TOKYO — The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) began in emphatic fashion at the Tokyo Dome on Friday, as defending champion Japan signaled its intent for a repeat title with a commanding 13-0 mercy-rule victory over Chinese Taipei.

In front of a sold-out crowd of 42,414, the contest quickly evolved into a showcase for global superstar Shohei Ohtani. The Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter, who famously closed out the 2023 tournament by striking out his then-teammate Mike Trout, proved once again that he thrives under the brightest international lights.

An Explosive Second Inning

The decisive moment of the night arrived in the top of the second inning, which saw Japan erupt for 10 runs—a staggering display of efficiency that all but ended the competitive phase of the matchup.

After Chinese Taipei starter Hao-Chun Cheng loaded the bases, Ohtani stepped to the plate with two outs. He connected on a hanging curveball, driving it deep over the right-field wall for a grand slam. The blast sent the Tokyo Dome into a frenzy and served as the centerpiece of a record-setting inning that effectively buried the opposition.

By the time the inning concluded, Ohtani had already recorded a double in his first at-bat and a stinging single later in the second, finishing his night 3-for-5 with five RBIs. He fell just a triple shy of hitting for the cycle, a testament to his dominance in a game that was called after seven innings due to the tournament’s 10-run mercy rule.

Pitching Prowess and Defensive Stability

While the offense grabbed headlines, Japan’s pitching staff was equally surgical. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the 2025 World Series MVP, took the mound for his first start of the 2026 season. Though he battled minor command issues—walking three batters and leaving the game in the third inning after 53 pitches—he surrendered no hits.

Yamamoto and a trio of relievers—Shoma Fujihira, Hiroya Miyagi, and Koki Kitayama—combined to hold Chinese Taipei to just a single hit throughout the entire evening. The lone hit, a loopy single into right field by Yu Chang in the sixth inning, offered a brief moment of respite for the visitors, but the Japanese defensive unit remained unfazed.

“It was a complete team effort,” Japan manager said after the game. “We wanted to set the tone early, and the players executed the game plan perfectly.”

A Mountain to Climb for Chinese Taipei

For Chinese Taipei, the loss compounds a difficult start to the tournament. Having fallen to Australia 3-0 in their opener on Thursday, the team now faces an uphill battle to advance out of the highly competitive Pool C.

The disparity in the score reflected the gap between the two programs; while Japan utilized its depth of MLB talent and elite domestic stars, Chinese Taipei struggled to find an answer for the relentless offensive pressure. They will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup against the Czech Republic.

Looking Ahead: The Rivalry Continues

With the tournament’s round-robin phase now fully underway, Japan turns its attention to the next marquee matchup in Pool C. On Saturday, they will face arch-rival South Korea in a game that historically carries massive implications for the tournament bracket and national pride.

For fans in Tokyo and beyond, Friday’s performance was more than just a victory; it was a statement. With Ohtani leading the charge and a pitching staff that appears to be in mid-season form, the path to the 2026 WBC title remains firmly centered on the Samurai Japan squad.

As the tournament shifts to venues across the Americas—including Houston, San Juan, and Miami—the pressure will only increase. But for one night in Tokyo, the spotlight belonged to Ohtani and a Japanese team that looks ready to defend its crown.

The annual event, organised by The Business Culture Hull and East Yorkshire, is set to be the largest yet with thousands of businesspeople and entrepreneurs expected to attend

In the coming weeks, Hull city centre is set to welcome thousands of business professionals and entrepreneurs for the Hull Business Expo. The annual event’s organisers, networking group The Business Culture Hull and East Yorkshire, anticipate this year’s edition will be the biggest yet.

Each year, the networking and exhibition event draws an estimated 7,000 attendees from across Yorkshire. Co-founder Tony Bowler stated: “This is the most exhibitors we’ve ever had and we can’t wait for another successful event centred around connection, engagement and support.

“We listened to feedback from businesses and adapted to make sure we’re ticking the right boxes for everyone – so we don’t have speakers, as they can often detract from the stands. It’s more important than ever that the business community works together and supports each other, and this is another way of bringing everyone together.

