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England Drawn with Serbia and Albania, Wales to Face Belgium in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

England Drawn with Serbia and Albania, Wales to Face Belgium in 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Thomas Tuchel begins his tenure with manageable opponents as European nations learn their qualifying group fate

England will face Serbia, Albania, Latvia and Andorra in Group K for the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, as Thomas Tuchel prepares to officially start his role as head coach on 1 January. Tuchel will take encouragement from England’s strong record against these opponents, having never lost to any of them in previous meetings.

Scotland have been placed in Group C alongside Greece, Belarus and the loser of the Nations League quarter-final clash between Portugal and Denmark. Additionally, Steve Clarke’s team will meet Greece again in a Nations League promotion-relegation play-off in March.

Meanwhile, the Republic of Ireland face a challenging Group F, which includes Hungary, Armenia and the winner of the Portugal versus Denmark Nations League match.

Wales are in Group J with Belgium, North Macedonia, Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein as they aim for their second successive World Cup qualification. The team famously overcame Belgium 3-1 in the 2016 Euros quarter-final and will look to repeat their success in their upcoming campaign.

Northern Ireland, under Michael O’Neill, will aim to qualify for their first major tournament since 1986, competing against Germany or Italy’s Nations League quarter-final winner, alongside Slovakia and Luxembourg in Group A.

England have previously met Serbia only once in their history as a unified nation, at this year’s Euros, where Jude Bellingham’s decisive goal secured a group stage victory. Their record against Albania is unblemished, with six consecutive World Cup qualifying victories. Latvia will be a new opponent for England, while Andorra previously faced England in the 2022 World Cup qualifying group, with England securing dominant wins.

Looking ahead to other European groups, Spain could face Turkey, Georgia and Bulgaria in Group E should they defeat the Netherlands in their Nations League match. If they fail, they will instead meet Poland, Finland, Lithuania and Malta in Group G.

Germany or Italy, depending on the outcome of their Nations League quarter-final, will feature in Group A, while the losing side will join Norway, Israel, Estonia and Moldova in Group I. France could face Ukraine, Iceland and Azerbaijan in Group D, depending on their performance against Croatia in the Nations League. Alternatively, they would face Czechia, Montenegro, Faroe Islands and Gibraltar in Group L should they fall short.

Two other groups are largely set, with Switzerland drawn with Sweden, Slovenia and Kosovo in Group B. Austria, under Ralf Rangnick, will meet Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Cyprus and San Marino in Group H.

A total of 16 European nations will qualify for the 2026 finals, which will feature 48 teams for the first time. Qualification will start in March for groups of five teams and in September for groups of four, once the Nations League is completed.

The winners of each group will secure automatic qualification, while runners-up will proceed to playoffs alongside the four best-ranked Nations League group winners that did not finish in their respective top two.

Steven Bartlett Under Fire for Promoting Questionable Health Claims on Podcast

Steven Bartlett Under Fire for Promoting Questionable Health Claims on Podcast

Experts warn his Diary of a CEO platform spreads misinformation that could endanger vulnerable patients

Steven Bartlett, the Dragons’ Den star and host of the Diary of a CEO podcast, is being scrutinised by health experts for spreading potentially harmful health misinformation through his widely listened podcast. The programme, which is ranked number one in its category and has 7 million subscribers, has recently come under investigation for promoting unproven and misleading claims.

The BBC World Service highlighted concerns after analysing 15 health-focused episodes. The investigation found that each episode contained, on average, 14 false or misleading claims that contradicted established scientific evidence. Among these claims were suggestions such as cancer being treatable by adopting a keto diet, Covid-19 vaccines being harmful, and evidence-based medication being “toxic” for patients.

Experts warned that such assertions risk undermining trust in evidence-based medicine, particularly for vulnerable patients with severe illnesses. Heidi Larson, a public confidence expert in healthcare, pointed out to the BBC: “They [the guests] are way overstretching. It sends people away from evidence-based medicine. They stop doing things that might have some side effects, even though it could save their life.”

Dr Thomas Seyfried, a guest on the podcast in October, compared conventional cancer treatments to “medieval cures” while endorsing the keto diet as a potential treatment strategy. Another guest, Dr Aseem Malhotra, stated during a July episode that Covid-19 vaccines were “a net negative for society.”

