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UAE updates UK school foundation level entry standards: key changes explained | World News

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UAE updates UK school foundation year admissions criteria: key changes explained
UAE updates British curriculum school preparatory stage admission rules/representative pictures for the 2026-2027 academic year

The Department for Education has updated the entry age requirements for the foundation stage of independent schools implementing the British curriculum, introducing new assessment regulations from the 2026-2027 academic year.The move follows the extension of the entry age cutoff from August 31 to December 31, a shift that makes eligibility dependent on the year of entry rather than the month in which the academic year begins.

Assessment for those born between September and December

Under the revised framework, children born between September 1 and December 31 who are under three years old at the start of the school year will undergo a readiness assessment carried out by schools in consultation with parents.If a child is deemed ready, they can join Foundation Stage 1. If not, you can register for FS1 in the next academic year. The Department has confirmed that this arrangement will apply annually from 2026 to 2027.

One-time transitional provision for births in 2022

A separate one-off transition measure applies to children born between 1 September 2022 and 31 December 2022 who are not enrolled in any education system.During the 2026-2027 academic year only, schools and parents will work together to determine whether Foundation Stage 1 or Foundation Stage 2 is more appropriate, based on the school’s readiness assessment.

placement decision is final

The Ministry of Education makes it clear that once a child is enrolled in one grade, he or she is not allowed to move to another grade later. Therefore, once admission is completed, the placement decision will be final.

Clarification beyond UK curriculum

The authorities also addressed concerns in other courses, particularly regarding children born between September 1 and December 31, 2021, who will not be eligible to enroll in the 2025-2026 academic year.These students may register in Kindergarten 1 during the 2026-2027 school year.According to the Ministry of Education, the revised measures aim to ensure equal opportunities for students while supporting their educational and social preparation.

‘Take money, whistle’: Vijay double-takes attack on Stalin over cash payments, alliances | India News

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'Take money, blow whistle': Vijay double-takes attack on Stalin over cash payout and alliance

New Delhi: Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and actor Vijay gave a high-voltage campaign speech in Salem on Friday while targeting two pressure points: the DMK government’s Rs 2,000 cash handout to women and what he called his own “political bombs” that have rattled Chief Minister MK Stalin.Addressing a cheering crowd, Vijay took aim at the DMK government’s cash transfer scheme for women, which gave out Rs 3,000 as an upfront payment and promised to release Rs 2,000 later. He claimed the move was aimed at swaying voters and framed the campaign in stark moral terms. “Will you vote for the ‘good’ TVK or the ‘evil’ DMK?” he asked, urging people to “take the money but expose it,” referring to his party’s electoral symbol.

PM Modi announces countdown to quit DMK, calls it corrupt, mafia and criminal government

“My vote is my right. No one can buy us. Our vote is for the whistle,” he said.Questioning the timing of what he described as a “summer bonanza”, Vijay said, “Does summer come only this year? This special allowance was announced because the whistle was heard in every street, in every home.” He claimed that Stalin was uneasy about TVK’s growing popularity, especially among women voters.The actor dismissed criticism that he lacked executive experience and made the accusation. “We have no robbery experience,” he quipped.

“Political bomb”

The speech came as Vijay also sent out a new political message on alliance issues. He claimed that his earlier promise to share power with allies had become a “political bomb” in Tamil Nadu. “Do you remember the political bomb I made at the Vikravandi rally? Proposing power sharing? It has now exploded recklessly across all alliances and CM Mr. Stalin is upset and he said power sharing is not suitable for Tamil Nadu,” he said.Vijay asserted that for the DMK, the alliance is just about winning and for all other things like governance, they will take care of it on their own.Stalin on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of forming a coalition government in the state, a suggestion floated by the Congress ahead of the upcoming assembly elections.“Power sharing is not suitable for Tamil Nadu,” the chief minister had said. “Both the Congress and the DMK have realized that power sharing will not work in Tamil Nadu. But there are people who are trying to drive a wedge between the two parties,” he said.The CMK, however, said the DMK will continue to be in alliance with the Congress. “There are those who are trying to destroy the alliance, but that’s not going to happen. We will face the election together.”The statement once again heightened tensions between the DMK and the Congress alliance, with Congress MP Manikam Tagore publicly hitting back after Stalin dismissed the power-sharing demand as a “conspiracy”. Tagore, one of the strongest proponents of shared governance in the Congress, questioned Stalin’s remarks in a line on

