The United Arab Emirates has been more deeply involved in the Middle East conflict than anticipated. The United Arab Emirates continued attacks on Iran during the conflict and after a ceasefire was announced in April.Sources told The Wall Street Journal that the attacks were coordinated with the US and Israel, which provided intelligence support. Targets reportedly included Qeshm and Abu Musa islands in the Strait of Hormuz, Bandar Abbas, the oil refinery on Lawan Island in the Persian Gulf, and the Asaluyeh petrochemical complex.Some attacks focused on Iranian energy facilities and were carried out in response to Tehran’s attacks on the emirate’s oil and gas infrastructure. The attack on Asaluyeh, carried out jointly with Israel, drew significant international criticism and prompted the US to ask Israel to stop attacks on energy facilities.

How did the situation in the Gulf change?

Before the conflict began, Gulf countries had said that their airspace and military bases would not be used for attacks. However, some changed their position after Iran launched missile and drone attacks against Gulf population centers, airports, and energy infrastructure in an effort to increase the economic and political costs of the war.The UAE was the primary target of those attacks, facing more than 2,800 missiles and drones from Iran, significantly more than any other country, including Israel.

Saudi Arabia-UAE differences emerge

The Emirati response also highlighted divisions within the Gulf region. In early April, Saudi Arabia reportedly complained to the US that the UAE’s military actions were increasing the risk of Iranian retaliation against regional energy facilities, a development that could impact oil prices and global markets. According to people familiar with the discussions, Saudi officials wanted Washington to pressure the UAE to stop retaliatory attacks and instead support diplomatic initiatives being taken by regional countries.“The UAE holds Iran fully responsible for these terrorist attacks and their consequences,” the Gulf state’s Foreign Ministry said, as quoted by the WSJ.Saudi Arabia, which experienced fewer and less damaging attacks from Iran, publicly condemned the attacks on Gulf states, but adopted a less confrontational approach, focusing on diplomatic efforts to address the conflict.Also, as the war escalated, tensions between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh also increased. UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed has become frustrated with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman after Salman refused to take part in coordinated military operations against Iran, Gulf officials said.The disagreement exacerbated existing differences between the two countries, which were already competing for influence in the Red Sea region and supporting opposing sides in the conflicts in Sudan and Yemen. In April, the UAE withdrew from OPEC and pledged to strengthen security ties with the US and Israel.

Political and economic measures against Iran

As well as its military actions, the UAE supported draft resolutions at the United Nations authorizing the use of force, if necessary, to end Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.The country also took steps targeting Iranian financial interests. Authorities closed Tehran-linked schools and clubs in Dubai and restricted visa and transit access for Iranian citizens, hurting economic ties that have long linked the emirate and Iran despite Western sanctions.Iran has repeatedly accused the UAE of participating in the US and Israeli campaign.

history of risk taking

Over the years, the emirate has been willing to take significant foreign policy risks and use military power to advance regional interests. It has previously supplied weapons to militias in Sudan and Libya and deployed mercenaries to Yemen as part of efforts to counter regional rivals.However, questions remain whether the UAE can effectively deter a larger and geographically closer rival like Iran. Its operations represented only a small portion of the more than 20,000 attacks conducted by the US and Israel during the conflict.Meanwhile, tensions in the Middle East have continued for more than 3 months, as the standoff between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz and its use continues. The conflict began on 28 February, when the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran. Following the attack, Tehran effectively shut down the vital oil pipeline, cutting off global energy supplies.

If Charles Darwin could scroll through today’s wildlife videos, we bet he’d pause at the footage of the Baya weaver and say, “Now this is natural selection at its best.”Over 150 years ago, Darwin introduced us to evolution by natural selection, primarily in his 1859 book On the Origin of Species, stating that organisms that have traits best suited to their environment have a better chance of survival and passing on those traits.A century and a half later, a tiny weaver bird is proving his theory right!

Baya Weaver: Bird that follows Darwinian theory

So, let’s talk about this little bird here – the Baya Weaver. It is a sparrow-sized, yellow-crowned bird, found throughout India and much of South and Southeast Asia. At first glance, it looks quite plain – nothing extraordinary. But wait until you see the artistry and functionality it produces!During breeding season, look up to a palm, and there’s something wild hanging from the branches: these nests that look like lanterns or upside-down bottles, or, as one Internet user put it, “nature’s most over-engineered apartment complex.”

