Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is a city steeped in history, culture, and tradition. Renowned for its stunning temples, picturesque gardens, and traditional tea houses, Kyoto has long been celebrated as a bastion of Japanese heritage. One of the most iconic symbols of Kyoto's cultural richness is the geisha, embodying grace, elegance, and refinement. To understand what makes Kyoto famous, it is imperative to delve into its rich history, particularly the captivating tale of the geisha. Historical Background Kyoto served as the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, from 794 until the capital was moved to Tokyo in 1869. Throughout its history, Kyoto has been a center of political power, cultural innovation, and artistic expression. It was during this time that the geisha tradition began to flourish, evolving into one of Kyoto's most enduring and cherished cultural exports. Geisha Icons of Elegance and Tradition: The geisha, or geiko as they are known in Kyoto, are traditional Japanese entertainers who are skilled in various arts such as classical music, dance, and the tea ceremony. Contrary to popular misconceptions, geisha are not courtesans or prostitutes but rather highly trained performers who entertain guests through conversation, music, and dance. The geisha tradition traces its roots back to the 18th century when female entertainers began to entertain guests at tea houses and restaurants in Kyoto. Over time, the geisha evolved into refined artists who became synonymous with grace, sophistication, and elegance. The Geisha Districts of Kyoto Kyoto is home to five geisha districts known as hanamachi, each with its own distinct character and charm. Gion, located in the heart of Kyoto, is the most famous and prestigious geisha district, renowned for its historic tea houses, traditional architecture, and narrow cobblestone streets. Pontocho, another well-known hanamachi, is famous for its vibrant nightlife, riverside restaurants, and atmospheric lantern-lit alleys. These geisha districts serve as living museums of Japanese tradition, where visitors can experience the enchanting world of the geisha up close. Geisha Training and Apprenticeship Becoming a geisha is a rigorous and demanding process that requires years of training, dedication, and discipline. Young girls, known as maiko, typically begin their apprenticeship at a geisha house, or okiya, in their early teens. Under the guidance of senior geisha, maiko learn the art of traditional dance, music, and etiquette, as well as the intricacies of conversation and hosting. The maiko stage is characterized by distinctive attire, including elaborate kimono, intricate hairstyles adorned with floral ornaments, and striking white makeup. Cultural Significance and Legacy
The geisha hold a special place in Japanese culture as symbols of beauty, grace, and tradition. Through their performances, geisha preserve and promote traditional arts that date back centuries, ensuring that Japan's cultural heritage continues to thrive in the modern era. Despite the challenges of modernization and changing societal norms, the geisha tradition remains resilient, attracting visitors from around the world who seek to experience the timeless elegance of Kyoto's cultural ambassadors. In conclusion, Kyoto's fame as a cultural mecca is inextricably linked to its rich history and traditions, particularly the captivating legacy of the geisha. As custodians of Japan's cultural heritage, the geisha embody the grace, elegance, and refinement that define Kyoto's cultural identity. Through their performances, the geisha continue to enchant audiences and perpetuate the timeless beauty of Kyoto's traditional arts. In a rapidly changing world, the geisha serve as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of tradition and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage for future generations.
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2024 FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
Chinese coast guard ship uses a water cannon on a Philippine resupply vessel Unaizah May 4 as it approaches Second Thomas Shoal, locally called Ayungin shoal, at the disputed South China Sea, March 23, 2024. China's coast guard on Saturday fired a water cannon at a Philippine supply boat in disputed waters in the South China Sea, causing “significant damages to the vessel” and injuring its crew, the Philippine coast guard said.