Why did Pompeii residents wear heavy woolen clothing during the August volcanic eruption? Researchers reveal new evidence | World News

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Why did Pompeii residents wear heavy woolen clothing during the August volcanic eruption? Researchers reveal new evidence
Source: University of Valencia

Pompeii always gives people a strange feeling of being frozen in time. The street stopped in the middle. Meals are left on the table. The body was caught in the final movement. In AD 79, southern Italy had a hot summer, and Mount Vesuvius erupted in late August. Now, a new study is pushing that certainty. When researchers examined plaster casts of the victims, they said something didn’t quite fit. In August, several people wore thick woolen clothing and heavy clothing. This seems odd and has reignited a long-standing debate about the actual date of the eruption and the weather conditions on Pompeii’s final day.

Pompeii victims’ woolen garments reveal heavy layers in late summer

The new research comes from the ÁTROPOS group University of Valencia. The team studied fourteen plaster casts found from the Pompeii Gate Nora necropolis. These models are known to retain the shape of the body and sometimes even vague traces of clothing that disappeared long ago. Many of the victims appeared to be wearing woolen outer garments covered with woolen cloaks of different kinds of lightweight fabric. In four of the models, the fabric impressions were clear enough to analyze the weave itself. Experts say these lines indicate that the clothing is thick and heavy.Wool was common in the Roman world. It is affordable and widely used. It’s no surprise, but wearing two layers of clothing in southern Italy in late August can come as a surprise.

what is Pompeii eruption costume hint

For centuries, the date of the eruption of Vesuvius depended largely on the writings of Pliny the Younger. In letters describing the disaster, he dated the eruption to late August. Many historians accept this date, but archeology complicates matters. Autumn fruits such as pomegranates, walnuts, and even evidence of wine fermenting beyond what would be expected in midsummer have been reported to have been found in the ruins of Pompeii. On the other side, oddly enough, some houses have lighted portable heaters and other small heating devices.Heavy wool clothing may not reflect cold weather at all. Rather, they may be a desperate response to the eruption itself. When Mount Vesuvius exploded in AD 79, it released no blast. It was a protracted disaster, with volcanic ash and toxic gases falling continuously, and darkness at noon.If ash starts falling early, residents may instinctively gather in layers. Grab something nearby. The air grew harsher, straining the cloak. This could explain why people inside buildings and people on open streets dress similarly.

victim’s last moments

Pompeii was not immediately destroyed. The eruption lasted for several hours. Some residents fled, while others stayed. The plaster cast itself is haunting. The most famous of these is a male victim, whose final pose was preserved in ashes and later filled with plaster. Now, researchers are interpreting them almost like forensic evidence. It’s amazing how something as ordinary as clothing can defy a date written nearly two thousand years ago.

Beyoncé and Jay-Z named entertainment industry’s richest celebrity couple: See the top 10 list

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beyoncé and Jay-Z They are the richest celebrity couple in the entertainment industry, with a combined net worth of $3.5 billion, according to a January 2026 report by the digital entertainment platform new mountain net.

Research shows the two have been married for 17 years and appeared in more than 34.4 million headlines together. (AFP)
Research shows the two have been married for 17 years and appeared in more than 34.4 million headlines together. (AFP)

The study looked at 22 high-profile couples in music, film, fashion and sports. It uses a celebrity database to calculate each partner’s personal wealth, then combines the numbers to estimate total net worth. The researchers also tracked how often two names appeared together in news headlines to assess whether financial strength matched media visibility, JB.com reported.

Jay-Z amassed the couple’s $2.5 billion fortune through his hip-hop career and business ventures. Beyoncé has a net worth of $1 billion, earned from her 30-year music career.

The two were married for 17 years and appeared in more than 34.4 million headlines together, the study said.

Also read: Jay Z in Epstein Files: How Beyoncé’s Husband Pusha T Is Related to Harvey Weinstein; Allegations Explained

Top 10 Richest Celebrity Couples

According to JB.com, here are the couples with the highest rankings based on combined net worth:

  1. beyonce & Jay-Z: $3.5 billion
  2. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce: $1.59 billion
  3. Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco: $1.05 billion
  4. Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner: $725 million
  5. George Clooney and Amal Clooney: $550 million
  6. Hailey and Justin Bieber: $500 million
  7. Victoria Beckham and David Beckham: $450 million
  8. Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds: $380 million
  9. Leonardo DiCaprio and Victoria Seretti: $304 million
  10. Harry Styles and Zoe Kravitz: $155 million

Which couple makes the headlines the most?

