UAE leader designates his son as crown prince
Dubai (AP): Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates, appointed his eldest son Khaled as crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, placing him as next in line to take over as the leader of the federation.
The state-run WAM news agency announced the appointment of Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan as crown prince late Wednesday, without providing further details.
After Sheikh Mohammed, who is commonly known as MBZ, ascended to the presidency last year, rumors swirled about whether he would make one of his brothers his heir.
In that case, the front-runners would have been Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, the powerful national security chief, Sheikh Mansour, the owner of the Manchester City football club, or the foreign minister, Sheikh Abdullah.
Sheikh Khaled was appointed chairman of the country's intelligence agency in 2016.
The United Arab Emirates, a close U.S. ally, is best known as the home of Dubai, a major international hub for business and travel.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the UAE and the driving force behind its creation, ruled from 1971 until his death in 2004. He appointed his eldest son Khalifa as his successor and MBZ as deputy crown prince.
Sheikh Mohammed has been the nation's de facto leader since Sheikh Khalifa suffered a stroke in 2014. Sheikh Khalifa died eight years later, in May 2022.
During Sheikh Mohammed's rule, the UAE cultivated close ties with neighboring Saudi Arabia, initially joining it in its war against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels before exiting the conflict years later. The UAE has sought to project military power across the region as it has opposed the rise of Islamist groups.
In 2020, the UAE normalized relations with Israel in the first of the so-called Abraham Accords, followed by Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.
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CM Sai says Chhattisgarh now 'free' of Naxalism, hails March 31 as historic day for state
Raipur (PTI): Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Tuesday asserted Chhattisgarh was now "free" of Naxalism and described March 31, the deadline set by the Centre to eradicate Maoism, as a "historic" day for the state, which was once a hotbed of the violent movement.
Targeting the Opposition Congress, Sai alleged that during the 'Bharat Jodo Yatra', party leader Rahul Gandhi had shared the stage with Naxalites at several locations.
Speaking on sidelines of a programme in Raipur, the CM thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for providing decisive leadership in the fight against Left-wing extremism (LWE) and said the insurgency had long been a major obstacle to development.
"Today marks a truly historic day for Chhattisgarh as Naxalism is being eliminated from the state. On behalf of the 30 million people of Chhattisgarh, we extend our deepest gratitude to Prime Minister Modi ji and Home Minister Amit Shah ji," he said.
In 2024, the Centre set a deadline of March 31, 2026, to completely eliminate Naxal violence from the country.
The vast Bastar region, once an epicentre of Naxal violence, remained largely untouched by development for 40 years, but it can now progress rapidly, Sai maintained.
Asked about Shah's statement in the Lok Sabha on Monday that when Rahul Gandhi undertook his march, many Leftists joined it, Sai said, "during the 'Desh Jodo Yatra' undertaken by the Congress MP, he met Naxalites at numerous locations.
At several places, Naxalites even shared the stage with him (Gandhi), the BJP leader alleged.
"When notorious Naxal leader Madvi Hidma, responsible for killing hundreds of people, including our security personnel, was neutralised (in late 2025), people chanted slogans that 'many more Hidmas will emerge'. Gandhi even posted them (slogans) on social media, which shows his intent," the CM stated.
When pointed out that former CM Bhupesh Baghel used to claim that evidence regarding the deadly Jhiram Ghati attack by Maoists was in his "pocket", Sai said, "When the Congress was in power, it failed to act despite claiming to have enough proof."
Even after being in power for five years (2018-23), they could neither investigate the Jhiram Ghati case nor produce the so-called proof, the CM opined.
The Maoist attack on May 25, 2013, targeted a Congress convoy during the party's 'Parivartan Rally' ahead of assembly elections, killing 32 people, including then Chhattisgarh Congress chief Nand Kumar Patel, former Leader of Opposition Mahendra Karma, and ex-Union minister V C Shukla.
In a series of posts on 'X', Sai spoke about the end of Naxalism in the BJP-ruled state.
"A Fear-Free Bastar, A Naxal-Free Chhattisgarh. Where once the echoes of gunfire resounded, today flows a new current of development, trust, and good governance. Emerging from the shadow of fear, Bastar is now marching forward with unwavering resolve on the path of self-confidence and progress," he noted.
He credited effective policies of the BJP-led governments in Chhattisgarh and at the Centre for the turnaround in Bastar, which was once associated with Naxal violence.
"This transformation is the fruit of our 'Double Engine' governments' steadfast resolve, effective policies, and unwavering trust of people. A place where peace has triumphed over fear and security has inspired confidence. Prosperity is steering Bastar's bright future toward new heights," Sai noted.
A new chapter of peace, development, and trust has started in Chhattisgarh, especially in Bastar, the CM declared.
"Today, every village shines with light, every path leads to development, and every face bears not fear, but a smile. The sunrise of March 31, 2026, stands witness to Bastar's transformation - from a region once defined by fear to one embracing a hopeful and bright future. A New Bastar, A New Chhattisgarh, a new chapter of peace, development, and trust," he asserted.
