Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam beauty queen Latricia Ian (24) has etched her name in history after being crowned the inaugural Miss World Tanzania, triumphing over 19 other contestants in a glittering pageant held at The Super Dome in Masaki in the early hours of April 20, 2026. The landmark event marked Tanzania’s official entry into the globally renowned Miss World franchise, opening a new chapter for the country’s beauty and fashion industry.

Latricia’s victory not only signals personal achievement but also reflects Tanzania’s growing presence on the international pageantry stage. For her win, Latricia received an impressive prize package valued at over Sh100 million.

The rewards include a brand-new Mercedes-Benz A-Class worth more than S0 million, a cash prize of Sh10 million, travel insurance, and the prestigious crown that cements her status as the nation’s first Miss World Tanzania titleholder. The awards were presented by the Government Spokesperson and Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, Gerson Msigwa, who officiated on behalf of Minister Paul Makonda.

In a symbolic moment, the crown was placed on Latricia’s head by reigning Miss World Opal Suchata Chuangsri of Thailand, alongside Miss World Africa Hasset Dereje Admassu from Ethiopia, highlighting the pageant’s global prestige. The competition also showcased strong performances from other contestants.

Nouru Masoud, also representing Dar es Salaam, emerged as the first runner-up, while Paulina Allute from the Central Zone secured the second runner-up position. The top five was rounded out by Silya Mussa from the Southern Highlands in fourth place and Diana Rutagalinda, who finished fifth, reflecting the diverse representation of talent across the country.

Speaking after her victory, Latricia expressed gratitude and excitement for the journey ahead, pledging to represent Tanzania with pride and purpose on the global stage. Her win is expected to inspire a new generation of young Tanzanian women to pursue opportunities in beauty, advocacy, and leadership.

Latricia will now prepare to represent Tanzania at the 75th edition of the Miss World pageant, scheduled to take place in Vietnam from August 9 to September 5, 2026. As the country’s first-ever representative in the competition, all eyes will be on her as she carries the national flag onto one of the world’s most celebrated stages. .

Dar es Salaam. NCBA Bank Tanzania has outlined an ambitious growth agenda focused on asset finance, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and digital financial services, following a year of stable earnings and strong balance sheet expansion.

The bank said it will prioritise high-impact segments where demand remains strong, positioning itself to deepen market penetration and strengthen customer relationships in an evolving financial landscape. “Our priority is to accelerate growth in high-impact segments, particularly asset finance, SME banking, and digital financial services where we see strong demand and clear opportunity,” said the bank’s managing director, Mr Alex Mziray.

“We are building on our current momentum to deepen market penetration, strengthen customer relationships, and scale sustainably, he noted. He added that the bank is guided by the Ubuntu philosophy of ‘I am because we are.

‘ “Our focus is on growing alongside our customers and enabling shared progress across the economy,” he added. The forward-looking strategy follows a relatively resilient performance in 2025, when the bank recorded a modest 0.

6 percent rise in profit to Sh16.1 billion, compared to Sh16.0 billion in 2024, despite pressure on margins across the sector. At the same time, total assets grew by 17.8 percent to Sh604.0 billion from Sh512.8 billion.

This signalls increased customer confidence and a broader role in financing economic activity. Operating and other income stood at Sh50.5 billion, while net interest income reached Sh38.5 billion, reflecting stable core revenue streams.

The bank’s renewed focus on asset finance is expected to support key sectors such as transport, trade and manufacturing, which remain central to Tanzania’s economic growth and job creation. Corporate banking will continue to provide stability through disciplined lending and a strong deposit base, while digital banking is being scaled up to enhance access, efficiency and customer experience.

NCBA Tanzania’s strategy is further reinforced by its position within NCBA Group PLC, which reported total assets of Sh13.2 trillion, profit before tax of Sh516 billion and profit after tax of S33 billion for the year ended 2025. Regional subsidiaries, including Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, generated Sh66.6 billion in profit before tax, accounting for 13 percent of the Group’s earnings and highlighting the growing contribution of markets outside the Group’s traditional base. NCBA Group managing director, Mr John Gachora, said the lender will continue investing in its core businesses while strengthening its regional footprint.