While Beyoncé and Jay-Z lead the way in terms of total wealth, the study found that Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner attracted the most media attention, appearing in more than 39 million headlines.

Also read: Beyoncé’s Net Worth: Queen Bey becomes fifth musician to cross billionaire threshold, who else is on the list?

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are close behind in headline frequency, with more than 38 million mentions.

Commenting on the findings, JB.com CEO said: “When two celebrities come together, they amass an audience and gain business opportunities that neither could have achieved alone.” He added: “Justin’s 200 million followers combined with Hailey’s beauty influence give them the marketing power to turn Lorde Beauty into a billion-dollar brand in just three years.”

Lakhpati Didis, farmers and startups: Details of first document signed by PM Modi in new office | India News

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Lakhpati Didis, farmers and startups: Details of first document signed by PM Modi in new office

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday signed a slew of key documents at his new office complex, Seva Teerth, approving major decisions for women, youth, farmers and vulnerable citizens.Decisions taken in the first batch of approvals after shifting to the new site include launching the Road Accident Victims Hospitalization and Assured Treatment (PM RAHAT) scheme for accident victims, doubling the target of Lakhpati Didis to Rs 6 crore, expanding the agriculture infrastructure fund to Rs 200 crore and clearing the launch of India Fund 2.0 with a total funding of Rs 10,000 crore.According to the government, the first decision of Seva Teerth embodies the spirit of ‘Seva’ and aims to reach out to all sections of society.

Prime Minister Rahat Plan: Cashless treatment for traffic accident victims

Prime Minister Modi approved the launch of PM RAHAT scheme, under which road accident victims will be entitled to cashless treatment up to Rs 1.5 lakh.The initiative aims to ensure immediate access to medical care in emergencies and prevent loss of life due to lack of funds or delays in treatment.

Lakhpati doubles target to Rs 6 crore

The government crossed the 30-crore rakpati didis milestone more than a year ahead of the original deadline of March 2027. On this basis, the Prime Minister set a new target of 60 million Lakhpati didis by March 2029.The move is aimed at further strengthening women-led self-help groups and boosting rural household incomes, effectively doubling the size and objectives of the programme.ALSO READ | PMO has new speech: PM Modi launches ‘Seva Teerth’ – what are the key changes

Agricultural infrastructure fund expanded

In a major push to strengthen agriculture value chains, Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved doubling the agriculture infrastructure fund from Rs 1 billion to Rs 2 billion.The expanded fund is expected to support post-harvest management infrastructure, storage facilities and other agriculture-related projects to benefit farmers across the country.

Funds of Startup Funds in India 2.0

To encourage innovation and entrepreneurship, especially in the fields of deep technology, advanced manufacturing and early-stage startups, the Prime Minister approved India Startup Fund 2.0 with a total capital of Rs 10,000 crore.The program aims to support the next generation of Indian startups and strengthen the country’s innovation ecosystem.Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister unveiled the name “Seva Teerth” for the new complex housing the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), National Security Council Secretariat and Cabinet Secretariat. The inauguration of Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2 marked a major transformation in India’s administrative infrastructure.Seva Teerth brings these major offices under one roof, replacing the previous arrangement of offices being housed in separate locations. Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2 will house several important departments including Finance, Defence, Health and Family Welfare, Corporate Affairs, Education, Culture, Law and Justice, Information and Broadcasting, Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers and Tribal Affairs.The government said the new complex aims to create a modern, efficient and citizen-centric governance ecosystem. They are built to GRIHA four-star standards and incorporate renewable energy systems, water conservation measures and smart security infrastructure.The naming of Seva Teerth is part of a wider effort since 2014 to move away from colonial-era nomenclature. Early changes include Rajpath being renamed as Kartavya Path and Race Course Road being renamed as Lok Kalyan Marg.

Colombo is shocked! Zimbabwe beats Australia by 23 runs, Muzarabani, Bennett write T20 World Cup classic | Cricket News

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Colombo is shocked! Zimbabwe defeats Australia by 23 points, Muzarabani, Bennett write T20 World Cup classic
Zimbabwean Blessings Muzarabani celebrates the wicket of Australia’s Tim David. (Getty Images)

Zimbabwe produced one of the biggest surprises at the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, beating injury-plagued Australia by 23 runs in a gripping Group B match on Friday. It was the second time the African side had beaten the former champions in this format, recalling their famous victory in 2007. With clinical batting and a brutal bowling performance, Zimbabwe’s collective performance outshone a team that never really recovered from its early collapse.Scorecard: T20 World Cup Australia vs ZimbabweOpener Brian Bennett sealed the innings with an unbeaten 64 as Zimbabwe posted 169 for two on a sluggish pitch after being asked to bat. Australia’s pursuit faltered almost immediately and, despite resistance from the middle order, they were bowled out for 146 in 19.3 overs, handing Zimbabwe a famous win to open up Group B.

