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Saudi Arabia Announces Eid Al Fitr 2026 Public Holidays for Government and Private Sectors RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has announced the public holidays for Eid Al Fitr in 2026, a significant event that is celebrated by Muslims worldwide. According to official sources, the government sector will have a three-day break from June 15th to June 17th, while the private sector will follow suit with a four-day holiday from June 14th to June 18th. The announcement was made by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior. The move is expected to provide employees with ample time to celebrate the holy festival with their families and loved ones. Eid Al Fitr is a significant Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. During this period, Muslims around the world come together to break their fasts and share meals with family and friends. The celebrations are marked by traditional sweets, new clothes, and social gatherings. The government's decision to announce public holidays for Eid Al Fitr in advance is aimed at ensuring that employees have sufficient time to make necessary arrangements and travel plans without any disruptions. The move is also expected to boost the country's tourism industry, as millions of people are likely to take advantage of the long weekend to visit popular destinations within the kingdom. Saudi Arabia has a diverse population of over 34 million people, with Muslims making up around 90% of the total population. The country has a reputation for being one of the most conservative Islamic nations, and its adherence to traditional values is reflected in its public holidays and celebrations. The announcement of Eid Al Fitr public holidays comes as a welcome relief to employees acro...#Saudi_Arabia #Ramadan #Eid_Al_Fitr #Ministry_of_Human_Resources_and_Social_Development #Ministry_of_Interior

Lara Dutta Feels 'Nervous' and 'Stressed' While Stranded in Dubai with Daughter and Mahesh Bhupathi Former Miss Universe Lara Dutta has opened up about the harrowing experience of being stranded in Dubai with her daughter and husband, tennis player Mahesh Bhupathi, amidst the Middle East conflict. In an interview, she revealed that she felt "nervous" and "stressed" during the ordeal. The trio was stuck in Dubai after a trip to India got disrupted due to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Palestine. Dutta shared that they were forced to stay indoors for several days, with no clear idea when they could leave the country. "I remember hearing explosions outside our hotel window," she recalled. "It was really stressful and nerve-wracking. We were stuck inside, not knowing what was going on or when we would be able to leave." Dutta, who is a mother to four-year-old Saira, revealed that her daughter kept asking her if they could go home, which added to her anxiety. "I was trying to keep myself calm for my child's sake, but it was really tough," she admitted. The actress also spoke about the challenges of being away from family and friends during such a critical time. "We were stuck in Dubai with no phone signal or internet. It was like living in a bubble," she said. Despite the difficulties, Dutta praised Bhupathi for his calm demeanor during the crisis. "Mahesh was really cool and composed throughout the whole ordeal. He kept me and Saira calm, which helped a lot." The situation finally normalized when India's government issued an advisory asking its citizens to leave the UAE due to safety concerns. The trio managed to return home safely. Dutta's experience serves as a reminder of the uncertainties that people face during times of conflict and crisis.#India #Israel #Dubai #UAE #Palestine #Lara_Dutta #Saira #Mahesh_Bhupathi

South Africa vs New Zealand semi-final The stage is set for a thrilling encounter as South Africa take on New Zealand in the second semi-final of the T20 Cricket World Cup 2026. The Proteas, led by captain Temba Bavuma, are looking to make it to their first-ever T20 World Cup final, while the Kiwis, captained by Kane Williamson, are seeking to reach the final for the third time. South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first, with Quinton de Kock and Reeza Hendricks setting the tone with a 50-run opening stand. The Proteas eventually posted a competitive total of 180-6 in their 20 overs, thanks mainly to some late fireworks from David Miller, who blasted 24 off just 11 balls. New Zealand's chase got off to a steady start, with Finn Allen and Devon Conway putting on 45 runs for the opening wicket. However, the Kiwis lost their way slightly in the middle overs, with the Proteas' bowling attack keeping them in check. With 38 needed from the final three overs, New Zealand looked like they would fall short, but a stunning late cameo from Glenn Phillips, who hit an unbeaten 21 off just seven balls, kept his team's hopes alive. As it stands, South Africa are ahead by eight runs with four balls remaining, and the Proteas' fans will be hoping their team can hold on to secure a historic final spot. For New Zealand, it's a chance to salvage something from what has been a disappointing campaign so far. Score: South Africa 180-6, New Zealand 172-4 (17 overs) Radio commentary is available on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, with highlights and analysis set to follow the match.#South_Africa #David_Miller #Finn_Allen #Devon_Conway #Glenn_Phillips #New_Zealand #Quinton_de_Kock #Temba_Bavuma #Reeza_Hendricks #Kane_Williamson #T20_Cricket_World_Cup_2026