“Our performance reflects the strength of a diversified model and a strategy focused on sustainable growth. We have continued to invest in our core businesses, strengthen our regional footprint, and build a platform that delivers consistent value across markets,” he said.

At the local level, Mr Mziray said the bank’s approach balances regional scale with domestic relevance, enabling it to respond effectively to Tanzania’s market needs. “Our 2025 performance reflects a business that is focused on building sustainably.

We have remained disciplined in how we grow, while continuing to support our customers and invest in areas that will shape the future of banking,” he said. .

Washington, D.C.

Tanzania’s Minister for Finance, Mr Khamis Mussa Omar, has called on African countries to prioritise strategic planning to ensure access to safe water for both domestic use and economic activities, while protecting critical water sources. Mr Omar made the remarks during a high-level discussion on the role of water in human development and global economic growth, held under the theme “Water security for Africa’s future: a forward-looking perspective.

” The meeting was organised by the World Bank on the sidelines of the Spring Meetings of the bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington, D.C.

, United States. Contributing to the discussion, Mr Omar said water must be recognised as a strategic resource, underscoring the need for comprehensive research to identify available sources such as rivers and lakes and incorporate them into national development plans across short-, medium- and long-term horizons.

“It is important to closely monitor and protect these sources and ensure they are used responsibly to guarantee the continued availability of clean water. We must also guard against encroachment, pollution and water loss,” he said.

He warned that Africa’s fast-growing population is increasing pressure on water resources, calling for stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector and development partners to mobilise financing for water infrastructure projects. Mr Omar specifically highlighted the importance of partnerships with institutions such as the World Bank to unlock funding and technical support needed to implement sustainable water initiatives.

The meeting brought together finance ministers and stakeholders from African member states of the World Bank, who discussed how policy reforms, investment and institutional changes could improve access to safe and clean water across the continent. The discussions come at a time when many African countries are grappling with rising water demand amid population growth and climate-related pressures, reinforcing the urgency of coordinated action to secure water resources for future generations.

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Dar es Salaam. Transport stakeholders have called for a review of fuel-related levies and the broader cost structure, warning that persistent price increases are placing growing pressure on both operators and consumers.

The Land Transport Regulatory Authority (Latra) on Friday gazetted newly adjusted fares for upcountry buses, commuter buses and ride-hailing services after requests and discussions prompted by rise in fuel prices influenced by Middle East conflict. The new fares will take effect after 14 days since the release of the announcement, the regulator stated.

The regulator stated that the revised fare structure was introduced to reflect current economic realities while maintaining fairness for passengers. Under the proposed structure, commuter buses commonly known as daladala saw the minimum fare for trips of up to 10 kilometres rise from Sh600 to Sh700. Fares increase progressively with distance, reaching about Sh1,500 for journeys between 36 and 40 kilometres.

For long-distance buses, fares are calculated per kilometre depending on road type and service level. Ordinary buses charge about Sh57.93 per kilometre on tarmac roads and Sh66.62 on gravel, while semi-luxury services attract higher rates.

That means, for example, an ordinary bus travelling 626 kilometres between Dar es Salaam and Arusha, which is now costing Sh30,000 per passenger, will cost Sh36,264.18 on tarmac road when the new fares come into effect. For a semi luxury bus travelling the same distance, using the same tarmac road, it will now cost S6.436.68 instead of S2,000 charged currently.

Ride-hailing taxis now operate within regulated ranges, with trips of up to one kilometre costing between S,000 and Sh5,000, and per-kilometre charges ranging from Sh1,100 to Sh1,300, alongside additional fees such as waiting charges and commissions. Despite the increases, students remain protected under a flat fare of Sh200 regardless of distance, when using commuter buses.

