्रांस की राजधानी में 10,000 पुलिस अधिकारियों की तैनाती सहित सुरक्षा और यातायात उपाय बढ़ाए गए हैं।

फ़्रांस-पुलिस-सुरक्षा-नया साल-2026
पुलिस अधिकारियों को 31 दिसंबर, 2025 को पेरिस में आर्क डी ट्रायम्फ के पास चैंप्स एलिसी लाइन पर नए साल की पूर्व संध्या के उत्सव को सुरक्षित करने का काम सौंपा गया।

एलेन जोकार्ड/पूल/एएफपी गेटी इमेजेज के माध्यम से

मेट्रोपॉलिटन पुलिस विभाग के अनुसार, लंदन शहर के मध्य में टिकट वाले आतिशबाजी कार्यक्रम की मेजबानी कर रहा है, लेकिन एक लोकप्रिय दृश्य बिंदु प्रिमरोज़ हिल तक पहुंच संभव नहीं होगी। कहा. नए साल की पूर्व संध्या पर पुलिसिंग ऑपरेशन के प्रभारी एमपीडी कमांडर निक जॉन ने कहा, “एक आश्वस्त उपस्थिति प्रदान करने, उन लोगों को रोकने के लिए जो अपराध करने के लिए भीड़ का फायदा उठाना चाहते हैं और किसी भी घटना पर निर्णायक रूप से प्रतिक्रिया देने के लिए” पूरे शहर में कानून प्रवर्तन तैनात किया गया है। सार्वजनिक परिवहन पर भी सुरक्षा बढ़ाई जाएगी.

लंदन में वेस्टमिंस्टर ब्रिज पर पर्यटक एकत्रित हुए
31 दिसंबर, 2025 को लंदन के मेयर के नए साल की पूर्व संध्या पर आतिशबाजी से पहले आगंतुक संसद भवन के सामने वेस्टमिंस्टर ब्रिज पर इकट्ठा होते हैं।

कोरी रूडी/रॉयटर्स

बर्लिन के निवासियों और पर्यटकों ने जर्मन राजधानी के कैथेड्रल और प्रतिष्ठित ब्रांडेनबर्ग गेट के सामने सेल्फी लेकर और स्नोमैन बनाकर 2025 के अंत का जश्न मनाया। गिरती बर्फ़ के टुकड़ों और कोहरे के बीच बर्लिन टीवी टॉवर लगभग अदृश्य था।

यूक्रेन में, ओडेसा निवासियों ने मलंका नामक एक पारंपरिक उत्सव मनाया, जिसमें पारंपरिक वेशभूषा, लोकगीत पात्र, गीत, नृत्य, नाटकीय प्रदर्शन और अन्य अनुष्ठान शामिल थे, जिनका उद्देश्य नए साल में समृद्धि लाना था।

मलंका के दौरान यूक्रेनी लोक बैंड लेहित द्वारा प्रदर्शन
यूक्रेनी जातीय समूह “लेहित” के सदस्य 31 दिसंबर, 2025 को ओडेसा, यूक्रेन में पारंपरिक वेशभूषा में कैरोल गाते हैं।

वियाचेस्लाव ओनिशचेंको/ग्लोबल इमेजेज यूक्रेन गेटी इमेजेज के माध्यम से

फरवरी 2022 में रूस के पूर्ण पैमाने पर आक्रमण के बाद यूक्रेन अपना चौथा नया साल युद्ध के रूप में मना रहा है।

डोनेट्स्क ओब्लास्ट में 93वीं ब्रिगेड के यूक्रेनी सैनिक
31 दिसंबर, 2025 को यूक्रेन के कोस्टियानटिनिव्का क्षेत्र में एक तहखाने में 93वीं ब्रिगेड का एक यूक्रेनी सैनिक।

गेटी इमेजेज़ के माध्यम से डिएगो हेरेरा कार्सेडो/अनादोलु

ग्रीस और साइप्रस में, अधिकारियों ने वॉल्यूम कम कर दिया, और राजधानी शहरों में पारंपरिक आतिशबाजी की जगह कम शोर वाले आतिशबाज़ी, लाइट शो और ड्रोन डिस्प्ले शुरू कर दिए। अधिकारियों ने कहा कि इस बदलाव का उद्देश्य विशेष रूप से बच्चों और पालतू जानवरों के लिए उत्सवों को अधिक स्वागत योग्य बनाना है जानवर तेज़ आवाज़ के प्रति संवेदनशील होते हैं.

ऑस्ट्रेलिया और न्यूज़ीलैंड में गंभीरता और उत्सव का मिश्रण

दक्षिण प्रशांत क्षेत्र के देशों में सबसे पहले नए साल का जश्न मनाया गया, न्यूजीलैंड में गेंद गिरने के निर्धारित समय से पूरे 18 घंटे पहले आधी रात हुई। न्यूयॉर्क शहर का टाइम्स स्क्वायर.

ऑकलैंड में, न्यूजीलैंडवासियों ने 2026 का स्वागत देश की सबसे ऊंची इमारत, स्काई टॉवर से शुरू की गई आतिशबाजी के साथ किया, जिसमें बारिश के बावजूद हजारों लोग शामिल हुए। पांच मिनट के आतिशबाज़ी प्रदर्शन में 787 फुट ऊंचे टावर की विभिन्न मंजिलों से 3,500 आतिशबाजी शुरू की गई। खराब मौसम पूर्वानुमान के कारण बुधवार को न्यूजीलैंड के उत्तरी द्वीप में छोटे सामुदायिक कार्यक्रम रद्द कर दिए गए।

न्यूज़ीलैंड-नववर्ष-2026.jpg
ऑकलैंड, न्यूज़ीलैंड में, आतिशबाजी देश की सबसे ऊंची संरचना, स्काई टॉवर, 1 जनवरी, 2026 से लॉन्च किए गए प्रदर्शन के साथ नए साल की शुरूआत में मदद करती है।

रॉयटर्स

क्राइस्टचर्च में नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या का जश्न शुरू हो गया है
31 दिसंबर, 2025 को न्यूजीलैंड के क्राइस्टचर्च के हेगले पार्क में नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या के जश्न के लिए लोग इकट्ठा हुए और आतिशबाजी से आसमान जगमगा उठा।

गेटी इमेजेज़ के माध्यम से लिन मैकआरा क्लार्क/अनादोलु

ऑस्ट्रेलिया के पूर्वी तट ने केवल दो घंटे बाद 2026 का स्वागत किया, लेकिन देश के सबसे बड़े शहर सिडनी में, लगभग 30 वर्षों में ऑस्ट्रेलिया की सबसे खराब सामूहिक गोलीबारी की आड़ में जश्न मनाया गया। दो बंदूकधारी 14 दिसंबर को बॉन्डी बीच पर हनुक्का उत्सव को निशाना बनाया गया, जिसमें 15 लोगों की मौत हो गई, जिसे अधिकारियों ने आईएसआईएस से प्रेरित यहूदी विरोधी आतंकवादी हमला कहा।

अधिकारियों ने कहा था कि नए साल की पूर्व संध्या समारोह के केंद्र सिडनी के प्रतिष्ठित बंदरगाह के आसपास के क्षेत्र में गश्त के लिए 2,500 से अधिक अधिकारी मौजूद रहेंगे। कई लोगों को खुले तौर पर स्वचालित राइफलें ले जानी थीं, ऐसा दृश्य सिडनी में शायद ही कभी देखा गया हो।

