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Latest Publications — Page 1311

  4. PoliticsMiddle EastRobotics

    Formula One Grand Prix Bahrain Preparations Underway at Sepang International Circuit

    The Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS) is establishing two special committees to oversee the preparations for the Formula One (F1) Grand Prix Bahrain at the Sepang International Circuit (SIC) from October 2 to 4. The main committee, chaired by the Secretary-General, will coordinate various aspects including security and protocol, while a technical committee under KBS will ensure smooth operations. The circuit's readiness was approved by the international automobile federation (FIA) after an inspection last week, with no major issues found. The Sepang International Circuit is expected to be closed to the public starting September 7 for upgrades, maintenance, and final testing before the race.
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  8. SportsEuropeBasketballHockeyMotorsports

    F1H2O World Water Motor Sport Championship Coming to Konaev in 2027

    The F1H2O World Water Motor Sport Championship is set to take place in Konaev, Almaty region, in 2027. The event is expected to attract at least 5,000 foreign guests, with around 1 billion people worldwide tuning in to the broadcast. The championship, which requires serious technical preparation, will feature VIP zones, a race control center, and family recreation areas showcasing Kazakh culture. It is expected to contribute to the development of tourism and open new opportunities for the social and economic development of the region.
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  10. WorldMiddle East

    Raphinha Joins Barcelona's Preseason; Unlikely to Play First Two Friendlies

    Brazilian winger Raphinha has joined FC Barcelona's preseason preparations in England after completing his summer break. He is unlikely to feature in the first two friendlies against Birmingham City and Preston North End due to an injury sustained during the World Cup. Barcelona expect him to return fully recovered and ready to begin work immediately. The club has prepared a special fitness programme for him to help him return to his previous level.
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  11. BusinessTradeMarketsCorp Gov

    TECOM Group Reports 9% Net Profit Growth in H1 2026

    TECOM Group PJSC reported a 9% year-on-year increase in recurring net profit for the first half of 2026, reaching AED805 million. Revenue rose 11% to over AED1.5 billion, driven by higher occupancy rates and contributions from portfolio expansion. Occupancy across the group's portfolio increased to 97%. The Board of Directors approved an interim cash dividend of AED440 million. EBITDA increased 10% to over AED1.2 billion, generating a margin of 79%. Funds from operations (FFO) rose 12% to AED1.1 billion.
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  12. BusinessTradeEquitiesRatings

    Stripe in Talks to Acquire OpenRouter for Nearly $10 Billion

    Stripe is reportedly discussing a deal to acquire OpenRouter, an AI startup, for nearly $10 billion. This would value OpenRouter at roughly 70 times its recent annualized revenue of about $140 million. The premium reflects OpenRouter's unusually strong software-like gross margins and strategic role in AI infrastructure. The acquisition, if completed, would strengthen Stripe's position in AI payments.
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  13. SocietyPeaceCorruptionGovernanceAsia

    Epstein Survivors Feel Disregarded After Meeting with Todd Blanche

    Epstein survivors met with Todd Blanche, a nominee for Attorney General, but felt disregarded and unheard. They believe the meeting was only to advance his confirmation vote and that Blanche does not care about survivors. Survivors also criticized Blanche for not releasing the Epstein files and putting them in danger by exposing their private information.
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  14. CultureEarth

    Visible Sclera Makes Faces Appear More Attractive and Trustworthy

    A study published in PLOS One found that faces with more visible sclera (white of the eye) are perceived as more attractive, trustworthy, and sociable. Researchers digitally altered 50 male and female face photos to vary sclera visibility and asked 162 participants to rate them. Faces with more visible sclera (about 43.8%) were rated higher than those with less (about 31.5%). The effect was consistent across sexes and face genders.
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  15. U.S.LawExecutiveCivil Rights

    U.S. Military to Test Troops for Low Testosterone

    The U.S. Secretary of Defense has announced that military personnel aged 30 and above will undergo testing for 'testosterone deficiency' as part of their annual medical examinations. This policy aims to ensure that personnel maintain 'appropriate testosterone levels to perform at their maximum capabilities'. The move is unusual and controversial, as no other major military force implements such testing.
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  16. WorldRegulatorsCivil RightsMiddle East

    Aerocivil Denies Privileges Amid Gabriela Muñoz Influence Scandal

    Aerocivil, Colombia's civil aviation authority, has issued a statement denying any special privileges to its officials following allegations of influence by Gabriela Muñoz and her family. The entity pledged full cooperation with control bodies and transparency in its processes. Angie Rodríguez, director of the Adaptation Fund, had publicly accused Muñoz of intervening in key decisions despite holding an auxiliary position. Muñoz has rejected the allegations and plans to take legal action.
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  20. WorldMiddle East

    Georgia Blackout Cause: Separation from Azerbaijani Power System

    The Georgian Energy Regulator has identified a possible cause for the blackouts that occurred in Georgia on July 24 and 30. According to an interim report, the Georgian power system's separation from the Azerbaijani one may have triggered the outages. The investigation is ongoing to determine why this disconnection occurred and whether the Georgian system could have handled isolated mode better.
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  21. PoliticsLawRegulatorsPeace

    State Council Suspends Parts of Decree Allowing Budget Transfers for El Niño Phenomenon

    The State Council provisionally suspended parts of a decree issued by the Petro government that allowed budget transfers to the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (Ungrd) due to the El Niño phenomenon. The suspension was made within a simple nullity lawsuit filed against the decree, which could violate the legal order by allowing budget modifications that exclusively correspond to the Congress of the Republic. The decision was made after a preliminary analysis concluded that the challenged provisions could contravene the legal order. The precautionary measure does not imply a definitive ruling on the legality of the decree but seeks to avoid the challenged provisions from continuing to produce effects while the study of the simple nullity lawsuit progresses.
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  22. WorldRegulatorsInvestigationMiddle East

    Cristina Kirchner Appeals to UN Over Conviction and Disqualification

    Former Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's lawyers have appealed to the UN Human Rights Committee, alleging violations of her rights in the Vialidad case. They seek to suspend her disqualification from holding public office and review her house arrest. Kirchner, who is under house arrest and faces a permanent political ban, claims the process against her was marked by arbitrariness and structural machismo. Her lawyers argue that the conviction aimed to exclude a woman candidate from future electoral contests.
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