Turkey has given a German shepherd puppy to Mexico in a gesture of gratitude for sending highly trained sniffer dogs to assist in search and rescue efforts following February's deadly earthquake.
Ankara said it hoped the puppy would “carry on the legacy” of Proteo, one of the Mexican dogs sent to Turkey that died in the field.
Mexico's Ministry of National Defence welcomed the puppy on Tuesday, posting pictures of the dog waiting patiently for its “paws to stand on Mexican soil for the first time, here in my new home”.
Before its arrival, the defence ministry set up a Twitter poll asking people to choose the dog's name: Proteo II, Arkadas or Yardim. Arkadas, which is Turkish for friend, appeared to be the favourite.
The puppy has big pawprints to fill: nine-year-old Proteo rescued at least two people during his time in Turkey, where he died due to the stress of the long flight and the cold temperatures, his handler said.
His remains were returned to Mexico, where he was honoured in an emotional ceremony.
“We send a final goodbye to a great hero,” the defence ministry wrote on Twitter following his death. “Let's pay well-deserved tribute to our partner Proteo.”
A municipality in Istanbul was so moved by Proteo's sacrifice that it announced plans to erect a statue in his honour.
“Proteo came from Mexico, miles away, and came to save our citizens under the rubble … in these lands he had never known, and he succeeded,” said Sukru Genc, Mayor of Sariyer municipality in Istanbul, according to a statement issued by the municipality.
“Proteo is now one of the names we owe our loyalty to.”
Mexico itself is a site of frequent earthquakes. In 1985, about 10,000 people were killed during the country's most devastating earthquake, while more than 600 were killed and thousands injured during a seismic event in 2017.
The country is well known for both its sniffer dogs as well as its civilian search and rescue force, the Topos, or Moles. The Mexican military and the Topos, along with their trained canines, often travel to other countries hit by disasters to lend a hand — or a paw.
Perhaps the most famous of Mexico's sniffer dogs was yellow Labrador Frida, whose efforts during the 2017 earthquake saved the lives of countless people trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings. Frida died in November 2022.
SPECS
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The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Company%20Profile
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Global Fungi Facts
• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil
Dhadak 2
Director: Shazia Iqbal
Starring: Siddhant Chaturvedi, Triptii Dimri
Rating: 1/5
Infiniti QX80 specs
Engine: twin-turbocharged 3.5-liter V6
Power: 450hp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: From Dh450,000, Autograph model from Dh510,000
Available: Now
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Why are asylum seekers being housed in hotels?
The number of asylum applications in the UK has reached a new record high, driven by those illegally entering the country in small boats crossing the English Channel.
A total of 111,084 people applied for asylum in the UK in the year to June 2025, the highest number for any 12-month period since current records began in 2001.
Asylum seekers and their families can be housed in temporary accommodation while their claim is assessed.
The Home Office provides the accommodation, meaning asylum seekers cannot choose where they live.
When there is not enough housing, the Home Office can move people to hotels or large sites like former military bases.
'Midnights'
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The biog
From: Ras Al Khaimah
Age: 50
Profession: Electronic engineer, worked with Etisalat for the past 20 years
Hobbies: 'Anything that involves exploration, hunting, fishing, mountaineering, the sea, hiking, scuba diving, and adventure sports'
Favourite quote: 'Life is so simple, enjoy it'
All or Nothing
Amazon Prime
Four stars
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