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Citibank temporarily closes most UAE branches from March 12-14, moving employees to remote working | World News

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Citibank temporarily closes most UAE branches from March 12-14, moving employees to remote working | World News

Citibank temporarily closes most UAE branches from March 12 to 14, moving employees to remote working
Citibank temporarily closes UAE branch as regional tensions rise / Photo: File

global banking giant Citibank The company has temporarily closed several of its branches and financial centers across the United Arab Emirates as a precautionary measure amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The move affected most of Citi’s branches nationwide for a short period of time in mid-March as financial institutions in the Gulf region stepped up security measures to protect employees and customers during the current crisis.

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Citibank UAE branch temporarily closed

According to the bank’s announcement, most Citibank branches and financial centers across the UAE will remain closed from March 12 to 14 as part of a precautionary response to the evolving regional situation.The bank said it expects to reopen affected locations on March 16 once the situation stabilizes. However, a branch at the Mall of the Emirates will continue to operate during the temporary closure, ensuring customers can still access on-site banking services when needed.During the closure, customers can also continue to use digital banking services, ATMs and online platforms for daily transactions.

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Regional security concerns prompt banks to take measures

The temporary closures come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East, with threats posed by the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel raising concerns among businesses and financial institutions operating in the Gulf.In response to this situation, Citigroup, the parent company of Citibank, has also asked employees at its offices in the Dubai International Financial Center and Oud Metha to work from home until further notice. The measure aims to reduce risks while maintaining normal banking operations remotely.The Gulf region is home to hundreds of international financial companies, which are taking precautionary measures such as remote working and temporary branch closures to prioritize employee safety.

Mall of the Emirates branch remains open

While most branches are temporarily closed, Citibank confirmed that one branch in Dubai will remain open to assist customers requiring in-person banking services during the precautionary closure period.The operational branch is located at the Mall of the Emirates, one of the city’s major commercial centres. The branch is expected to be open during normal banking hours, usually around 10am to 4pm, but customers are advised to check in advance for updated opening hours before visiting the branch.During this period, the branch will handle essential banking services, including account inquiries, emergency financial transactions, card-related issues and general customer assistance. However, customers may experience longer waiting times due to limited availability of face-to-face services across the bank’s UAE network.To reduce congestion and ensure smoother services, the bank encourages customers to rely on ATMs, online banking and mobile banking platforms for daily transactions such as transfers, bill payments and balance inquiries. These digital services remain fully operational and available 24/7.

Other global banks have taken similar precautions

Citibank is not the only financial institution adjusting its operations in response to the security situation. Reports indicate that Standard Chartered has also taken steps to evacuate staff from some offices in Dubai and move employees to remote working arrangements.Meanwhile, HSBC has temporarily closed its branches in Qatar as part of wider precautionary measures in the region.These actions highlight how global financial institutions are closely monitoring the situation and adapting operations to ensure safety while maintaining essential services.

TOISA 2025 Nominees: Celebrating squash success

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TOISA 2025 Nominees: Celebrating squash success

TOISA 2025 Nominees: Celebrating squash success
Celebrating Squash Tournament Success