Manila was attempting to resupply troops stationed on a ship at the Second Thomas Shoal, known locally as Ayungin Shoal, when the Chinese coast guard and maritime militia “harassed, blocked, deployed water cannons, and executed dangerous maneuvers against the routine RoRe (rotation and resupply) mission,” said the Philippine National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea. The West Philippine Sea is the part of the South China Sea that Manila claims as its jurisdiction. The Chinese coast guard also set up “a floating barrier” to block access to shoal where Manila ran aground an old warship, BRP Sierra Madre, to serve as a military outpost. The Philippine task force condemned China’s “unprovoked aggression, coercion, and dangerous maneuvers.” Philippines’ RoRe missions have been regularly blocked by China’s coast guard, but this is the first time a barrier was set up near the shoal. The Philippine coast guard nevertheless claimed that the mission on Saturday was accomplished. Potential consequences The Second Thomas Shoal lies within the country’s exclusive economic zone where Manila holds sovereign rights. China, however, claims historic rights over most of the South China Sea, including the Spratly archipelago, which the shoal forms a part of. A Chinese foreign ministry’s spokesperson on Saturday said the Philippine supply vessel “intruded” into the waters near the shoal, called Ren’ai Jiao in Chinese, “without permission from the Chinese government.” “China coast guard took necessary measures at sea in accordance with law to safeguard China's rights, firmly obstructed the Philippines’ vessels, and foiled the Philippines’ attempt,” the ministry said. “If the Philippines insists on going its own way, China will continue to adopt resolute measures,” the spokesperson said, warning that Manila “should be prepared to bear all potential consequences.” U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson wrote on social media platform X that her country “stands with the Philippines” against China’s maneuvers. Beijing’s “interference with the Philippines’ freedom of navigation violates international law and threatens a free and open Indo-Pacific,” she wrote. Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Hae Kyong Yu also said that Canberra shares the Philippines’ “serious concerns about dangerous conduct by China’s vessels adjacent to Second Thomas Shoal.” “This is part of a pattern of deeply concerning behavior,” Yu wrote on X.
2024 Formula 1 World Championship Drivers' Standings
Toyota recently showcased the IMV 0 concept. The small entry-level pickup truck is now launched in Thailand as the Toyota Hilux Champ. As reported earlier, the Hilux Champ is offered with various customisation options. In fact, there are two wheelbase options on offer, along with three engine choices. It sits below the Hilux, as a more affordable product to enjoy the Hilux legacy. However, the Hilux Champ’s key highlight remains its modification potential. Toyota claims that except for the mechanicals and select body panels, the remaining part of the truck can be customised via third-party modifiers. Toyota Hilux Champ Price In Thailand, the Toyota Hilux Champ pickup truck is launched at a starting price of TBH 459,000, which in Indian Rupee is Rs 10.91 lakh. The prices go up to TBH 577,000 (Rs 13.71 lakh). Bookings for the truck are already open, and it will be produced at the brand’s Samrong facility in Thailand. Toyota Hilux Champ Design The Hilux Champ has not changed much in comparison to the IMV 0 concept. On the front it gets a chunky bumper and a prominent grille, all finished in black. It has a single-cab layout and a long deck. The design is utilitarian in every sense. However, Toyota is offering the option of modifications for the Hilux Champ, as it can be converted into a food truck, camper, or RV. On the inside, it gets a purpose-built dashboard with a rugged appeal. There’s no provision for an infotainment unit, and the steering wheel is free of any button, whatsoever. Toyota Hilux Champ Specs Starting with engine options, there are three of them - 2.4L diesel, 2.0L petrol and 2.7L petrol. The diesel is good at pushing out 150 Hp/400 Nm and the 2.0L NA petrol develops 130 Hp/183. Lastly, the 2.7L NA petrol churns out 166 Hp/245 Nm. Transmission options include a 5-speed MT and 6-speed AT. Toyota Hilux Champ Dimensions
The Toyota Hilux Champ gets two wheelbase options - 2.75 metres and 3.08 metres. The truck is 1.8 metres tall and wide. The SWB version measures 4.9 metres in length, while the LWB trim measures 5.3 metres long. The ground clearance stands at 180 mm. Toyota Hilux Champ-Based Mini Fortuner SUV Reports suggest that Toyota is also developing a new SUV on the IMV platform, which will be smaller than the Fortuner. It will possess similar offroading credentials, and it could possibly be making its way to our shores. Spain’s National Court has ordered internet providers to suspend the use of the Telegram instant messaging service, pending an investigation into claims of copyright infringement.
