Archive December 29, 2025

Myanmar pro-military party claims huge lead in contentious elections

As a result of criticism from Myanmar’s main pro-military party, critics claim that the tightly controlled vote is intended to strengthen the ruling party’s position. The country’s military rulers have already seized the lead in the first phase of elections.

On January 11 and January 25, the first round of voting will take place on Sunday. In 65 townships, voting has been canceled.

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In townships where counting had been completed, a senior official from the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) claimed victory over 82 of the 102 seats in the lower house of the legislature, suggesting it had secured more than 80% of the seats contested on Sunday.

The party also won all eight townships in Naypyidaw, the party’s main town, the official added. The Union Election Commission of Myanmar has not yet released official statistics.

Campaign groups have criticised candidate lists that are dominated by figures affiliated with the military, while the UN’s human rights chief has criticized the elections.

Only about a third of Myanmar’s 330 townships were able to vote in the elections, which is because of fighting between the military and opposition forces following the military coup that overthrew the Aung San Suu Kyi-led government in 2021.

The USDP is anticipated to be the party with the most support. It has long been viewed as a civilian replacement for the military by analysts.

The USDP lost significantly to Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) in the previous elections held in 2020. Campaigners in the United Kingdom claim that the NLD is one of the 40 political parties that the military has outlawed. Since the military seized power, Suu Kyi has been in custody.

The military government’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing, said it was possible to trust the military to appoint a civilian-led government after the election ended on Sunday. Since the coup, he has been in power by decree.

As pro-democracy activists formed armed resistance groups alongside ethnic minority forces that have long fought the central government, the military takeover sparked a nationwide civil war.

Now Is Time To Change Formation, Says Man Utd Boss Amorim 

Ruben Amorim, manager of Manchester United, insisted that he must create a formation before instructing his squad to play tactically flexible football because succumbing to media pressure would have been “the end” for him.

In Friday’s 1-0 win over Newcastle, Amorim switched from a back three to wing-backs and instead used a conventional back four with two holding midfielders.

The Portuguese boss once remarked that no Pope, not even the Portuguese, could force him to switch up his system.

Amorim, who is currently three points adrift of a Champions League spot, insisted he was never as obstinate as he had initially claimed.

Before Tuesday’s game against relegation-threatened Wolves at Old Trafford, he said, “I came here last season, I realized maybe I don’t have the players play well in that system, but it was the start of a process.”

We were attempting to create an identity. Today has a different significance. We need to adapt because we don’t have many players and they need to understand why we’re changing.

READ MORE: Arsenal Retain Their Premier League Top Spot With A Win Over Brighton

The 40-year-old former Sporting Lisbon boss added: “When you (the media) talk about changing the system all the time, I can’t change because the players will understand that I’m changing because of you, and I believe the manager’s career is over.”

The moment to change is when we play well in our system.

Because we won’t play with three defenders all the time when all the players return, we will become a better team.

Seven senior players will miss the game against bottom-of-the-table Wolves, who have won 18 Premier League games this season, having only two victories in eight games prior to beating Newcastle.

Bruno Fernandes, the club captain, will miss the Wolves game despite telling his manager that he wants to play again after suffering a hamstring injury in the team’s defeat at Aston Villa on December 21.

Bruno already needs to train, according to Amorim.

“But there’s no way he’s going to play against Wolves,” he said. No chance . That is what you can write.

The 31-year-old playmaker will, however, continue to influence the game.

Amorim remarked, “The guy is a leader.” He can’t possibly be that person who doesn’t talk or speak when he’s not playing. He speaks without stopping. He is the captain because of this.

Large storage box that keeps makeup ‘organised and neat’ gets 77% off in a Boxing Day sale

Look no further than this storage solution than is currently on sale if you’re looking for a cheap way to keep your vanity organized, whether it’s makeup, perfume, or skincare.

You might want to think about getting all of your beauty essentials organized and out of the way while also adding a stylish flair to any room if you have a collection of perfumes that are taking up space on your vanity, makeup that is clogging up your dresser, or skincare that is clogging up your bathroom surfaces.

And this doesn’t have to cost a fortune, thanks to Debenhams’ Boxing Day sales, this large capacity organiser is up for grabs for a whopping 77% less, saving shoppers £54.19.

READ MORE: GMB’s Charlotte Hawkins looks “amazing” in a structured mini-dress that is currently discounted by £40.

This hairdresser-approved hair mask, Molly-Mae uses, leaves hair feeling “so silky” (read more)!

This cosmetic storage box, which is described as a clear acrylic makeup holder, saves time while using your bathroom or bedroom. It is simple to access with all of your makeup essentials, boasting an elegant design that goes with any vanity or dressing table decor.

