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NISSAN has reportedly called off merger talks with rival Honda.

The Japanese car makers were in discussions to merge and create the world’s third-largest automaker by sales.

AFP

Nissan has reportedly called off merger talks with rival Honda[/caption]

Alamy

Honda had sounded out Nissan about becoming a subsidiary[/caption]

Getty Images - Getty

The production line at Nissan’s Sunderland plant[/caption]

But the talks have been complicated by growing differences on both sides, according to two people familiar with the matter.

Both of whom declined to be identified because they were not authorised to speak to the media, the Nikkei newspaper said.

As of late afternoon, its board was still meeting to decide on the course of action, a person with knowledge of the matter said.

Honda had sounded out Nissan about becoming a subsidiary, one of the people said, adding that such an arrangement was a departure from the spirit of discussions originally framed as a merger of equals.

A Nissan spokesperson said the Nikkei report was not based on information announced by the company and that it aimed to finalise its future direction by mid-February and would announce it at that time.

A Honda spokesperson said it had not heard anything from Nissan about a decision to withdraw from their memorandum of understanding to work on a merger.

The development raises fresh questions about how hard-hit Nissan could ride out its latest crisis without external help.

Nissan is in the middle of a turnaround plan aiming to cut 9,000 employees and 20 per cent of global capacity.

Honda, with a market value nearly five times bigger than Nissan, was increasingly worried about its smaller rival’s progress on the turnaround plan, said the other person.

The tie-up talks have coincided with the disruption posed by potential tariffs from newly-elected US President Donald Trump.

Tariffs against Mexico would be more painful for Nissan than for Honda or Toyota, according to analysts.

“Investors may get concerned about Nissan’s future (and) turnaround,” said Morningstar analyst Vincent Sun.

“Nissan also has a larger risk exposure to US-Mexico tariffs than Honda and Toyota.”

Shares in Nissan slid more than 4 per cent before trade was suspended by the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the report.

Shares of Honda continued to trade and finished the day up more than 8 per cent, in a sign of apparent investor relief that the deal had been scrapped.

Shift to EVs

Nissan has been hit harder than some other carmakers by the shift to EVs having never fully recovered after years of crisis sparked by the arrest and removal of former Chairman Carlos Ghosn in 2018.

“The news saying that Nissan did not want to be a Honda subsidiary appears to highlight that control was a contentious issue,” said Christopher Richter, Japan autos analyst at brokerage CLSA.

“Without being able to have control, Honda appears to be walking away.”

Nissan’s long-term alliance partner Renault had said it would be open in principle to the merger with Honda.

The French automaker owns 36 per cent of Nissan, including 18.7 per cent through a French trust.

Nissan and Honda had initially said they planned to decide the direction of the integration by the end of January, but that was later pushed back to mid-February.

Last month Nissan’s smaller alliance partner Mitsubishi Motors, which had considered joining the merger, might not do so.

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Honda, Nissan and Mitsubishi previously unveiled plans to merge together to create a car-making behemoth[/caption]

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The Nissan Car Plant factory at Washington near Sunderland, UK[/caption]

THE aftershocks of extremely distressing or frightening events can sometimes linger on in the body, in what’s known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Pop icon Ariana Grande, 31, recently confessed she’d suffered from the mental health condition, which can manifest as nightmares and flashbacks, intrusive thoughts or feeling emotionally numb.

 

The singer credited her hit album ‘Thank U, Next’ for getting her through a “dark” time in her

Appearing on the The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter podcast, Ariana revealed that she’d started writing and recording the album just a couple weeks after the previous one, ‘Sweeter’, as she was in a bad place and “needed” the healing power of music.

“I was doing so much therapy, and I was dealing with PTSD and all different kinds of grief and depression and anxiety,” she shared.

“I was, of course, treating it very seriously, but having music be a part of that remedy was absolutely contributing to saving my life.

“They were dark times, and the music brought so much levity.”

Shortly before diving into ‘Thank U, Next’, Ariana had grappled with the passing of her ex-boyfriend Mac Miller and also split with her then-fiancé Pete Davidson.

In May 2017, the singer’s concert at the Manchester Arena was also targeted with a deadly suicide bomb attack.

Ariana later revealed she was suffering from PTSD in the wake of the tragic incident.

“[Thank U, Next] poured out with urgency, and it was made with urgency,” she added on Awards Chatter.

