MADRID: Oscar-winning Spanish actress Penelope Cruz gave birth to her second child with husband Javier Bardem, a girl, on Monday in a Madrid hospital, a source familiar with the situation said.
Spanish media reported the birth earlier on Tuesday, citing a hospital representative, though Madrid’s Clinica Ruber declined to confirm the news and representatives for Cruz and Bardem could not be reached for comment.
Cruz, 39, was still in hospital on Tuesday, the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
She married fellow Oscar winner Bardem in 2010 and the couple had their first child, a boy named Leo, in Los Angeles two and half years ago.
Cruz and Bardem are the only Spanish actors to have won academy awards, both for supporting roles. They first met on the set of a Spanish film in 1992 but got together after starring in Woody Allen’s 2008 comedy “Vicky Cristina Barcelona.”
They are due to appear together in supporting roles in “The Counselor,” a film directed by Ridley Scott, scheduled for release later this year.
Penelope Cruz, husband welcome daughter same day as royal baby
Penelope Cruz, husband welcome daughter same day as royal baby
Hamas says will free hostages if end to Gaza war guaranteed
- Hamas is engaged in negotiations in Cairo with mediators from Egypt and Qatar
- Senior Hamas official accuses Israel of obstructing progress toward a ceasefire
Hamas is engaged in negotiations in Cairo with mediators from Egypt and Qatar – two nations working alongside the United States to broker a ceasefire in the besieged territory.
“We are ready to release all Israeli captives in exchange for a serious prisoner swap deal, an end to the war, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the entry of humanitarian aid,” Taher Al-Nunu, a senior Hamas official, said.
However, he accused Israel of obstructing progress toward a ceasefire.
“The issue is not the number of captives,” Nunu said, “but rather that the occupation is reneging on its commitments, blocking the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and continuing the war.”
“Hamas has therefore stressed the need for guarantees to compel the occupation (Israel) to uphold the agreement,” he added.
Israeli news website Ynet reported on Monday that a new proposal had been put to Hamas.
Under the deal, the group would release 10 living hostages in exchange for US guarantees that Israel would enter negotiations for a second phase of the ceasefire.
The first phase of the ceasefire, which began on January 19 and included multiple hostage-prisoner exchanges, lasted two months before disintegrating.
Efforts toward a new truce have stalled, reportedly over disputes regarding the number of hostages to be released by Hamas.
Meanwhile, Nunu said that Hamas would not disarm, a key condition that Israel has set for ending the war.
“The weapons of the resistance are not up for negotiation,” Nunu said.
The war in Gaza broke out after Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.
Militants also took 251 hostages, 58 of whom are still held in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
Gaza’s health ministry said on Sunday that at least 1,574 Palestinians had been killed since March 18, when the ceasefire collapsed, taking the overall death toll since the war began to 50,944.
US congressman urges collaboration with Pakistan in critical minerals, industrial development
- US Congressional delegation is in Pakistan for meetings with key government and military leaders
- Pakistan has world’s largest copper-gold mineral zones and is also rich in lithium used to make batteries
ISLAMABAD: US Republican Congressman Jack Bergman has called for cooperation with Islamabad in the critical minerals and industrial development sectors, aiming to build a strategic partnership that “provides value not only to Pakistan but to the entire world.”
The United States has identified a list of “critical minerals” like aluminum, lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements that it has deemed essential for its economy, national security, and technological advancements. Pakistan is endowed with various mineral resources, including salt, coal, copper, gold, chromite, bauxite, and gemstones. It is also rich in lithium used to make batteries, as well as other minerals. But despite rich natural reserves estimated to be worth $6 trillion, Pakistan’s mineral sector contributes only 3.2% to GDP and 0.1% to global exports.
The country is now aiming to tap into this underutilized potential and last week organized a minerals summit attended by top government officials and heads of companies from various countries including the US, UK, Europe, China and the Middle East.
“The value of the relationship going forward between Pakistan and the United States cannot be overestimated or how positive an impact it’s going to make, not only just here in Pakistan, in the United States, but in developing areas around the world,” said Bergman, who is part of a three-member US congressional delegation visiting Pakistan this week.
“The importance of what we’re doing here in these specific areas is to bring partnerships together in very specific areas, critical minerals being only one of many but it sets the stage for the next steps in the development of good industries that provide value not only to Pakistan but to the entire world.”
“We cannot overestimate the value of the kinds of industries that we are involved with now in developing capabilities, whether it’s industrial techniques, mining techniques, new products, all of those elements that go into the future of our productive world,” Bergman added.