“We’ve built a fantastic community over the last 10 years and we want people to realise what Hull has to offer from its people, its businesses and its culture.”

Exhibitors who convene at the expo are known to frequently collaborate, with the event not restricting participation to one business per sector. This year’s headline sponsors include Hull City Council, John Roe Group, 107FM, the Federation of Sport and Leaflet Delivery UK, reports Hull Live.

Tony continued: “We’re one big support network and a business community of friends. We bring people together from a huge range of sectors. We love the high energy, the support and the sense of community our events create, and we’ve built a system that ensures every visitor sees every stand.

“You usually have to register to go to an expo but we know this creates a barrier and we want everyone to come along whilst extending that support to the city centre economy and local businesses.”

Councillor Mike Ross, leader of the city council, commented: “I’m pleased to support the Hull Business Expo 2026. Hull is a tremendous place to do business and I’m keen to see the council do all it can to support the local business community. We recognise just how important the strength of the local economy is for the residents of Hull and we want to work with it to attract more for the city. Supporting the expo is just one way we can do that.

“We want to see Hull be somewhere local businesses can flourish. It’s hard to find a place where the local business community is as supportive of each other as Hull and that is a credit to those in the city.”

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Hull-based Scott Dixon Inc, which manufactures flight cases for the touring music industry, including protective cases for instruments, band equipment, stage lights and more, will be exhibiting at the expo for a second consecutive year.

Tracy Hutty, the company’s chief financial officer, said: “60% of our products are exported and the expo offers us the chance to tell local people about what we do. There are a lot of great things going on in Hull that people don’t necessarily know about.

“The location at Princes Quay is what makes the expo unique because most events of this kind are in hotels or out of the way. It’s really good for the city and anyone can come.”

This year’s event takes place on the ground floor of the Princes Quay Shopping Centre from 10am on March 25.

It has acquired a 155,000 sq ft site in Newport

One of the UK’s largest independent tyre wholesalers is expanding into Wales after acquiring a warehouse formally used as a TV studio for £7.75m.

Oak Group Holdings has acquired a 155,150 sq ft site on the Queensway Meadows industrial estate in Newport. Previously occupied by production company Urban Myth Films, the warehouse was used for TV projects such as the Lazarus Project and The Undeclared War.

The company supplies over 6,000 tyre fitters and retailers with tyres, consumables and accessories from a portfolio that includes established brands such as Davanti, Landsail, and Envoy. With seven warehouses across the UK, it is able to hold over 900,000 tyres in stock for its customers.

READ MORE: Business body CBI Wales appoints new chairREAD MORE: Car insurance to loans group Admiral post record profits

Property advisory firm JLL acted on behalf of sellers, Freshwater Group of Companies on the transaction for the property.

The warehouse will be Oak Group Holdings’ first premises in Wales, marking an expansion for the business that will help to create 75 jobs The business will also benefit from the strong transport links Queensway Meadows will provide to its delivery fleet of over 150 vehicles,

Kate Openshaw, industrial and logistics associate at JLL, said: “Vacancy rates across Wales’ industrial market are moving to the lowest levels we have seen this decade. That brings challenges as the continued lack of new high-quality stock means supply levels are constrained against a background of continued occupier demand.

“Increasingly we are seeing occupiers look to purchase buildings in a market where grade A options are limited, prioritising outright ownership where investment is required to adapt the space to meet their needs. It’s important that occupiers like Oak Group Holdings are able to act fast when they spot an opportunity like this, and it was great to help them complete this expansion into Newport.”

Peter Cross, commercial director at Oak Group Holdings, said: “Oak Group Holdings is delighted to add this new distribution facility to our network. The site is exceptionally well located, with excellent access to the M4 and M5.

“We look forward to bringing the facility online in the near future, where it will play a key role in enhancing the availability of our brand portfolio and strengthening our service capabilities across the UK.”

Avison Young’s Cardiff and Bristol offices acted for Oak Group Holdings.

Paul Hobbs, director in the industrial agency team at Avison Young, said: “We were delighted to assist the North West based team in their strategic acquisition. Since the removal of the toll, Newport creates some excellent value property opportunities when compared to Bristol and it’s great to be part of one of the largest property deals in Wales during 2025.”