Friday’s ruling came after Spain’s four leading media organizations – Mediaset, Atresmedia, Movistar, and Egeda – filed a complaint arguing that the platform allows users to distribute their content without permission. According to local media, Judge Santiago Pedraz requested certain information from Telegram’s owners as part of the probe. After the request was not fulfilled, he ordered for access to the app to be blocked, effective on Monday. The judge described the measure as “precautionary” and cited Telegram’s lack of cooperation. The suspension is expected to last throughout the investigation. The newspaper El Pais said that Telegram largely remains accessible in Spain, although some users started to report problems with the service on Friday night. The ruling was met with widespread criticism. Consumer rights watchdog FACUA called it “absolutely disproportionate” and said that the blocking of the popular service will cause “enormous damage.” “It would be like shutting down the internet because there are websites that illegally host copyrighted content, or cutting the entire television signal because there are channels that engage in piracy,” FACUA Secretary General Ruben Sanchez said in a statement. Fernando Suarez, the president of the General Council of Professional Associations of Computer Engineering in Spain, made a similar point, comparing the suspension of Telegram to “completely closing off one province in our country because there was a case of drug trafficking or theft on that territory.” According to a survey conducted by independent competition regulator CNMC, nearly 19% of Spaniards use Telegram. Telegram is a cloud-based service that allows users to exchange text messages, share media files, and make voice calls and public live streams. The platform was launched in 2013 by Russian-born entrepreneur Pavel Durov. It reached 800 million active users in 2023, according to industry news website Business of Apps.
FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024 - Race Results
Earlier this month, the US embassy in Russia said it was “monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow,” including concerts. The embassy warned US citizens to avoid large gatherings. On Friday, following reports of the Crocus City Hall attack, it advised US citizens not to travel to Russia.
Starting in November, there has been a steady stream of intelligence that ISIS-K was determined to attack in Russia, according to two sources familiar with the information. ISIS-K stands for ISIS-Khorasan, the terror organization’s affiliate that is active in Afghanistan and the surrounding region. US National Security Council spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the US government had had information about a planned terrorist attack in Moscow – potentially targeting large gatherings, to include concerts – and that this is what prompted the State Department to issue the public advisory. “The US government also shared this information with Russian authorities in accordance with its longstanding ‘duty to warn’ policy,” Watson said. In a speech Tuesday, Putin had blasted the American warnings as “provocative,” saying “these actions resemble outright blackmail and the intention to intimidate and destabilize our society.” In March alone, Russian authorities had thwarted several ISIS-related incidents, according to RIA. On March 3, RIA reported that six ISIS members were killed in a counter-terrorist operation in the Ingush Karabulak; on March 7, it said security services had uncovered and “neutralized” a cell of the banned organization Vilayat Khorasan in the Kaluga region, whose members were planning an attack on a synagogue in Moscow; and on March 20, it said the commander of an ISIS combat group had been detained. A US official said Friday that Washington had no reason to doubt ISIS’ claim that it was responsible for the latest attack. FSB: Moscow attackers had contacts in Ukraine The perpetrators of the attack in Moscow on Friday evening had contacts in Ukraine. Four attackers were on their way to the Ukrainian border when they were apprehended on Saturday morning, the Russian security service FSB said. The arrests the FSB refers to took place in Bryansk province, several hundred kilometers southwest of Moscow. Bryansk borders both Ukraine and Belarus. The FSB does not say what role these 'Ukrainian contacts' would have played in the attack. Shortly after the attack on Crocus City Hall, the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group claimed responsibility. Employees of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also immediately announced on Friday evening that Kiev had nothing to do with the attack in Moscow. The United States also said on Friday evening that it had no indications that