Latest news with #RedLines
Irish Post
a day ago
- Politics
- Irish Post
Varadkar says Farage as PM could accelerate Irish unification
FORMER Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Irish unification could come about much more quickly if Nigel Farage were to become prime minister. Varadkar said Farage's rise to power could significantly shift public opinion in Northern Ireland and Scotland on remaining part of the UK. Describing British politics as 'very volatile' in a BBC interview, Varadkar said it's plausible that Farage could lead Britain within the next decade. While Reform won only five seats in the 2024 general election, it made notable gains in local elections across Britain. However, critics argue that Farage's popularity in parts of England may not translate into immediate political upheaval across the UK. 'There are people from both communities in Northern Ireland who value liberal and European ideals,' he said. 'If a future UK government contrasts sharply with one in Dublin, that could push more people toward voting for unification.' He also believes a Farage premiership could bolster support for Scottish independence. Regarding the possibility of a united Ireland, Varadkar stated that it is time to begin planning, although holding a referendum is not immediately necessary. 'We're not there yet in terms of numbers, but the direction is clear—demographics and polling show growing support, particularly among younger voters.' Later on the Red Lines podcast, Varadkar said he would trade two years of economic growth for Irish unity, arguing that the long-term benefits would outweigh any short-term costs. A 2024 report estimated the cost of unification at €20 billion over 20 years. He stressed that unity won't happen by accident: 'It must be worked towards. Those of us who believe in it have a duty to make the case.' See More: Irish Unification, Leo Varadkar, Nigel Farage, Northern Ireland
Hi Dubai
09-06-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Mohammed bin Rashid Launches Dubai Metro Blue Line to Transform Urban Mobility
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has officially laid the foundation stone for the Dubai Metro Blue Line, marking a major leap forward in the emirate's transportation infrastructure. Spanning 30 kilometres with 14 new stations, the Blue Line is set to connect nine key districts and serve over one million residents by 2040. Expanding Dubai's Rail Network The Blue Line will link the existing Green and Red Lines through interchange stations at Al Jaddaf, Al Rashidiya, and International City 1. It will stretch from Creek Station to Centrepoint Station, covering strategic areas including Mirdif, Al Warqa, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Academic City. The project also features the first-ever metro viaduct crossing Dubai Creek and the largest underground interchange station in the network. Once complete, Dubai's rail system will extend to 131 kilometres, with 78 stations and 168 trains, cementing the metro's role as the backbone of the city's mass transit system. A Record-Breaking Iconic Station Among the Blue Line's standout features is the Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour. Designed by global architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the 74-metre-tall structure will be the world's highest metro station. Covering 11,000 square metres, it will accommodate up to 160,000 passengers daily and is expected to see 70,000 daily users by 2040. The station's design merges luxury and function, featuring materials like Jura limestone, bronze panels, and granite flooring. Natural light, elegant spatial design, and sustainable architecture embody Dubai's vision of future-ready infrastructure. Driving Sustainability and Economic Growth The Blue Line supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, reinforcing goals such as reduced traffic congestion, increased land value near stations, and enhanced public mobility. According to RTA projections, the line will generate over AED 56.5 billion in total economic, environmental, and social benefits by 2040, with a benefit-cost ratio of 2.60. It will also help reduce traffic congestion by 20% in areas it serves and support Dubai's "20-minute city" vision, ensuring that essential services are within a short commute for residents. The Blue Line is designed to serve rapidly growing communities and economic hubs. It will provide direct metro access to Dubai International Airport and nine major areas, including Dubai Festival City, International City, and Academic City—which is projected to accommodate over 50,000 university students by 2029. The project also ensures seamless multimodal connectivity with dedicated bus bays, bike and e-scooter parking, and facilities for people of determination. A New Era in Public Transport Since its inauguration in 2009, the Dubai Metro has transported over 2.5 billion passengers and currently averages 900,000 daily riders. With the addition of the Blue Line, the network's capacity will exceed 850,000 passengers per day. Daily ridership on the Blue Line alone is expected to hit 200,000 by 2030 and 320,000 by 2040. The Blue Line is the fifth strategic addition to Dubai's transit system, following the Red and Green Lines, the Dubai Tram, and Route 2020. It represents a critical step toward making Dubai the world's best city to live in—an ambition firmly rooted in sustainable development and smart urban planning. News Source: Dubai Media Office
Daily News Egypt
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily News Egypt
Adel Imam turns 85: Egypt's enduring icon of laughter, defiance, and truth