Flight Studio, the production company behind Diary of a CEO, defended Bartlett, claiming that every guest is thoroughly researched before their interviews are recorded and that guests are granted “freedom of expression.” The studio added that the BBC’s investigation, which only analysed 15 episodes, represents a tiny fraction of the nearly 400 episodes published to date. They dismissed the BBC’s findings as “disappointing, misleading, and frankly, disingenuous.”

Despite this, Bartlett’s involvement with health products has also faced scrutiny. In August, two sponsored Facebook advertisements for diet app Zoe and food replacement company Huel—both endorsed by Bartlett—were banned by the Advertising Standards Authority for being “misleading.” The ASA cited that the ads failed to disclose Bartlett’s financial ties to both companies, including his role as an investor in Zoe and a director of Huel.

The controversy surrounding Bartlett’s podcast and his business endorsements underscores concerns about the responsibility of influential figures to uphold accuracy and evidence-based guidance, particularly when discussing topics that can impact public health.

Myanmar Military Loses Strategic Border in Bloody Siege

Myanmar Military Loses Strategic Border in Bloody Siege

Arakan Army Seizes Control of Northern Rakhine State Following Brutal Confrontation

The Myanmar military’s control of its western border has come to an end following a devastating siege by the Arakan Army (AA). The intense confrontation concluded with the destruction of the BGP5 barracks, a key military outpost in northern Rakhine State near the Bangladesh border.

The siege, marked by relentless artillery bombardment and firefights, saw the AA’s forces encircle the BGP5 compound, which housed hundreds of soldiers. Footage shared by the AA depicted their fighters advancing under constant fire, with air force jets overhead as they pushed toward the stronghold. Despite the heavy defences—including thousands of landmines and reinforced bunkers—the AA maintained its offensive, leading to the military’s eventual surrender.

This defeat represents a significant blow to Myanmar’s ruling military junta, which has faced repeated setbacks since its 2021 coup. The loss of BGP5 leaves the entire 270km border with Bangladesh under AA control. This marks the first time an insurgent group has secured full control of an entire Myanmar state since the coup, further deepening the military’s weakening grip.

Reports indicate that over 450 soldiers died during the siege, with the AA broadcasting images of captured commanders surrendering under their flag. Myanmar’s military has struggled to sustain its positions amid logistical challenges and demoralisation, with supply shortages exacerbated by constant bombardments and isolation.

The AA, originally formed in 2009, is a disciplined and well-equipped insurgent force bolstered by alliances and supplies from insurgent groups along Myanmar’s Chinese border. While primarily focused on regional self-rule, their success has shifted attention to broader questions about their role and ambitions in Myanmar’s fractured political landscape.

Displaced Rohingya populations, already victims of systemic persecution and military campaigns in the past, now find themselves caught in the AA’s new administration and shifting territorial control. Reports from the region suggest that many Rohingya communities have been expelled by the AA from newly captured areas, further complicating humanitarian concerns.

The United Nations has warned of an impending famine as aid deliveries are obstructed by military blockades and conflict. Despite the AA’s promises to provide governance for all ethnic groups, tensions remain high, particularly with the Rohingya, who have historically faced marginalisation and violence in Myanmar.

The AA’s victory signals both a significant blow to Myanmar’s military government and an uncertain future for the region, with ethnic divisions, geopolitical manoeuvres, and humanitarian challenges all converging.

Police Action in Arrest of 13-Year-Old with Water Pistol Deemed Justified

Police Action in Arrest of 13-Year-Old with Water Pistol Deemed Justified

Investigation concludes response reasonable despite mother’s claims of racial bias

The arrest of a 13-year-old boy by armed police after he pointed a water pistol at his sister during a neighbourhood water fight has been ruled “reasonable” by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

The incident occurred on 19 July 2023, when the boy, known only as Child X, was cycling alone on Buxted Road in Dalston, London. Officers in tactical response stopped him, knocking him from his bike. Armed with submachine guns, they arrested and handcuffed him on suspicion of possessing a firearm.

The arrest followed a report from a Metropolitan Police officer who believed they saw a handgun being pointed at a female cyclist. The officer described the weapon as “blue and white” and similar to a Glock pistol. This led armed officers from both the Metropolitan and City of London Police to intervene.

After the boy was restrained, he explained that the item was a water pistol, which was confirmed by members of the public at the scene. Following a search, no real firearm was located. The boy sustained bruising and swelling from the encounter and was later hospitalised. His mother arrived shortly after the incident and confirmed his explanation.