The 8th edition of The Times of India Sports Awards (TOISA) will be held in Lucknow on March 21, 2026 and will celebrate the achievements and inspiring journeys of India’s best athletes across multiple sports. TOISA 2025 will recognize performance from January 1 to December 31, 2025, focusing on highlights from major international championships and global championships. Featuring more than 45 award categories, the event honors legendary performers and promising new talent who have brought pride to the country.The winners will be selected by a panel of eminent sports icons including Abhinav Bindra, PR Sreejesh, Mithali Raj, Devendra Jhajharia, Sharath Kamaland Leander Paes, ensuring credible and professional assessment of excellence in Indian sports.Squash – MenAbhay SinghDate of birth: September 3, 1998Place of birth: Chennai, Tamil NaduSports: SquashMain achievements in 2025:SDAT Squash World Cup: Gold (Mixed Team)Asian Squash Doubles Championship: Gold Medal (Men’s Doubles)Asian Squash Doubles Championship: Gold Medal (Mixed Doubles)PSA Hyder Trophy (New York): Gold MedalIndia’s number one male player, Abhay Singh, has had a stellar 2025, cementing his dominance in individual and team competitions. He led India to a historic first gold medal at the SDAT Squash World Cup in his hometown of Chennai. On the mainland stage, he won double gold medals at the Asian Doubles Championships, successfully defended the men’s doubles title with Veeravan Senthilkumar and captured the mixed title with Anahat Singh. In addition, he also won his 11th PSA Tour title at the Hyde Cup in New York, and his world ranking reached a career high. 26 during the year.Sourav GhosalDate of birth: August 10, 1986Place of birth: Kolkata, West BengalSports: SquashMain achievements in 2025:Octane Sydney Classic (PSA): Gold MedalAfter a brief hiatus from the professional tour, the legendary Saurav Ghosal made a triumphant comeback in early 2025, winning the Sydney Classic in Australia, dropping just one event throughout the tournament to capture his 11th PSA title. Despite battling age and recurring injuries, Ghosal remains a guiding force in Indian squash. His resilience in 2025 further cements his status as India’s greatest ever squash player.Velawan SenhilkumarDate of birth: March 26, 1998Place of birth: Salem, Tamil NaduSports: SquashMain achievements in 2025:National Senior Squash Championship: Gold Medal (Men’s Singles)Asian Squash Doubles Championship: Gold Medal (Men’s Doubles)Asian Squash Individual Championship: Bronze MedalSDAT Squash World Cup: Gold (Mixed Team)Velavan Senthilkumar reached new heights in 2025, breaking into the world’s top 40 for the first time. He reclaimed the senior national title in a high-octane final and was an integral part of the World Cup gold-medal winning team in Chennai. His partnership with Abhay Singh remains unrivaled in Asia and they successfully defended the Asian Tag Team Championship. Veerawan proved he is now a consistent medal threat at the highest level of international squash by winning a bronze medal at the Asian Individual Championships in Kuala Lumpur.Mahesh MangankarDate of birth: March 23, 1994Place of birth: Mumbai, MaharashtraSports: SquashMain achievements in 2025:PSA World Championship: Round of 32Finnish National Championships: Gold Medal (as a resident player)PSA Tour: Two-time Finalist (Challenger Level)While balancing his career with his European coaching role, Mahesh Mangaonkar remains a key international representative for India in 2025. He showed his experience at the PSA World Championships, putting up a tough fight against his top-seeded opponent. On the regional circuit, he continued to dominate the Scandinavia region, winning the national title as a resident, while reaching multiple finals on the PSA Challenger Tour.Squash – WomenAnahat SinghDate of birth: March 13, 2008Place of birth: DelhiSports: SquashMain achievements in 2025:SDAT Squash World Cup: Gold (Mixed Team)National Senior Squash Championship: Gold Medal (Women’s Singles)Asian Squash Doubles Championship: Gold Medal (Women’s and Mixed Doubles)World Junior Squash Championships: Bronze Medal2025 PSA Awards: Challenger Player of the Season and Young Player of the SeasonIn 2025, at just 17 years old, Anahat Singh cemented her status as the face of Indian squash. She completed a historic hat-trick to win the senior national title and helped India win its first Squash World Cup gold medal in Chennai. Internationally, she won a bronze medal at the World Junior Championships, ending a 15-year drought for India, and achieved her first top-10 victory at the Canadian Open, defeating world number seven Tiny Gillis. Her 29-match unbeaten run on the PSA Challenger Tour earned her two prestigious Global Season Awards from PSA.Joshna ChinapaDate of birth: September 15, 1986Place of birth: Chennai, Tamil NaduSports: SquashMain achievements in 2025:SDAT Squash World Cup: Gold (Mixed Team)Japan Open (PSA Challenger): Gold MedalAsian Squash Doubles Championship: Gold Medal (Women’s Doubles)SRFI India Open: Silver Medal (Singles)39-year-old veteran Joshna Chinappa had a stunning resurgence in 2025, proving that age is just a number. She scored a crucial victory in the first match of the World Cup final against Hong Kong, helping India win the gold medal. In October, she defeated younger and higher-ranked opponents at the Japan Open in Yokohama to win her 11th PSA title and return to the top 100 in the world. Despite finishing runner-up to Anahat Singh at the India Open, her tactical brilliance and veteran leadership remain integral to the national team’s success.Tanvi KhannaDate of birth: July 23, 1995Place of birth: DelhiSports: SquashMain achievements in 2025:HCL Squash India Tour (Mumbai): Gold MedalHCL Squash India Tour (Jaipur): Silver MedalAsian Squash Individual Championship: QuarterfinalsTanvi Khanna successfully returned to form in 2025 after recovering from injury. She won her first title of the season at the HCL PSA Challenge in Mumbai, stunning top seeds Egypt in the final. Her consistent performances at domestic and Asian circuits have taken her to the finals in Jaipur and the final stages of the Asian Individual Championships in Malaysia. Tanvi remained India’s top three player throughout the year, providing vital depth to the women’s national team in international team competitions.Deepika Parrikar KarthikDate of birth: September 21, 1991Place of birth: Chennai, Tamil NaduSports: SquashMain achievements in 2025:Asian Squash Doubles Championship: Silver Medal (Mixed Doubles)World Squash Championship: Main Draw (Chicago)PSA Tour: Reaching Australian Open semi-finalsIn 2025, Dipika Pallikal Karthik is focusing her competitive efforts on high-stakes doubles and select PSA World Tour events. She won a silver medal at the Asian Doubles Championship with Saurav Ghosal and represented India at the PSA World Championships in Chicago. While balancing her career with her role as an illustrious sporting icon, she went on to compete on the highest level of global tours, reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open and becoming an important mentor to the national team’s younger players.

