Archive September 3, 2025

Celine Dion reveals latest secret health scare that led to cancelled Eurovision performance

Celeline Dion has revealed that she was unable to perform at Eurovision this year due to a hidden health issue and how close she was actually to performing on the big screen.

Celine Dion had to pull out of Eurovision performance due to secret health scare(Image: Getty Images)

Celine Dion has confirmed that she was supposed to perform at the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel earlier this year, but a secret health scare stopped her from getting on stage.

Despite being in Basel at the time, the 57-year-old singer, who won the contest for Switzerland in 1988, did not appear on screen or in the final.

Celine, 57, has now revealed that she was in Basel during the 30-year anniversary of her album D’eux as part of a new documentary about the success of her Eurovision performance but was forced to withdraw at the last minute due to a secret health issue.

Celine said to the audience that she would “love nothing more” than participating in the semi-final.

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Celine Dion in a video message shown in the first Eurovision 2025 semi-final.
Celine Dion in a video message shown in the first Eurovision 2025 semi-final.(Image: BBC/Eurovision)

Dear Eurovision contestants and family. I’d rather spend the moment with you in Basel. Switzerland will forever be a special place in my heart. It was a nation that admired me and gave me the gift of being a part of something so extraordinary.

I’m so grateful for everyone who supported me and for winning the 1988 Eurovision song contest for Switzerland.

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Fans suspected she might perform in person at the final when her private jet was spotted in Basel. Only hours before the show, Eurovision’s Director Martin Green CBE also hinted at a physical appearance from the singer. When asked if she would perform, he responded: “Father Christmas exists, and you’ll have to wait and see.”

Celine Dion in a red dress
After Celine’s private jet touched down in Basel, fans anticipated her participation in Eurovision.

Celine, however, did not play in or watch the Grand Finale. According to French news website Le Parisien, she was supposed to sing the song Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, which won the Eurovision championship, during rehearsals.

However, Celine had to leave the venue because she had a seizure that prevented her from singing when she arrived. Instead, four of the contestants from 2024 performed a tribute to the singer.

Since 2022, Celine has had a very limited number of nerve disorders, including stiff person syndrome, which has had a significant impact on her performance. She was able to perform at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, but the following year, she had to reschedule several dates of her Courage World Tour due to spasms.

Following the devastation of her 73-year-old husband’s death from throat cancer in 2016, which left her raising their three sons on her own, she learned of her health struggles.

Celine Dion in a white dress
The singer performed at the 2024 Olympic ceremony from the Eiffel Tower(Image: Screengrab by IOC via Getty Imag)

Recent reports claim that Celine is “meltingly rehearsing to perform again” and is recovering well. She’s doing great, her health is in good shape, and she’s hitting the high notes once more, according to a source inside of RadarOnline.com.

She continues with her physical therapy to treat her SPS while gently rehearsing at home. Thanks to all the vocal exercises she’s been doing, she’s moving pretty well and has a wonderful voice.

People are shocked to see how well-rounded she is now. She still has her bad days, of course, but she’s getting stronger.

Celine discussed her experience with her illness while on the Taking Chances tour in 2008 in a conversation with Vogue. My voice started to become difficult to control. It would then spasm before going high. You go to the ENT right away as a singer, she said.

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Doctors found no issues with her vocal cords despite conducting thorough examinations. Celine was pleasantly surprised when she finally learned the diagnosis. Although it may seem strange, I experienced relief after being diagnosed. She said it gave me the opportunity to stop fighting the illness and begin working on it.

A lot of her weight was lifted when she was exposed to the general public. Although it’s been a burden, I can now focus on my reality now that it’s out in the world, which is very liberating. “It’s time for me to rejoice again.

Lorraine shows off the perfect on-sale denim midi dress that sculpts the waist

The sculpting denim dress from Lorraine Kelly is currently available for purchase and is ideal for the cooler months of the year.

Lorraine Kelly nails autumnal style in flattering denim dress (Image: Instagram @lorrainekellysmith)

It seems like autumn is well and truly creeping in with the rainy and gloomy weather we’ve been experiencing this week. And don’t forget to check out our top breakfast show hosts if you’ve been having trouble deciding what to wear. This week, they’ve been showcasing some incredible transitional clothing and giving us all the inspiration we need.