The IOPC investigation was launched after the boy’s mother raised concerns about racial bias and the alleged “adultification” of her son during the arrest. Despite her assertions, the investigation found no evidence that race influenced the officer’s actions. While acknowledging that the arrest was traumatic for the boy and his family, the IOPC confirmed that the police acted in accordance with operational guidance and the information available at the time.

Charmaine Arbouin, IOPC regional director, stated: “Being arrested, handcuffed and searched by armed officers would have been a frightening experience for anyone, let alone a 13-year-old. We note the Met Police has apologised to the boy’s family for the distress caused.”

Although the arrest has been criticised by the boy’s mother as a result of systemic discrimination, the investigation ultimately found that the officers acted based on their genuine concerns that the water pistol could be misinterpreted as a real firearm. The IOPC maintained that the decision to deploy armed officers in response to a report of this nature was both “appropriate” and reasonable.

While firearms experts confirmed that water pistols could resemble real weapons and have been converted to fire live ammunition in the past, the investigation closed without evidence of misconduct, and no disciplinary action has been recommended against the officers involved.

This incident remains a contentious subject, reflecting wider concerns about racial profiling and policing practices.

Synthetic ‘Mirror Bacteria’ Could Threaten Global Ecosystems

Synthetic ‘Mirror Bacteria’ Could Threaten Global Ecosystems

Scientists Warn of Risks from Hypothetical Reversed-Handed Microbes

International scientists have issued a stark warning about “mirror bacteria,” hypothetical synthetic microbes created with reversed-handed molecular structures. These organisms could pose unprecedented risks to ecosystems, human health, and biodiversity if not carefully managed, according to a new report.

Life’s building blocks—DNA, RNA, and proteins—exhibit a property known as chirality, or handedness, resembling left and right versions of human hands. Naturally occurring life uses right-handed DNA and left-handed proteins. Hypothetical mirror bacteria would invert this structure, making them fundamentally different from all known organisms.

“This form of life would bypass natural predators like viruses and microbes, enabling it to spread unchecked through ecosystems,” said Vaughn Cooper, a microbiologist at the University of Pittsburgh. This unique resistance could allow infections to proliferate across humans, animals, and plants, potentially overwhelming immune defences and destabilising ecosystems.

Although still theoretical, scientists stressed the need for caution. “Creating such life forms requires major advancements in synthetic biology,” said Patrick Cai from the University of Manchester. While these breakthroughs may be decades away, researchers urged early discussions among policymakers, scientists, and the public to mitigate risks.

Synthetic mirror bacteria could act as invasive species, triggering severe ecological and biological disruptions, the report warned. However, related technologies, like mirror-image DNA and proteins, show promise for advancing medicine, provided safety remains a priority.

“We must anticipate and address these challenges proactively,” Dr Cai emphasised. “This is a chance to guide research responsibly, ensuring benefits without jeopardising life on Earth.”

This rewrite maintains the original meaning but reorganises and condenses the content for clarity and impact.

Trump’s Stance on Syria Sparks Debate: Isolation or Engagement?

Trump’s Stance on Syria Sparks Debate: Isolation or Engagement?

As Assad’s Regime Collapses, US Policy Faces a Crossroad

Donald Trump, while attending a Paris summit last weekend, reflected on Syria’s turmoil as Islamist fighters advanced towards Damascus, marking the fall of President Bashar al-Assad’s regime. Seated with world leaders, Trump reiterated his non-interventionist position, stating on Truth Social: “Syria is not our fight. Let it play out.”

This stance underscores Trump’s campaign promise to avoid Middle Eastern conflicts. However, the power vacuum left by Assad’s fall and the rise of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a group labelled terrorist by the US, raises complex challenges. Trump’s nominee for National Security Adviser, Mike Waltz, emphasised prioritising US interests such as combating the Islamic State, safeguarding Israel, and bolstering Gulf allies.

Despite isolationist rhetoric, Trump’s team, including figures like Tulsi Gabbard, suggests a nuanced approach. The US military’s current presence, aiding Syrian Democratic Forces in counterterrorism and curbing Iran’s influence, could complicate withdrawal plans. Critics warn that abrupt disengagement risks regional instability and emboldens adversaries.

As Trump eyes diplomatic breakthroughs, like normalising Saudi-Israeli relations, the tension between isolationist ideals and strategic imperatives looms large. Will the US truly step back, or will ground realities necessitate a recalibration of its Syria policy?