The science behind a work of art

Now, the thing is: Scientists believe these nests are one of evolution’s cleverest answers to a problem that is as old as nests themselves – snakes looking for eggs.recently, researcher And bird lovers are discussing the weaver’s nest, especially its long entrance tunnel that points downwards. It really looks like something made specifically to drive snakes crazy. Instead of a standard nest, the male weaver weaves a hanging basket from grasses and leaves, hangs it from the thinnest branches, often above water, and tops it with this narrow, downward-facing entrance tube. Reaching the eggs means a hunter must grab a swinging, dangling object, crawl through a tight tunnel, then enter the nest chamber face down. For a snake, it’s like trying to rob a bank by hanging upside down on a rope bridge, that too during an earthquake.Actually, there is real data behind it. a major study “Proceedings of the Royal Society B” showed that birds with hanging nests and entrance tunnels lost fewer nests to predators, and their babies lived longer and developed for more days before leaving the nest. Simple math: The safer the home, the more baby birds make it.Scientists call it “convergent evolution” when unrelated bird families – such as weaverbirds and icterids – both build similar elaborate hanging nests. Different birds, same problem (predator), and evolution invents almost the same solution.The really surprising part? The Baya Weavers don’t “know” anything about snakes or blueprints. Evolution works without conscious thought. Birds that had just built intricate nests raised more chicks, and, over generations, their nesting instincts won out.As one Reddit user said: “This doesn’t make sense. This is the form that has survived.”Now Darwin would have loved that take!

Decoding the ‘talent’ of Baya Weaver

But it’s not just about beating up snakes. Baya weaver nests are also climate-control masterworks. Research Outside Malaysia says these nests actually help stabilize temperatures and air flow inside, creating a comfortable nursery for the chicks. Depending on the local weather, weavers vary their construction methods, as do contractors who work on building codes.then like this studies Show, there is also a demarcation of nest-building. Males do almost all the work: folding grass and leaves into elaborate structures with nothing but their beaks and feet. They display a half-built “helmet” nest to attract females. She observes. Sometimes she approves, and he keeps building, but if not? He abandons it and starts from scratch. Turns out, nest quality is a dealbreaker; A shabby nest is rejected, but a strong, secure nest helps the male get the chick.Good architecture, it seems, is an impressive feat in the bird world!Put it all together: design, climate adaptation, snake defense, even romance – everything is woven into one swinging composition.However, even the snakes have not given up yet – nature’s tug of war continues like this. Predator and prey keep pushing each other to develop trickier tricks. But if you’re looking for a living example of how natural selection shapes behavior, look no further than the Baya weaver’s nest.But the glow of Baya Weaver’s nests is fundamentally a reminder that genius solutions can come from trial, error, and the slow pace of survival—not from conscious thought or grand plans. Baya the weaver’s nest hangs there in the monsoon wind, understanding nothing of Darwin, evolution, or engineering, and yet, he beats all three at their own game.Now, that’s a real practical flexibility!

Behind-the-scenes footage has fueled speculation that iShowspeed could be working on a song for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The video, shot largely in Miami, shows the streamer surrounded by production crew, drones, flags and football-themed scenery. Fans linked the project to the upcoming tournament, especially after Speed ​​hinted at World Cup plans during the recent tour. The rumors have gained momentum since his 2022 World Cup song went viral, garnering over 208 million views on YouTube.

iShowSpeed ​​is probably preparing for one of the biggest moments of his career outside of streaming. Fresh footage circulating on social media has fueled speculation that the YouTube star is working on a new anthem related to 2026. FIFA World CupAnd fans are already paying close attention.Several clips shared online show Darren “iShowspeed” filming the music video extensively in Miami. The videos quickly spread on fan pages, giving rise to rumors that the internet personality was planning another football-inspired release before the tournament’s opening match in June.