The adjustments come amid a sharp rise in fuel prices following revised cap prices. On April 1, 2026, the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura) announced new prices of the petroleum products, with petrol rising to Sh3,820 per litre from Sh2,864 in March, a 33.4 percent increase.

Diesel increased to Sh3,806 from Sh2,858, while kerosene climbed to Sh3,684 from Sh2,932. The surge is linked to global supply disruptions associated with ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting key oil infrastructure and shipping routes, including the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, global crude prices have exceeded $100 per barrel.

In 2023, Latra revised the bus fares across the country, with short trips that previously cost around Sh500 rose to about Sh600 while long-distance travel became more expensive with trips such as Dar es Salaam to Arusha increased from around Sh36,000 to about S2,000 for semi luxury buses. TABOA secretary general, Priscus John, said the volatility of fuel prices makes it difficult to assess the situation conclusively.

He noted that costs for fuel, engine oil, and other vehicle inputs continue to rise despite temporary relief. He urged the government to look beyond fuel prices alone and consider related sectors during this period.

John also called for a review of levy structures, arguing that percentage-based charges have become more burdensome as global prices rise. “Previously, levies were applied when global fuel prices were much lower.

Now, with higher base prices, the same percentage results in significantly higher charges,” he said. Mr John proposed maintaining levy calculations based on earlier, lower price benchmarks rather than adjusting them upward with global price increases, arguing that temporary global shocks should not dictate long-term tax structures.

Dar es Salaam Commuter Buses Owners Association (Darcoboa) acting secretary-general Shifaya Lema declined to comment in detail. Tanzania Small Truck Owners and Operators Association (Tamstoa) chairman Chuki Shabani said operators have more flexibility due to the open-market nature of their business.

He explained that rising fuel costs are typically passed on to customers, noting that transport charges for regional routes can increase significantly when fuel prices rise. Mr Shabani added that the impact of higher fuel prices extends beyond the transport sector, affecting all citizens, including private vehicle owners.

Latra Consumer Consultative Council Executive Secretary Daud Daudi said the fares were reviewed following an increase in fuel costs. “While operators requested a 100 percent rise, analysis shows fuel costs have only increased by 33.3 percent, making the request excessive.

This adjustment ensures fairness while sharing the burden across stakeholders,” he said. “The decision reflects a win-win outcome while protecting consumers from steep fare increases.

It also recognises shared energy use among institutions such as UDART and MOFAT, reducing inequitable cost pressures for consumers,” he added. .

The decision by the Court of Appeal to set aside the High Court order barring Chadema from political activities represents a watershed moment for the rule of law in Tanzania. Its significance extends beyond the fortunes of a single political organisation.

It represents a decisive moment for the rule of law and underscores the constitutional independence of the Judiciary as one of the principal pillars of democratic governance. For too long, the narrative surrounding governance in Tanzania has been shadowed by claims of executive overreach and the shrinking of democratic space.

In fact critics could be forgiven for thinking and alleging that the High Court decision to bar Chadema from political activities was connected to the legal action against some of their leaders and cadres. This arises from the notion that the judiciary operates on the whims of the state.

But the Court of Appeal’s April 15, 2026 ruling by a three-judge panel of Augustine Mwarija, Issa Maige, and Abraham Mwampashi, directly challenges that exhaustion. It provides a definitive example of the judiciary acting as a robust, independent pillar capable of self-correction and the protection of fundamental rights.

The judgement restored the political rights of the party after setting aside a High Court order that had effectively halted its activities. Such action illustrates the functioning of judicial oversight within the legal hierarchy.

It shows that court decisions are subject to review and correction through established procedures. Chadema legal impasse traceed back to an internal dispute regarding the distribution of party resources between mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar.

The substantive case was filed at the High Court in Dar es Salaam by former deputy chairman, Said Issa Mohamed, alongside trustees Ahmed Rashid Khamis and Maulida Anna Komu. They argued that party resources had been distributed unevenly between Zanzibar and the mainland, allegedly contrary to the Political Parties Act and the party’s own constitution.