Māori Leaders Appeal to King Charles Backed by New Zealand Opposition

Māori Leaders Appeal to King Charles Backed by New Zealand Opposition

Opposition Leaders Support Letter Highlighting Breaches of Treaty of Waitangi

New Zealand opposition parties have endorsed a formal plea from Māori leaders to King Charles III, urging intervention amidst escalating tensions over government policies impacting Māori rights.

The National Iwi Chairs Forum, representing over 80 tribal leaders, recently addressed a letter to the king, requesting his assurance that the government upholds the Crown’s honour and respects commitments enshrined in the Treaty of Waitangi, the country’s founding document.

Labour MP Willie Jackson described the move as a stark indicator of the severity of the situation, citing near-weekly attacks on Māori rights by the current government. “It’s a strong message, even if the king chooses not to intervene,” Jackson stated. “This government’s treatment of Māori leadership is appalling.”

Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, co-leader of Te Pāti Māori, emphasised that tribal leaders had long sought diplomacy, but the urgency of the matter necessitated an “extreme step.” She argued that the government’s actions jeopardised the treaty’s integrity, adding that seeking the king’s support was entirely justified given the gravity of the situation.

Since its inauguration last year, the right-wing coalition government has faced backlash over policies perceived as undermining Māori rights. These include proposed rollbacks of Māori language use in public services, dismantling health equity initiatives, and a contentious bill revising the interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi. Critics fear these measures stoke anti-Māori sentiment and erode the historic relationship between the Crown and Māori.

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon responded to the letter, acknowledging the forum’s right to address the king but reiterated that the treaty principles bill, although divisive, sparked strong views on both sides. The bill lacks widespread support and is unlikely to become law.

The Treaty of Waitangi, signed in 1840 by more than 500 Māori chiefs and the British Crown, remains central to preserving Māori rights. Opposition leaders, including Green MP Teanau Tuiono, criticised the government for neglecting its commitments under the treaty. “This government is pulling us backwards and destabilising society,” Tuiono remarked. “This appeal to King Charles is a rightful call to safeguard Māori rights.”

As New Zealand’s constitutional monarch, King Charles acts on the government’s advice through his representative, the governor-general, and typically refrains from direct involvement in political affairs. However, the symbolic nature of the Māori leaders’ appeal underscores the deepening divide over the government’s approach to treaty obligations.

Biden Grants Record Clemency with 1,500 Sentence Reductions and 39 Pardons

Biden Grants Record Clemency with 1,500 Sentence Reductions and 39 Pardons

President Emphasises Justice Reform and Second Chances in Historic Act

In an unprecedented move, President Joe Biden has granted the largest single-day clemency in modern US history, commuting the sentences of around 1,500 individuals and issuing 39 pardons. With only 40 days left in office, Biden announced the decision, focusing on prisoners who had served at least one year of home confinement during the Covid-19 pandemic.

This announcement follows Biden’s controversial pardon of his son, Hunter Biden, for federal charges earlier in December. The president also pardoned US citizens convicted of non-violent offences, particularly drug-related crimes, emphasising rehabilitation and equality in sentencing.

“America was founded on the principles of possibility and second chances,” Biden stated. He explained that his role includes offering clemency to those who have shown genuine remorse and made efforts to reintegrate into society, while addressing sentencing disparities that disproportionately affect certain groups.

Thursday’s clemency actions included individuals like a nurse who led emergency disaster responses, a pilot aiding church members in need, and an addiction counsellor supporting at-risk youth. The Biden administration has vowed to continue reviewing clemency petitions to promote justice and reintegration.

Presidential powers to pardon or commute sentences apply exclusively to federal offences, not state crimes. The recent acts outpace the clemency record set by Barack Obama, who issued 330 in a single day in 2017, now the second-largest single-day total.

The president’s actions also address the impact of the pandemic on incarcerated populations. During the height of Covid-19, one in five prisoners contracted the virus, prompting the release of some inmates to home confinement to curb infections.

Biden’s pardon of his son Hunter has drawn criticism. Hunter Biden, 54, was convicted on federal gun charges in June and pleaded guilty to tax-related offences in September. Biden defended his decision, claiming that Hunter was unfairly targeted by prosecutors and reaffirming that he had avoided involvement in his son’s legal cases.

The clemency announcement coincides with pressure from advocates urging Biden to address systemic issues, including federal death row cases. Additionally, the administration is reportedly considering preemptive pardons for individuals who may face retribution under the upcoming Trump administration, particularly those involved in investigating election interference.