Ukraine was involved in the shooting. What we know so farRussia suffered one of the worst terrorist attacks in its modern history on Friday. At least 60 people were killed and scores injured by a group of gunmen who stormed a large music venue just outside of Moscow. Details are still emerging, but it appears that the attack was well prepared and designed to maximize casualties. Here is what is known so far. A packed venue The terrorists struck at Crocus City Hall, a concert venue located in Krasnogorsk, a settlement on the western outskirts of the Russian capital. It is part of a larger entertainment complex opened in 2009, which also includes a shopping mall and hotel. The concert hall holds up to 7,500 people and was almost packed when the terrorists launched their assault. The popular rock band Picnic was set to perform. Shooting spree According to footage circulating online, some five gunmen took part in the shooting. They appeared to be carrying automatic firearms and had other military gear. They reportedly killed the security guards – who were unarmed – at the main entrance to the venue, and blocked it before continuing their rampage inside. Large blaze follows Once the terrorists reached the concert hall, they reportedly set chairs inside on fire. The blaze spread across the building and reached the roof before firefighters could start combating it. Helicopters were seen pouring large quantities of water on the building following the attack. Dozens killed Russia’s Investigative Committee has said at least 60 people (red. 115) were killed in the attack, and warned that “the number of victims might increase.” Three children have died following the mass shooting at Crocus City Hall, according to hospital data posted on the Moscow Region’s Health Ministry website. A list of the wounded released by the ministry has more than 140 entries, some of whom are yet to be identified. Dozens of the injured are said to be in serious condition. At least 70 ambulances were dispatched to the scene on Friday night, according to officials. Fate of the perpetrators Russian law enforcement did not report any arrests in the wake of the shooting. Commando units were dispatched to the scene, but it was not immediately clear whether they confronted the gunmen inside. Unconfirmed media reports said that several Crocus employees had been detained. Identity of the terrorists
No terrorist group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Senior Ukrainian official Mikhail Podoliak posted a video statement on social media shortly after the news broke. The aide to President Vladimir Zelensky distanced the Ukrainian government from the tragedy, claiming that Kiev does not resort to terrorism in its fight against Russia. ISIS had claimed the attack, but experts say that the claim couldn't be confirmed as by now. However, USA source say that the claim can be legit. Reactions from abroad International organizations and foreign governments, including those that Russia considers unfriendly, have condemned the terrorist attack. White House White House National Security Communications Adviser John Kirby, who was giving a daily briefing shortly after the incident, called the images from the scene “hard to watch,” adding: “Our thoughts obviously are going to be with the victims of this terrible, terrible shooting attack.” Security alerts in March Earlier this month, the US issued a warning to its citizens in Russia, urging them to avoid public places and mass gatherings. The embassy claimed that “extremists” had imminent plans for an attack in Moscow. Several other embassies followed suit, issuing similar alerts. Kirby stressed that Washington had “no advanced knowledge” of Friday’s shooting. Why is Russia a target for ISIS? There is no direct connection between ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) and Russia. In fact, Russia has been involved in conflicts against ISIS, particularly in Syria, where it has supported the Syrian government in its fight against the terrorist group. However, Russia's involvement in the Syrian conflict has also been complex, with various geopolitical considerations beyond just combating ISIS. However, as ISIS has ties with Iraq and Iran supports Russia in it's war against Ukraine. It make that ISIS is behind this attack!
FORMULA 1 ROLEX AUSTRALIAN GRAND PRIX 2024 - Top 10 Qualifying Results
Even before the recent turbulences around Evergrande and other property developers, the Chinese government has already been worried about a potentially overheating real estate market for several years now. In this Executive Briefing, we are providing some background on the issue and introduce one of the most impactful policy measures that has been introduced so far to reduce risks: the Three Red Lines Policy.