This year, the legendary Adel Imam turns eighty-five, yet he remains an irreplaceable presence in the collective memory of Egyptians and Arabs alike—not merely as a beloved actor, but as a cultural force who made generations laugh, reflect, and confront uncomfortable truths. His work has always gone beyond entertainment; he became the nation's mirror, capturing its joys and wounds, its revolutions and its regressions. 'Valentino': Legacy and Continuity In 'Valentino' (Ramadan 2020), Imam returned to the screen with a series that fused social comedy with subtle critique. Addressing Egypt's educational system through satire, he shared the screen with the late Dalal Abdel Aziz and lifelong friend Samir Sabri. By spotlighting young talent, Imam demonstrated a long-standing belief: art lives on only through generational renewal. As always, he delivered laughter with a dose of truth. Defying Red Lines with a Smile From his earliest films, Adel Imam never bowed to censorship. In 'Bakhit wa Adeela' (1995), he took direct aim at parliament, portraying MPs as corrupt profiteers. While some focused on the film's romantic scenes, its deeper message was a bold political critique. The same subversive spirit animated 'Elwad Mahrous Betaa Alwazir,' which cloaked a biting indictment of government corruption in comedic form. Standing Up to Extremism In the 1990s, as terrorism spread and artists were targeted, Imam did not retreat. Against the advice of loved ones, he released 'The Terrorist,' confronting extremism at a time when fear silenced many. The film drew fierce backlash, but its impact resonated more deeply than any editorial—art became resistance. The Stage as a Platform of Protest Imam's stage plays, including 'Al Zaeem' and 'Body Guard,' continued his tradition of critique—lampooning power structures and even mocking late president Hosni Mubarak. These performances risked state reprisal, but Imam remained undeterred, committed to the principle that an artist must speak truth to power. A Return to Political Drama With 'Firqat Nagy Atallah' (2012), Imam marked his return to television, delivering a scathing portrait of Arab disunity. His most piercing line—'Countries toppling over countries'—summed up the region's geopolitical chaos. Later, in 'Ostaz wa Ra'ees Qesm' (2015), he tackled Egypt's most pivotal era: the lead-up to and aftermath of the January Revolution. The show offered a balanced, human portrayal of diverse political factions, emphasizing that disagreement is not division, but democracy in motion. More Than an Actor: A Conscience Throughout his career, Adel Imam was not merely a performer. He was a thinker, a provocateur, and a master of nuance. Every role carried a message, every film a mirror to society's contradictions. He possessed the rare courage to articulate the unspoken, offering Egypt not just entertainment, but introspection. A Legacy Etched in Laughter and Truth Now, in 2025, Adel Imam remains the joyful soul and the unflinching voice of Egypt. He spoke when others were silent, laughed in the face of fear, and gave his people not only reasons to smile, but the clarity to understand themselves. His legacy is not only in what he portrayed—but in what he challenged, what he defended, and what he dared to say. He is not just 'Al Zaeem' ('The Leader'). He is Egypt—when it laughs, when it questions, and when it refuses to be silenced.
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
State to reclaim Hebbal land for key infrastructure projects
Shobha Karandlaje Mohandas Pai After prolonged uncertainty, the Karnataka government has now made it clear that it intends to reclaim the strategically located 45-acre land parcel in Hebbal to facilitate major infrastructure developments. Following a high-level meeting on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar confirmed the decision, stating, 'We have firmly decided to acquire this land. It is essential for key projects including the Metro depot, tunnel road, and an integrated transport hub. Compensation will be offered in the form of TDR, FAR, or other applicable norms—but we cannot let go of this land. It is the gateway to Bengaluru, and we must upgrade the entire area.'The decision comes amid delays in handing over the land to BMRCL, raising speculation that real estate interests may be slowing the process. With mounting pressure from various stakeholders including MPand entrepreneur, who have called on the state to fast-track the Metro-related land transfer, Monday's announcement is seen as a critical step forward. The Deputy CM added that the government has directed planners to create a comprehensive development blueprint combining the Metro, tunnel road, and a multi-modal transport hub to maximise the land's public said that the disputed land was originally acquired by KIADB in 2000 for a private company, but as the company failed to develop it, BMRCL offered `12.10 crore per acre, amounting to `551.15 crore, to purchase the land for Phase 3. The Metro authority had initially sought 6,712.97 square meters and had already purchased it at the same rate set by KIADB. Now, it seeks an additional 45 acres for its expansion. The land is technically under KIADB's control but was acquired for private use, creating legal aims to build a crucial Metro station at Hebbal under Phase 3, connecting JP Nagar 4th Phase to Kempapura via the Orange Line. Additionally, it plans to establish stations for the Blue and Red Lines and integrate the suburban rail project (K-RIDE), along with multi-level car parking, a multi-modal transport hub, a bus terminal, and a Metro depot. If the government directly transfers the land through KIADB, legal disputes could arise, leading to a potential 10–12-year court battle. To avoid delays, the government previously suggested that BMRCL negotiate directly with the private company to reach an amicable settlement. The upcoming meeting will be crucial in determining the way forward for this vital infrastructure project.
