Meghan Markle is known for turning even the smallest gatherings into Instagram worthy affairs, but this New Year’s Eve, the Duchess of Sussex is keeping things surprisingly low-key. 

While her Netflix series With Love, Meghan celebrates the art of hosting with flair, and her lifestyle brand, As Ever, encourages fans to sprinkle a little magic into everyday moments, Meghan’s own plans for December 31 lean toward intimate rather than extravagant.

In her latest newsletter to As Ever subscribers, she shared a peek behind the curtain. 

Under the cheeky subject line “pop the bubbly,” she invited fans to toast the year ahead and gave a nod to her signature edible flower sprinkles, which she described as “tiny vibrant petals that act as confetti.” 

At midnight, Meghan writes, she and Prince Harry will be celebrating along with the rest of the world.

Her message radiated warmth and personal charm: “A crisp pour of Brut, a joyful toast and a wish from us to you: may the year ahead be full of good company, memorable nights, and plenty of reasons to celebrate.” 

She capped off the note in characteristically British style with a cheerful, “Cheers, dears!”

Fans of the former Suits star won’t be surprised that the Duchess has a long history of sharing thoughtful New Year’s messages. 

Back in 2015, she penned a heartfelt note on her lifestyle blog The Tig, offering readers a mix of reflection and optimism that has now evolved into her As Ever.

• Coastal project targets flood risks, ecosystem restoration: ministry
• Punjab initiative promotes low-carbon, climate-smart farming.
• Millions to benefit from resilience, productivity measures: ministry.

Pakistan and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Tuesday signed two major climate resilience initiatives aimed at strengthening coastal protection and promoting low-carbon agriculture.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Finance and Revenue, the agreements include the $180.5 million Sindh Coastal Resilience Sector Project (SCRP) and the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project, valued at $124 million.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Islamabad, Secretary Ministry of Economic Affairs Muhammad Humair Karim appreciated ADB’s continued support, describing it as a trusted development partner in Pakistan’s efforts to advance climate resilience, sustainable agriculture and inclusive growth.

He said the Sindh Coastal Resilience Project would promote integrated water resources and flood risk management, restore nature-based coastal defences, and strengthen institutional and community capacity for strategic planning.

The project will be financed through $140.5 million from ADB, including a $140 million loan and $0.5 million technical assistance grant, $40 million from the Green Climate Fund, and $20 million in counterpart funding from the Sindh government. It is expected to directly benefit more than 3.8 million people in Thatta, Sujawal and Badin districts.

Karim said the Punjab Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Agriculture Mechanisation Project would enhance agricultural productivity and climate resilience across 30 districts of Punjab. The project, with a total outlay of $129 million, will be financed through a $120 million ADB loan, a $4 million ADB grant, and $5 million in counterpart funding from the Punjab government.

Under the project, small farmers will gain improved access to climate-smart machinery, circular agriculture practices will be introduced to reduce crop residue burning, testing and training facilities will be established, and 15,000 women will be empowered through skills development and livelihood diversification.

The secretary said both initiatives were transformative, noting that the Sindh project would safeguard livelihoods, food security and biodiversity along the province’s vulnerable coastal belt, while the Punjab project would drive sustainable, low-carbon agricultural growth and inclusive development.

ADB Country Director Emma Fan welcomed Pakistan’s commitment, highlighting the importance of the Sindh project in addressing climate-induced risks and protecting coastal communities, and describing the Punjab mechanisation initiative as a key step toward modernising agriculture and reducing emissions.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to ensure the effective use of financing and the timely completion of the two projects.

Bobby Seagull, a globally acclaimed teacher, author, and broadcaster, has been honored with the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the King’s New Year’s Honors List.

Who is Bobby Seagull?

Seagull was born in London’s Newham to parents originally from Kerala, India.

He has often shared the story behind his name; while his family surname is Jose, his father adopted ‘Seagull’ after the inspirational novel Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach in the 1970s.

Maths teacher Jay Bobby Seagull, 41, has received recognition for his committed work supporting public libraries.

Seagull rose to fame first during his standout 2017 run on BBC’s University Challenge, where he captained Emmanuel College, Cambridge, to the semi-finals.

His infectious enthusiasm made him a viral sensation. He used his newfound fame to promote mathematics and motivate students.

Bobby Seagull made a live TV appearance on BBC Breakfast, where he shared his excitement about the MBE while revealing he had kept the news secret from his family. “I thought about, should I message my family on WhatsApp? But I thought like, this deserves more than a thumbs-up emoji.”

He added, I would tell each person in turn… I have a little niece called Emma and I told her I’ve got an MBE and she’s like, ‘Uncle Bob, MBE. Uncle, Bob, MBE.’”

The Viral moment

A viral math question that Seagull posted on Threads by a British elementary school math teacher and TV personality, Bobby Seagull, stumped the internet in mid-August this year, and everyone suddenly needed a protractor.

Students, teachers and social media were baffled by a tricky math question shared 

Bobby Seagull posted that viral math puzzle that his friend’s 7-year-old was given at school.

Following his University Challenge appearance, Seagull has maintained a prolific public career, his work has included co-authoring a 2017 quiz book with Eric Monkman titled The Monkman and Seagull Quiz Book and serving as an ambassador for National Numeracy, where he advocates for greater math confidence.