We’ve been adoring the autumnal hues, from Kate Garraway’s “green goddess” to Sian Welby’s “designer-looking boucle co-ord.” And now Lorraine is embracing one of the hottest trends for the fall, and she even has a sale for her chic midi.

The host wore the Karen Millen Stretch Denim Tab Belt Detail Midi Dress to show Lorraine early yesterday. This chic midi dress is currently priced at £104.30, which is a significant 30% off of the usual £149 price.

And this dress perfectly captures the denim season’s defining trend. Denim is a staple for autumn and winter, but it’s even bigger this year. Everything from boots to bags and dresses is covered in denim.

Kate Garraway’s £35 White Stuff midi dress with pockets and a “green goddess” was hailed by GMB fans as “green goddess.”

On a little-known savings site, read more about Charlotte Tilbury’s best-selling blush wand, which was reduced from £30 to £13.

Lorraine Kelly
The denim midi hails from Karen Millen and is currently on sale(Image: Instagram @lorrainekellysmith / Karen Millen )

This autumn, deep wash is undoubtedly the best way to elevate your denim, and it really does tick all the right things by providing a more chic alternative to bleach or light wash.

Alongside this, the midi features a flattering A-line silhouette, plus a belt detail that helps to cinch and sculpt the waist to your desire. The short sleeves and midi length make this dress perfect for the awkward in-between weather we’re currently experiencing, where it’s hot one minute and raining the next.

Continue reading the article.

However, adding on a pair of knee-high boots and a chunky knit cardigan or suede blazer to the look can be done for the warmer months. With shirts, jackets, and cardigans, the collar detail also creates a cool layering effect.

Lorraine shows off the perfect on-sale denim midi dress that sculpts the waist

The sculpting denim dress from Lorraine Kelly is currently available for purchase and is ideal for the cooler months of the year.

Lorraine Kelly nails autumnal style in flattering denim dress (Image: Instagram @lorrainekellysmith)

It seems like autumn is well and truly creeping in with the rainy and gloomy weather we’ve been experiencing this week. And don’t forget to check out our top breakfast show hosts if you’ve been having trouble deciding what to wear. This week, they’ve been showcasing some incredible transitional clothing and giving us all the inspiration we need.

We’ve been adoring the autumnal hues, from Kate Garraway’s “green goddess” to Sian Welby’s “designer-looking boucle co-ord.” And now Lorraine is embracing one of the hottest trends for the fall, and she even has a sale for her chic midi.

The host wore the Karen Millen Stretch Denim Tab Belt Detail Midi Dress to show Lorraine early yesterday. This chic midi dress is currently priced at £104.30, which is a significant 30% off of the usual £149 price.

And this dress perfectly captures the denim season’s defining trend. Denim is a staple for autumn and winter, but it’s even bigger this year. Everything from boots to bags and dresses is covered in denim.

Kate Garraway’s £35 White Stuff midi dress with pockets and a “green goddess” was hailed by GMB fans as “green goddess.”

On a little-known savings site, read more about Charlotte Tilbury’s best-selling blush wand, which was reduced from £30 to £13.

Lorraine Kelly
The denim midi hails from Karen Millen and is currently on sale(Image: Instagram @lorrainekellysmith / Karen Millen )

This autumn, deep wash is undoubtedly the best way to elevate your denim, and it really does tick all the right things by providing a more chic alternative to bleach or light wash.

Alongside this, the midi features a flattering A-line silhouette, plus a belt detail that helps to cinch and sculpt the waist to your desire. The short sleeves and midi length make this dress perfect for the awkward in-between weather we’re currently experiencing, where it’s hot one minute and raining the next.

Continue reading the article.

However, adding on a pair of knee-high boots and a chunky knit cardigan or suede blazer to the look can be done for the warmer months. With shirts, jackets, and cardigans, the collar detail also creates a cool layering effect.

Steve Irwin’s daughter Bindi shocks fans with big life change announcement

The late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin’s daughter, Bidi Irwin, has revealed that she is making a significant life change, leaving only one thing behind.

Bindi Irwin shared a huge life update with her fans(Image: Getty Images)

Bindi Irwin, the 27-year-old daughter of the late Crocodile Hunter star Steve Irwin and his wife Terri Irwin, has spent almost her entire life living on the grounds of Australia Zoo with her family, including her brother, Robert Irwin. Even when she tied the knot to Chandler Powell in 2020 and welcomed her daughter, Grace, in 2021, the family stayed living at the zoo they call their home.