Scientists capture trees glowing during thunderstorms

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Scientists capture trees glowing during thunderstorms

Scientists capture trees glowing during thunderstorms

Scientists have captured the first high-speed video of trees emitting electricity from sparks during a thunderstorm. Results of a study published in Geophysical Research Letters Research shows that tree branches can emit faint blue light, known as corona discharges, thanks to sensors and cameras deployed in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Corona occurs when a storm’s strong electric field ionizes the air near the sharp edges of leaves on trees. Sailors have been observing the same glow on the masts of ships for hundreds of years. The observation is important to atmospheric scientists because the findings suggest that forested areas may have a much greater impact on Earth’s electricity balance and greenhouse gas composition than previously thought.

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How do trees glow without catching fire?

The blue light in the treetops is the result of a phenomenon called corona discharge, which is different from lightning events or wildfires. The electric field of a thunderstorm is so large that it can snatch electrons away from air molecules. This causes electricity to be emitted into the air in the form of plasma. Unlike lightning, which is an extremely hot and massive discharge, corona discharge is “cold” electricity. according to science newsbecause this form of electricity is less intense and less distributed, it accumulates in the sharpest locations on the tree, such as pine needles and leaf tips, causing the tree to emit a faint light. However, this power does not cause actual burning or any other type of damage to the trees.

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Why glowing trees are important for climate

In addition to their beautiful appearance of shimmering blue light, corona discharges around the ends of trees have a huge impact on air quality.According to research pennsylvania state universitythe discharge generated by the corona discharge at the end of the tree will also produce a large amount of free hydroxyl groups. Hydroxyl is the primary cleanser of our atmosphere. Hydroxy radicals are also very reactive and can be used to degrade many pollutants and greenhouse gases, such as methane, which otherwise contribute to global warming.