Sam Cooke: A Voice for Change Silenced Too Soon

Sam Cooke: A Voice for Change Silenced Too Soon

The iconic soul singer’s mysterious death raised questions, but his music and civil rights impact resonate beyond the shadows.

Sam Cooke, the legendary soul voice of the Sixties, met an untimely and controversial death at the age of 33, when he was fatally shot by the manager of a modest Los Angeles motel. While the official narrative cited self-defence, conspiracy theories have long swirled, attributing his death to possible foul play involving mob interests, civil rights antagonists, or professional betrayal.

On 10 December 1964, Cooke spent the evening at Martoni’s restaurant, flaunting his recent earnings. Later, he was reported to have driven to the Hacienda Motel with a young woman, Elisa Boyer. Accused of attempting to assault her, Cooke was ultimately shot by the motel’s manager, Bertha Franklin. The incident was quickly deemed a “justifiable homicide,” but his family and admirers questioned this version of events, painting a very different picture of the man they knew—gentle, influential, and deeply committed to civil rights.

Despite the murky details surrounding his death, Cooke’s legacy as a trailblazer in music and activism is indelible. His timeless anthem, A Change Is Gonna Come, released just days after his death, became a rallying cry for the civil rights movement, capturing the hope and struggle of Black Americans. Known for hits like Twistin’ the Night Away and Cupid, Cooke seamlessly blended chart success with political awareness, paving the way for future artists like Otis Redding, James Brown, and Stevie Wonder.

In life, Cooke broke barriers. He was the first major Black artist to own a record label, SAR Records, and defied societal norms by refusing to play for segregated audiences. His courage extended beyond music; he stood against racism in everyday encounters, aligning himself with figures like Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X. Tragically, his life was cut short before he could realise his full potential.

Six decades later, Cooke’s music continues to inspire, reminding the world of the enduring power of art in the fight for justice. His legacy speaks not only of the soulful sound he perfected but also of a man who dared to dream of a united and equal society. As his voice echoes through generations, it serves as a beacon for change yet to come.

Syrian Families Reunite as Fighters Return to Rebuild Lives

Syrian Families Reunite as Fighters Return to Rebuild Lives

Moments of joy and sorrow as former rebels come home to a war-torn nation in need of renewal.

Monday marked a bittersweet milestone as Syrian rebels returned home to reunite with loved ones and begin rebuilding their lives in a shattered homeland. Among them was Mohammed Abu al-Zaid, a former rebel commander, whose recent steps into the Syrian state broadcaster’s headquarters starkly contrasted his stormy entrance years ago when he declared the fall of the Assad regime on live television.

“I made the decision on the spot,” Zaid reflected, recounting the events from the anchor’s chair, now adorned with the opposition’s flag. His uncle, Abu Bilal, a fellow fighter who had returned to Damascus after years of battle, watched the moment unfold on a mobile screen.

Bilal was one of thousands who made the journey back to the capital and its outskirts, leaving behind frontlines in Homs. Trucks carried fighters into the city amidst cheers and the waving of revolutionary flags. Emotional reunions followed, as families greeted returning men with flower petals and tears.

“I haven’t seen my uncle in eight years or my brother in four,” Zaid said, over the echoes of celebratory gunfire. For Bilal, the years apart were marked by battles in Douma and displacement to Idlib under uneasy truce agreements. Now, their home in east Ghouta lay in ruins, untouched by reconstruction since fighting ended in 2018.

Driving through the devastated city, Bilal pointed to the remnants of buildings destroyed by government airstrikes. “East Ghouta was known for its greenery, but it’s now a desert,” he lamented, recalling the chemical attacks of 2013 and the immense loss of life.

Despite the desolation, both men expressed hopes of rebuilding. Bilal planned to revive his restaurant business, while Zaid envisioned working his land in Kanaker. “We’ll lay down arms when there’s a unified state and a proper army,” Bilal declared.

The arrival of returning fighters shifted the power dynamics in Damascus, with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) consolidating control under the leadership of Abu Mohammed al-Jolani. HTS set up checkpoints and curbed celebratory gunfire in the city.

For now, fears about the future took a backseat to the joy of family reunions. Samira Abdul Rizk, Bilal’s sister, reflected on the moment as her once-empty home in east Ghouta filled with loved ones again. “This house hasn’t seen so much life in years,” she said, smiling through tears.