उन सुरक्षा उपायों के बीच, सिडनी हार्बर ब्रिज पर केंद्रित आतिशबाजी शो देखने के लिए हजारों लोग तट पर एकत्र हुए।

सिडनी 2026 में नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या मनाता है
1 जनवरी, 2026 को सिडनी, ऑस्ट्रेलिया में नए साल की पूर्व संध्या समारोह के दौरान सिडनी हार्बर ब्रिज और सिडनी ओपेरा हाउस के ऊपर आसमान में आतिशबाजी की गई।

इज़हार खान/गेटी

न्यू साउथ वेल्स के प्रमुख क्रिस मिन्न्स ने सिडनी निवासियों से डर के कारण दूर नहीं रहने का आग्रह करते हुए कहा था कि चरमपंथी नए साल की पूर्व संध्या के उत्सव में कम भीड़ को जीत के रूप में समझेंगे।

मिन्न्स ने बुधवार को संवाददाताओं से कहा, “हम ऐसी स्थिति में नहीं रह सकते जहां यह भयानक, आपराधिक, आतंकवादी घटना हमारे खूबसूरत शहर में हमारे रहने के तरीके को बदल दे।” “हमें इस भयानक अपराध के सामने अवज्ञा दिखानी होगी और कहना होगा कि हम इस तरह के आतंकवाद से डरने वाले नहीं हैं।”

सिडनी 2026 में नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या मनाता है
ऑस्ट्रेलिया के सिडनी में ओपेरा हाउस में नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या पर आतिशबाजी के प्रदर्शन की तस्वीरें लेते लोग।

जॉर्ज चैन / गेटी इमेजेज़

आधी रात से एक घंटे पहले, बॉन्डी बीच नरसंहार के पीड़ितों को एक मिनट का मौन रखकर याद किया गया, जबकि पुल के तोरणों पर मेनोराह की छवियां पेश की गईं। भीड़ को बंदरगाह पर अपने फोन की लाइटें जलाकर ऑस्ट्रेलिया के यहूदी समुदाय के साथ एकजुटता दिखाने के लिए आमंत्रित किया गया था।

सिडनी 2026 में नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या मनाता है
31 दिसंबर, 2025 को सिडनी, ऑस्ट्रेलिया में नए साल की पूर्व संध्या समारोह के दौरान सिडनी हार्बर ब्रिज के तोरणों पर मेनोराह की एक छवि पेश की गई है। यह प्रक्षेपण 14 दिसंबर को बौंडी बीच पर हुए आतंकी हमले के 15 पीड़ितों को श्रद्धांजलि देने के लिए था।

इज़हार खान/गेटी

पूरे एशिया में अवलोकन

ऑस्ट्रेलिया के निकटतम पड़ोसियों में से एक, इंडोनेशिया में, शहरों ने बाढ़ से तबाह हुए समुदायों के साथ एकजुटता दिखाने के लिए नए साल की पूर्व संध्या के उत्सव को कम कर दिया। प्रलयंकारी बाढ़ और भूस्खलन एक महीने पहले सुमात्रा द्वीप के कुछ हिस्सों पर हमला हुआ था, जिसमें 1,100 से अधिक लोगों की जान चली गई थी।

शहर के गवर्नर प्रामोनो अनुंग ने पिछले सप्ताह कहा था कि राजधानी जकार्ता ने पीड़ितों के लिए प्रार्थनाओं पर केंद्रित एक शांत और चिंतनशील कार्यक्रम के साथ सामान्य धूमधाम को कम करने का विकल्प चुना है। लेकिन 2026 के स्वागत के लिए अभी भी भारी भीड़ जमा है।

जकार्ता, इंडोनेशिया में नए साल का जश्न
31 दिसंबर, 2025 को जकार्ता, इंडोनेशिया में नए साल के जश्न में “2026” हेडबैंड पहने लोग।

गेटी इमेजेज़ के माध्यम से एगोज़ रुडिएन्टो/अनादोलु

इंडोनेशिया के पर्यटक द्वीप बाली पर संगीत कार्यक्रम और आतिशबाजी रद्द कर दी गई है और उसकी जगह एक सांस्कृतिक कला कार्यक्रम आयोजित किया गया है जिसमें 65 समूह पारंपरिक नृत्य प्रस्तुत करेंगे।

हांगकांग को भी 2026 में अपने प्रतिष्ठित विक्टोरिया हार्बर के आकाश में सामान्य रूप से शानदार और रंगीन विस्फोटों के बिना, एक विशाल विस्फोट के बाद, बजना था। नवंबर में एक अपार्टमेंट परिसर में आग लग गई और कम से कम 161 लोग मारे गये।

शहर के पर्यटन बोर्ड ने इसके बजाय सेंट्रल, एक व्यावसायिक जिले में सॉफ्ट रॉक जोड़ी एयर सप्लाई और अन्य गायकों के साथ एक संगीत शो की मेजबानी की। आठ स्थलों के मुखौटे आधी रात को तीन मिनट का लाइट शो प्रस्तुत करने वाली विशाल उलटी गिनती घड़ियों में बदलने वाले थे।

हांगकांग-चीन-नववर्ष-2026
31 दिसंबर, 2025 को हांगकांग में नए साल के जश्न के दौरान आधी रात की उलटी गिनती का इंतजार करते हुए मौज-मस्ती करने वाले लोग तस्वीरों के लिए पोज देते हुए।

मे जेम्स/एएफपी गेटी इमेजेज के माध्यम से

चीनी राष्ट्रपति शी जिनपिंग ने राज्य मीडिया द्वारा प्रसारित नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या के संबोधन में नवीनीकरण करते हुए कृत्रिम बुद्धिमत्ता और अर्धचालक जैसे क्षेत्रों में अपने देश की तकनीकी प्रगति की सराहना की। ताइवान के खिलाफ धमकीजिस पर वह अपने संप्रभु क्षेत्र का हिस्सा होने का दावा करता है।

उन्होंने कहा, “ताइवान जलडमरूमध्य के दोनों किनारों पर रहने वाले हम चीनी लोग खून और रिश्तेदारी का रिश्ता साझा करते हैं।”

शी ने कहा, “हमारी मातृभूमि का पुनर्मिलन, समय की एक प्रवृत्ति, अजेय है,” जब उनके देश की सेना ने समापन की घोषणा की ताइवान के आसपास बड़े पैमाने पर सैन्य अभ्यास जिसे लोकतांत्रिक रूप से शासित द्वीप के नेतृत्व ने “अत्यधिक उत्तेजक और लापरवाह” बताकर निंदा की।

पूरे चीन में नए साल की पूर्वसंध्या का जश्न
लोग नए साल की पूर्व संध्या, 31 दिसंबर, 2025 को चीन के जिलिन प्रांत में सोंगहुआ नदी के किनारे आतिशबाजी शो देखते हैं।

गेटी इमेजेज़ के माध्यम से वीसीजी/वीसीजी

चीन-नववर्ष-2026
1 जनवरी, 2026 को बीजिंग, चीन में जुयॉन्गगुआन ग्रेट वॉल पर नए साल के जश्न के दौरान नर्तक प्रदर्शन करते हैं।

एडेक बेरी/एएफपी गेटी इमेजेज के माध्यम से

दक्षिण कोरिया की राजधानी सियोल में, बोसिंगक मंडप में घंटी बजाई गई और आतिशबाजी से आसमान जगमगा उठा।