Why some trees glow brighter than others

Different species react differently after a thunderstorm. According to a recent study by scientists published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters. This study has confirmed that the relative size of a tree’s canopy produces more or less “ghost” light as it ages. Evergreen trees are most actively involved in producing this electrical phenomenon. The needle-like leaf-shaped tips of conifers form extremely efficient natural “conductors,” allowing upwardly generated electric fields to be highly concentrated at the tips of their spiky vines and making it easier (and many times more likely) to produce upwardly generated electric flashes of blue light.

‘Are you serious?’: Sachin’s reaction after BCCI selectors told him it was time to move on

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‘Are you serious?’: Sachin’s reaction after BCCI selectors told him it was time to move on

'Are you serious?': Sachin Tendulkar's reaction after BCCI selector tells him it's time to move on
Sachin Tendulkar (Getty Images)

Arguably the greatest batsman of all time, Sachin Tendulkar Dominated world cricket for more than two decades. But even for a legend like his, 2012 proved to be one of the most challenging phases of his extraordinary career. Just months after he realized his lifelong dream ICC Cricket World Cup In 2011, Tendulkar suddenly found himself struggling with poor form and growing questions about his future. The Indian team suffered a disastrous overseas tour in England and Australia, losing the series 0-4 in a row. Tendulkar scored 560 runs and four half-centuries in eight Tests across two tours, but failed to reach the landmark century that the cricketing world was eagerly waiting for. The pressure to achieve his 100th international hundred is getting heavier with every innings.

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When Britain visited India later that year, the situation did not improve. Tendulkar’s struggles continued as the home team lost the series at home. In four Tests, he has scored just 112 runs at an average of 18.6, raising fresh concerns about his future. Around the same time, several of his old teammates also said goodbye to the game. Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and Pipe Laxman All retired, leaving Tendulkar as the last pillar of India’s iconic batting generation. Many believe that the next decision could involve the man widely known as the ‘God of Cricket’. It was during this period of uncertainty that then-Chairman BCCI selection committee, Sandeep Patil decided to have a candid discussion with the 39-year-old. “I remember the last day of the 2012 Nagpur Test when we lost to England. My draft partner Rajendra Singh Hans and I went to the ACU (Anti-Corruption Unit) to seek permission to meet Sachin Tendulkar. We got the coach’s permission and invited Tendulkar. As chairman, I asked him: “What are your plans?” The selection committee felt that his contribution would not be helpful to the team. The entire country turned against me, but we never gave up on him. He announced his retirement from ODIs first and then Tests,” Patil said on Vickey Lalwani’s podcast. The conversation took Tendulkar by surprise. “He was surprised, rightfully so. He said why?” I said the committee thought we needed to consider your successor, and he was shocked. He called me again and asked me, “Are you serious?” I said, yes. Later, when he decided to retire, he even called me and said, “Sandy, I’m retiring.” I felt sad that we had to make such a drastic decision. But look at the players coming in – Ajinkya Lahani“. Patil also revealed that Tendulkar initially had no intention of resigning. According to him, the batting icon made it clear after the meeting that he wanted to continue playing. However, within a week, Tendulkar announced his retirement from one-day internationals, just days before India were scheduled to play a three-match series against Pakistan. The Mumbai legend continued in Test cricket for another year, although the magical consistency that defined his career was no longer there. In India’s 4-0 win over Australia in the 2013 Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Tendulkar scored 192 runs at an average of 32, with 81 being his highest score. He quit the Indian Premier League a few months later and finally announced his retirement from international cricket after the farewell Test series at home against West Indies. When his remarkable journey finally came to an end, Tendulkar left the field with over 34,000 international runs and became the first cricketer to play 200 Test matches, ending one of the greatest careers the game has ever seen.