Last week, senior official Eric Meyer from the US Department of State’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs attended the Pakistan Minerals Summit and expressed interest in enhancing cooperation with Pakistan in the minerals sector, citing President Donald Trump’s vision of securing rare materials as a “strategic priority” that could benefit both countries.
Pakistan is home to one of the world’s largest porphyry copper-gold mineral zones, while the Reko Diq mine in southwestern Balochistan province has an estimated 5.9 billion tons of ore.
Barrick Gold, which owns a 50% stake in the Reko Diq mines, considers them one of the world’s largest underdeveloped copper-gold areas, and their development is expected to have a significant impact on Pakistan’s struggling economy.
Iran FM to head to Moscow, discuss US nuclear talks
On Saturday, Araghchi held talks with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in Muscat, the highest-level Iranian-US nuclear negotiations since the collapse of a 2015 accord.
“Dr. Araghchi will travel to Moscow at the end of the week,” said spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei, adding that the trip was “pre-planned” and would be “an opportunity to discuss the latest developments related to the Muscat talks.”
Iran and the United States separately described Saturday’s discussions as “constructive.”
The negotiations came weeks after US President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei calling for nuclear talks while warning of possible military action if Tehran refused.
Russia, a close ally of Iran, and China have held discussions with Iran in recent weeks over its nuclear program.
Moscow welcomed the Iran-US talks as it pushed for a diplomatic solution and warned that military confrontation would be a “global catastrophe.”
Another round of talks between Iran and the United States is scheduled for Saturday, April 19.
Iran has yet to confirm the location but the Dutch foreign minister and diplomatic sources said that the upcoming discussions would be held in the Italian capital.
The official IRNA news agency reported that they would be held in Europe, without elaborating.
Baqaei said the next set of talks would continue to be indirect with Omani mediation, adding that direct talks were “not effective” and “not useful.”
He had previously said that the only focus of the upcoming talks would be “the nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions,” and that Iran “will not have any talks with the American side on any other issue.”
Late Sunday, IRNA reported that Tehran’s regional influence and its missile capabilities were among its “red lines” in the talks.
In 2018, during Trump’s first term in office, Washington withdrew from the 2015 agreement and reinstated biting sanctions on Tehran.
Iran continued to adhere to the agreement for a year after Trump’s withdrawal but later began rolling back its compliance.
Iran has consistently denied that it is seeking nuclear weapons.
Baqaei reiterated that Iran would host United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi in the coming days but noted that the details of his trip were still “to be decided on.”
In a post on X, Grossi confirmed that he would be heading to Tehran “later this week.”
“Continued engagement and cooperation with the Agency is essential at a time when diplomatic solutions are urgently needed,” he said.
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency last visited Iran in November when he held talks with top officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian.
In its latest quarterly report in February, the IAEA said Iran had an estimated 274.8 kilograms (605 pounds) of uranium enriched to up to 60 percent, which far exceeds the 3.67 percent limit set under the 2015 deal and is much closer to the 90 percent threshold required for weapons-grade material.
Alexxanderr triumphs at Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh
- One of the most renowned stallions in the world was crowned Gold Senior Stallion Champion at Jump Saudi arena
RIYADH: The fourth stage of the Global Champions Arabians Tour in Riyadh saw Alexxanderr, one of the world’s most celebrated stallions, emerge triumphant at the purpose-built Jump Saudi arena.
With Tour legends such as Shahalel Al-Shaqab, D Borkan and Berlin MP returning to the arena alongside an impressive array of Saudi and international contenders, the event drew a strong crowd of breeders, dignitaries and fans for four days of competition.
Alexxanderr was crowned Gold Senior Stallion Champion while Arabella Al-Shahania took home the first gold for Al-Shahania Stud, Qatar, winning the Yearling Fillies Championship with a polished and elegant performance. Behind her Areej Akmal, representing Saudi Arabia’s AKMAL Stud, took silver, while AJ Sindala, gold medal winner in Muscat, completed the podium with a bronze for Ajman Stud.
In the Yearling Colts Championship, Mistiq Al-Shahania dazzled for Al-Shahania Stud with fluid, refined movement to claim gold. Nebras NA secured silver for Al-Naif Stud, Saudi Arabia, while Sharar Al-Manhal, a consistent presence on the Tour, earned bronze for SK Arabians, Qatar.
Shahalel Al-Shaqab extended her undefeated run with another gold for Al-Shaqab Stud, Qatar, in the Junior Fillies Championship, with Shahbrys HVP again following closely with silver for Ajmal Stud, Saudi Arabia, and Expectations Al-Wajba taking bronze for Al-Wajba Stud, Qatar.