IShowSpeed ​​World Cup 2026 song rumors grow after Miami filming

The latest excitement began when fan account IShowSpeedHQ posted images and video of what looks like a professional music video production.“BREAKING: Speed ​​was recently spotted filming a music video for his new World Cup song! 🤯🤯”The video features Speed ​​with camera operators, production crew and a large creative team around him. Fans also noticed an ID badge that reportedly read “iShowspeed LLC,” adding to the intrigue of the report. The scene was a football festival. National flags, team jerseys, colored powders and a large number of participants created the atmosphere of an international tournament. Speed ​​was featured in a variety of clips, with cameras and drones following his progress around stadium-like settings.The sheer scale of production immediately attracted attention. This was not footage from a casual content shoot, but a carefully planned project with significant resources behind it. Many followers have interpreted this as the streamer targeting a global audience during football’s biggest event.Speed, on his Caribbean tour earlier this month, had hinted that major plans were already in the pipeline regarding the World Cup. “We’ve got a lot to do, and we’ve got the World Cup coming up… You all know I’ll be back with another tour.”

iShowSpeed’s 2022 World Cup song is still a big milestone

There will be pressure on a new football anthem. Speed ​​dropped “World Cup” in November 2022, which became one of the most recognizable internet songs associated with the tournament in Qatar. The music video went viral, receiving over 208 million views youtube. The memorable opening and the line that became a catchphrase and went viral are still remembered by many fans today:“Let’s go play football.”The success of that release helped secure Speed’s place in football culture around the world. With the 2026 World Cup approaching and fresh footage being unveiled, fans are now waiting to see if another viral hit is on the way. If the rumors are true, Speed ​​could again find himself smack dab in the middle of one of the sport’s biggest global gatherings.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams’ combined net worth in 2026: Inside the rising fortunes of the legendary tennis sisters (Image via Getty)

Serena Williams and Venus Williams have done more than just win tennis matches. The sisters became two of the biggest names in sports and amassed huge fortunes along the way. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Serena Williams’s net worth is estimated to be around $350 million in 2026, while Venus Williams’s net worth is estimated to be around $95 million, bringing the sisters’ net worth to around $445 million.Many fans still seek out the Williams sisters because their success did not stop even after they moved away from full-time tennis. Today, he continues to make money through business ventures, investments, endorsement deals, and real estate. While tennis helped them become global stars, most of their wealth now comes from what they do away from the court.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams’ net worth and career earnings

Most athletes earn the bulk of their money from their sports. For Serena and Venus, that was only the beginning. Serena earned approximately $95 million in prize money during her tennis career, the most by any female tennis player. But after retirement he focused his attention on business. Through Serena Ventures, he has invested in dozens of companies and startups. Some of those businesses have grown rapidly, which has helped their wealth grow even more.Venus took a different path. With his tennis earnings, he launched his activewear brand Eleven. She also created a successful interior design company called V Star. Over the years, these businesses have become a significant part of their income.

Serena Williams and Venus Williams’ business ventures and investments

Serena’s biggest business success is Serena Ventures. The company invests in technology, health, fashion and consumer brands. Many of her investments have performed well, making her one of the most successful athlete-investors in the world.Meanwhile, Venus continues to develop Eleven while working on design projects through V Star. He has also invested in real estate and other business opportunities over the years.

Away from tennis, the two sisters enjoy a quieter life than many people expect. Serena lives in Florida with her husband Alexis Ohanian and their children. Along with business projects, she spends most of her time with her family.Venus divides her time between business work, wellness projects and tennis-related activities. She remains active in fashion and continues to support causes that are important to her.

The legacy of Serena Williams and Venus Williams in tennis

Very few athletes have transformed their game the way Serena and Venus have. Serena won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, while Venus captured seven. Together, they won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and became one of the most successful sibling teams in sports history.Beyond the trophies, she inspired countless young players around the world and helped bring greater attention to women’s tennis.

Even though he is no longer playing a full tennis schedule, his net worth continues to grow. Serena Williams’ investments, endorsement deals and business ventures remain strong. Venus continues to earn through Eleven, design projects and brand partnerships.Because of these businesses and investments, the two sisters are expected to continue adding to their fortune in the years to come.