As part of those proceedings, an interlocutory application was filed seeking a temporary injunction to restrain party leaders from engaging in political activities pending determination of the main suit. The High Court granted the injunction on June 10, 2025. The order prevented participation in political activities and restricted the use of party property until the substantive case could be resolved.

The implications were substantial. A political party was rendered inactive for a prolonged period while internal disputes were litigated.

The Court of Appeal, however, found procedural flaws in how that injunction had been issued. That the High Court erred by continuing with proceedings after counsel for the respondents had withdrawn.

The appellate judges concluded that the continuation of the hearing in the absence of representation denied the respondents their right to a fair hearing. In the language of law, due process had not been fully observed.

Consequently, the injunction was declared invalid and set aside. While internal party governance is a legitimate subject for judicial review, the interlocutory injunction issued by the High Court was unprecedented in its severity.

By restraining a major political party from engaging in any political activities or using its assets, the High Court effectively paralysed a vital organ of the democratic process. Such a move carried the potential to stifle pluralism under the guise of administrative regularity.

That is why the intervention of the Court of Appeal, according to observers, serves as a masterclass in procedural fairness. The appellate court did not merely look at the merits of the resource dispute.

Instead, it focused on the sanctity of the right to a fair hearing. By granting a sweeping injunction in the absence of the respondents, the lower court violated the principle of audi alteram partem, the right to be heard.

And now by declaring the injunction invalid on these procedural grounds, the Court of Appeal has sent a clear message. That the judiciary will not tolerate shortcuts that undermine the constitutional rights of litigants, regardless of their political stature.

This is the very definition of the rule of law. It suggests that the law is a neutral arbiter, indifferent to the political consequences of its findings but fiercely protective of the process itself.

When a court corrects its own hierarchy to restore the status quo of political participation, democracy is the primary beneficiary. The ruling complicates critics of Tanzanian democracy’s simplistic narrative that the judiciary is an extension of the executive’s will.

The Court of Appeal initiated these review proceedings through its own institutional mechanisms. This proactive stance indicates a level of judicial soul-searching and a commitment to institutional integrity.

It demonstrates that the Tanzanian legal system possesses the internal checks and balances necessary to prevent legal instruments from being used to suppress political competition. Furthermore, the restoration of Chadema’s right to operate is a victory for the Tanzanian electorate.

A democracy cannot function when the principal opposition is legally gagged. The Political Parties Act and the party’s own constitution are frameworks meant to facilitate organized political expression, not to serve as traps for permanent de-registration or suspension.

By overturning the injunction, the court has returned the battle for political influence to the public arena where it belongs, rather than keeping it locked within the confines of a restrictive court order. The independence of the judiciary is not a static state but a continuous practice.

It is validated through decisions that are occasionally inconvenient for those in power or those seeking to use the law as a tactical weapon. In this instance, the three-judge panel prioritised the procedural rights of the respondents over the temporary convenience of an injunction.

This rigour is what builds public confidence. When citizens see that a party can be silenced by a lower court and subsequently reinstated by a higher one based on the principles of natural justice, the legitimacy of the entire state apparatus is enhanced.

This judgment should be captured as a cornerstone of the modern democratic narrative in the region. It proves that the “independence of the judiciary” is not a hollow phrase found in textbooks, but a living reality in Tanzania’s corridors of justice.

It serves as a reminder that the court’s primary duty is to the Constitution, ensuring that no party, whether in government or opposition, is denied the right to exist and engage in the democratic experiment. The imprisonment of Chadema’s political life has been lifted not through political patronage, but through the clinical application of the law.

This distinction is crucial. It moves the conversation away from political tolerance and toward legal rights.

The decision also provides an opportunity to reflect on public perceptions of democracy. Democratic strength is not always visible in dramatic events.