“It was a means of survival. The label understood that, but they were also very hesitant to stop Sweetener dead in its tracks and move onto an album so quickly.

“I just said, ‘I don’t really care about the formula. I don’t want to play by the rules at this moment, because this is what I need for my soul.’

“It felt really healing and freeing.”

Here, we go through what you need to know about PTSD – from symptoms to who may be effected by it and how it’s treated.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by intensely stressful, frightening or distressing events.

People affected by the condition are often forced to relive a traumatic event from their past, such as through a series of nightmares, reoccurring memories, intrusive thoughts and images or flashbacks.

A flashback involves feeling like a terrifying event is happening right now, bringing on physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating trembling and feeling sick.

They may also experience feelings of isolation, guilt, irritability, insomnia, and a lack of concentration.

In many cases, these symptoms have a serious impact on the person’s day-to-day life.

Sufferers may feel like they constantly have to keep themselves busy to shield themselves from symptoms, feel emotionally numb or detached from their body, and may even turn to alcohol or drugs to avoid memories, PTSD UK notes.

It can also affect a person’s ability to drive – so sufferers should inform the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) of their condition.

PTSD was officially recognised as a mental health condition by American psychiatrists in 1980.

The first cases of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were documented during the First World War, between 1914 and 1918.

Soldiers developed ‘shell shock’ due to the harrowing conditions in the trenches, and witnessing the horrors of war.

What are the signs of post traumatic stress disorder?

• Re-experiencing: This is the most common symptom. It often takes the form of flashbacks, nightmares, repetitive and distressing images or sensations, sweating, pain, nausea and trembling.
• Avoidance: Avoiding certain people and places that remind the person of the experience. Many people avoid talking about the trauma – and may distract themselves with work or hobbies. Some people attempt to numb their emotions completely, which can lead to them becoming isolated and withdrawn.
• Hyper-arousal: Leading to angry outbursts, irritability, insomnia and a lack of concentration.
• Other mental health problems: Including depression, anxiety or phobias.
• Self-harming or drug/alcohol misuse.
• Physical symptoms: Headaches, dizziness, chest pains and tummy aches.
• In children: Bed wetting, separation anxiety or re-enacting traumatic events through their play.

PTSD can develop immediately after someone experiences a disturbing event – but sometimes it doesn’t emerge until weeks or years later.

The mental illness affects around a third of people who have had a traumatic experience – and it’s not clear exactly why some people develop the condition and others don’t.

How is it treated?

There are a range of options to tackle someone’s PTSD.

Often it is not a quick fix – it can require hours of careful work to process the trauma.

But eventually patients can hope to see some improvement and get their life back.

• Watchful waiting: Monitoring someone’s symptoms to see if they get better or worse without treatment.
• Psychotherapy: Examples include trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).
• Group therapy: An opportunity to discuss PTSD with others who have experienced the same trauma. Examples of UK charities and support groups include Combat Stress (for ex-military personnel), Rape Crisis (for females who have experienced abuse, domestic violence and sexual assault), Victim Support (for victims of or witnesses to crime), and CRUSE (for those who have experienced bereavement).
• Antidepressants
• Activities: these can be used alongside approved treatments and include yoga, meditation, music and art therapy, and various forms of exercise. These aren’t quick fixes, but they may offer a source of relief or help redirect negative responses.

How can children be treated PTSD?

Children, teens and other young people battling PTSD will normally be treated using CBT.

A course of eight to 12 sessions, which suit the child’s age, will be organised.

Family members may be invited along, if appropriate.

Treatment with medication will usually be a secondary resource for treating children and teens – but medication may be an option if they’re experiencing depression or panic attacks.

 

 

LUKE HUMPHRIES has revealed the bizarre pre-match ritual that gets him playing his best.

The world number one earned himself yet another title last week as he lifted the World Masters trophy after a 6-5 win over Jonny Clayton in the final.

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Luke Humphries has lifted the lid on his bizarre pre-match ritual[/caption]

Humphries, who pocketed £100,000 for his troubles, wouldn’t have managed to add another title to his CV if it weren’t for his unusual pre-match ritual – an afternoon kip.

Cool Hand Luke admitted that he plays his best after he manages to get some sleep in the afternoon to prepare for his matches.