As China’s real estate industry accounts for around 29% of economic output, a crash of the industry could highly damage the health of the financial system and heavily affect the livelihoods of many Chinese people, who have most of their net worth invested in real estate. Taking this into account, the People’s Bank of China and the Ministry introduced the Three Red Lines Policy in August 2020, with the aim to improve the financial health of the real estate sector by reducing developers’ leverage, improving debt coverage, and increasing liquidity. Under this framework, selected large real estate developers are assessed against three criteria, after which they will be categorized into the colors green, orange, yellow, and red, deciding the extend they are allowed to grow their debt in the next year.
Three Red Lines Criteria:
What does it mean for developers? As of the beginning of 2020, only 6.3% of rated real estate developers were able to comply with all policy criteria. But since the launch of the new regulation, companies have made efforts to control their financial performance, and credit health improvements were clearly visible in 2020 H2 earning reports. In the period of June 2020 and December 2020, 90% of the companies saw an improvement in their liability to asset ratio, 81% in their net gearing ratio, and 86% in their cash to short-term debt ratio, leading to several rating upgrades of real estate developers. This trend is believed to be directly related to the introduction of the Three Red Lines Policy. Companies are actively trying to lower their liabilities by reducing the amounts of borrowings, while developers are becoming less aggressive in their expansion plans as they scale back on their land acquisition and are disposing assets not related to their core development business. In the future, this might push out smaller developers, with the real estate market being concentrated on a few dominating players. Given a transition period of three years, developers have until mid of 2023 to meet all three criteria. What is next? In recent months, China has further implemented measures to tighten the credit environment and regulate the heated real estate market. In December 2020, China’s Central Bank issued a regulation to cap property loans by banks to control real estate investment and curb housing price speculations. Divided into five categories, banks are subject to different caps on their loans and have a grace period of 4 years to meet the regulatory requirements. Another guideline for improving order in the real estate market was announced by eight government departments in July 2021, which focuses on strengthening supervision in the areas of real estate development, rental housing, brokerage, and related services over the course of the next three years. Under the principle ‘housing is for living in, not for speculation’, the government strives to clean up irregularities in the property market, with this trend expected to continue to grow in the future. US technology giant Apple is been sued by the US government for allegedly building an anti-competitive “moat” around its monopolistic iPhone ecosystem.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed its lawsuit on Thursday in New Jersey federal court, alleging that Apple had used “broad-based, exclusionary conduct” to make it harder for Americans to switch smartphones and for companies to provide applications, products and services to iPhone users. The federal government was joined by 16 state attorneys general in lodging the civil claim. “Consumers should not have to pay higher prices because companies violate the antitrust laws,” US Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement. “We allege that Apple has maintained monopoly power in the smartphone market, not simply by staying ahead of the competition on the merits, but by violating federal antitrust law. If left unchallenged, Apple will only continue to strengthen its smartphone monopoly.” The iPhone monopoly has driven Apple’s “astronomical valuation” – the company’s market capitalization of over $2.6 trillion is second only to Microsoft’s $3.2 trillion – at the expense of consumers and other technology companies, the lawsuit argued. The stock dropped 4.1% after the DOJ lawsuit was announced, wiping out over $100 billion in market value. The case challenges Apple’s so-called “walled-garden” business model, which makes the company’s products largely inaccessible to competitors. It comes just weeks after the EU fined Apple €1.84 billion ($2 billion) for breaking the bloc’s competition laws. The company allegedly blocked providers of rival streaming services, such as Spotify, from informing iPhone users of cheaper music subscription alternatives. Apple monopolized the smartphone app market by blocking advances from competitors. “By stifling these technologies, and many others, Apple reinforces the moat around its smartphone monopoly not by making its products more attractive to users, but by discouraging innovation that threatens Apple’s smartphone monopoly,” the lawsuit said. he company denied the DOJ’s claims. The lawsuit could “hinder our ability to create the kind of technology people expect from Apple – where hardware, software and services intersect,” a company spokesperson told media outlets. “It would also set a dangerous precedent, empowering the government to take a heavy hand in designing people’s technology.” If successful, the lawsuit could force Apple to make changes to some of its most profitable products, including the iPhone and the Apple Watch. It could even lead to the company being forced to sell off some of its businesses to promote more competition. The iPhone had a 64% share of the US smartphone market in last year’s fourth quarter, far ahead of Samsung’s 18% share, according to Counterpoint Research. Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, has captured the attention of the world with her enigmatic persona and prominent role within the North Korean regime. While often portrayed as a powerful figure in her own right, her life and background remain shrouded in mystery. This essay delves into the life and background of Kim Yo Jong, exploring her rise to prominence, her family dynamics, and her influence on North Korean politics.