Often, it resides in quiet procedural rulings that uphold fairness and legality. Such rulings may appear technical, yet their cumulative effect sustains the legitimacy of institutions.

Over time, these incremental affirmations of legal principles shape public trust. Ultimately, the restoration of the party’s right to operate should be understood as a reflection of institutional balance rather than partisan advantage.

It demonstrates that courts remain accessible forums for resolving disputes. It confirms that judicial independence is not merely an abstract doctrine but a lived reality expressed through decisions grounded in law.

As Tanzania continues to strengthen its governance structures, this precedent will endure as a reference point for future cases. It underscores the importance of maintaining procedural discipline at every stage of litigation.

It also signals that the courtroom remains a space dedicated to justice rather than a venue for limiting lawful political participation. .

Dar es Salaam. Employers in Tanzania are yet to meet the legal requirement to allocate at least three percent of jobs to persons with disabilities, raising calls for improved compliance and clearer guidelines.

Speaking at a forum organised by the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania, Acting Director of Disability Services at the Prime Minister’s Office, Mr Jacob Mwinula, said compliance remains low despite existing laws. He said employers with 20 or more staff are required to ensure at least three percent of employees are persons with disabilities, but the target has not been met across sectors.

“Disability issues require collaboration across sectors,” he said. Mr Mwinula said limited institutional commitment and non-inclusive workplaces remain key barriers.

He added that many employers lack guidance on inclusive hiring. “We are developing guidelines on workplace accommodation to help employers create supportive environments.

” Mr Mwinula said the government has also prepared a draft national accessibility framework to guide inclusion in infrastructure and digital services. “These frameworks are expected to strengthen enforcement and awareness.

” The forum brought together government officials, private sector leaders and disability organisations to assess progress and identify solutions. Programme Manager at Tanzania Federation of Disabled Peoples’ Organizations (Shivyawata) Novath Rukwago said such engagements help link policy and implementation.

“This platform brings employers and government together to discuss implementation,” he said. Head of projects at the CEO Roundtable of Tanzania Hawa Urungu said the initiative aims to identify reasons behind low compliance and propose solutions.

“This engagement seeks to understand why sectors have not reached the target and how to address the gap,” she said. Mr Fredrick Msigallah of Comprehensive Community Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania said persons with disabilities are often excluded from employment.

“Many are capable but face barriers due to perceptions and limited awareness,” he said. Stakeholders said stronger implementation, workplace adjustments and accountability are needed to improve inclusion.

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Arusha. A group dedicated to promoting talent and innovation among deaf people in Tanzania is seeking Sh100 million to develop a medical symbol journal aimed at improving communication between healthcare workers and deaf patients while safeguarding medical confidentiality.

The initiative, led by the Tanzania Association for the Development of Deaf Talent and Innovation (Kikuvuvita), seeks to eliminate communication barriers in health facilities by enabling doctors and nurses to interact with deaf patients without relying on interpreters. Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi on April 19, 2026, Kikuvuvita Arusha regional chairperson Agrey Lyimo said the idea was developed after members raised concerns over poor access to healthcare services due to the unavailability of sign language interpreters in many health facilities.

Mr Lyimo said the proposed journal is designed to address communication challenges between healthcare providers and deaf patients, noting that most doctors and nurses are not proficient in Tanzanian Sign Language (LAT). He added that the use of sign language interpreters in clinical settings often risks breaching patient confidentiality.

“Sign language should help maintain confidentiality between a doctor, nurse and a deaf patient, as required by medical ethics. The presence of an interpreter can sometimes expose a patient’s private medical information, which undermines their dignity,” said Mr Lyimo.

He said the journal would enable deaf patients to receive appropriate treatment at any health facility without necessarily requiring interpretation services. According to the 2022 Population and Housing Census, 14 per cent of Tanzanians aged five years and above live with disabilities.

Of these, 10.2 per cent have hearing impairments while 5.7 per cent have speech difficulties.