Speaking after getting the better of Damon Heta in the Masters quarter-finals, he said: “I can go for a nice sleep. Sometimes when I get those sleeps, I feel way better.”

Perhaps it’s the extra rest that has helped him cement himself as the best tungsten thrower in the world at the moment.

Humphries tops the Order of Merit with a whopping £1.9MILLION in prize money over the last two years.

While he has won 14 events in that time, including the 2024 World Championship, the World Matchplay and the World Cup of Darts.

But to stay at the top, Humpries has had to make a few small tweaks as well as making sure he gets his beauty sleep.

The 29-year-old explained that he’s slowed down his approach at the oche, revealing it was the change that helped him get the better of Aussie Heta in the quarter-finals too.

CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS

He said: “I’ve slowed down my throws a little and I’ve seen it work.

“Sometimes, I’ll throw too quick. I think it affects my rhythm.”

Humphries will be hoping his changes will help him continue his fine form as he heads into the start of the Premier League this week.

Action begins in the new Premier League this season on Thursday with the darts tour starting at the SSE Arena in Belfast.

Humphries will face off against the likes of Luke Littler, Stephen Bunting, Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross over the course of the 17-week tournament.

Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.

AN “attractive” four-bed home perfect for families has just hit the Irish market for €190k – and it’s located in a major city.

The bargain pad is located on Cork Road, Waterford city.

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The home is located in Waterford city[/caption]

ESTATE AGENTS COLLECT

And it is now on the Irish market for €190,000[/caption]

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It comes with a fully tiled kitchen[/caption]

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The property is a four bedroom home[/caption]

This mid-terraced home is a four-bedroom, two-bath that has been kept in fantastic condition by its current owners.

And it’s currently open for viewings.

The house listing reads: “O’Shea O’Toole are delighted to present to the market this attractive 4-bedroom, two-storey terraced family home with front and back gardens and rear access.

“The property is situated in a popular residential area just off the Cork Road, convenient to Waterford City Centre.”

It includes a substantial modern kitchen with access to the rear garden and is perfect for first-time buyers.

This bright kitchen has tiled flooring and is fully fitted with blue cabinets, an oven, and a dishwasher.

Double-glazed windows located around the kitchen and dining area allow plenty of natural light to enter the house.

The family home is in an excellent location, with cafes, restaurants, public transport and a host of other amenities nearby.

Along with being a short walk from Waterford city centre, Tramore beach and New Ross town are each within a 30-minute drive of this fabulous property.

The area also includes a choice of primary and secondary schools, perfect for families.

Located in a sought-after residential area, the family home has a private rear garden and gas fired central heating.

When entering the home, viewers are greeted by a fabulous hallway with a uPVC door and plenty of storage space under the stairs.

A spacious living room is situated at the front of the home, and it features a fireplace, lots of storage space and wooden flooring.

This comfortable area is filled with natural light and space, creating a cosy atmosphere.

On the property’s ground floor there is a master bedroom with wooden flooring, natural light and plenty of storage space.

This room has its own ensuite that is fully tiled and features a shower, washbasin and toilet.

First floor offerings

Moving upstairs, there is a spacious and modern landing area.

On the property’s first floor there are three bedrooms, and the first of which is spacious and features views overlooking the garden, along with carpet flooring, and could fit a king-size bed.

The third and fourth bedrooms are stunning modern single rooms that feature plenty of storage space and natural light.

The back garden is a major bonus to buying this home, as it comes with ample amounts of light and greenery.

The property is listed by Rea O’Shea O’Toole and on daft.ie.

ESTATE AGENTS COLLECT

The pad features two bathrooms[/caption]

ESTATE AGENTS COLLECT

It comes with a large private garden[/caption]

NETFLIX offers more than just TV and films when it comes to entertainment, as it’s also known for its excellent library of video games.

All Netflix subscribers can grab over 100 mobile games for free as they are included in every tier of the subscription.

Outerloop Games

Thirsty Suitors was a hit when it was released in 2023[/caption]

Klei Entertainment

The award-winning Don’t Starve Together won’t be joining the library[/caption]

Weta Workshop

Tales of the Shire was delayed and now won’t be available on Netflix[/caption]

A large number of highly rated and popular games are available, including Hades, Sonic Mania Plus, and Immortality.

Over the last few years, Netflix has made a big push in the gaming department, but subscribers have failed to take advantage of this excellent deal.