Why does India need to worry about Pakistan in Colombo? T20 World Cup

Hot topics from this exciting game R Premadasa Stadium In Colombo:Early collapse sets toneAustralia’s quest for 170 runs turned disastrous in the Powerplay as only 29 runs were scored for four wickets. The dismissals of Travis Head, Cameron Green and Tim David put huge pressure on the batting line-up, forcing them to go into rebuilding mode on the pitch, which helped the disciplined bowling. Zimbabwe’s seamers remained tight, refusing to allow boundaries at crucial stages and ensuring the asking price climbed steadily.Bennett leads blueprint for smart battingZimbabwe’s game is based on patience rather than brute force. Bennett’s composed batting featured seven boundaries, allowing the partners to take turns batting and keep the scoreboard ticking. Tadiwanashe Marumani’s brisk 35 and captain Sikandar Raza’s brilliant late performance ensured the team crossed the 160-run mark, which proved to be more than enough on a slow track. While Australia controlled the do-or-die innings well, Zimbabwe’s cautious approach had laid the foundation for victory.Muzarabani’s fiery spell breaks Australia’s backboneThe decisive phase of the match is decided by the ball because Blessings to Muzarabani Produced amazing speed and accuracy, with return figures of 4/17. Zimbabwe kept up the pressure with support from Brad Evans and Wellington Masakaza. Each break halted Australia’s momentum just as they threatened to mount a comeback, turning the chase into a battle against the scoreboard and disciplinary bowling.Maxwell-Renshaw’s stand fuels hopes, but Bull delivers blowAustralia briefly regained their chances through 77 runs from Matt Renshaw and Glenn Maxwell. Their stand steadied the innings and brought the score down to a manageable level before Ryan Burl struck the decisive blow, dismissing Maxwell and triggering another collapse. Bennett’s stunning catch and razor-sharp defending in the final over sealed Zimbabwe’s dominance, with Matthew Kooneman’s dramatic exit ending the game.

Sheikh Mohammed launches Dh1 billion campaign to fight hunger during Ramadan | World News

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Sheikh Mohammed launches Dh1 billion campaign to fight hunger during Ramadan
Sheikh Mohammed launches Dh1 billion Ramadan 2026 campaign to save 5 million children / Photo: X

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, the Ruler of Dubai has put ending child hunger at the heart of the UAE’s humanitarian efforts. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum on Friday announced the launch of the Edge of Life campaign, an initiative aimed at saving 5 million children under the age of five from dying from malnutrition and hunger.In a message shared on social media, Sheikh Mohammed described the arrival of Ramadan as a month of generosity and preciousness, adding that launching humanitarian campaigns has become an annual tradition in the UAE, extending the support of Emirati people to communities around the world. He stressed that the holy month is an opportunity to strengthen the values ​​of compassion and collective responsibility.

More than just optics: Why PM Modi’s rare airport gesture to UAE president matters for India’s strategy

The event takes place against a grim global backdrop. Sheikh Mohammed noted that more than 118 million children worldwide suffered from malnutrition last year. Of these, an estimated 2.6 million children died from hunger. These figures represent a human tragedy that cannot be ignored, he said, adding that witnessing suffering on such a scale and doing nothing is not in line with the nature or values ​​of the UAE.The Edge of Life initiative will be implemented in partnership with a number of international organizations. Its main goal is to raise at least Dh1 billion locally and internationally. The funds will be used for projects aimed at preventing deaths from hunger among vulnerable children living on the edge of survival.At the end of the announcement, Sheikh Mohammed prayed for the continued protection of the UAE and its people. He also reiterated the devotional spirit of Ramadan, stressing the importance of feeding the hungry and supporting the poor and needy as one of the most meaningful acts of charity.The campaign positions child nutrition and survival as a core focus of humanitarian aid in the UAE this Ramadan, with the goal of transforming charitable donations into tangible, life-saving impact

Why Nehru recognized Tibet as part of China – CDS Anil Chauhan explains | India News