UK Stock Market Calms But Oil Prices Rise Over Fears Iran War May Drag On The UK stock market has calmed down after a volatile start to the week, but oil prices have continued to rise amid concerns that the conflict in Iraq may drag on for longer than expected. The FTSE 100 index ended the day up 0.3% at 7,143 points, having fallen as much as 1.5% earlier. The oil price surge came as Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed to exact revenge on the United States and its allies after the killing of top Iranian military commander Qasem Soleimani in a US drone strike last week. Brent crude oil rose $2.10 a barrel, or 3%, to settle at $70.50. Despite the continued turmoil in the Middle East, investors seemed to take comfort from comments by Saudi Arabia's crown prince that his country is "prepared" to increase its oil production if needed. The kingdom has been working closely with the US and other global leaders to contain the fallout from the crisis. The rise in oil prices came as the global benchmark hit a 2019 high of $71.30, but it was still below the peak reached during the height of tensions between Iran and the West last summer. The increase in oil prices has raised concerns about inflation and the impact on consumer spending, particularly for households already feeling squeezed by the rising cost of living. Meanwhile, the US Federal Reserve's decision to cut interest rates for the third time this year was seen as a positive development for investors, who had been worried that the central bank might hike rates in response to the oil price surge. The rate cut has helped to boost investor confidence and reduce concerns about the potential impact of higher borrowing costs on the economy. The ongoing uncertainty over the conflict i...#Iraq #Iran #Saudi_Arabia #United_States #US_Federal_Reserve #Qasem_Soleimani #FTSE_100 #Brent_crude_oil

Indie dev says 'best I can do is sentient tofu' after fans demand a male protagonist—they respond oh yeah, actually Mr Tofu works fine, thanks Everyone got what they wanted. Kind of. #Indie_dev #male_protagonist #works_fine #sentient_tofu #Tofu_works #fans_demand

Piet Botha leans on Kagiso Rabada's fire in Blackcaps T20 World Cup semi-final The Proteas' Piet Botha has called upon the services of star fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to help guide the team through their highly anticipated T20 World Cup semi-final clash against the Blackcaps. The match, set to take place at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Wednesday, promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the world's top cricket teams. Botha, who has been instrumental in the Proteas' impressive campaign thus far, believes that Rabada's explosive bowling will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the match. "Kagiso is an absolute game-changer," Botha said during a pre-match press conference. "He's got the ability to take wickets at any stage of the game, and his pace and accuracy are simply unmatched." Rabada has been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, claiming 12 wickets at an average of just 11.33. His impressive stats have earned him a reputation as one of the most feared fast bowlers in the world. The Blackcaps, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on their own strong form, having won four consecutive matches to reach the semi-finals. Captain Kane Williamson has praised his team's resilience and adaptability, stating that they are well-equipped to handle whatever challenges the Proteas may throw at them. "This is what it's all about – we've worked so hard to get to this point, and now we're eager to give it our best shot," Williamson said. "We know the Proteas are a formidable opponent, but we're confident in our ability to rise to the occasion." The highly anticipated match promises to be an electrifying encounter between two of the world's top cricket teams. With Rabada and the Blackcaps' star all-rounder Jimmy Neesham set to do battle, fans can...#Kagiso_Rabada #Kane_Williamson #Jimmy_Neesham #Melbourne_Cricket_Ground_MCG #Mark_Boucher

Kagiso Rabada Backed to Step Up in Semifinals Despite Poor Luck in T20 World Cup 2026 South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada has been backed by his team-mate Temba Bavuma to bounce back from a string of misfortunes and step up in the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. Rabada, who has been one of South Africa's most successful bowlers over the years, has had a hard luck run in the tournament so far. In the group stages, Rabada picked up four wickets but his efforts were not enough to help South Africa win two crucial matches against New Zealand and Pakistan. He also went wicketless in another match against Sri Lanka. Despite this, Bavuma believes that Rabada has the quality and experience to turn things around in the knockout stage. "Rabada is a world-class bowler and he knows how to perform under pressure," Bavuma said in an interview. "He's had a bit of tough luck so far but I'm sure he'll bounce back strong in the semifinals. We've got a lot of faith in him and we're expecting big things from him." Rabada has been working hard with the South Africa coaching staff to fine-tune his skills and adapt to different conditions. His team-mates are also confident that he will make amends for his poor form. "Kagiso is a fighter," said South Africa captain Heinrich Klaasen. "He's always been known for his ability to bounce back from setbacks and I'm sure he'll do the same in the semifinals." South Africa face Australia in the first semifinal on Saturday, with Rabada expected to play a key role in their bowling attack. Despite the poor luck, Rabada remains a potent threat and South Africa will be relying on him to help them reach the final of the tournament.#Sri_Lanka #Australia #Pakistan #South_Africa #Kagiso_Rabada #New_Zealand #Temba_Bavuma #ICC_Mens_T20_World_Cup_2026 #Heinrich_Klaasen