Early Life and Family Background Born on September 26, 1987, Kim Yo Jong is the youngest daughter of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and his wife, Ko Yong Hui. She is the full sister of current leader Kim Jong Un and the granddaughter of North Korea's founder, Kim Il Sung. Growing up in the privileged environment of the ruling Kim family, Kim Yo Jong received a comprehensive education, likely tailored to prepare her for a future role within the regime. Kim Yo Jong's family background is deeply intertwined with the power dynamics of North Korea. Her father, Kim Jong Il, ruled the country with an iron fist for seventeen years until his death in 2011, leaving his young and relatively inexperienced son, Kim Jong Un, to assume leadership. Kim Yo Jong's close relationship with her brother, Kim Jong Un, has been speculated to play a significant role in her rise to prominence within the North Korean hierarchy. Rise to Prominence Kim Yo Jong's ascent to prominence began in 2014 when she was appointed as a senior official in the Workers' Party of Korea, the ruling political party of North Korea. Over the years, she steadily climbed the ranks, assuming various roles within the regime's propaganda and guidance departments. Her public appearances alongside her brother, Kim Jong Un, during official events and summits have further solidified her image as a trusted confidante and advisor to the North Korean leader. In recent years, Kim Yo Jong has emerged as one of the most visible and influential figures in North Korean politics. Her portfolio includes overseeing key government agencies and spearheading diplomatic initiatives, particularly in relations with South Korea and the United States. Notably, she played a prominent role in the 2018 Winter Olympics held in South Korea, leading the North Korean delegation and capturing global media attention. Influence and Political Dynamics Despite her relative youth and lack of formal titles, Kim Yo Jong's influence within the North Korean regime cannot be underestimated. As a member of the ruling Kim family, she holds significant sway over decision-making processes and enjoys privileged access to her brother, Kim Jong Un. Her proximity to power, combined with her astute political acumen, has positioned her as a formidable figure within the secretive and hierarchical structures of North Korean politics. Kim Yo Jong's influence extends beyond her familial ties. She is regarded as a key figure in shaping North Korea's propaganda machine, employing sophisticated media strategies to bolster the regime's image both domestically and internationally. Additionally, her involvement in diplomatic endeavours underscores her role as a trusted envoy and interlocutor in North Korea's interactions with the outside world. Challenges and Speculations Despite her rise to prominence, Kim Yo Jong's role within the North Korean regime is not without challenges and speculations. The authoritarian nature of the regime, coupled with the pervasive culture of secrecy, makes it difficult to discern the true extent of her power and influence. Moreover, questions regarding her health and well-being have periodically surfaced, leading to conjectures about potential power struggles and succession issues within the ruling elite. Furthermore, Kim Yo Jong's image as a progressive and moderate figure has been met with scepticism by analysts who view her as a product of the same repressive regime that her family has upheld for decades. Her involvement in orchestrating propaganda campaigns and enforcing strict social controls underscores the complexities of her persona and the inherent contradictions within North Korean politics. In conclusion, Kim Yo Jong's life and background offer a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of North Korea's ruling elite. As the younger sister of Kim Jong Un and a member of the powerful Kim family, she occupies a unique position of influence within the regime. Her rise to prominence, coupled with her enigmatic persona and strategic manoeuvring, has made her a figure of intrigue on the global stage. However, unravelling the complexities of her role and motivations remains a daunting task amidst the opaque and tightly controlled political landscape of North Korea. Europe will deliver the first batch of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine within the next several months, with more to come later this year, Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren has said.