Indian-origin official: ‘Totally run by Indians?’: Canada chair faces backlash for naming Indian-origin members in government agency

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Indian-origin official: ‘Totally run by Indians?’: Canada chair faces backlash for naming Indian-origin members in government agency

'Totally run by Indians?': Canada chair faces backlash for naming members of Indian origin in government agency

Some critics say Canada’s leaders may have taken their cues from political rhetoric south of the border. Canadian politician Daniel Tyrie’s social media post questioning the presence of Indian-origin officials in government sparked an online backlash and reignited debates over immigration, identity and representation in public institutions.Canada’s Indian-origin population is growing rapidly. With an estimated population of between 1.8 million and 2.9 million people, the community is one of the largest Indian diaspora, accounting for approximately 5.1% of Canada’s total population. Census data also shows the community has grown by 17.5% since the last census, reflecting its growing influence in business, politics and public service.Tyrie sparked controversy when she posted on X asking: “How can Global Affairs Canada be run entirely by Indians?” In the post, he shared photos of several South Asian officials working within the Canadian government, citing them as evidence of what he said was overrepresentation.Photos of officials including Arun Thangaraj, Maninder Sidhu, Randeep Sarai and Anita Anand appeared in his post.Arun Thangaraj was born in Canada and is currently the Deputy Minister of Transport of Canada.Maninder Sidhu is a parliamentary secretary who was born in India but immigrated to Canada as a child. His parents came to Canada as international students in the early 1980s and settled in Surrey, British Columbia, where they later established the family business.Randeep Sarai is the Liberal Member of Parliament for Surrey Center. He was born in Vancouver on April 15, 1975 and grew up in Burnaby. His Sikh parents immigrated from Punjab before he was born.Anita Anand, former Minister of Defense and current Member of Parliament for Oakville, was born in Kentville, Nova Scotia, in 1967. Her father SV Anand is a surgeon from Tamil Nadu and her mother Saroj D. Ram is an anesthetist from Punjab. Both immigrated to Canada in the early 1960s.When a user on X pointed out that several of the officials he mentioned were Canadian-born, Terry defended his argument.“To be Canadian is to be part of a generational lineage that stretches back to the pioneers who settled and built this great country,” he wrote.He continued: “A person born to two Indians in Canada is still an Indian. It’s not rocket science.”Terry also believes that racial diversity is being defined incorrectly. “There’s nothing ‘diversity’ about four Indians. Unless you use the modern definition of diversity, which is non-white.”His comments quickly sparked backlash online, with users accusing him of misrepresenting officials’ backgrounds and ignoring the broader makeup of the government.One user responded: “No. They’re all Canadian. And they were all born in Canada. You forgot to show the white guy, it’s Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs.”Another user questioned the focus on race, writing: “Whatever their background… the main question is… are they doing a good job, if not then kick them out. So far the foreign minister has done a great job.”

“Jaishan Jaishankar spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister 3 times”: India raised concerns about ship safety and energy security

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“Jaishan Jaishankar spoke to Iranian Foreign Minister 3 times”: India raised concerns about ship safety and energy security

New Delhi: Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently held three rounds of talks with his Iranian counterpart, with the discussions focusing on maritime transport security and India’s energy security.Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a weekly media briefing, “External Affairs Minister Dr Jaishankar and the Iranian Foreign Minister held three conversations in the last few days. The last time they discussed issues related to shipping security and India’s energy security. Apart from that, it is premature for me to say anything now,” Jaiswal said.However, the MEA declined to elaborate on the details of the dialogue, suggesting that the situation remains sensitive and fluid.The comments come as tensions rise in the Persian Gulf and concerns grow over the safety of commercial shipping lanes, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz – a key passage for global oil trade and a main channel for India’s energy imports.Meanwhile, Iran allowed Indian-flagged vessels to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz, the Economic Times reported, even as maritime traffic in the strategic waterway slowed sharply following US-Israeli attacks on Iran.India has been closely monitoring the evolving situation in the region, especially in the wake of recent incidents involving merchant ships and disruptions related to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Alcohol-filled interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS shocks astronomers: Its alien chemicals could reveal information about planet formation |

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Alcohol-filled interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS shocks astronomers: Its alien chemicals could reveal information about planet formation |

Alcohol-filled interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS stuns astronomers: Its alien chemicals could reveal information about planet formation