Temba Bavuma Puts His Money On Struggling Kagiso Rabada To Deliver In T20 World Cup Semifinal South African all-rounder Temba Bavuma has put his money on struggling fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to deliver something special ahead of the T20 World Cup semifinal against Pakistan. Bavuma, who has been a consistent performer with the bat for the Proteas, believes that Rabada's ability to bowl yorkers and mix up his pace can be a game-changer in the crucial encounter. Rabada, who was one of the most feared fast bowlers in international cricket just a few years ago, has struggled for form in recent times. However, Bavuma is confident that the left-arm quick can rediscover his mojo and make a significant impact in the semifinal. "I think Kagiso has been working really hard on his game and he's got the ability to bowl yorkers and mix up his pace," Bavuma said. "If he can get it right, I think he can be a real handful for the Pakistani batsmen. We're all backing him to deliver something special in the semifinal." Bavuma also praised Rabada's work ethic and dedication, saying that the fast bowler has been putting in extra hours at training to improve his game. "Kagiso is someone who always puts in a lot of hard work and he's never satisfied with just doing enough," Bavuma said. "He's always looking for ways to get better and I think that's one of the reasons why he's such a talented bowler." The semifinal between South Africa and Pakistan will be played on November 10 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with the winner advancing to the final of the T20 World Cup.#Pakistan #South_Africa #Kagiso_Rabada #T20_World_Cup #Temba_Bavuma #Melbourne_Cricket_Ground

ICC T20 World Cup 2026: Top 5 Performers For South Africa Including Markram, Ngidi The ICC T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final between South Africa and New Zealand was an intense match that went down to the wire. In a thrilling encounter, South Africa managed to edge out their opponents by just four runs, thanks in part to some outstanding individual performances. Here are the top five performers for South Africa, including Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi. Aiden Markram's impressive 54-ball 74-run innings was instrumental in setting up South Africa's total of 177/5. His partnership with Quinton de Kock (33) laid the foundation for a strong start to the innings. Markram's aggressive batting style, which included four fours and three sixes, ensured that he finished as the top scorer for his team. Lungi Ngidi's impressive bowling figures of 3-23 in four overs were crucial in restricting New Zealand's scoring options. His ability to bowl yorkers at will and also extract pace from a good length made him a nightmare for the Kiwi batsmen. Ngidi's three wickets included the scalp of dangerman Devon Conway, who was dismissed for just five runs. The other top performers for South Africa were Temba Bavuma (34), David Miller (23), and Kagiso Rabada (2-29). Bavuma's 31-ball innings featured three fours and a six, while Miller's 21-ball knock included two fours. Rabada's wickets came at crucial stages of the match, as he ensured that New Zealand never got going. Overall, South Africa's top five performers played a key role in securing their spot in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final. With Markram and Ngidi leading the charge, they will be confident of making a strong...#South_Africa #David_Miller #Devon_Conway #Aiden_Markram #Kagiso_Rabada #New_Zealand #Quinton_de_Kock #Temba_Bavuma #Lungi_Ngidi #ICC_T20_World_Cup_2026

Gyro Spin vs Side Spin: What Baseball Tells Us About Lungi Ngidi's Devilish Slower Balls The ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 has been a treat for cricket fans, with bowlers like Lungi Ngidi showcasing their skills on the field. The South African pacer is known for his ability to bowl slower balls that can deceive even the best batsmen. But what makes these deliveries so effective? To find out, we can turn to an unlikely source: baseball. In baseball, spin is classified into two main categories: gyro spin and side spin. Gyro spin refers to the rotation of the ball around its axis, which creates a unique movement that can make it difficult for batters to hit. Side spin, on the other hand, is the amount of rotation imparted onto the ball as it moves through the air. When it comes to Lungi Ngidi's slower balls, the key is not just the speed but also the spin he imparts onto the ball. His deliveries often feature a combination of both gyro and side spin, which makes them extremely difficult for batsmen to read. According to baseball coaches, when a pitcher throws a ball with significant gyro spin, it creates a "dead zone" around the strike zone. This means that any bat swing made in this area will likely result in a weak or ineffective hit. Ngidi's slower balls often feature this type of spin, making it challenging for batsmen to make solid contact. The side spin, on the other hand, adds an extra layer of complexity to the delivery. When a ball moves through the air with significant side spin, it creates a "curve" that can cause the ball to drop or move in unexpected ways. This makes it even more difficult for batsmen to anticipate where the ball will go. In Ngidi's case, his slower balls often feature a combination of both gyro and side spin. This...#Cricket #Lungi_Ngidi #ICC_Mens_T20_World_Cup_2026 #South_African_pacer #Gyro_spin #Side_spin #Baseball