This organiser, which is said to feature thoughtful design elements like pivoting lipstick storage for easy access, is ideal for organizing makeup, skincare, and perfumes. Any countertop should be kept tidy and organized, whether it be for storing stationery or other small items.

Additionally, this organizer, which is designed to be used in bathrooms or on vanities where products may get damaged or dirty, keeps your cosmetics safe, protected, and tidy.

This cosmetic storage box was previously priced at $ 69.99, but thanks to Debenhams’ Boxing Day sales, it has been reduced to just £ 15.80. We’ve found some to browse if you’d rather shop elsewhere or would like to check out alternative designs.

For instance, Dunelm is selling the Joseph Joseph Viva Large Cosmetic Organiser with Removable Mirror Shell for £24.50. This Multi-Function Make-up Organiser is available for £18.99 on Amazon. Or, if you want to spend a little more money, Boots has this StylPro Beauty Podlette for $299.99.

One 5-star reviewer gushing about the storage space’s “great size and looking storage for all makeup” is unheard of by consumers. Side compartments are smaller and the middle bit is larger. looks fantastic.

Another customer writes, “Absolutely amazing product,” and they concur with the full price. I adore it. keeps my makeup neat and organized. Glad I paid less because I wouldn’t have to pay full price for it. Too expensive for what it is, really.

And a third shares, “She likes to keep everything tidy, so it’s a gift for my friend.”

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While this customer comments, “Superb makeup box that keeps all of my cosmetics in tact.”

Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael spills on secret wedding to co-star

Michael C. Fox and Laura Carmichael’s secret wedding has been revealed for the first time in a recent interview on BBC Radio 4 .

Downton Abbey star Laura Carmichael has finally opened up about her secret wedding to co-star Michael C. Fox, three months after they tied the knot. The couple first met in 2014 during filming on the fifth series of the ITV show. Laura plays the role of Lady Edith, while Michael plays the butler Andrew Parker.

The actor first let the cat out of the bag in September earlier this year when appearing on NBC’s special, Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale. And so now, while on BBC Radio 4 with Kirsty Wark, Laura broke her silence when asked if she had found real life love on set.

She responded, “Yes,” and said, “I did. Yes, Andy Parker is my fella, plays Michael Fox, too! After Mr. Carson retired, Michael’s character in the period drama stepped into the role of butler at Downton Abbey.

Laura plays a member of the aristocracy in the drama series, and Michael plays an employee, and she continued, “Yeah, how difficult that is for people to get their heads around. But you’re aware that we were together in a lot of scenes; in Highclere, he’s just holding a tray in the background.

READ MORE: ‘I suffer with dry eyes this StylPro gadget has helped reduce puffiness’

She continued, “There was a funny moment in the movie when Michael was holding a very heavy tray of champagne glasses for you hours as the scene was being reset.” And when he noticed that his shoelaces had been damaged, he said, “Do you mind just holding this for a second?”

Recalling the hilarious moment she was treated differently by production, she went on to say: “And I must have been holding this tray a second before five different crew members came running up to me going, ‘Let me take that, you don’t need to hold that, Laura it’s fine’. And we were like, he’s been holding it all day.”

The couple welcomed their son in 2021 while living together. Michael attributed the show to helping him find love when he talked about his marriage.

On the Downton Abbey special on NBC in September, he admitted, “I owe a lot to this show. This show, in my opinion, has shaped my life for the better. And Lesley Nicol, his co-star, immediately posed the question, “What if someone said you’re actually going to find your wife and have a child?” stuff that will change your life.

The actor responded by saying, “I know,” and that he had married Laura. It is incredible. Laura proudly displayed her eye-catching ring during the Downton Abbey finale premiere, which was held in London, while posing for photos on the red carpet.

Fans and the cast reacted to the event’s celebration of the well-known TV show after 15 years and three movies. As she lovingly sewed a hand on his torso, Laura gave him a more elegant appearance in a black and white lace dress. The actor chose to wear a black blazer in the interim.

Fans and the cast gathered to celebrate its conclusion after 15 years of the well-known TV series and three movies. Laura and Michael have attempted to lead a quiet life away from their chosen profession. And it was just one year after she gave birth that the news of her son’s arrival was revealed.

A source at the time stated to The Sun that Laura and Michael “absolutely love being parents” and “were grateful for taking some time from the spotlight to enjoy the moment.” Laura has added another string to her bow by taking motherhood in stride.

The actress gushed, “How lucky am I to have fallen in love and made wonderful friends… ” in a Town and Country interview in 2019? We support one another, are understanding, and are fortunate, in my opinion. It’s difficult to find someone who will listen to your needs. She then continued, “It can be really beautiful when you work together and talk about difficult issues that they understand.”