Netflix is now taking a step back from games. It has already removed a number of games from the subscription, and it’s cancelling games that were set to be released.

However, just because Netflix has cancelled these games, most of them are still available to play on other platforms.

The first game cancelled by Netflix is Compass Point: West, the first game ever announced for Netflix Games.

It was released on mobile in 2015, so it’s surprising that it never made its way to the Netflix library.

Popular co-op survival game Don’t Starve Together will also no longer be coming to Netflix.

It’s already available on multiple platforms, but Netflix was to host its mobile release. It’s unclear if it will come to mobile in another form.

Lab Rat is the next cancelled game. The indie puzzler is still available on other platforms.

Beat ‘em up Rotwood has also been cancelled and it’s currently on Steam in early access.

One of the bigger games that have been cancelled is Tales of the Shire: A Lord of the Rings Game.

Originally set to be released in 2024, it was delayed until this year, and now will no longer be released on Netflix.

It will still launch on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and Steam.

Finally, 2023’s Thirsty Suitors was announced for Netflix last year, and while it’s not launching on the subscription, it’s still available on multiple other platforms.

A spokesperson for Netflix said the cancellations were “part of adjusting our portfolio as we learn more about what our members like.”

Netflix recently released Squid Game: Unleashed, a highly successful game with millions of downloads that was released alongside season two of the TV show.

It seems that in the future the company will be focusing on more tie-in games like this.

If you want to read more about mobile games, check out the Space-Time Smackdown deck list for TCG Pocket.

CHILLING details about the sick gunman who slaughtered 10 people in Sweden’s worst mass shooting in history have emerged.

Eleven people were shot dead in a horrifying rampage at the Campus Risbergska adult education centre in Orebro on Tuesday afternoon.

Aftonbladet

The school shooter seen prowling the corridors[/caption]

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Police forensics at the scene of the crime[/caption]

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The 35-year-old suspect was an unemployed loner who didn’t “seem to like people,” his family said.

Cops believe the gunman turned his rifle on himself but his motive was not immediately known.

Authorities have not revealed the shooter’s identity but the suspect’s family shared worrying details to the Swedish media.

Cops raided his home on Tuesday afternoon and added that the suspect has a firearm licence and believe he acted alone.

His relatives claimed the suspect has become a recluse and isolated himself from family and friends, according to the MailOnline.

One family member said: “We haven’t had much contact with him in recent years.

“As a child he was different but lively. He did well in school.

“But in recent years he has had a hard time. He is not working.”

Another relative shared how the suspected gunman had completely changed in recent years.

They said: “He’s really a loner. He used to have a friend he hung out with a lot, but not now. He wants to be by himself.

“He doesn’t seem to like people.”

This family member added the suspect had little contact with his parents who apparently travelled a lot but he enjoyed taking care of their dog.

Terrifying footage from inside the school captured the shooter prowling the corridors.

The grainy shot caught the gunman stalking the halls while heavily armed with what was thought to be an automatic weapon.

More terrifying footage caught inside the education centre saw students laying silently in their classrooms in the hopes of sparring themselves from the horror attack.

A gut-wrenching text message was sent from a teacher inside the centre to his friend.

The pal said: “He wrote that there was automatic weapon shooting at the school and that they had taken shelter in a room.

“Then he wrote that he loved me.”

A teacher at the school, Lena Warenmark, told Swedish broadcaster SVT: “We heard gunshots very close to our study. There were probably ten shots.”

HEROIC ACT

Among the tragedy from Tuesday’s shocking mass shooting, a brave student stepped forward to help.

Marwa – a trainee nurse – showed incredible courage when she provided first aid to those pierced by bullets.

She told Swedish broadcaster TV4 News: “We heard screams and saw people running away, but there was no alarm.”

Marwa added: “When we opened the door and came out, we saw that someone was shooting everywhere.

“A man next to me was shot in the shoulder. There was blood everywhere.”

The trainee nurse said she saw three unconscious people on the ground and grabbed her friends scarf to help stop one of the victims bleeding.

She added: “All my clothes were covered in blood. School was our safe place – now I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to go back.”

COP WARNING

Swedish police have warned about misinformation spreading online about the deadly attack.

Cops said they had found no evidence of “ideological motives” behind this horrifying mass shooting.

They added: “We also at present don’t see any danger to the public, even if we understand that the incident raises concerns and many questions.”