Astronomers have discovered something unusual in a comet passing through the solar system. 3I/ATLAS is the third interstellar visitor confirmed so far, and it appears to be filled with methanol, an alcohol you might find in a lab rather than your drink. Researchers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile reportedly measured levels of methanol that were much higher than levels of hydrogen cyanide, a molecule commonly found in comets.It seems that 3I/ATLAS is not like the comets we are used to. Its icy core and surrounding coma reveal chemical conditions that may hint at how planets formed in other solar systems. Experts say it could be a rare glimpse into the chemistry of an alien planet, something scientists have been waiting decades to study. The comet shone as it approached the sun, sending a distinct signal that ALMA could detect.

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Comet 3I/ATLAS: ALMA detects higher than expected methanol levels

The numbers are staggering. Methanol to HCN ratios of approximately 70 and 120 were reported in two separate observations. This is huge compared to most comets in our own system, where methanol is usually far less dominant. Lead researcher and professor at American University, Nathan Roth, said it was like getting a fingerprint from another solar system. And it seems that this fingerprint is very rich. It’s really rich.The ALMA Morita array (sometimes called the Atacama Compact Array (ACA)) tracked the comet for several days in late 2025. As sunlight warms its icy surface, 3I/ATLAS releases gas and dust. This creates a glowing halo, or coma, around its core. By analyzing this haze, scientists can see exactly what chemicals are present in it. The methanol gush was far greater than anyone expected.

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Comet 3I/ATLAS reveals methanol patterns not seen in solar system comets

Interestingly, methanol behaves differently in coma than other molecules. Hydrogen cyanide appears to originate primarily from atomic nuclei, like typical solar system comets. Methanol, on the other hand, appears to be released from the comet’s nucleus and tiny ice particles floating in the coma. The particles are like mini comets, releasing methanol when sunlight hits them.This is a strange thing. Some solar system comets can do this, but seeing it in an interstellar object is new. This may indicate that the formation or processing conditions of 3I/ATLAS are different from those in China. The James Webb Space Telescope has hinted at something strange going on, finding that carbon dioxide dominates farther from the sun. Methanol adds another layer of mystery.

Comet 3I/ATLAS gives us a glimpse into the chemistry of distant planets

Each interstellar visitor is a snapshot of a distant planetary system. 3I/ATLAS follows 1I/’Oumuamua and 2I/Borisov, both of which generated huge scientific interest. These objects may be rare, but each carries clues about how planets and comets formed in the Milky Way. Seeing such a methanol-rich comet gives astronomers a chemical window into places we’ll never be able to reach.Observations of 3I/ATLAS also help improve models of comet chemistry. It seems that different star systems may produce very different mixtures of ice and organic matter. This could change how we think about planet formation, and even suggest that some systems are more like “chemical cocktails” than the tidy solar system we know.

ICC charges West Indies player and two umpires with foul play; suspended with immediate effect

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ICC charges West Indies player and two umpires with foul play; suspended with immediate effect

Match-fixing storm: ICC charges West Indies players, two officials; all cricket matches suspended with immediate effect
ICC charges West Indies players, two team officials