सियोल में नये साल का जश्न
1 जनवरी, 2026 को दक्षिण कोरिया के सियोल में लोटे टॉवर में नए साल का जश्न मनाने के लिए आतिशबाजी का प्रदर्शन आयोजित किया गया।

गेटी इमेजेज़ के माध्यम से ह्ववॉन सेसी ली/अनादोलु

पूरे जापान में मंदिरों की घंटियाँ बजने लगीं और कुछ लोग साल का पहला सूर्योदय देखने के लिए पहाड़ों पर चढ़ गए। अन्य लोग नूडल्स के आकार के कारण लंबी उम्र की पारंपरिक इच्छा से नूडल्स खा रहे थे।

जापान नव वर्ष की पूर्वसंध्या
लोग 31 दिसंबर, 2025 को टोक्यो, जापान में ज़ोजोजी बौद्ध मंदिर में नए साल का जश्न मनाने के लिए इकट्ठा हुए।

यूजीन होशिको/एपी

फिलीपींस ने मनीला में आतिशबाजी के साथ 2026 का स्वागत किया, जहां गगनचुंबी इमारतों को भी रोशनी में रेखांकित किया गया था।

फिलीपींस नए साल 2026 का स्वागत करता है
1 जनवरी, 2026 को मकाती, मेट्रो मनीला, फिलीपींस में नए साल के जश्न के दौरान गगनचुंबी इमारतों पर आतिशबाजी हुई।

एज्रा अकयान / गेटी इमेजेज़

भारत में, नए साल की शुरुआत करने के लिए भीड़ इकट्ठा हुई और स्मारकों को रोशन किया गया।

नए साल 2026 का स्वागत करते हुए भारत में जश्न शुरू हो गया है
भारत के पटना में 31 दिसंबर, 2025 को पटना जंक्शन के पास, नए साल 2026 की पूर्व संध्या पर महावीर मंदिर के चारों ओर रंगीन रोशनी सजाई गई।

गेटी इमेजेज़ के माध्यम से संतोष कुमार/हिंदुस्तान टाइम्स

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Adolescent meningitis death: Family members were informed by meningococcal B symptoms quickly

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The first Christmas without 16-year-old Levi Sears was incredibly difficult for his family. Now her parents want others to know about the warning signs and they want the government to step up and take action..

Two men are sitting on the deck of a boat, their arms raised in the air. The boat is situated on a body of water. The deck is decorated with green and yellow pillows.

Levi Sear and mother Norlia Sear-Peterson

Christmas is no longer a time of celebration for families who have lost loved ones – something the Sawyer family knows all too well.

One moment Levi Sears was an ordinary 16-year-old hanging out with his friends after school – the next he was lying in a hospital bed, struggling to breathe.

Levi returned home from school complaining of muscle pain – then just hours later he was taken to the hospital, where he tragically died.

It was a sunny September day when the teen developed gastro-like symptoms, nausea and loss of appetite, prompting his worried mother to arrange a GP appointment for the following day.

read more. ‘My brother disappeared 39 years ago while buying eggs – I will not accept that he is dead.’

However, at 1.30am, Norlia was startled to hear a loud noise coming from the bathroom – her son’s condition was deteriorating rapidly and he had started vomiting.

When he became confused and incoherent, his mother called emergency services in desperation. He said, “I have never seen him so sick in my life.” ” Then he asked me, ‘Am I going to die?’ And of course, we’re all like, ‘No.'”

Tragically, Norlia’s deepest fears materialised as Levi was airlifted to Australia Children’s Hospital. About 60 physicians and specialists treated him for more than six hours in intensive care before he passed away.

Ms. Sayer-Petersen said purple ‘spots’ appeared on her son’s face and body before she was intubated to remove fluid from his lungs. Doctors performed CPR on Levi Sear for nearly 90 minutes after informing his heartbroken family that his heart was failing.

Levi Sear stands next to a group of celebratory balloons, prominently featuring a black balloon with the numbers

Levi Sear had not long since celebrated his 16th birthday.

Less than 24 hours after his initial symptoms appeared, he died of sepsis caused by the deadly bacterial infection meningococcal type B. “The paramedics did everything they could to save him,” Norlia said.

“There was nothing else they could do because the doctor said it (meningitis) spreads through the body like a tsunami.”

The UK has seen an increase in deaths from meningitis in recent times, mainly due to an increase in MenB cases. The year 2022/23 saw a significant increase with 33 deaths, and the recent increase in MenB cases in children aged one to four is particularly worrying.

Although Levi was vaccinated against meningococcal ACWY at school in Australia, the vaccine could not protect against the most deadly strain, meningococcal B. Levi’s mom is now urging parents to educate themselves about the risks associated with not getting vaccinated.

According to NHS guidelines, symptoms of meningitis include:

a high temperature.

The patient may experience cold hands and feet.

vomit.

Confusion.

Breathing rapidly.

The patient is experiencing muscle and joint pain.

Pale, blotchy or blotchy skin (this may be harder to see on brown or black skin).

Spots or rashes may be more difficult to detect on skin that is brown or black in colour.

Headache.

The patient may experience a stiff neck.

Aversion to bright light is a common symptom.

Children may experience excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking up.

Tour (tour).

In addition, children may:

Refuse feed.

Appears irritable.

Crying loudly.

They may display a rigid body posture or appear floppy or unresponsive.

They have a raised soft spot on the top of their head.

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FTSE 100 has its best year since 2009 – outperforming US and European rivals | Money News

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The UK’s flagship stock index has had its best year since 2009 after a series of record-breaking days.

The Financial Times Stock Exchange (FTSE) 100 ended the year up 21.5% compared to the start.

It means the share price of the publicly traded companies making up the FTSE 100 had the greatest annual increase in 16 years.

The FTSE 100 comprises the hundred most valuable companies.

The FTSE 100 comprises the hundred most valuable companies listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Notable constituents include lenders such as Barclays, NatWest, HSBC, and Lloyds, as well as supermarket chains Tesco, Marks & Spencer, and Sainsbury’s.

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The index is also largely made up of mining and international oil and gas companies.

There was a series of record-breaking moments for the UK’s benchmark index across the 12 months, the most recent of which was on 30 December.

There were 41 all-time high closes for the FTSE 100 in 2025, according to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG).

Why?

It has been boosted by a weak pound at points over the year, which made it good value to buy shares priced in sterling, as FTSE 100 companies tend to be.

Many of the mining giants have done well as minerals like gold, silver and copper reached new highs. Investors moved money into the metals as they were perceived as safe investments while markets were volatile.

The promise of interest rate cuts by the Bank of England also helped lift the FTSE 100.

It had also benefited from investors looking to companies outside of the US after President Trump’s trade war against China, and much of the world, began in earnest on 2 April on his so-called Liberation Day.

Many trade deals have since been agreed.

How does it compare?

The UK’s top-flight index also outperformed European and US rivals.

France’s CAC 40 index gained more than 10% in 2025, while the pan-European Stoxx 600 increased nearly 16%.

Germany’s DAX also rose 21.5%.

After a year that saw tech company valuations soar, as investors sought to benefit from an anticipated artificial intelligence (AI) boom, Wall Street’s S&P 500 rose 17%.