The salwar kameez is a staple in every woman’s wardrobe and for good reason. It is versatile, glamorous, and comfortable. However, no salwar kameez look is truly complete without the most important aspect– the makeup.

The makeup you choose truly ties the whole look together, and hence, you must be careful with your choice. You need to pick a makeup look that complements the fit, silhouette, color, and fabric of your outfit. For instance, the romantic and flowy Anarkali calls for a soft glam look, while the vibrant Patiala suits look wonderful with bold and flashy makeup.

Whether you are dressing up for a wedding, a festive occasion, or even as you head to work, picking the right makeup will instantly elevate your appearance. So, what makeup goes with which salwar kameez suits? Today, in this blog, we are going to answer this question and more. Read along to know in detail about the best makeup styles for various salwar kameez silhouettes.

Anarkali Suit:

The queen of salwar kameez styles, the Anarkali, is celebrated for its flowy flair and cinched bust. Dramatic and statement-making in nature, Anarkalis are a top pick for weddings and festivals. Makeup for an Anarkali suit is balanced and focuses on either the eyes or the lips. Go for a bold eyeliner with a sharp wing. Touch up your lashes with a mascara. If you are attending a wedding, then you can go bolder with your makeup and try smoky eyes. Always keep the base dewy and fresh using a lightweight foundation or a BB cream. Lightly contour your cheekbones for definition and use highlighter on your nose, brows, and cupid’s bow. Match your eye makeup with a nude or soft pink lipstick.

Patiala Suit:

The Patiala suit, which is renowned for its pleated bottoms, should be your outfit of choice if you want to exude an effortless look. Often paired with a short, structured kurti and a dupatta, this look gives off Punjabi Kudi vibes like a dream. The whole outfit exudes a traditional vibe, and hence, your makeup choices should match the outfit. Think bold eyes and a glowing, dewy base. Prep your base with a lightweight skin tint and add in a bronzer for warmth. Make your eyes pop with traditional shades such as champagne, light gold or soft pinks. Ensure you apply generous quantities of mascara, or you could even go for dramatic faux eyelashes to highlight your eyes.

Straight Cut Suit:

These suits fall straight from the waist to the ankles and have minimal flare. They are best suited for office wear and informal occasions. The makeup that suits them the best is office or formal makeup. Minimal makeup looks enhance the beauty of these suits with ease. Avoid bold makeup as it may clash with the simplicity of your outfit. Go for a soft glam look instead. You can easily achieve this look with a natural foundation and a simple winged eyeliner. Lips should be understated and go for colors like nude-pink, mauve. A simple tinted lip balm would suffice for this look. Also, don’t forget to define your brows for a truly professional look.

Sharara Suit:

Sharara suits

feature an interesting silhouette that is tight till the knees and then flares down dramatically towards the bottom. These suits are appropriate for wedding guest looks or even bridal wear. For these high-profile events, go all out with your makeup. After all, you don’t want your makeup to pale compared to your outfit. The right makeup look is the one that adds extra glamour to your ensemble. For day events, opt for subtle shimmery eyeshadow, and for the night, go all glam with smoky eyes or crease-cut eyeshadow. Balance your heavy eye makeup with nude lips and shimmering lip gloss. Eye lash extenstions suit the Sharara very well.

Churidar Suit:

Churidar suits are as classic as they come. They feature a tight, structured bottom with ankle gathers (Churis) at the end. They exude subtle elegance, and hence, your makeup look should be understated and not overdone.  Use a luminous foundation for a fresh look. Mascara elongates your lashes and brightens your face. Use soft brown or champagne eyeshadow for definition. Go for shiny pink or nude lip gloss to accentuate your lips. Add a bindi to complete the look.

Palazzo Suit:

The modern woman’s favorite, the Palazzo suit, exudes contemporary glamor. These suits come with bottoms that are relaxed, and hence are a go-to pick for daily wear as well as work wear. Since the design of this suit is so modern, your makeup should be contemporary as well. Enhance your eyes with a brown or beige eyeshadow. Highlight your lips in bold colors like red or coral. A soft blush will add warmth to the face. Overall, keep it modern, natural, and fresh.