The International Cricket Council has charged two team officials and a player with multiple breaches of anti-corruption rules related to the 2023/24 Bim10 Championship, widening the scope of its investigation into alleged match-fixing at matches in the Caribbean.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!Team owner Chitranjan Rathod, official Trevon Griffith and West Indies cricketer Javon Searles have all been charged under the anti-corruption regulations of the ICC and Cricket West Indies (CWI).According to a statement from the ICC, the charges mainly relate to the 2023/24 Bim10 Championship, which falls under the CWI’s anti-corruption laws. Griffiths also faces additional charges relating to international matches, which fall within the provisions of the ICC Anti-Corruption Code.Rathod, the owner of the Titans franchise, faces three charges under the CWI statute, while Sellers faces four charges. Griffiths faces four charges under CWI rules and one charge under ICC rules.All three were accused of manipulating or attempting to influence the outcome, progress or conduct of the Bim10 Championship. They are also accused of encouraging players or support staff to breach anti-corruption regulations and failing or refusing to cooperate with investigators.Sells and Griffiths are also accused of failing to report contacts or invitations that could amount to corrupt conduct.Griffiths faces further charges under the ICC Anti-Corruption Act for allegedly obstructing the anti-corruption unit’s investigation by concealing or tampering with information that may be relevant to the investigation.The International Cricket Federation confirmed that all three have been temporarily banned from all cricketing activities with immediate effect. They have 14 days from March 11, 2026, to respond to the charges.The case is part of a wider investigation into corruption at the event. In January, US player Aaron Jones was also charged with five violations of the ICC and CWI anti-corruption codes.The ICC said it would make no further comment until the disciplinary proceedings are completed.

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Why don’t archaeologists want to open China’s 2,200-year-old tomb of Qin Shihuang? Reasons That Will Shock You | World News

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Why don’t archaeologists want to open China’s 2,200-year-old tomb of Qin Shihuang? Reasons That Will Shock You | World News

Why don’t archaeologists want to open China’s 2,200-year-old tomb of Qin Shihuang? The reason will shock you

Imagine a vast underground palace filled with treasures, guarded by an army of stone warriors, and sealed for over two thousand years. This is the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor, who unified the country in 221 BC and pursued immortality until his death in 210 BC. According to the BBC, it was discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well near Xi’an, where the famous Terracotta Army was discovered, with thousands of life-size clay soldiers preparing for battle. However, despite this astonishing discovery, archaeologists have never breached the emperor’s inner tomb. Whispers of deadly traps, rivers of toxic mercury, and the fragile wonders within keep them at bay. It’s a tantalizing mystery that blends ancient ingenuity with modern caution, raising questions about preservation and curiosity in archaeology.

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Are there deadly traps and mercury rivers in China? Qin Shi Huang tomb

Ancient texts describe gruesome scenes of the tomb’s defenses. Historian Sima Qian described in his “Historical Records” the crossbows and mechanically flowing mercury used to fire at invaders to imitate China’s great rivers, such as the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers. Sima Qian wrote: “The craftsmen were ordered to make bows and arrows to shoot anyone who entered the mausoleum. Mercury was used to simulate hundreds of rivers.” This is also cited in historical records about the construction of the mausoleum.

Modern science supports these claims. A study published in Nature in 2020 found that mercury levels in the soil around burial mounds were abnormally high, far exceeding normal concentrations. Ground-penetrating radar discovered huge rooms and cavities under the 76-meter-high pyramid-shaped mound, hinting at the complex “underground palace” described by Sima Qian. While some question whether these traps will still be effective 2,200 years from now, mercury itself poses a volatilization risk; if disturbed, it could quickly evaporate and pollute the air. Duan Qingbo, an archaeologist and leader of the archaeological team of the Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archeology, confirmed during a geological survey that the mercury concentration in the tomb itself increased. “We found through investigation that the mercury concentration in the Qin Shi Huang’s tomb area was significantly higher than in surrounding areas,” Duan told China Daily in 2006. These findings explain why experts are proceeding with caution; opening the tomb may bring dangers that we cannot fully predict.