The S&P 500 is the US index containing companies relied on to be stable and profitable and contains the Magnificent 7 highest-performing tech companies.

Among the Magnificent 7 are the most valuable company in the world, AI-chipmaker Nvidia, as well as Tesla, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, and Google’s parent company, Alphabet.

Despite hovering near the symbolic 10,000 mark, the FTSE 100 failed to meet the milestone and closed the year at 9,931.

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Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, discusses the World Cup’s implications for the team.

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Scotland’s manager, Steve Clarke, discusses the World Cup’s implications for the team.

After a losing Euro campaign in Germany, Scotland’s head coach, Steve Clarke, ended 2024 with some supporters criticising his tactics, squad choices, and other aspects of his game.

But at that point, the 62-year-old made the decision to ignore his detractors, follow his plan, and be “stubborn” to help Scotland qualify for the World Cup.

After a year, he produced the results.

Clarke has become the first Scotland manager to guide the men’s team to three major tournaments, and his team is on its way to the finals in the USA, Mexico, and Canada next summer.

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Steve Clarke discusses his plans for the USA, talks with Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United about Scotland’s World Cup qualification, and much more in a comprehensive interview.
For Clarke, that historic victory over Denmark, which guaranteed Scotland’s place in the World Cup, was “vindication”.

 


With Harvey Barnes of Newcastle United possibly leaving England to commit to Scotland, focus now shifts to pre-tournament friendlies, base camps, and possible new call-ups.

The national team manager spoke with Luke Shanley of Sky Sports just over a month after securing qualification to go over all of that and more.

Do you continue to pinch yourself? Do you spend a lot of time reflecting, or are you more focused on the future?

Scotland celebrate qualifying for the 2026 World Cup after their sensational 4-2 win against Denmark
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Scotland beat Denmark 4-2 in a thrilling game to qualify for the 2026 World Cup

Several factors combined to produce the result. I know it happened because I was there, so I don’t pinch myself.

Because I have faith in my players, I was also reasonably certain that it would occur. If we could win the game against Denmark, which would be a deciding match, we knew we had a chance. We discussed that scenario with the group to try to make it a crucial game.

“We were able to accomplish that. We anticipated doing it in a different way. The game was insane.

Scott McTominay's incredible bicycle kick gave Scotland an early lead against Denmark
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Scott McTominay’s incredible bicycle kick gave Scotland an early lead against Dehave with similar feelings.

“But after that experience, I started concentrating on the schedule, friendlies, base camps, training camps, build-up, and squad selections.”

“This little head has been busy enough with all the things going on inside it.”

How pleased are you with your record of three out of four qualifications?

“I believe that the current group of players, including myself, has an exceptional qualifying record.

“The qualifying record is up there, but the friendlies record is not so good.

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Inside Scotland’s magnificent celebrations in the dressing room following their World Cup qualification

“We failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Although it was a huge disappointment, we did discuss it at the time. We had a conversation about it going forward.

Before the Denmark match, I talked to the players about it, reminding them to keep in mind the hurt we felt from losing the last chance to attend a World Cup and to make sure we didn’t go through that again, which we didn’t.

How have you acknowledged your contributions to the nation in terms of that positive feeling?

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Watch as Scotland supporters wildly celebrate after securing their World Cup spot with two late goals against Denmark.

“I have friends and family up here, of course, and they keep me updated. They are constantly discussing the excitement surrounding the World Cup.

It’s pretty amazing how many people approach you to shake your hand and say “thank you” or “well done”. That’s a pretty unique feeling.

Half the people at the airport want to shake your hand and ask if you have tickets.

Since there aren’t many tickets, the answer to that question is always no.

Clarke talks about the controversy surrounding World Cup ticket prices next summer and advises the Tartan Army to avoid incurring debt in order to attend the competition.

“There are always Scotsmen in airports, even in America, who want to stop by and take a picture or simply say, ‘Well done.'”

“I believe it demonstrates the extent of the accomplishments this team of athletes has made for their nation. It has been quite unique.

How will the World Cup preparations intensify going forward?

 

Clarke offers his opinions on Group C rivals Brazil, Morocco, and Haiti, as well as insights into World Cup preparation.

“I recently returned from America and am investigating a few possible base camps.

“We have to wait and see what options are available because securing elite base camps is not our top priority.”

The logistics, such as travel time and the distance to the stadiums where we will be performing, must then be considered.

“I initially thought we could establish a base close to Boston for the two games, but based on what I’ve seen in the catalogue, there aren’t many suitable bases in that area.”

The first-ever halftime show at the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup final will feature a half-time show, according to FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

Inspired by the NFL Super Bowl, Coldplay will assist in organising the event on July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

It would take two matchdays to get to some of the better bases because they are a little bit farther away.

In order to get the base right, there are many factors to consider. You want a place where players won’t feel alone. Getting the players’ families out is a problem.

“There are a lot of logistics related to the tournament to consider.

“After looking at a few bases, I have a better idea. We’ll try to end the season here with a send-off game for Hampden because we’ll also be searching for a pre-base camp in America.

The full groups for the 2026 World Cup
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The full groups for the 2026 World Cup

“It is our hope that a pre-base camp will be held in America, ideally somewhere hot, sweaty, and sticky, so that the players can get as used to the matches as possible.”

“The week prior to the tournament, as well as during the competition itself, we will host a friendly out there. Even though there is a lot to plan, it is wonderful to be able to do so.

“The March playoffs are not a concern of ours. Being at the draw and seeing the name ‘Scotland’ without an asterisk next to it was amazing.

How did you feel about the draw?

Kevin Gallacher of Scotland, left, tackles Brazil's Dunga during the opening game of the 1998 World Cup
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Scotland played Brazil in their opening World Cup match in 1998

This situation is extremely difficult, similar to the challenges faced in 1998.

Morocco came in at number eleven, and Brazil came in at number five. Morocco should perform well in the Africa Cup of Nations, so I’m pretty sure they’ll be in the top 10 by the time the tournament rolls around.

Scotland’s Group C World Cup matches

  • Scotland will play Haiti on June 14, at 2 a.m. in Boston. (Time in the UK)
  • Scotland will play Morocco on June 19, at 11 p.m., in Boston. (Time in the UK)
  • Brazil will play Scotland on June 24, at 11 p.m. in Miami. (Time in the UK)

Since this is Haiti’s first appearance since 1974, the team will be motivated to do well and represent their nation with pride.

“Three challenging games are in store. If you attend a major tournament, you should be aware that the games will be difficult, in my opinion. There won’t be an exception this time.

Do you anticipate a large number of new members joining your squad, or do you think it will be fairly established?

Scott McTominay leads Scotland's celebrations at the full-time whistle of their sensational victory over Denmark
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McTominay led the celebrations after that sensational victory over Denmark

There’s always room for someone else in the squad, in my opinion. I always show my players a lot of loyalty as a coach, but it must be reciprocated.

My devotion to the players is not the only reason you will be on the squad. They must keep up their consistently high level of performance.

We always welcome an outsider who unexpectedly emerges and demonstrates exceptional form.

“Looking back to the previous Euros, it would be someone like James Forrest, who unexpectedly found a fantastic level of form towards the end of that season that got him into the squad.

James Forrest was at Euro 2024 after impressing with Celtic at the end of last season
Image:
James Forrest was at Euro 2024 after impressing with Celtic at the end of last season

Occasionally, unexpected individuals emerge and vie for a spot in the squad.