A MANHUNT is underway in Belgium after several armed men were spotted on the metro in Brussels.

Police officers are searching for a two men after shots were fired at 6:15 am local time in front of the Clémenceau station in Anderlecht, the west part of the city.

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CCTV footage shows the men at the entrance and inside the station[/caption]

Reuters

Security personnel have secured the area at the Clemenceau metro station[/caption]

CCTV footage obtained by RTBF showed two heavily hooded men armed with what appear to be Kalashnikovs at the entrance and inside the station.

According to local reports, no one was injured when the shots were fired.

Police are continuing to hunt for the suspects who are believed to have fled into the underground tunnels.

Searches are underway in the metro tunnels between the Trône and Gare de l’Ouest stations, bringing many transport links to a halt.

Local reports state that the incident is believed to be related to drug trafficking.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

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ALISON Hammond was today left wiping away tears, as Hollywood stars paid tribute to her on her 50th birthday.

The popular presenter turned the big five-O today, and her co-workers celebrated the occasion with the help of her star pals.

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Alison Hammond got teary on her 50th birthday today[/caption]

ITV

Harrison Ford had a special message for Alison[/caption]

This Morning today sent presenter Jeff Brazier to surprise Alison on her birthday.

She was then showed a montage of clips of her star pals wishing her a happy birthday.

This even included Ant and Dec and Hollywood megastar Ryan Reynolds.

It all got too much for Alison, and she was seen getting emotional, and said: “Oh stop, you’re going to make me cry.”

She was then shown a clip of Harrison Ford, who she famously drunk whiskey with when she interviewed him.

After hearing the Star Wars actor’s special message, the much-loved star could be seen wiping away tears

BECOMING A STAR

Alison’s career in the spotlight started in her 20s when she appeared on Big Brother.

After winning over fans with her bubbly personality, the jobs rolled in, which included the plum This Morning job.

However, Alison recently said she would quite like to take some time off from her busy career in the future.

Speaking to Heat World, Alison revealed: “In the next 10 years, I want to travel the world.

“I would love to take a year off and just go and travel.

“Not just yet, but one day. I need to see the world before I die!”

Sunita Narain is an Indian environmentalist and political activist, who was awarded the ‘Padma Shri’ by the government of India ...

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ONLY those with perfect vision will be able to spot the second man in this brain teaser in a matter of seconds.

Put yourself to the test with this challenging puzzle to see if you have the eyes of a hawk.

jagranjosh

Can you spot the second man in just seven seconds?[/caption]

The first man with a parrot on his shoulder is east to spot but see if you can spot the second man in seven seconds.

Start your timer and clear away any distractions to give yourself the best chance at beating the clock.

Search every part of the image carefully to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Don’t let the bright red of the parrot or the axe in the castaway’s hand distract you.

The creators of this brain teaser are relying on you to be taken in by the man, his odd clothes, and the island surroundings.

If you are going to solve this challenge without any help, it is vital that you think outside the box.

Don’t think that you are just looking for another man similar to the one you can see.

This is an optical illusion so make sure you get creative because rather than an actual man, you are looking for the illusion of a second person on the desert island.

There are many places he could be.

If you are struggling, a good tip is to minimise your search area.

This means you are more likely to spot the finer details that could lead you to your answer.

Try dividing the image into smaller sections like quarters and carefully examine each piece before going on to the next.

Don’t forget that optical illusions can feature objects any way around and in anything.

With this in mind, when searching the puzzle, perhaps turn it around to see if you spot anything new.

Often there will be one element of the image that doesn’t quite fit and this is part of the illusion.

When you are ready, scroll down to find out where this second man is.

How did you do with the time frame?

Don’t worry if you didn’t solve the illusion in seven seconds, all you need is practice.

With that in mind, now that your brain is warmed up, have a go at some more brain teasers below.

As always, scroll down to find the answers.

Jagranjosh

Can you see the upside-down man in the trees?[/caption]

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Can you spot the mistake in this serene scene?[/caption]

Fantasy Co

Can you spot the hidden heart in this Valentine’s Day optical illusion?[/caption]

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Spot the hidden heart under seven seconds[/caption]

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The river isn’t flowing on the other side of the bridge[/caption]

Fantasy Co

It was in the bottom left of the picture![/caption]

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True lovers will be able to see the heart hanging on the tree[/caption]