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Beirut Reels as Israeli Airstrikes Intensify Amid Expanding Regional Conflict

                                     Smoke rises after an Israeli strike in central Beirut's Bachoura neighbourhood Israeli warplanes struck central Beirut in the early hours of March 18, delivering some of the most intense bombardments the city center has seen in decades. The attacks destroyed residential buildings in densely populated neighborhoods such as Bashoura, Zuqaq al-Blat, and Basta, killing at least six to twelve people according to varying Lebanese authority reports.  The strikes come as the broader conflict widens following Hezbollah’s involvement earlier in the month and escalating tit-for-tat actions between Israel and Iran. Residents described fleeing in the middle of the night—some after receiving evacuation warnings, others with no warning at all—as explosions lit up the capital’s skyline.  Lebanese officials say the attacks targeted both residenti...

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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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