Typically, a squad consists of 23 players, but when it drops to 26, it creates three extra spots.

“I’m devoted to my team, but they must be worthy of being there.”

Harvey Barnes has been discussed a lot; have you talked to him about it, or does he need to start?

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Clarke talks about Barnes’ allegiance to the team that helped secure qualification and whether he could defect from England to Scotland before the World Cup.

It’s simply quite open; that’s the way it is.

When questioned about it in an interview, Harvey was largely evasive. During the interview, I was asked about the situation, and I responded in a somewhat evasive manner.

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Barnes informs Sky Sports that he is open to changing his allegiance from England to Scotland.

“You never know how these things will turn out.

“A few years ago, I discussed the possibility of joining the Scotland squad with Harvey. We chose to end it there because he had moved to Newcastle at that point and thought he had a chance to be involved with England.

Given that you faced criticism following the Euros, do you believe that qualifying for the World Cup is a validation of your strategy and your time at Scotland?

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After “over-the-top” criticism after Euro 2024, Clarke sees World Cup qualification as “vindication” for him, his team, and his players.

“These days, football is very transient. If you win a game, you’re fantastic; if you lose, you’re garbage. Big extremes exist.

“I thought the criticism following the most recent Euros was somewhat excessive.

“I’m very obstinate. After enduring it, I arrived at the conclusion that I knew what I wanted to do. I have faith in my players; we were aware that we had fallen short of our goals in the Euros, but I also believed that this team could make it to the World Cup. This was the goal of both my players and myself.

Scotland are heading home from Euro 2024
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Scotland picked up just one point at Euro 2024 as they finished bottom of Group A

“You simply watch out for it.” You have to shut out the critics at some point. I have always had a fairly clear idea of what I wanted to do.

“It doesn’t always make other people happy, but if you look at it now and you’re talking about making other people happy, I think this group of players, myself, and my coaching staff have made the country happy.”

Therefore, “yes, there is some vindication there somewhere.”

 

Here’s Why the TRX Body Saw Is Such an Effective Exercise—And How to Do it Right

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Here’s Why the TRX Body Saw Is Such an Effective Exercise—And How to Do it Right

The TRX Body Saw hones your ability to brace, resist extension, and keep your spine locked in as you move.

It trains your core the way heavy squats, deadlifts, and overhead lifts demand: stiff, stable, and unbending under tension.

Opinions differ on core training, but everyone agrees that stability is its primary role.

Your midsection remains stable as you move. Some people think a one- or two-minute plank does the job, but they haven’t met the TRX Body Saw yet.

If planks feel easy or your “core work” needs an upgrade, this is your wake-up call.

What Is the TRX Body Saw?

The TRX Body Saw is a suspended plank variation in which your core remains still while your arms and legs move.

You set up in a forearm plank with your feet suspended in the straps, then glide your body backward and forward using your shoulders.

That sliding motion is where your core goes to work.

Instead of resisting gravity as in a standard plank, the body saw forces your core to fight extension the entire time.

It trains your core to stay rock-solid while your body moves around it. That’s the kind of strength that carries over to big lifts and athletic performance.

How To Do The TRX Body Saw

This exercise is all about tension, control, and positioning.

Here is how to do it right.

  1. Adjust the TRX straps to mid-calf height, place your feet in the foot cradles, and get your elbows directly under your shoulders, forearms parallel.
  2. Maintain a straight body line from your head to your heels.
  3. Engage your glutes, and press your forearms into the floor and lightly pull them back to engage your lats.
  4. Slowly glide your body backward by pushing through your forearms.
  5. Pull yourself back to the start with control, reset, and repeat.

TRX Body Saw Muscles Trained

The TRX Body Saw may look like “just a plank”, but there is more to it than meets the eye.

  • Transverse Abdominis: The TVA acts like a built-in weight belt, bracing your spine and resisting extension as your body glides back and forth.
  • Rectus Abdominis: The further you slide back, the harder the rectus abdominis has to work to resist lower back extension.
  • Obliques: These stabilise your torso and prevent unwanted rotation or side-to-side drift.
  • Glutes: The glutes lock the pelvis into a neutral position, shutting down excessive lower-back extension and keeping tension where it belongs.
  • Lats and Serratus Anterior: By pressing your forearms into the floor and pulling back, the lats and serratus fire to stabilise the shoulders and help transfer force through the torso.
  • Hip Flexors: The hip flexors help maintain body alignment as your centre of mass shifts.

TRX Body Saw Benefits

This exercise is no joke and is challenging from the get-go, but it comes with great benefits listed below.

Anti-Extension Strength

The Body Saw trains your entire core to resist extension while force is applied.

which happens during squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, and carries. A stronger brace here means better performance when it matters.

Enhanced Core Control

Standard planks reward endurance and tolerance. The TRX Body Saw rewards control because your core locks in while your centre of mass is shifting.

Ten clean reps here can do more than minutes of holding still.

Improved Total Body Tension

From your shoulders and forearms to your glutes, everything has to fire together.

This exercise trains the core as a link between the upper and lower body, rather than in isolation, as many other core exercises do.

Low Back Friendly

You experience high levels of tension without repeated spinal movement.

The body saw is an excellent option for lifters who want to strengthen their entire core without straining their lower back.

The TRX body saw common mistakes with fixes.

The TRX Body Saw is one of those exercises that provides immediate feedback.

Do it right, and your core lights up. Do it wrong, and your lower back tells you. Here are the most common mistakes and the best ways to fix them.

Sagging Hips

If you don’t lock in your glutes, or when fatigue hits, the hips drop, the lower back arches, and the pain begins.

Fix: Squeeze your glutes harder and perform the exercise with a controlled range of motion.

If you can’t maintain a straight line from head to heels, the range of motion is too great, which brings us to the next mistake.

Too Much Range

As beneficial as this exercise is, more is not necessarily better. Sliding too far back before you can handle it shifts the load from the abs to the lower back.

Fix: Start with small, controlled movements. Increase range only when you can own it without losing position.

Slow Your Roll

Driving too far forward dumps stress into the shoulder joint and often breaks ribcage–pelvis alignment, which is the point of the exercise.

Fix: Keep elbows under shoulders at the front of the stroke; use the cue, “nose just in front of thumbs, not past them.

Setup Issues

Foot cradles set higher than mid-calf or almost touching the floor change the line of pull and make maintaining a plank much harder or unstable.

Fix: Set handles to mid-calf, toes in the cradles, and start with feet directly under the anchor before moving.

Programming Suggestions

The TRX Body Saw is versatile, but it shines when treated as a strength exercise, not as filler at the end of a workout.

Here are a few programming suggestions to get the most out of this excellent core exercise.

Where It Fits: Use it as a warm-up exercise to groove bracing before squats, deadlifts, or overhead work.

Or pair it in a superset with heavy compound lifts to reinforce tension without frying your nervous system.

Sets and Reps: 2–4 sets of 6–12 reps, slow and controlled, resting 60-90 seconds between sets.

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Will Saudi Arabia succeed in turning its vast desert landscape green by planting 10 billion trees? | World News

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Will Saudi Arabia succeed in turning its vast desert landscape green by planting 10 billion trees? | World News
Will Saudi Arabia succeed in turning its vast desert landscape green by planting 10 billion trees?
 