Mr Lyimo said that given the significant number of people living with disabilities, the government and development partners have continued to seek solutions to reduce disability-related challenges, including through policies, legislation and strategic planning, as well as budget allocations for vulnerable groups. Singida’s Itigi District Medical Officer, Dr Emmanuel Malange, welcomed the initiative, but urged increased training in sign language for healthcare professionals to improve service delivery and ensure patient confidentiality is maintained.

He said deaf people require the same quality of healthcare as other members of society, adding that doctors and nurses should learn sign language to broaden their capacity in service delivery. .

Dar es Salaam. Saturn Corporation Ltd, a prominent truck assembly plant based in Dar es Salaam, has announced plans to expand its production portfolio to include the assembly of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered lorries.

The move is designed to reinforce the firm’s commitment to more efficient and sustainable transport solutions across the country as Tanzania pivots towards domestic gas utilisation. The company, which currently specialises in the assembly and distribution of heavy- and medium-duty commercial lorries, has already placed orders for its first batch of CNG units set to arrive in the country for assembly.

This development marks a significant milestone in the nation’s automotive industry, aligning with the government’s efforts to promote cleaner energy alternatives. Announcing the development on Saturday, April 18, 2026, Saturn Corporation’s Chief Operations Officer, Mr Mehul Sachdev, said the transition is both strategic and grounded in operational realities.

He noted that the company is broadening its product offering to respond to the specific needs and rising cost pressures currently facing the transport sector. “CNG presents a viable alternative to diesel, offering both cost efficiencies and environmental benefits.

We see this as a practical extension of our offering, giving our customers more flexibility in how they manage fuel costs while also responding to increasing interest in cleaner energy options,” he said. Since establishing its assembly plant in 2024, Saturn Corporation has recorded steady growth in both production capacity and market reach, positioning itself as a key player in Tanzania’s automotive assembly space.

The company serves as the official assembler and distributor of China’s Sinotruk, with its primary facility located in the Kigamboni District of Dar es Salaam. According to the company’s management, the introduction of CNG technology is a core component of a broader long-term strategy to deepen local manufacturing capabilities while aligning with emerging global and local energy trends.

“We are building an operation that is responsive to where the market is heading. Integrating CNG into our assembly line allows us to stay ahead of demand while continuing to deliver reliable and cost-effective transport solutions,” said Mr Sachdev.

The announcement comes at a time when Tanzania is building significant momentum around gas-based transport, following recent indications that the country could assemble its first CNG-powered heavy-duty lorry by 2026. “Our focus remains on reducing the total cost of ownership for our customers, introducing cleaner mobility solutions, and strengthening local assembly capabilities in Tanzania. Expanding into CNG is a natural progression within that framework,” he noted.

Mr Sachdev further emphasised that the current economic climate makes the shift even more relevant. “This creates a timely opportunity for the introduction of CNG-powered commercial vehicles, and Saturn intends to play a central role in supporting and accelerating this development,” he added.

The company indicates that initial deployment will focus on commercial transport and logistics, sectors where fuel costs have a direct and often heavy impact on overall profitability. Expansion into other areas will follow a phased path, guided by market adoption rates and the continued development of gas infrastructure across the country.

The new development builds on Saturn Corporation’s existing operations in Kigamboni, where the company is integrating CNG technology into its established assembly setup. Through its partnership with Sinotruk, the plant has already created jobs for more than 360 Tanzanians across various roles, including assembly, engineering, quality control, and administration.

The introduction of CNG units is expected to strengthen this employment base further by adding new technical capabilities and expanding opportunities for local technicians to gain specialised skills. Currently, the Kigamboni facility is one of the largest and most advanced lorry assembly plants in the region.

The plant maintains a capacity to produce up to 22 tractor trucks per day, translating to approximately 536 units per month, reflecting the scale and efficiency of its operations. This high-volume capability continues to support key sectors of the economy, including construction, mining, logistics, agriculture, and infrastructure development, which are central to Tanzania’s industrial expansion.

