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People in Gaza starving, sick and dying as aid blockade continues

The risk of famine in Gaza is increasing with the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid, including food, in the ongoing blockade.

The entire 2.1 million population of Gaza is facing prolonged food shortages, with nearly half a million people in a catastrophic situation of hunger, acute malnutrition, starvation, illness and death. This is one of the world’s worst hunger crises, unfolding in real time.

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Live updates: Trump defends the prospect of Qatar gifting him a plane to use as Air Force One

Live updates: Trump defends the prospect of Qatar gifting him a plane to use as Air Force One [deltaMinutes] mins ago Now
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The innovative ice-cream makers at Salt & Straw serve up secrets and recipes in a new cookbook

The innovative ice-cream makers at Salt & Straw serve up secrets and recipes in a new cookbook
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Millions Across Three States Issued Air-Quality Warnings

Texas, Ohio, and Minnesota residents were warned of ozone pollution levels that were potentially unhealthy for sensitive groups on Monday.
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Princess Charlotte Being the Royal Odd One Out Caught on Camera

Princess Charlotte remaining perfectly restrained while her family reacted to a military parade went viral on TikTok.
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Florida Woman Details Horror of Being Detained Despite Being US Citizen

The woman claimed that her social media accounts were searched and she question on how much money she earns on TikTok.
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Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ federal sex trafficking trial set to start Monday with opening statements

Prosecutors and Combs’ lawyers are set to each deliver their first pitch to jurors after a 12-person panel, plus six alternates, is finalized and sworn in Monday morning.
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Why the memories of this Knicks season are yet to be determined

The story of the Knicks’ season is still being written — and that’s true even if they don’t win it all.
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ADB Finances 90% of Road Projects in Tajikistan’s Regions

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has financed the construction and reconstruction of 90% of all roads in Tajikistan outside the capital, Dushanbe. This was announced by Evgeny Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia, during the 58th Annual Meeting of the Bank’s Board of Governors in Milan.

Tajikistan’s Largest Transport Infrastructure Investor

According to Zhukov, Tajikistan has long been a key partner for the ADB. Since the start of cooperation, the bank has invested approximately $2.7 billion in the country, with the majority of funds directed toward public sector development.

“If you travel outside Dushanbe, there is a 90% chance the roads you are on were built or modernized with ADB support. This confirms the effectiveness of our investments,” Zhukov stated.

Laziza Sabirova, Head of Regional Cooperation and Integration at the ADB’s Central and West Asia Department, emphasized the bank’s commitment to quality control. An independent unit evaluates whether project outcomes align with initial objectives and ensures efficient use of funds.

“These specialists assess each project’s relevance and effectiveness, checking if goals were achieved, whether there was overspending, and evaluating construction quality. Post-completion, they also analyze facility use, maintenance, and any further funding needs,” Sabirova explained.

Zhukov also highlighted the ADB’s intent to strengthen cooperation with other international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. One of the largest upcoming joint initiatives will involve funding the Rogun hydroelectric power plant. The ADB plans to allocate up to $500 million for this project in the coming years.

Future Development Plans

Earlier announcements indicated that the ADB is planning around 20 major projects in Tajikistan between 2025 and 2029. These initiatives span agriculture, social services, urban development, and energy. Particular emphasis will continue to be placed on improving transport infrastructure to enhance domestic logistics and boost economic ties with neighboring countries.

Currently, the ADB’s portfolio in Tajikistan includes 19 ongoing public investment projects valued at about $1 billion. These cover key sectors such as energy, healthcare, water supply, irrigation, environmental protection, and tourism. In support of these efforts, the ADB has also provided 12 technical assistance grants totaling $11.2 million.

Supporting Economic Stability

Ko Sakamoto, the ADB’s permanent representative in Tajikistan, affirmed the bank’s ongoing partnership with the government to reinforce economic stability and improve living standards.

“Our collaboration with local partners is already producing tangible results, and we are confident that upcoming projects will contribute to sustainable development,” Sakamoto said.

Tajikistan remains one of the largest recipients of ADB grants in Central Asia. Since the beginning of their partnership in 1998, the ADB has delivered significant financial support for vital infrastructure projects, helping lay the groundwork for long-term economic progress.

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Pharmaceutical industry criticizes the drug pricing plan Trump says he’ll sign

Pharmaceutical industry criticizes the drug pricing plan Trump says he’ll sign