Saudi Arabia plans to plant 10 billion trees, rehabilitating 74.8 million hectares across deserts under the Saudi Green Initiative nationwide. Image: earth.com

In a country where nearly 95 per cent of the land is desert, sand is not just terrain; it is culture.

Bedouin life, camel routes, oases and long crossings have shaped Saudi Arabia’s identity so deeply that it is difficult to separate the Kingdom from the desert itself. However, history presents a distinct perspective.

Long before oil, borders, and dunes dominated the map, large parts of what is now Saudi Arabia belonged to what scientists call “Green Arabia.”

a period when rainfall was higher, vegetation spread across the peninsula, and the land could support sustained life.

That lost landscape is no longer just a footnote in climate history; it is the reference point behind Saudi Arabia’s attempt to make the desert work differently this time.

That contrast between past and present helps explain why Saudi Arabia’s environmental push is not about aesthetics or symbolism.

The kingdom learnt long ago how to endure extreme conditions, and oil later transformed that endurance into economic power.

But oil did not change the land itself, and it will not define the future forever.

Long-term stability in a country where desert still dominates the map hinges on whether vegetation can enhance the landscape’s resilience.

water management and land restoration rather than reliance on a non-renewable source of energy alone.

Saudi treeee

Saudi Arabia’s Green Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees, restore 74.8 million hectares,

combat desertification, improve ecosystems, and support long-term environmental resilience. Image: Red Sea Corporate

That is the logic behind the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI), launched in 2021 under the patronage of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

At its core is one of the most ambitious environmental pledges ever made: to plant 10 billion trees across Saudi Arabia.

rehabilitating nearly 74.8 million hectares of land and reversing decades of desertification.

A landscape defined by sand

Saudi Arabia contains the Rub’ al Khali, the largest continuous sand desert on Earth.

Covering roughly 650,000 square kilometers—more than twice as much as the UK—it forms the heart of the wider Arabian Desert, stretching into neighbouring Gulf states.

Sand dunes, gravel plains and rocky escarpments dominate much of the kingdom’s geography. These natural conditions make large-scale greening uniquely difficult.

Rainfall, arable land and current forest cover are all well below global averages. Yet this context is precisely what makes Saudi Arabia’s afforestation targets stand out.

Planting 10 billion trees would represent about one per cent of the global greening goal and fully 20 per cent of the Middle East Green Initiative’s wider target of 50 billion trees across the region.

Saudi Arabia trees

Growing 10 billion trees across Saudi Arabia is equivalent to rehabilitating over 74 million hectares of land.

By July 2025, the Kingdom had planted well over 151 million trees and rehabilitated around 500,000 hectares of land.

according to Environment, Water and Agriculture Minister Abdulrahman Al-Fadley,

There will be steady progress toward the target of more than 600 million trees by 2030 and 10 billion over the longer term. Importantly,

This momentum did not begin with the formal launch of the Saudi Green Initiative in 2021:

 

Between 2017 and 2023 alone, some 41 million trees were planted, showing that greening efforts had already been underway well before SGI was officially announced.

Science before scale: How the plan was built

Planting trees at this scale in one of the world’s most arid environments is easier to announce than to execute.

Much of Saudi Arabia has been desert for centuries, with limited rainfall, fragile soils and extreme heat. Making trees survive, not just grow, requires careful scientific calibration:

choosing the right species, matching them to precise locations, and ensuring long-term water support rather than short-term visual greening.

That is why, before the target was formally announced, a two-year feasibility study led by the Ministry of Environment,

Water and Agriculture (MEWA) and the National Center for Vegetation Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC),

In collaboration with global and local experts, they mapped where vegetation could realistically thrive. More than 1,150 field surveys were conducted across the Kingdom.

using geospatial analysis that factored in soil composition, water availability, temperature ranges, wind patterns and elevation.

Native species were prioritised to restore ecological balance rather than introduce water-intensive or inappropriate plants.

Inspect tree

Ahmad al-Anazi (left) of the National Center for Vegetation Cover and park director Suleiman al-Saoub inspect trees and shrubs at the Al Ghat National Park in Al Ghat in central Saudi Arabia on Feb. 8, 2023. / image:

The Christian Science Monitor

The resulting roadmap, unveiled in October 2023 at MENA Climate Week in Riyadh, divides implementation into two phases.

Between 2024 and 2030, the focus is on nature-based restoration across habitat zones, from cities and highways to rangelands, valleys and protected areas.

supported by sustainable irrigation, urban water reuse, and rainwater harvesting. From 2030 on, a second phase will introduce more comprehensive, managed interventions.

The approach builds on the Kingdom’s existing biodiversity, which spans more than 2,000 plant species across mangroves, inland marshes,

mountain forests and national parks, and aims to deliver measurable benefits, including lower urban temperatures by at least 2.2°C, improved air quality and reduced heat-related health risks.

The phrase “From cities to carbon” illustrates the broader goals of the Saudi Green Initiative (SGI).

Tree planting sits at the heart of the Saudi Green Initiative, but it is not the whole story.

SGI is designed as a systems-level reset, tying land restoration to emissions, water, energy and public health in the wider context of Vision 2030.

The initiative is built around three clear pillars: cutting emissions, expanding vegetation, and protecting land and sea.

Saudi Arabia has set itself a series of concrete targets by the end of this decade. By 2030,

Saudi Arabia expects to plant more than 600 million trees, restoring roughly 3.8 million hectares of degraded land.

At the same time, the Kingdom plans to place more than 30 per cent of its land and marine territory under protection while reducing carbon emissions by 278 million tonnes each year.

Half of Saudi Arabia’s electricity is targeted to come from renewable sources by 2030.

Beyond that milestone lies a longer horizon. By 2060,

The Kingdom aims to reach net-zero emissions through a circular carbon economy approach, which balances emissions reduction with reuse, recycling and removal rather than relying on offsets alone.

The idea is not abrupt decarbonisation but a managed transition that reshapes how energy, land, and water systems interact in a country that will remain energy-producing for decades.

That ambition is already reshaping environmental infrastructure. Protected terrestrial areas have expanded sharply, from just 4.5 per cent of Saudi territory to 18.1 per cent today.

while the number of national parks has grown from 18 to 500. Marine protection has followed a similar trajectory.

with more than 8,000 endangered species reintroduced into coastal and offshore habitats as protected zones expanded by 260 per cent.

Monitoring capacity has grown alongside protection. Saudi Arabia now operates 240 air-quality monitoring stations nationwide.

backed by advanced meteorological sensing and marine spill-response systems. These additions are not merely symbolic;

They serve as the foundation for tracking, correcting, and scaling greening efforts. Water, inevitably, remains the hardest constraint.

Saudi Arabia is now the world’s largest producer of desalinated water, with daily capacity reaching 16.6 million cubic metres by late 2024.

nearly double 2016 levels. Reused water accounts for 32 per cent of total consumption, and strategic water storage capacity has increased by 600 per cent, extending average urban supply coverage from one day to three.

To supplement supply, the Kingdom has also turned to atmospheric and natural capture. Officials report that 711 cloud-seeding flights have been conducted across regions.

adding an estimated 6.4 million cubic metres of rainfall to support vegetation and groundwater. At the same time, 1,000 rainwater-harvesting dams are under construction.

with a combined annual capacity of 4 million cubic metres.

These efforts led the UN Water Committee to select Saudi Arabia as a global model for water sustainability, a notable endorsement for one of the driest countries on Earth.