D Borkan returned with force in the Junior Colts Championship, seizing his second consecutive gold for Dubai Arabian Horse Stud with yet another high-scoring performance. Chalino CJ earned silver for Al-Shahania Stud, and Naif Al-Areeb took bronze for Al-Nouf Stud, Saudi Arabia.
The Senior Mare Championship saw a commanding win for D Beisan of Al-Shaqab, delivering a flawless presentation of type and femininity. RK Sadeem earned silver for Ajman Stud, while Najla Umm Al-Udham earned a proud bronze for Umm Al-Udham Stud, Saudi Arabia.
In the final championship of the event, Alexxanderr claimed the Gold Senior Stallion Championship for AL Mirqab Farm, Qatar. Berlin MP, the Muscat champion, followed with silver for Hleetan Stud, Qatar, while ES Harir took bronze for SK Arabians, UAE.
As the Tour progresses to its next destinations, Shahalel Al-Shaqab continues to lead the female rankings with an unbeaten record, while Sharar Al-Manhal climbs in the male standings. The handler leaderboard remains topped by Paolo Capecci, who continues to impress with consistent performances across categories.
Next week, the Global Champions Arabians Tour makes its American debut in Miami Beach, USA, from April 17-19 at 36th Street Park, marking the second stage of the GCAT Americas Series. The Tour then returns to Europe in June for the Cannes stage.
UFC to host its first event in Azerbaijan
- June 21 card features light heavyweight bout between Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr
BAKU: UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organisation, will make its debut in Azerbaijan with a main event featuring former UFC light heavyweight champion and No. 4-ranked contender Jamahal Hill against No. 7-ranked Khalil Rountree Jr.
In partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Baku City Circuit Operations Company, the UFC event will be on Saturday, June 21 at the Baku Crystal Hall.
The partnership was announced at a signing ceremony with Dana White, the UFC president and CEO, and Azerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov in Miami before UFC 314 last Saturday.
“Azerbaijan and the city of Baku have an incredible history of hosting massive global sporting events,” White said. “We have so many great athletes from in and around this country that it was a natural next destination for us. I’m excited to have our debut event there on June 21.”
Gayibov emphasized the significance of the event in advancing Azerbaijan’s role in the international sports community.
“Hosting UFC in Baku marks another significant milestone in our efforts to develop Azerbaijan as a regional sports leader,” he said. “Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev’s unwavering support and attention, along with his successful sports policy, Azerbaijan has gained international recognition in the world of sports — and the city of Baku has established itself as a key hub for major global sporting events.
“This partnership with UFC further strengthens our reputation as a global sports hub, showcasing our commitment to sports development and international cooperation.”
Former champion Hill (12-3 1NC, from Michigan, US) aims to make a quick return to the Octagon for his second bout of 2025. The first Dana White’s Contender Series alum to become an undisputed UFC champion, his route to the title included wins over Thiago Santos, Johnny Walker and Jimmy Crute. Hill now plans to make a statement against Rountree Jr. and turn his attention to the championship picture.
Rountree Jr. (14-6 1NC) competes for the first time since his valiant Fight of the Night effort against Alex Pereira at UFC 307 in October. A devastating striker with 9 of his 13 wins coming by way of KO, Rountree Jr. has entertained fans with victories over Chris Daukaus, Karl Roberson and Modestas Bukauskas. He now looks to take Hill’s spot in the top five with another signature performance.
Also featuring on a stacked card will be the return of Kyoji Horiguchi (34-5) as he aims to become the first Japanese UFC champion. Standing in his way will be No.10-ranked Russian flyweight Tagir Ulanbekov (16-2) who is training under former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov and also has his eyes on the top of the flyweight division.
Expect fireworks as heavyweights collide with No.5 ranked Curtis Blaydes (18-5) taking on Dana White’s Contender Series standout Rizvan Kuniev (13-2-1) who will be looking to make a statement in his Octagon debut.
Additional bouts on the card include:
Middleweight: Ismail Naurdiev, Austria/Morocco (24-7) vs. Junyong Park, South Korea (18-6).
Heavyweight: Hamdy Abdelwahab, Egypt (6-0) vs. Mohammed Usman, Nigeria/US (10-4).
Bantamweight: Irina Alekseeva, Russia (5-2) vs. Klaudia Sygula, Poland (6-2).
Bantamweight: Daria Zhelezniakova, Russia (9-2) vs. Melissa Mullins, England (7-1).