Final Thoughts

The makeup look you choose complements, not competes with, your outfit. Each salwar kameez silhouette has a different vibe to it, and hence, your makeup should change accordingly. However, the most important accessory that you can carry is your confidence; your makeup just highlights it.

Unknown Analyst

Thanks, everyone, for being here for TD Cowen’s 46th Annual Healthcare Conference. Our next session we have here is with Rocket Pharma. And from Rocket, we have Gaurav Shah, the CEO. Thanks so much for being here. It’s really a privilege to have you. I guess let’s go ahead and get started on your overview, the history of some highlights before we get into Q&A. So go ahead.

Gaurav Shah
CEO & Director

Great. Thanks. [indiscernible] Cowen as well. [indiscernible] always back here in Boston. Rocket Pharma, we are a late gene therapy company. We are linearly integrated everything from discovery to development, internal [indiscernible] AAV commercialization. Our focus is rare cardiac diseases using the AAV platform. We also have a hematology and immunology platform using LV ex vivo, more on that in a bit. At the end of last year, we had $189 million, and that will be sufficient to cover cash into Q2 ’27.

And I thought I’d use this time to go through what I think are the most important milestones for the year, and that will be a way to talk about each program one by one. First and foremost, we’re very excited that we have a potential approval with the PDUFA date of March 28, 2026, for KRESLADI, which is our LAD-1 ex vivo lenti program, something that we’ve been working on. You asked about history since near day one of Rocket more than 9 years ago.

LAD-1 is a primary immunodeficiency affects children whose neutrophils cannot extravasate to fight sites of infection and most boys and girls pass away in their single-digit years. And we are

Creating content for YouTube, TikTok, Reels is more challenging than ever. As a content creator in the UK, you’re under constant pressure to produce high-quality videos quickly, consistently, and without burning out.

The demand for fresh, engaging content is high, and every video has to stand out. But how can you keep up with these demands without sacrificing quality?

That’s where Loova comes in. This powerful tool is helping UK content creators create content faster and smarter, all while maintaining a high level of creativity. Here’s why Loova is becoming the go-to platform for content creators looking to streamline their video creation process.

The Pressure to Keep Up with YouTube’s Demands

As YouTube continues to grow, the competition becomes fiercer. Content creators need to upload videos regularly to stay relevant, and with audiences always looking for something fresh, it’s easy to fall behind.

The challenge isn’t just making videos; it’s making them quickly and at a high standard. You need to meet the expectations of your viewers while managing your production time and resources.

Traditional video creation takes a lot of time—writing scripts, filming, editing, and adding effects can take days. But the reality is, you need to create more content, faster.

What Makes Loova Different?

Loova

stands out because it gives UK content creators a powerful set of tools to create high-quality videos at lightning speed. The platform combines AI-powered features to take care of the time-consuming tasks, so you can focus on the creative side.

Here’s how Loova helps you speed up your video creation:

AI Video Generation Tools

1. Text to Video
   Simply write a script, and Loova turns it into a video. The tool automatically adds visuals that match your text, saving you the hassle of manually sourcing video footage. Loova integrates with AI models like Kling O1, Veo 3.1, Sora 2 Pro, Wan, Hailuo etc for you to select and create.
2. Image to Video
   Got a cool image you want to turn into a dynamic video? Loova’s AI can transform images into engaging videos, adding motion and effects.
3. Video to Video
   Loova can take existing video footage and enhance it. Whether you want to add a different theme, improve quality, or change the mood, this feature lets you quickly reimagine your content.
4. AI Video Editor
   The AI video editor takes care of basic editing tasks, such as trimming, cutting, and adding transitions. You can adjust the pacing and flow of your video with just a few clicks, reducing hours of manual work.

AI Image Generation Tools

1. Text to Image
   Need an image but don’t have the right resources? Loova’s AI can generate custom images based on a text prompt. You get visuals that perfectly match your ideas in seconds. Loova gives you access to Nano Banana Pro, Seedream 4.5, Flux.2 etc to let you create freely and flexibly.
2. Image to Image
   Already have an image but want to tweak it? Loova’s image-to-image feature lets you transform any image into something new, giving you endless creative possibilities.
3. Image Editor
   Polish your images with AI-powered editing tools. Adjust the lighting, colors, and even remove unwanted elements with just a few clicks.