Greening as economic and social policy

The Saudi Green Initiative is not framed solely as an environmental programme.

It is also a labour strategy, an urban policy and a quality-of-life intervention.

Over the coming decades, greening efforts are expected to generate jobs across seed collection,

nursery management, land preparation, irrigation systems, park development, water reuse networks; and environmental technologies.

That intent is most visible in cities, where trees are expected to deliver immediate, lived benefits. Increased canopy cover in urban centres is projected to reduce temperatures by at least 2.2°C.

improve air quality, and lower the risk of heat-related illnesses, particularly respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Riyadh has become the testing ground. Through Green Riyadh, the capital aims to increase green space coverage to nine per cent and plant 7.5 million trees by 2030.

alongside wider greening projects, spanning more than 437 square kilometres.

At the heart of this transformation is King Salman Park, the world’s largest urban park.

where more than a million trees will eventually cover 11 square kilometres of its planned 16.6-square-kilometre footprint.

Green Riyadh

Image: Green Riyadh

Greening has also been extended deliberately to religious and cultural spaces. In Makkah,

The Green Qibla initiative targets the planting of 15 million trees by 2036.

reshaping the urban environment of one of the most visited cities on the planet while improving thermal comfort for pilgrims.

Altogether, 77 initiatives have been activated under the SGI umbrella, representing investments exceeding $186 billion.

The scale is intentional. Saudi Arabia is not trying to erase its desert identity or romanticise its distant past. It is an attempt at something more pragmatic:

to stabilise an extreme environment, reduce risks, and make daily life more resilient in a future where oil alone can no longer define national security.

The desert will not disappear.

The Kingdom is attempting to make one of the world’s driest landscapes sustainably liveable through science-led restoration.

large-scale water management, and long-term planning, ensuring it is not just greener on paper but also measurably healthier on the ground.



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Heated Rivalry author Rachel Reid says the TV show’s success helped her with Parkinson’s disease.

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Steven McIntosh, Entertainment Reporter

Getty Images Rachel Reid attends the premiere of Getty Images
Rachel Reid published the first installment of her six-book Game Changers series in 2018.

The author of Heated Rivalry has revealed the success of the TV adaptation has resulted in her receiving specialist help with her Parkinson’s disease.

Rachel Reid, 45, was diagnosed with the condition in the summer of 2023, around the same time she was approached about adapting her book series for the screen.

Heated Rivalry, which centres on an illicit same-sex relationship between two ice hockey players, has become one of the most talked-about new TV shows in recent weeks.

In an interview with Variety, the Canadian author explained that a Parkinson’s expert contacted her after hearing about her diagnosis in a publicity interview for the series.

The subsequent appointment she has secured with a neurologist, Reid said, “could change things for me, because I’m not really getting the treatment that I should be getting.”

Reid published her first book in the Game Changers series in 2018.

Five further books followed, and the TV version soon created a stir after launching in North America in late November.

The show, which is adapted and directed by Jacob Tierney, is set to launch in the UK on January 10 on Sky and the streaming service Now.

Speaking to Variety, Reid said an “amazing thing” had come out of the attention the show has received.

“Jacob was on CNN a few weeks ago. For whatever reason, the interviewer asked him about my Parkinson’s diagnosis,” she recalled.

“I thought it was odd, but then the next day, one of the top Parkinson’s experts in the world reached out to me and asked if he could help me.”

Reid explained, “I’ve never gotten to talk to a Parkinson’s expert. I’ve been on a five-year waiting list here because I live in a tiny place.

“Now he’s found me a Parkinson’s expert, a neurologist, and I have an appointment in a couple of weeks.” That could change things for me because I’m not really getting the treatment that I should be getting.

He also advised me on how to adjust my medication to improve my sleep, as I had been unable to sleep at all. That change made me sleep through the night, which really helps with writing.”

Sky Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams star in Heated RivalrySky
Heated Rivalry has been a huge hit internationally, and is due to launch in the UK in January

Reid said her Parkinson’s made it hard for her to write, “Because I can barely control a mouse.”

“I can’t type for very long,” she continued. “It’s challenging for me to sit in a chair for very long. I need to figure out new ways to write.

“I don’t know if that will be voice-to-text. I’m not sure if I can write that way. It doesn’t feel natural, but I need to figure out something because it is taking me a very long time to write now.”

Heated Rivalry follows rival hockey players Shane and Ilya, played by Hudson Williams and Connor Storrie.

The pair are bound by rivalry and ambition but begin a secret affair which evolves into a years-long relationship.

What is Parkinson’s disease?

Parkinson’s is a progressive condition that worsens over time.

The disease causes nerve cells that make dopamine to stop working, so there is too little of it in the brain.

  • Symptoms include:
  • involuntary shaking of parts of the body
  • slow movement
  • stiff and inflexible muscles

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Thailand releases 18 Cambodian prisoners of war under a ceasefire agreement.

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Bangkok—Thailand released 18 Cambodian prisoners of war held for five months on Wednesday, meeting the conditions. Both countries signed the armistice agreement to end the bitter fighting along their border.

The release was stipulated in the ceasefire agreement signed by the defence ministers of the two countries at the same border post on Saturday from Thailand’s Chanthaburi Province and Cambodia’s Pailin Province, where the soldiers were released.

“The repatriation of the 18 Cambodian soldiers was done as a demonstration of goodwill and confidence-building, as well as in adherence to international humanitarian principles,” Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry said the release “

an environment conducive to peace, stability and full normalisation of relations for the benefit of both countries and their people in the near future.”

After two rounds of devastating fighting over competing territorial claims, the release of the troops removes a major hurdle toward that goal.

Thailand had insisted that it was allowed to keep the men under the provisions of the Geneva Convention governing the laws of war, which stated that they could be detained until the end of hostilities. Thai authorities said the prisoners were allowed visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross and other rights covered by international humanitarian law.

The Cambodian government effectively used his continued detention to galvanise nationalist sentiment in the fight against Thailand.

Cambodia’s Defence Ministry statement Wednesday said the government “stands by the promise it made to the families of the 18 soldiers and to the Cambodian people: that no soldier will be left behind.”

A video distributed by Cambodia’s Information Ministry showed crowds cheering and waving small flags on the road from the border post to Pailin town while a bus carrying freed people passed by as a motorcade passed by. They were expected to take the capital, Phnom Penh, on Wednesday.

The ceasefire agreement states that the troops will be freed if the fighting ends within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect on Saturday afternoon. 72 hours passed on Tuesday, but Thai officials said they needed to evaluate the situation, claiming that 250 Cambodian drones were active along the border.

Both countries gave different details about the circumstances of the possession of men, which happened on the same day that the initial ceasefire came into effect in late July.

Cambodian officials say

Cambodian officials say that their troops came to the Thai position with friendly intentions to congratulate them after the battle, while Thai officials say that the Cambodians had hostile intentions and that they entered what Thailand considered its territory and were later taken captive.

Originally 20 Cambodian soldiers were taken prisoner, but two were returned within days for medical reasons.

The original July ceasefire was brokered by Malaysia and extended due to pressure from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to withhold trade privileges unless Thailand and Cambodia agreed. It was formalised in more detail at a regional meeting in Malaysia in October, which Trump attended.

Despite those deals, the countries continued a bitter propaganda war and minor cross-border violence that escalated into widespread heavy fighting in early December.

