STATEMENT ON CHINA'S MILITARY DRILLS: DECEMBER 2025

LONDON, Dec. 30 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: An FCDO spokesperson said: China's military exercises around Taiwan this week increase cross-strait tensions and the risk of escalation. A peaceful Taiwan Strait is critical to global prosperity and the UK economy. We consider the Taiwan issue one to be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion. We do not sup...


DR FIONA RAYMENT HONOURED WITH DBE BY HIS MAJESTY THE KING

LONDON, Dec. 30 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS) Board Member, Dr Fiona Rayment, has been appointed DBE (Dame Commander of the Order of British Empire) by His Majesty the King in the New Year's Honours List, for her services to the nuclear industry. NDA Group Chief Executive Officer, David Peattie, said: I'm delighted to congratulate Fiona on this well-deserved recognition, which honours her distinguished career and outstand...


UK CELEBRATES RECIPENTS FROM NI IN NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST

LONDON, Dec. 30 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Those receiving honours in Northern Ireland include Olympian champion Rhys McClenaghan who receives an MBE for services to gymnastics. The 26-year old won a sensational gold medal on the Pommel Horse at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris for Ireland. The oldest recipient this year in the region is 82-year-old Florence Victoria Methven for voluntary service to the NSPCC and to the community in Newcastle, County Down...


UK CELEBRATES SCOTS IN HM THE KING'S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST

LONDON, Dec. 30 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: Those receiving honours in Scotland includeRoland Christian Douglas Schau Engebretson, who established Macaulay College on the Isle of Lewis to address a critical gap in post-school opportunities for young adults with learning disabilities and additional support needs. Louise Goughreceives a BEM for services to Foster Care, after serving as a Foster Carer for 28 years and providing a stable and supportive enviro...


CSOC PERSONNEL RECOGNISED IN NEW YEAR'S HONOURS LIST 2026

LONDON, Dec. 30 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The following individuals from CSOC have been recognised: Commander of the British Empire (CBE) - Operations * British Army Brigadier S J J MARKS Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) * British Army Colonel D A CHAMBERLAIN * British Army Colonel C M MORTON Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) - Operations * British Army Lieutenant Colonel J A JEEVARATNAM Member of the Order of the Br...


Raistar and Gyan Gaming Step Into MOBA 5v5, Ushering a Strategic Revolution in Indian Esports.

New Delhi, Dec. 29 -- India's esports narrative is witnessing a pivotal moment. Gaming icons Raistar and Gyan Gaming have officially entered the MOBA 5v5 ecosystem, leaving behind the fast-paced reflex-centric world of Free Fire. This move is more than a personal career evolution-it signals the maturation of India's gaming ecosystem, prioritizing strategy, collaboration, and long-term skill development. Popular Indian gamers leave behind reflex-driven gameplay to embrace teamwork, strategy, and...


Samarjit Lankesh wins hearts in Vrushabha, starring Mohanlal

India, Dec. 29 -- Released on December 25, Vrushabha has been receiving strong attention, and one performance that is clearly standing out is that of Samarjit Lankesh. With his intense screen presence and committed acting, Samarjit is steadily winning hearts and earning praise from audiences.A major highlight of his performance is the film's power-packed fight sequences, where Samarjit delivers with remarkable conviction and physicality. His action scenes have been widely appreciated for their r...


ISCL Season 1 Concludes as a Historic Milestone for Indian Softball Cricket; Punjab Crowned Champions in a Thrilling Finale

India, Dec. 29 -- BANGALORE, INDIA - The inaugural season of the Indian Softball League (ISCL) has officially drawn to a close, marking a transformative era for softball cricket in India. Held from December 1st to December 21st at the prestigious Kini Sports Arena in Bangalore, Season 1 successfully blended national diversity, high-octane competition, and professional sporting standards to create a landmark event in the Indian sporting calendar.A Nationwide Movement of TalentISCL Season 1 was de...


SFO SECURITY HEAD AWARDED OBE IN NEW YEAR HONOURS

LONDON, Dec. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) is delighted to announce that Narinder Shergill, who leads our Departmental Security Unit, has been awarded an OBE in the New Year Honours List 2026 for Services to the Administration of Justice. Since joining the SFO in 2014, Narinder has been instrumental in delivering security risk management and ensuring the safety and security of the organisation as it pursues complex fraud, b...


WELSH SECRETARY LOOKS AHEAD TO BRIGHT 2026 FOR WALES

LONDON, Dec. 29 -- The government of the United Kingdom issued the following news: The coming new year will see the delivery of jobs, growth and increased investment in Wales, Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens has said. Throughout 2025 the UK Government has delivered transformative investment in Wales with measures to grow the economy, create jobs and tackle the cost of living. November saw one of the most significant infrastructure investments in Welsh history with the announcement that Wylfa on An...