As demand continues to build, Saturn plans to scale its output progressively, with a target of reaching cumulative production of 10,000 vehicles by 2027. The introduction of CNG-powered lorries is expected to be a major driver of this expansion, with production volumes increasing in tandem with the pace of national infrastructure development. .

Dar es Salaam. Many people believe that choosing a life partner is driven by physical attraction, chance, or current social circumstances.

However, psychological research into relationships suggests that such choices are often shaped much earlier in life — during childhood. Drawing on various online sources and academic works, experts note that a person’s early life experiences can influence not only who they choose as a partner, but also how they behave within relationships.

Childhood, psychologists say, is not only a period of play and physical growth, but also the first stage in which human beings learn what it means to be loved, ignored, heard or neglected. From these early experiences, children develop emotional templates that later influence how they love and choose partners in adulthood.

British psychologist John Bowlby emphasised that the early relationship between a child and their caregiver has a lasting impact on emotional development. He argued that children learn to understand themselves through their relationships with caregivers, famously noting: “What cannot be said to the mother cannot be said to the self.

” This suggests that children who grow up unable to express fear, sadness or emotional needs may later struggle with self-awareness and emotional expression in adult relationships. Children raised in stable, loving and emotionally secure environments tend to develop a sense that the world is safe and relationships are trustworthy.

By contrast, those who grow up in violent, neglectful or unpredictable environments may internalise the belief that love is something to fear or struggle for. Such emotional patterns often persist into adulthood and can influence the type of partners people are drawn to — not necessarily because they are suitable, but because they feel familiar.

Attachment theory in romantic relationships In their book Attached, Amir Levine and Rachel Heller expand attachment theory into adult romantic relationships, arguing that people develop emotional bonding styles in childhood that continue to shape how they love, argue and choose partners. They note that these patterns are not abstract ideas but powerful forces that influence real-life relationships.

“Attachment styles are not just theoretical concepts; they affect how we love, how we fight, and how we choose our partners,” they write. This perspective suggests that partner selection is not purely random or based on chance, but often rooted in an emotional history formed early in life.

For instance, a person raised in an inconsistent loving environment may grow up fearing abandonment and later feel drawn to emotionally unavailable partners. Although such relationships can be painful, they may feel familiar because they reflect earlier emotional experiences.

This may explain why some people repeatedly find themselves in similar difficult relationships despite intending to change. Without self-awareness, individuals may attribute these patterns to bad luck or misfortune in love, when in fact they are often shaped by deep-rooted emotional templates from childhood.

Changing patterns of partner choice In Getting the Love You Want, author Harville Hendrix suggests that people often choose partners who unconsciously activate unresolved childhood wounds, in the hope of healing them. He argues that romantic attraction is frequently influenced by similarities between a partner and early caregivers, particularly in areas linked to emotional pain.

“We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can heal through relationship,” he writes, highlighting both the source of emotional pain and the possibility of recovery. Challenges arise when individuals are unaware of these unconscious drivers and continue repeating painful relational patterns.

From this perspective, the issue is not simply choosing the “wrong” partner, but lacking awareness of what influences those choices. Understanding one’s childhood history can prompt deeper reflection: why do I feel lonely even in a relationship? Why am I drawn to emotionally unavailable people? Such questions can mark the beginning of breaking harmful cycles.

Dr Sue Johnson, a clinical psychologist and founder of emotionally focused therapy, stresses that emotional security is a fundamental human need in adult relationships. In her book Hold Me Tight, she writes: “We are wired to connect; love is not a luxury, it is a survival need.

” This reframes emotional dependence not as weakness, but as a natural human requirement. According to Dr Johnson, many relationship difficulties are not caused by lack of love, but by fear of rejection or abandonment — fears that often originate in childhood.

When individuals learn to understand and manage these fears, they begin to choose partners based on safety and respect rather than unresolved emotional wounds. Breaking the cycle Overall, these psychological perspectives suggest that changing partner choices requires deeper self-awareness.

