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Ukraine Sends Specialist Teams to Counter Drone Threats

A Ukrainian military instructor demonstrates the operation of an interceptor drone designed to destroy Russian attack drones in the Kyiv region of Ukraine, March 11, 2026. Ukraine has deployed military and engineering units to five Middle Eastern countries —the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan —to help intercept drones and strengthen air‑defense capabilities amid escalating regional tensions.  The teams, composed of specialist counter‑drone personnel , are advising local forces and assisting in neutralizing Iranian-made Shahed drones , which have increasingly targeted civilian and critical infrastructure during the ongoing Iran conflict. Ukrainian officials say the mission aims to bolster regional security and pave the way for long‑term defense cooperation agreements .  President Volodymyr Zelensky and Ukrainian security council secretary Rustem Umerov emphasized that while Middle Eastern partners focus on ballistic missile threats, Ukrainian un...

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New Year's traditions: How do people celebrate the new year around the world?

 New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are celebrated in various ways around the world. Here are some interesting traditions:

  • In Spain, it is customary to eat 12 grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, to bring good luck for the coming year.
  • In Scotland, the New Year is celebrated with a festival called Hogmanay. People swing giant fireballs on poles and parade through the streets.
  • In Denmark, people throw plates and glasses against their friends’ and neighbors’ front doors to banish bad spirits and bring good luck.
  • In Ecuador, it is tradition to burn effigies of famous people to destroy bad “juju” from the past year and start fresh.
  • In Thailand, it was once tradition to fire guns to frighten off demons.
  • In China, firecrackers are used to rout the forces of darkness.
  • In the United States, many people watch the ball drop in New York’s Times Square to ring in the new year.
  • In Canada, people often gather with friends and family to enjoy a feast and watch fireworks displays.
  • In Japan, people celebrate the new year with a traditional meal called “osechi ryori” and visit temples and shrines to pray for good fortune.

These are just a few examples of how people around the world celebrate the new year. Happy New Year! 

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