Preservation risks of Kaifeng emperor’s tomb

The Terracotta Army issued a stern warning. When first exposed to air in the 1970s, the soldiers’ bright paint faded within minutes. “When the terracotta warriors were exposed in the 1970s, their bright pigments faded within minutes of contact with air,” states a report on the challenges of excavation at the site. In a sealed central chamber, artifacts may be perfectly preserved in their ancient equilibrium, but sunlight, oxygen, and humidity can destroy them instantly.In 2005, Zhang Bai, deputy director of China’s State Administration of Cultural Heritage, emphasized this point at the 15th International Council on Monuments and Sites Conference in Xi’an. “These cultural relics have been buried in tombs for more than 2,000 years and have reached a state of equilibrium. If they are not excavated improperly… they will deteriorate quickly.” Zhang Bai gave the example of unearthed ivory turning into powder in just two hours. SACH policy strictly limits excavation to cases of natural threat, robbery or state necessity, and even refuses to excavate nearby graves to avoid damaging the main site.Duan Qingbo echoed this warning: “Now is not the right time to open the tomb, because there are still many things that are still unknown.” Recent non-invasive techniques such as remote sensing have discovered symmetrical staircases and wooden structures that have never been mentioned in records, proving that we still lack a full understanding. Breaking in without guaranteed protection techniques would be damaging to the archeology.

Official stance on China’s unopened emperor’s tomb

As recommended by the World Intellectual Property Organization, China’s cultural heritage law puts “protection first.” The “Cultural Heritage Protection Law of the People’s Republic of China” stipulates that excavation is only allowed under special circumstances. This is the principle adhered to by the State Administration of Cultural Heritage for Qin Shihuang’s Mausoleum. Even proposals from the 1990s on tourism or earthquake safety were rejected.Michael Pezet, then president of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), supported this at the same Xi’an conference: “Let Qin Shihuang and his underground palace continue to sleep.” Political and moral dimensions added weight. Qin Shihuang unified China, but through brutal means, disrupting his rest could spark cultural debate. The site has had World Heritage status since 1987 and requires global standards of care.Today, the focus remains on the outer pit: more than 8,000 unique soldiers, chariots, and even the recently unearthed possible royal tomb of Prince Gao. These can generate insights without compromising the core. As Duan points out, the tomb’s ancient drainage system has kept its contents intact for thousands of years. Why gamble now?In the end, refusing to open this 2,200-year-old wonder is not cowardice; This is wisdom. By sealing Qin Shi Huang’s tomb, archaeologists are commemorating his legacy while awaiting technology that can truly and safely unlock its secrets. Future generations may one day enter, but for now, the Emperor’s eternal guardians stand there, their mysteries enduring.

T20 WC: South Africa, WI finally leave India after travel chaos in West Asia conflict

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T20 WC: South Africa, WI finally leave India after travel chaos in West Asia conflict

T20 World Cup: South Africa, West Indies finally leave India after West Asia conflict causes travel chaos
South Africa captain Aiden Markram (left) and West Indies captain Shay Hope. (AP Photo)

New Delhi: The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Thursday confirmed that the last batch of players and support staff from South Africa and West Indies have finally left India amid days of travel uncertainty amid airspace closures due to the ongoing West Asian conflict.Push boundaries with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!The crisis was sparked when two teams were stranded in Kolkata after participating in the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup as tensions escalated in West Asia, with airspace over major transport hubs including Dubai being closed and international travel routes disrupted.South Africa and West Indies played their final World Cup matches in Kolkata on March 4 and March 1 respectively, but were unable to leave as scheduled due to widespread flight cancellations and logistical obstacles.

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According to the ICC, the remaining members of both contingents have now safely begun their journey home.“In the past 24 hours, the remaining 29 members from South Africa and the final 16 from the West Indies have been flown back to their respective home countries, concluding a complex operation conducted under extremely challenging global travel conditions,” the ICC said in a statement.The governing body added that its priority throughout the situation has been to ensure the safety of all players and staff while responding to rapidly changing travel conditions.“Ensuring all players and staff continue to travel safely is the only objective,” the ICC said, noting that arrangements would need to be constantly adjusted as the situation evolves.“Throughout this period, ICC’s operations and logistics teams have been working with governments, airlines, charter providers, airport authorities and our membership committees to respond to a range of operational disruptions caused by the changing environment.”While nine West Indies players successfully departed earlier this week, the remaining 16 players and a team of 29 South African players traveled on commercial flights.This situation has attracted criticism from many quarters.The ICC’s airline partner Emirates has been unable to operate flights after the skies were closed over Dubai, the main transit hub for players returning home.

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