It is not simply about deciding to change, but about understanding personal history, processing unmet childhood emotional needs, and learning healthier ways of relating. Encouragingly, change is possible through secure relationships, counselling, and self-reflection.

At a societal level, this discussion underscores the importance of nurturing childhood environments. Children raised in loving, stable and emotionally supportive homes are more likely to grow into adults who choose partners freely and wisely.

For those who did not experience such environments, awareness becomes the first step towards rewriting their relationship patterns and breaking cycles of emotional pain across generations. .

Beijing. Dozens of Chinese-made humanoid robots showed off their fast-improving athleticism and autonomous navigation skills as they whizzed past human runners in a half-marathon race in Beijing on Sunday, highlighting the sector’s rapid technical advances.

The race’s inaugural edition last year was riddled with mishaps, and most robots were unable to finish. Last year’s champion robot recorded a time of 2 hours 40 minutes, more than double the time of the human winner of the conventional race.

This year’s contrast was stark. Not only had the number of participating teams increased from 20 to more than 100, but several robot frontrunners were noticeably faster than professional athletes, beating the human winners by more than 10 minutes.

Unlike last year, nearly half of the robot entrants navigated the tougher terrain autonomously instead of being directed by remote control during the 21-km (13-mile) race. The robots and 12,000 men and women ran in parallel tracks to avoid collisions.

The winning robot, developed by Chinese smartphone brand Honor, finished the race in 50 minutes and 26 seconds, several minutes faster than the half-marathon world record set by Ugandan runner Jacob Kiplimo in Lisbon last month. Teams from Honor, a Huawei spin-off, took the three podium spots, all self-navigated and posting world-record-beating times.

Du Xiaodi, an Honor engineer on the winning team, said its robot was in development for a year, fitted with legs 90 to 95 cm (35 to 37 inches) long to mimic elite human runners and liquid cooling technology used in its smartphones. Du said the sector remained in a nascent phase, but he was confident humanoids would eventually reshape many industries, including manufacturing.

“Running faster may not seem meaningful at first, but it enables technology transfer, for example, into structural reliability and cooling, and eventually industrial applications,” Du said. Robotics improvements Spectators largely viewed the variety of humanoids of different sizes and gaits on display as evidence of China’s improvements in robotics.

“The humanoid robots’ running posture I saw was really quite impressive considering that AI has only been developing for a short time, I’m already very impressed that it can achieve this level of performance,” said Chu Tianqi, a 23-year-old engineering student at Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. “The future will definitely be an AI era.

If people don’t know how to use AI now, especially if some are still resistant to it, they will definitely become obsolete,” he said. Another spectator, 11-year-old schoolboy Guo Yukun, said after watching the race, he was inspired to pursue a university degree in robotics in the future.

Guo said he takes regular classes in robotics theory and programming at his elite Beijing school, and is part of his school’s team for the International Olympiad in Informatics, a global programming competition for high schoolers. Economically viable applications While economically viable applications of humanoid robots mostly remain in a trial phase, the half-marathon’s showcasing of these machines’ physical prowess highlights their potential to reshape everything from dangerous jobs to battlefield combat.

However, Chinese robotics firms are still struggling to develop the AI software that would enable humanoids to match the efficiency of human factory workers. Experts said the skills on display during the half-marathon, while entertaining, do not translate to the widespread commercialisation of humanoid robots in industrial settings, where manual dexterity, real-world perception and capabilities beyond small-scale, repetitive tasks are crucial.

China is seeking to become a global powerhouse in this frontier industry, and it has enacted a wide range of policies from subsidies to infrastructure projects to cultivate local firms. The country’s most-watched TV show, the annual CCTV Spring Festival gala, in February showcased China’s push to dominate humanoid robots and the future of manufacturing.

That included a lengthy martial arts demonstration where over a dozen Unitree humanoids performed sophisticated fight sequences waving swords, poles and nunchucks in close proximity to human children performers. .