AI-Powered Tools for Enhanced Creativity

Loova doesn’t stop at video and image generation. The platform includes a suite of creative tools to take your content to the next level:

• AI Image Upscaler: Improve the resolution of your images without losing quality.
• AI Image Extender: Extend your images’ backgrounds or create new elements to match the original style.
• Character Swap: Want to swap characters in your videos or images? Loova makes it simple.
• Mimic Motion: Apply realistic motion effects to static images or scenes to add life to your content.
• Background Changer: Change the background of your videos or images with ease, creating a new setting for your story.

Tools for Viral Content Creation

If you want to create content that stands out and goes viral, Loova offers a range of tools designed specifically for that:

• AI Doll Generator: Create lifelike AI dolls for a unique twist in your content.
• AI Kissing Generator: Generate realistic kissing scenes to add an element of romance or surprise.
• AI Action Figure Generator: Bring action figures to life and make them the stars of your videos.

Other Fun and Useful Tools

Loova’s got even more tools to make your videos more engaging:

• Talking Photo: Turn still images into animated, talking photos. This feature is perfect for social media posts or adding extra character to your videos.
• Text-to-Speech: Convert written text into natural-sounding speech. With various voice options, you can give your videos a professional, polished touch.

Speed Meets Efficiency: The Appeal of Loova’s Workflow

One of the biggest draws of Loova is how much it speeds up the video creation process.

Traditional video creation takes days, from concept to upload. With Loova, you can generate content in minutes. The platform automates many tasks, like video generation, editing, and image manipulation, so you can focus on crafting your message and creative direction.

Loova’s interface is simple and intuitive. You don’t need to be a video production expert to use it—just input your ideas, and Loova takes care of the rest. The platform’s AI-driven features make video creation accessible to everyone, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro.

The Cost-Effectiveness of Loova for UK content creators

Creating professional videos doesn’t have to be expensive. Hiring a video editor or designer for every project can be costly, but Loova offers an affordable subscription with all the tools you need in one place.

Plus, there’s a free tier that lets you explore some of Loova’s key features without committing to a subscription. For content creators on a budget, this is a game-changer.

Creating Professional Videos Without the Learning Curve

Loova’s design is all about simplicity. The AI suggestions guide you through every step, making it easy for anyone to create high-quality content without prior video production experience.

Whether you’re producing a vlog, a tutorial, or a music video, Loova’s customization options allow you to tailor each video to your unique style. It’s a powerful tool, but it’s also user-friendly.

Case Studies: UK content creators Who’ve Found Success with Loova

Loova isn’t just a tool; it’s a solution that’s already helping content creators thrive.

• Creator 1: Emma, a beauty vlogger, uses Loova to quickly generate makeup tutorials. With the platform’s AI video generation tools, she can focus more on interacting with her audience rather than spending hours editing.
• Creator 2: James, a tech reviewer, uses Loova’s AI image tools to create sleek, professional thumbnails. He also uses the text-to-video feature to convert product reviews into engaging videos faster than ever.
• Creator 3: Sarah, a travel vlogger, uses Loova’s background changer and video-to-video tools to create stunning travel montages that capture the beauty of her adventures with minimal effort.

The Future of YouTube Content Creation in the UK

Loova is leading the way in AI-powered content creation. As YouTube continues to grow, tools like Loova will only become more essential. The ability to produce high-quality videos quickly and efficiently is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

With AI-driven tools constantly evolving, Loova is set to introduce even more features in the future, ensuring that content creators can stay ahead of the competition.

Conclusion

Loova is revolutionizing video creation for UK content creators. With its AI-powered tools, you can produce high-quality content faster, save money, and maintain full creative control. Whether you’re a seasoned creator or just starting, Loova’s intuitive platform makes it easier than ever to create professional videos.

Ready to step up your YouTube game? Try Loova today and discover how simple and fast video creation can be.