Laura shared how her Downton Abbey cast members’ advice helped her lead a private life. She claimed for the publication that many Downton actors had taught her that lesson. Everyone places a high value on their families, friends, and home life. That’s why they’re in a good position to work hard, be disciplined, and be grateful when they get to go and accomplish incredible things.

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Man Utd sign Germany international Schuller

Images courtesy of Getty

Lea Schuller from Bayern Munich has been signed by Manchester United.

After the signing of full-back Hanna Lundkvist, the 28-year-old becomes the club’s second signing of the January transfer window. He is contracted until June 2029.

The seasoned forward helped Bayern win four league titles while playing over 100 games for them during his five years there.

She made 82 appearances for Germany and won bronze at the 2024 Olympic Games, which included her team that finished second to England in the Euro 2022 competition.

Everyone’s goals were very clear, according to Schuller, “from the first conversations I had with manager Marc Skinner and the club.”

“Manchester United is the ideal club to join because I still have a lot of career goals.”

I believe the team’s football style will suit my game very well. I’m hoping that my skills and background will help us achieve our goals in both the Champions League and England.

Lea’s goal-scoring record is incredible, according to Matt Johnson, director of women’s football at Manchester United. Her play will give our attack an exciting new dimension. We’re delighted to have a group of her-equal players.

As we continue to grow together and compete in both domestic and European competitions, Lead’s winning mindset and experience will really help our young and ambitious team.

As United prepares to prepare for the Women’s Champions League knockout stages, manager Skinner hopes to be busy during the transfer window.

Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines
The Women’s Football Weekly podcast returns for another season featuring Ben Haines, Ellen White, and Jen Beattie. On the Women’s Football Weekly feed, you can find interviews and additional content from the Women’s Super League and beyond as well as new episodes that are available every Tuesday on BBC Sounds.

related subjects

  • Transfers of football
  • Football
  • Women’s Super League
  • Women’s Football

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Protests, strikes after Iran’s economic situation rapidly deteriorates

No improvement appears to be in sight as a result of numerous ongoing crises that resulted from business owners closing down their stores in downtown Tehran.

Shopkeepers in the Jomhouri neighborhood of the capital’s Jomhouri neighborhood canceled their businesses on Sunday and chanted slogans before recording more incidents on Monday afternoon, this time with other people posing as participants.

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More gatherings were reported in the same area, as well as other nearby Tehran-arean neighbourhoods, according to videos that were circulating on social media. Demonstrators chanted, “Don’t be afraid, we are together.”

On the streets, there was a significant amount of anti-riot police deployed in full gear, with numerous videos demonstrating how tear gas was used and people were forced to disperse.

In and around Tehran’s Grand Bazaar, many businesses were shut down by owners, with some videos revealing business owners asking others to do the same.

State media outlets acknowledged the protests, but quickly responded by stating that the shopkeepers are only concerned with the state’s economic situation and have no reservations about the theocratic establishment, which has been in power since a 1979 revolution that ended Iran’s US-backed shah.

The government’s IRNA news agency claimed that mobile phone vendors were angry after their businesses were threatened by the unchecked rial depreciation.

On Monday, the rial regained some ground after posting yet another record-breaking US dollar high of over $1.42 million before regaining some ground.

The issue is not just with the money, though. Iran has long been dealing with an even worse energy crisis that has frequently resulted in deadly air pollution that kills thousands of people annually.

In the face of a water crisis, the majority of the dams that feed Tehran and many of Iran’s major cities are still almost empty. One of the world’s most censored internet landscapes is located in Iran.

Iran’s purchasing power is continuing to decline as a result of growing pressure from the US, Israel, and their allies in Europe over Iran’s nuclear program.

In a 12-day conflict that included civilians, dozens of top military and intelligence commanders, and nuclear scientists, Israel and the US attacked Iran in June.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was in charge of the majority of Iran’s nuclear facilities, which were severely damaged or destroyed by the attacks. Since the West has put more pressure on the watchdog, it has been denied entry to the bombed sites. There is currently no diplomatic solution.

In 2022 and 2023, there were last nationwide demonstrations in Iran, with many thousands of people lining the streets of the country following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was taken into police custody for allegedly breaking strict Islamic laws governing headcarves.

In connection with the protests before they subsided, hundreds of people were killed, over 20 000 people were detained, and several were executed. Authorities blame “rioters” trying to destabilize the nation, as they did with previous demonstrations.

President Masoud Pezeshkian portrayed the situation as bleak in parliament on Sunday to defend the contentious budget bill that his administration has proposed.

His highly inconvenient budget proposal proposes a 20% increase in wages while inflation, which has consistently been among the highest in the world over the past few years, is currently at around 50%. The price increase is anticipated to be 62% higher.