Denmark will be the first Western country to supply Ukraine with the advanced aircraft, with the Netherlands soon to follow, the defense minister revealed in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, as she wrapped up her visit to Kiev. “I’m very confident that we will start delivering F-16s this summer... Denmark first, and we have a schedule ... so in the second half of the year, the Dutch F-16s will be going this way,” Ollongren said, without providing details on how many jets would be included in the first shipments. She added that it will not be easy for the West to provide Ukraine with all the aid it needs, as the US struggles to approve President Joe Biden’s assistance package earmarking $60 billion for Kiev. Republican lawmakers have opposed the move, demanding that the White House do more to enhance US border security. Ollongren also called for ammunition production in the EU to be ramped up amid Ukraine’s complaints that it suffers from a lack of munitions. “We have to be realistic, and consider the possibility that it might be a lengthy war, and it is better to plan for a long war,” she said. Western countries announced an international coalition to help Ukraine procure US-designed F-16s and train its pilots last year, with plans to provide Kiev with more than 40 aircraft. Denmark has pledged to send Kiev 19 jets of this type. The Netherlands initially promised 18, later increasing the number by six. Media reports indicate that Norway could send Kiev five to ten F-16s, with Belgium pledging to support Ukraine with an undisclosed number. Ukrainian officials, however, have warned that the country could face infrastructure difficulties in maintaining the US-designed jets. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in November that while the F-16s will certainly add to Ukraine’s capabilities, they will not be “a silver bullet” to fundamentally change the battlefield situation. Russia has warned the West that arms shipments to Ukraine will only prolong the conflict without changing the ultimate outcome. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has also said that F-16s would be “legitimate targets” for the Russian military, adding that the shipments will only increase the risk of a direct clash between Moscow and NATO. After turbulent weeks, Max Verstappen hoped for a quieter race weekend in Melbourne, but of course the media day was also about all the vicissitudes within Red Bull Racing. "It doesn't distract me, but it could be about that car of ours again."
Will he remain loyal to Red Bull Racing? Does he ever see himself racing for Mercedes? What he thought of Toto Wolff's statement, who said in Saudi Arabia that he would like to have him there. Does he still feel comfortable within Red Bull Racing? Max Verstappen was asked future-related questions again in the Albert Park paddock, where he appeared in front of a microphone for the first time in two weeks. He had hoped for a quieter weekend, he said. "It doesn't distract me at all, I can easily switch off when I leave the paddock. But if you ask me now: wouldn't you rather talk more about that good car? Yes of course." Verstappen, three-time world champion, knows how F1 works. So he tried to give a clear answer to all the precarious questions as best he could in the sun on the terrace of Red Bull Racing in Melbourne. But without fully detailing the internal power struggle going on within Red Bull Racing in the interview with the press, the gist of his story remained the same. He still sees a future for himself within the team, contrary to what the whole world now seems to believe, after weeks of speculation about a breakup. But what really counts is the composition of the important people around them. “The core must be preserved,” Verstappen said, without mentioning Dr. Helmut Marko's name even once. Everyone knows by now that his fate is more or less linked to that of the Austrian who has played an important role in Verstappen's life since he was a teenager. A British journalist decided to simply ask the Limburger point-blank whether he will serve out his contract, which runs until 2028. "That's why I signed that contract in the first place," Verstappen responded calmly, with a laugh. And then, seriously again: "As I said before, I am happy within this team. But it is absolutely very important that we keep the key people - there are many, I'm not going to name names - within the team for a longer period. Because they are responsible for performance. But it is certainly my intention to remain faithful to that deal, yes,” Verstappen concluded. “Would also be a nice story, for me personally. To be part of just one family, one team.” |
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