However, Bindi made a huge blow to her fans in a “life update” video that was shared on Instagram this week: she has officially moved out of Australia and into a Los Angeles, US apartment. Although she did not specify whether her daughter would accompany her in the busy US city, she did not.

The sudden announcement shocked Bindi fans, but the conservationist argued that the change won’t be permanent. Instead of spending the next three months living in Los Angeles, primarily to support her brother Robert, who is competing on Dancing with the Stars.

We are officially moved to Los Angeles, she said in her video. The next three months will be the only time it is not forever. The Australian Zoo will always be here.

On Dancing with the Stars, my incredible brother is being supported.

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Bindi, who was 17 years old, was able to win the US version of Strictly Come Dancing when she herself competed in the competition and is now hoping to support her sibling in winning the trophy.

She continued, “It was about ten years ago that I competed on Dancing with the Stars in America, and I actually won with my amazing partner Derek [Hough]. My little brother will now be on the show, and it was a life-changing experience for which I will always be forever grateful!

“Every week in the audience, I can’t wait to cheer him on and support him.” Because he is such a wonderful person, I know he will shine and that he will make it to the top.

She added, “It will undoubtedly be me and Grace who will cheer the loudest in the audience,” in the caption. She has already chosen her outfits to wear to ballroom audiences each week.

Bindi was praised by some on the post for supporting her brother. Both Robert and his mother, Terri, responded to the video by expressing how excited they are to begin the dance competition.

“So excited! I appreciate you supporting me with each new adventure.

Continue reading the article.

Terri declared, “We’ll be watching from September 16”!

It’s so nice to see a brother and sister so close, a fan said. He would be so proud of Steve. “We’ll be watching”

How much do India, Russia, China trade and what goods do they buy?

For the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, which ended on Monday, more than 20 non-Western leaders from non-Western countries gathered in Tianjin, China, to discuss a global economic order with the Global South at its heart.

Xi told delegates: “We must continue to take a clear stand against hegemonism and power politics, and practice true multilateralism in the face of new global tariffs that have been imposed by US President Donald Trump.

India and Russia, two of the world’s top emerging economies, together account for more than one-fifth of the world’s gross domestic product (GDP), along with China.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), trilateral trade between China, India, and Russia totaled $452 billion in 2023, up from $351 billion in 2022.

The 10-member SCO, which is seen as an alternative to the majority of US-led international institutions, covers much of Central Asia, Russia, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Belarus and accounts for about 43 percent of the world’s population and 23 percent of the global GDP.

Beijing’s push for multilateralism comes as Washington’s trade tariff policies have given SCO members a place to work together amid growing grievances.

(Al Jazeera)

Which nations buy from China the most?

China’s trading partners are varied.

The US, which imported $442 billion, or 12.9 percent of China’s total exports in 2023, mostly made up of electronics, machinery, consumer goods, and telecommunications equipment, is its main buyer.

Asia is the main hub for China’s exports, handling $1.6 trillion worth of goods, with India alone receiving $ 120 billion, or 3.1 percent of its total exports.

China exported $ 89.3 billion worth of goods to Europe, with Germany ($151 billion), Russia ($110 billion), and the UK ($95.33 billion).

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Which nations pay India the most money?

The US also purchases Indian goods in large numbers.

The US purchased items worth $ 81.4 billion in 2023, or 17.9 percent of India’s total exports, followed by precious stones, machinery, and textiles, before moving on to other products.

Asia is India’s primary export market, accounting for $ 178 billion in goods, with the UAE being its second-largest export market, with $ 31.4 billion, or 6.9% of total exports, mainly jewelry and refined petroleum, accounting for $ 69 billion.

With $ 22. 5 billion in exported oil, India’s third-largest export market is $ 15 billion, with refined petroleum being the largest exporter. India’s export market is second-largest in Asia and fourth-largest there.

US President Donald Trump formally imposed a 50% tariff on Indian imports on August 6, citing in part India’s continued purchase of discounted Russian crude oil.

India responded with a strong nod, calling the tariffs “unjustified, and unreasonable,” and reaffirming its independent authority to decide its energy policies. Despite the pressure from the US, India continued to import Russian oil, which was sparked by Moscow’s significant discounts.

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(Al Jazeera)

Which nations rely on Russia for the most money?