In the remote Chinese desert, a vast military complex is taking shape that some security scholars say is designed to ensure that a U.S. first strike on China’s nuclear arsenal could not credibly overwhelm Beijing’s ability to retaliate. China’s nuclear missiles can already reach any American city. Now, satellite images show that Beijing is building a vast web of launch pads, bunkers and communications nodes near the isolated nuclear silos that house the Chinese military’s longest-range missiles.The ability to defend its desert silos is key to China’s stated goal of building a minimal but credible nuclear deterrent – ​​a policy based on the ability to retaliate if attacked first. When People’s Liberation Army (PLA) can fire nuclear weapons from submarines and aircraft, silo fields in the northwestern Xinjiang region and Gansu province are the center of its nuclear forces.The cornerstone of China’s doctrine is its “no first use” policy. Xi warned US President Donald Trump this month that mishandling his countries’ disagreement over Taiwan, which China claims as territory, could take them to a “dangerous place”.octagon in the desertThe new desert infrastructure focuses on two octagon-shaped installations built over the past six years in eastern Xinjiang. Both are south-west of the Hami nuclear silo fields – one about 140 kilometers away, the other about 230 kilometers away. The images show that exercises involving large military vehicles took place around the North Octagon during this month and April.Satellite images show that the octagonal structures contain accommodation for personnel and large military vehicles. They are surrounded by armored bunkers and fortified weapons-storage areas, as well as airfields and railheads that connect the Octagon to the Hami silos.Five security scholars interviewed by Reuters agreed that the infrastructure could broadly support China’s nuclear program, as well as other military objectives. But he cautioned that key details remain unknown — including what weapons China might deploy on the launch pad and whether the octagonal structures have facilities to fit truck-mounted ballistic missiles or nuclear weapons.US officials and arms-control analysts say China is expanding and improving its nuclear weapons capabilities faster than any other country. The latest Pentagon report on China’s military modernization says the country’s weapons production has slowed, but it is on track to field 1,000 weapons by 2030. A December report estimated that China had loaded 100 intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) into its three main silos.According to US officials, China is also strengthening its early-warning system. According to the Pentagon, the system can detect an incoming ICBM within 90 seconds of launch and alert the command center within three to four minutes – enough time for China to fire its own silo-based weapons before they are hit.Defense isolated ChinaSignificantly, each octagon lies at the core of a network of dirt roads and drains that extend into the desert. These pathways connect to concrete pads. Three security scholars said the pads could be used to deploy mobile air-defense missiles, electronic warfare nodes or, to name a few, larger ones, road-mobile ICBM launchers. Hans Christensen, director of the Federation of American Scientists Nuclear Information Project, said that although it is difficult to draw conclusions about how the various installations will be used, “it is hard to rule out anything”.The extent of the defensive network near its silos potentially isolates China from other major nuclear powers. Christensen said the United States and Russia – whose warheads and deployed weapons far exceed Beijing’s – rely on a combination of the sheer number of silos, their relative isolation and rigid construction to stop a first strike, rather than comprehensive missile defense. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” Christensen said. “This is an extraordinary effort.”(This is a Reuters story)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court has rejected a plea seeking a fresh probe into the international acquisition and transfer of animals at Vantara (Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, saying the apex court-appointed SIT headed by retired SC judge J Chelameswar has already given a clean chit and found no violation of law.A bench of Justices PK Mishra and NV Anjaria said the terms of reference of the SIT were of wide dimension, covering every aspect of Vantara’s cases right from the beginning and nothing wrong was found.Dismissing the petition, the bench said, “On consideration, we are of the clear opinion that none of the directions prayed for can be granted.”The Court found no substance in allegations that inquiries, investigations or prosecutions in Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Uganda, Peru, Malaysia and Venezuela had uncovered material that could have a bearing on the international acquisition and transfer of animals. The Supreme Court said that now all the issues raised have already been addressed by the SIT and there is no need for a fresh investigation.“The process adopted by the SIT was thorough. It held several meetings, conducted site inspections, gave opportunity to all concerned to submit information and documents, examined foreign donor zoos and institutions,” the court said.The Supreme Court said the SIT “inter alia called for and considered the responses of the CITES management authorities of UAE, Venezuela, Democratic Republic of Congo etc. and obtained information from all concerned, namely, CBI, ED, DRI, Customs Commissioner at Jamnagar, WCCB and the District Police.” “Notices were issued to the complainants, journalists and environmentalists who had published or made allegations, including those on whose reports the applicant/petitioner now relies and each person who appeared before the SIT was heard,” it said.In view of the SIT report, accepted by this Court by an order dated 15th September, 2025 and confirmed by an order dated 9th March, 2026, the respondent “cannot be investigated, interrogated, much less prosecuted in respect of the transfers investigated therein, no direction can be issued to any domestic authority in respect of the samples so transferred, and the matter cannot be referred to any body, global or otherwise.” But cannot be reopened,” it said.

‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ is gearing up for its release and lead actress Zendaya is already warning fans of heartbreak.The actor who played MJ in the superhero franchise, opposite Beau tom hollandPeter Parker has opened up about the character’s ‘painful’ separation following the events of ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’. As the new film begins, Peter asks Doctor Strange for a spell that will make the world forget he is Spider-Man. As a result, the general public is forgetting them, with even their close friends like MJ and Ned Leeds having no memory of their time together as BFFs.According to new details revealed by Empire, MJ has moved on and is involved with a new romantic interest, played by Ahsoka actor Iman Esfandi, while Peter is forced to watch from the sidelines. Reflecting on the story, Zendaya admitted that she also found the situation emotionally difficult. “As someone who cares about the characters and cares about these movies, it’s like, ‘Oh my God, this is so heartbreaking.’ You just feel so bad because you want them to be happy, and you know that ultimately they’ll be happier together,” she said.With the romance pushed aside due to memory loss, Zendaya explained that it helped create an entirely new dynamic between the two characters.“It’s kind of easier, because I don’t have to pretend that I know this person. I don’t have to pretend to have all this history with them because it seems like they don’t.”Although MJ no longer remembers Peter Parker, she still knows Spider-Man. The trailer shows a scene at Ned’s house party, where he and MJ introduce Peter Parker to their Spidey board and hint that they were trying to identify Spider-Man and find his location.‘Brand New Day’, directed by Destin Daniel Creightonand starring Jon Bernthal, Kevin Feige, Destin Daniel Cretton, Amy Pascha, is due in theaters July 29.

Rajasthan Royals head coach Kumar Sangakkara has questioned Sam Curran’s absence from IPL 2026 after the England all-rounder returned to action for Surrey in the Vitality Blast despite the franchise being informed that he suffered a season-ending injury.

I will talk later Rajasthan Royals defeat in Qualifier 2Sangakkara said it was disappointing to see Curran return to action in England after the franchise was informed that the all-rounder would miss the entire season due to injury.

Sangakkara told reporters, “We were told Sam Curran had a season-ending injury, but I think I saw him play two or three games for Surrey. It was disappointing because we would have loved to have had him with us.”

Curran was signed by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 2.40 crore but withdrew before the start of the season due to a back injury. The franchise then brought in Sri Lankan all-rounder Dasun Shanaka as his replacement.

Sangakkara said that when the Royals were informed about the injury they accepted the situation and praised the team for the way they responded despite losing a player of Curran’s calibre.

“Having brought in Dasun Shanaka as a replacement after being initially informed, I think the team and everyone involved should be extremely proud of their achievement,” he said.

The former Sri Lanka captain also supported the BCCI’s stance on player withdrawal and injuries and said that clear rules were necessary to protect the interests of franchises.

“There is always a need for a proper, strict policy on this and the BCCI has a strict policy on this. Injuries are part of the game, and if it is a serious, season-ending injury, then of course we understand,” Sangakkara said.

Curran’s return comes after a groin problem that troubled him during England’s T20 World Cup campaign. said after taking out IPLThe 27-year-old had said that scans revealed there was enough damage to require an extended period of rehabilitation.

Curran told the BBC at the time, “It’s an injury I’ve been struggling with a bit. It’s gradually got partially worse. I went for some scans, and it showed fair damage, so I had to make a tough decision. It was bothering me quite a bit.”

The England all-rounder also admitted that missing the IPL was a big blow.

“It was very disappointing to miss the IPL, and now I feel I have a rehab block to try to get stronger and fit whenever I feel like it,” he said.

However, Curran’s return to Surrey before the IPL season ended has prompted renewed discussion about player availability and injury replacements.

Sangakkara pointed to the commitment shown by many members of the Rajasthan Royals team, including players who remained with the team despite limited opportunities.

“We have had a lot of injuries ourselves. We also have players like Adam Milne, Shimron Hetmyer, Luan-Dre Pretorius and Kwena Mafaka who are here despite not getting much game time. They have worked hard, practised, watered for the team and worked as hard as anyone to support the team on this journey,” he said.

Sangakkara avoided making any direct allegations and said that the existing rules of BCCI should remain in force.

He said, “It’s really up to the individual player to decide whether they want to come or not, but I think the BCCI’s policy is very strict now, and it should stay that way. It ensures that contractual obligations are met fairly and realistically, and I think every IPL side will benefit from that.”

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