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CDS General Anil Chauhan links history to border dispute with China, Nehru knew about it

New Delhi: Chief of Defense Staff General Anil Chauhan on Friday claimed that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru recognized Tibet as part of China as he wanted to build good relations with China.Speaking at the Bharat Himalayan Strategic Forum in Dehradun, General Chauhan recalled how the Panchsheel Agreement was signed between India and China and said, “With regard to independence, the British left and it was actually India that decided where the front line would be. Nehru probably knew that we had something because the McMahon Line was in the east and we had some kind of claim to the Ladakh region but it was not here. So that’s why he wanted to join a front.” Panchsheel Agreement, while for China too. When they liberated Tibet, they moved to Lhasa. Both ends of this particular area are extreme. “

CDS General Anil Chauhan links history to border dispute with China, Nehru knew about it

“So they wanted stability, probably in this particular region. Independent India aspired to have good relations with China. In 1954, India recognized Tibet as part of China. The two countries signed the Panchsheel Agreement,” he added.General Chouhan also said that India must rethink how it views its Himalayan borders, especially the central part of Uttarakhand.“The Himalayas serve more as a zone of interaction than as a border of exclusion. Uttarakhand is a civilized landscape where the sacred and the strategic have long coexisted,” the CDS said.In fact, a think tank like BHISM is the right place as it is uniquely positioned in Dehradun to develop static thinking that is terrain-aware, systems-oriented and has a long-term perspective,” he added.

Why is Wall Street questioning the U.S. jobs report in January? What we know about Fed rate cut expectations shifts

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stronger than expected January jobs report That boosted sentiment, but some economists said the data may not be as reliable as the headline suggested. Data released by the Bureau of Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics It showed the unemployment rate edged down to 4.3% from 4.4%, with 130,000 new jobs created in January, about twice what economists predicted.

Despite misgivings, traders appear to be taking the data at face value. (Representative image)
Despite misgivings, traders appear to be taking the data at face value. (Representative image)

S&P 500 futures rose 0.32% following the news, with the index closing unchanged at 6,941 points the previous day.

Why are analysts skeptical?

Analysts cast doubt on the report, largely because of the sharp downward revision to previous data and the fact that most of January’s hiring came from health care, raising doubts about whether the gains reflected broad strength.

The surprising strength prompted some economists to question whether the headline employment data would subsequently be revised lower. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also lowered its previous employment forecast for 2024-25 to 181,000 from 584,000.

“I would not be happy with today’s jobs data. The job market remains fragile, and very fragile,” Moody’s Chief Economist Mark Zandi wrote on X. Overall job growth over the past year would have been much weaker, he added.

Economists at Pantheon Macroeconomics described January’s data as “incredible,” noting that simulated job creation surged during periods when health care businesses opened or closed. They believe statistical assumptions may have exaggerated hiring momentum, Fortune reported.

Also read: Billionaire parents worry their children won’t find jobs, wealth manager says; ‘Real concern’

What does this mean for the Fed to cut interest rates?

Despite misgivings, traders appear to be taking the data at face value. According to data from CME FedWatch, the market currently believes that there is a 92% chance that the Federal Reserve will stabilize interest rates at 3.5% in March, and interest rate cuts are expected to continue into this year.

“The broad-based strength in the January jobs report supports our view that the Fed will not cut spending [current Fed Chair Jerome] PowellBank of America analysts said in a report, Fortune reported.

Also read: The United States: A debt-ridden superpower

Others even believe that if the labor market continues to be tight, the possibility of raising interest rates may arise again. Still, some economists warn it may be too early to declare a turning point.

Canada vs UAE live score, T20 World Cup 2026: Canada, UAE look to reset after early setbacks

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Canada: Dilpreet Bajwa (c), Ajayveer Hundal, Ansh Patel, Dilon Heyliger, Harsh Thaker, Jaskarandeep Singh, Kaleem Sana, Kanwarpal Tathgur, Navneet Dhaliwal, Nicholas Kirton, Ravinderpal Singh, Saad Bin Zafar, Shivam Sharma, Shreyas Movva, Yuvraj Samra.

UAE: Muhammad Waseem (c), Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Dhruv Parashar, Haider Ali, Harshit Kaushik, Junaid Siddique, Mayank Kumar, Muhammad Arfan, Muhammad Farooq, Muhammad Jawadullah, Haider Shah, Rohid Khan, Sohaib Khan, Simranjeet Singh.