According to officials, Thailand has lost 26 soldiers and one civilian as a direct result of the fighting since December 7. Thailand also reported 44 civilian deaths.

,

Sopheng Chiang reported from Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

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Why Europe’s online regulations irritate the Trump administration | Science, Climate, and Tech News

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Why Europe’s online regulations irritate the Trump administration | Science, Climate, and Tech News

The row between Europe and Washington about what you can do online just ramped up.

On Christmas Eve, the White House imposed visa bans on five public figures in Europe.

It’s all about what European officials describe as the regulation of online harm and what America’s authorities consider censorship.

“If you spend your career fomenting censorship of American speech, you’re unwelcome on American soil,” said Sarah Rogers, the US under secretary of state for public diplomacy, as the bans were announced.

The highest-profile figure facing travel restrictions is Thierry Breton, a former EU commissioner responsible for regulating social media and a key architect of the Digital Services Act (DSA)—a piece of legislation that is very unpopular in the White House.

The Trump administration has accused the EU of placing “undue” restrictions on freedom of expression in its efforts to combat hate speech, misinformation and disinformation.

The administration contends that the DSA unjustly singles out US companies and cities, which it lacks the authority to represent.

Mr Breton has already had some fiery spats with Elon Musk, the owner of X and former Trump adviser.

File pic: AP
Image:
File pic: AP

Musk referred to him as a “tyrant of Europe” earlier this year, and Mr Breton accused Musk of deceiving him about the online restrictions he was subject to.

“Is McCarthy’s witch hunt back?” he posted on X after the bans were announced.

The other four people facing visa bans are from the UK and Germany, and they work in disinformation organisations.

They are the UK’s Imran Ahmed, chief executive of the Centre for Countering Digital Hate and Clare Melford, who runs the Global Disinformation Index and Germany’s Josephine Ballon and Anna-Lena von Hodenberg from HateAid.

Although this is the first time Washington has put visa bans in place, it is an argument that’s been brewing for years.

Europe and the UK have much stricter controls over what you can do online compared to America.

In Europe, there is the Digital Services Act, which regulates online activity. In the UK, we now have the Online Safety Act that began being fully enforced in July.

We also have a number of other laws that govern what you can say and can lead to jail time if you breach them.

Joey Barton avoids jail over X posts

Just this month, ex-footballer Joey Barton was given a six-month suspended prison sentence for “grossly offensive” posts he sent on X.

Under both of those acts, platforms hosting harmful content can be fined significant amounts, even if they’re based in the US.

Musk’s platform X, for example, was recently fined €120m (£104m) by the EU over issues relating to transparency.

Fines like that are what annoy the Trump administration so much. It sees rules like the Digital Services Act as governments in Europe undermining Americans’ right to freedom of speech.

 

 

Ironically, that’s exactly what European leaders are now accusing Washington of – overreach.

The EU Commission has strongly condemned the visa bans and the UK government said it “supports the laws and institutions which are working to keep the internet free from the most harmful content”.

The politician who replaced Breton in his EU commissioner role, Stephane Sejourne, said, “No sanction will silence the sovereignty of the European peoples. Total solidarity with him and all the people of Europe affected by this.”



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New Year Honours: Idris Elba, Torvill and Dean, and Lionesses among those recognised | UK News

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Idris Elba, ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, and England’s victorious women’s football and rugby teams are among the 1,157 people recognised on the New Year’s Honours list.

Sir Idris, 53, who is known for his roles in The Wire and Luther,

is knighted for services to young people, having founded the Elba Hope Foundation.

He said, “I receive this honour on behalf of the many young people whose talent, ambition and resilience have driven the work of the Elba Hope Foundation.

“I hope we can do more to draw attention to the importance of sustained, practical support for young people and to the responsibility we all share to help them find an alternative to violence.”

Torvill and Dean say honour is ‘wonderful and humbling’

Dame Jayne Torvill and Sir Christopher Dean reveal how they found out they were recognised in the New Year Honours List.

Dame Jayne and Sir Christopher, who took home the Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games and saw success at the World,

European and British Championships, and was made a Dame and Sir for services to ice skating and to voluntary service. They said the honour is “wonderful and humbling at the same time”.

They are joined by Paul Elliott, one half of the Chuckle Brothers, who is made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), and Matt Lucas.

half of the Little Britain comedy duo with David Walliams, who becomes an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).

Lionesses and Red Roses

The Lionesses feature heavily on the list after their Euros win in the summer. Captain Leah Williamson is made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), while Alex Greenwood, Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway and Ella Toone become MBEs.

The team’s Dutch manager, Sarina Wiegman, who has won the Euros twice with England and once with the Netherlands, is awarded an honorary damehood, the Cabinet Office said.

Wiegman said, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude for this honour.

When I first arrived in England, I could never have imagined the respect and warmth I’ve experienced from the English people. I deeply thank the fans for their support.”

England manager Sarina Wiegman. Pic: PA
Image:
England manager Sarina Wiegman. Pic: PA

Marlie Packer, Zoe Aldcroft, and coach John Mitchell, members of the England Women’s Rugby World Cup-winning squad, also receive OBEs. Their teammates, Ellie Kildunne, Sadia Kabeya, and Megan Jones, have been made MBEs after the Red Roses defeated Canada in the final in September.

Three-time London Marathon winner Paula Radcliffe, who held the women’s marathon record for 16 years, is made an OBE.

Paula Radcliffe. Pic: PA
Image:
Paula Radcliffe. Pic: PA

‘The best thing that’s ever happened to me – and I’ve been in Star Wars.’

Also among the OBEs are presenter and author Richard Osman, actor Warwick Davis, and broadcaster Gabby Logan. In The Kumars at No. 42 actress Meera Syal, 64, becomes a Dame.

Richard Osman. Pic: PA
Image:
Richard Osman. Pic: PA

Osman, 55, the author of The Thursday Murder Club book series, said he was “absolutely thrilled” with the honour, while Davis, also 55, said, “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’ve been in Star Wars.”

Warwick Davis. Pic: PA
Image:
Warwick Davis. Pic: PA

Wicked star Cynthia Erivo is made an MBE for services to music and drama, while football commentator Clive Tyldesley becomes an OBE for services to sports broadcasting and to charity.

Writer Roy Clarke, who created the sitcoms Last Of The Summer Wine, Open All Hours and Keeping Up Appearances, becomes a knight.

Cynthia Erivo. Pic: PA
Image:
Cynthia Erivo. Pic: PA

The oldest Horizon IT scandal victim and D-Day veteran is honoured.

A woman thought to be the oldest victim of the Horizon IT scandal, 92-year-old Betty Brown, has said it was a “shocker” to have been made an OBE for seeking justice for subpostmasters.

D-Day veteran Mervyn Kersh, 101, said it was a “wonderful thing” to be awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to Holocaust remembrance and education.

Mervyn Kersh. Pic: PA
Image:
Mervyn Kersh. Pic: PA

The oldest person on the list is 102-year-old John Hearn, one of four centenarians included, who receives a BEM for services to Judo and to the community in northeast England.

The youngest recipient is 20-year-old Olympic gold medal-winning sports climber Toby Roberts, from Elstead in Surrey, who becomes an MBE.

‘The very best of Britain’

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said, “This year’s Honours List celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.

“Their quiet dedication speaks to the decent, compassionate country we are proud to be. On behalf of the whole nation, thank you – and congratulations to everyone recognised today.”



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