Russia’s trading partners were significantly more diverse before the conflict in Ukraine.

Russia had a wide range of European partners, including China, which accounted for 14.6 percent ($72. 1 billion) of its exports in 2021). Russia’s second-largest exporter was the Netherlands, accounting for 8% of its total exports, followed by the US, which accounts for 5.5% ($27.3%).

Heavy sanctions severely slowed trade with many Western nations after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

China accounted for about one-third of Russia’s exports by 2023, with India accounting for 16.8% ($66.1 billion) and Turkiye at 7.9% ($31 billion), making the Asia-Pacific region the main exporter of Russian goods, with more than three-quarters of that amount going there.

INTERACTIVE-Who does Russia sell to the most - SEPTEMBER 3, 2025-1756879448
(Al Jazeera)

What is the main topic of trade between China and Russia?

Machinery and transportation equipment were the main exports China made to Russia in 2023, totaling $110 billion in goods. Cars are the top exporters from China to Russia, according to the OEC.

Russia also sold $ 29 billion worth of goods to China that year, primarily mineral products, including oil and natural gas.

Russia has recently enjoyed a trade surplus with China, primarily as a result of its energy-related exports, which account for nearly three-quarters of the country’s exports.

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What is the most important trade partner between Russia and India?

Russia and India have a significant trade deficit, with much of it coming in from India.

About 88 percent of these imports, the majority of which India purchases at a discount, came from Russia, which sold $66.1 billion worth of goods to India in 2023. Energy products, primarily crude oil and natural gas, account for about 88 percent of these imports.

India’s exports to Russia are more diverse, reaching $4.1 billion in 2023, with significant contributions coming from metal, machinery, and chemical products.

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What is the main topic of trade between China and India?

India and China have a significant trade deficit, importing roughly seven times as many goods as it exports.

India exported $ 18.1 billion worth of goods to China in 2023, with oil and fuel-related products accounting for the majority of its exports, while China exported $ 125 billion worth of goods, primarily machinery and chemical products.

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(Al Jazeera)

FG Begins Training Of 100,000 Construction Artisans Nationwide

100, 000 construction artisans in Nigeria have already received training, certification, and job placement thanks to the Federal Government.

As authorized by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday, Polaris Capital Limited will implement the training in partnership.

Federal funding for the three-year initiative will be matched by donor contributions, private sector investment, and donor contributions. Additionally, it includes a digital booking and verification system that will help the program stay in operation after the MoU period while connecting artisans directly to employment opportunities.

The Permanent Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Ministry, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, &nbsp, and Vihishima, the Ministry’s representative, officially signed the MoU at the conclusion of the signing ceremony.

The development marked the start of a national initiative to close skills gaps in the housing and construction industries, according to a statement from the Ministry.

Belgore noted that the initiative aims to modernize Nigeria’s construction workforce.

He emphasized that the program would increase technical skills, foster employment for young people and artisans, and foster inclusivity by involving women, youth, and people with disabilities.

The program includes trades such as plumbing, electrical installations, carpentry, painting, welding, tiling, POP and screeding, upholstery, air conditioning, and refrigeration.

At the time of reporting, neither the pilot’s starting and destination have been specified.

The National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) is being officially launched by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Polaris Capital Limited (FMLUD) on September 2, 2025.

The statement read in part as “NASAP is a nationwide intervention program designed to train, certify, and digitally connect 100, 000 artisans in priority construction trades to job opportunities across Nigeria.

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Kelvin Vihishima, the CEO of Polaris Capital Limited, described the partnership as a crucial step in the direction of reviving the housing sector and reducing unemployment. He cited the need for training and certification to combat quackery in the construction industry and provide skilled labor all over the country.

The pact, which is based on accountability and long-term economic impact, is emphasized in the statement. It also reflects the Ministry’s commitment to developing skills, creating jobs, and fostering sustainable urban growth.

The National Artisan Skills Acquisition Programme (NASAP) pilot program was announced in June that the Federal Government would use the Ministry to do so in 2025.

In order to cover 10 highly sought-after construction trades, the pilot aimed to train 3, 000 artisans over the course of six months of intensive instruction spread out across three distinct states. The initiative aims to improve housing quality, improve the quality of housing, and address the lack of skilled labor in the construction industry. It also aims to provide practical, market-ready skills to Nigerian youth.