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France to sue teen for falsely accusing school head in headscarf row

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France’s prime minister has announced that a teenage girl will face legal action for falsely accusing her headteacher of hitting her during a dispute over her wearing an Islamic headscarf. The headteacher resigned following death threats received after the incident.

This incident comes amidst heightened concerns over Islamist threats to French schools following the murders of two teachers, including Samuel Paty in 2020. The headteacher, unnamed publicly, cited safety concerns in his resignation letter sent to colleagues. Two individuals were detained for making death threats, though they had no direct connection to the school.

The police found no evidence to support the girl’s allegations, prompting Prime Minister Gabriel Attal to announce that she will be sued for false accusations. Politicians across the political spectrum condemned the hate campaign targeting the teacher.

Additionally, several Paris schools were closed due to bomb threats, with some investigators considering the possibility of Russian disinformation involvement. Prime Minister Attal previously warned of Russian efforts to destabilize France’s support for Ukraine.

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Irish economy expected to grow in next two years

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A prominent think tank, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), has projected solid growth for Ireland’s domestic economy in the next couple of years, driven by decreasing inflation and rising wages. They anticipate a 2.3% growth in modified domestic demand (MDD) for this year, followed by a 2.5% increase next year. MDD is a metric that filters out the influence of multinational corporations on Ireland’s economy. In 2023, MDD only saw a modest 0.5% growth due to factors like inflation and higher interest rates dampening spending and investment.

Despite a strong post-pandemic recovery, Ireland’s economic momentum slowed notably in 2023, partly due to increased inflation which hindered household finances. The ESRI noted a lack of real pay growth during 2022 and 2023. Real pay, adjusted for inflation, is a key indicator of changes in living standards. Both the ESRI and Ireland’s Central Bank anticipate an increase in real pay this year.

Traditionally, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) serves as the primary measure of economic performance; however, Ireland’s GDP is heavily skewed by multinational activities. Official data indicated a 3.2% contraction in Irish GDP in 2023. Usually, Irish GDP overestimates economic growth, but recent trends have shown the opposite, partly due to decreased sales and exports from US pharmaceutical companies’ Irish operations post-pandemic. The ESRI anticipates a recovery in Irish GDP over the next two years, driven by global trade improvements.

The ESRI also underscored the pressing need for Ireland to address well-documented infrastructure challenges, particularly in areas like housing, renewable energy, and public transport. Notably, plans for an underground rail link connecting Dublin Airport to the city center have reached the public planning hearings stage after more than two decades since the project’s inception.

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European flying car technology sold to China

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The technology behind a flying car, initially developed and successfully tested in Europe, has been acquired by a Chinese company. The AirCar, which ran on a BMW engine and conventional fuel, completed a 35-minute flight between two Slovakian airports in 2021, utilizing runways for takeoff and landing. Its transformation from car to aircraft took just over two minutes.

The Chinese firm, Hebei Jianxin Flying Car Technology Company, based in Cangzhou, has secured exclusive rights to produce and operate AirCar vehicles within a specific region of China. They have established their airport and flight school following a previous acquisition from a Slovak aircraft manufacturer.

China, having been at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution, is now actively pursuing flying transport solutions. Recent developments include a test flight of a passenger-carrying drone by Autoflight between Shenzhen and Zhuhai, completing a three-hour car journey in just 20 minutes. Additionally, eHang, a Chinese firm, received a safety certificate for its electric flying taxi in 2023.

Unlike vertical take-off and landing passenger aircraft, AirCar requires a runway for operation. While the exact sale price of the technology remains undisclosed, AirCar obtained a certificate of airworthiness from the Slovak Transport Authority in 2022 and garnered attention after being featured in a video by YouTuber MrBeast.

Despite the advancements, challenges remain in terms of infrastructure, regulation, and public acceptance. Aviation consultant Steve Wright notes that global efforts to regulate the sector are underway, with China potentially seeing an opportunity to lead in this domain.

The sale of AirCar from Slovakia to China raises questions about China’s potential dominance in the flying car market, similar to its leadership in electric cars. Wright suggests that while prototypes like AirCar are exciting, the reality of flying cars may involve mundane aspects like queues and baggage checks.

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Apple, Meta and Google to be investigated by the EU

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The European Union has initiated investigations into major tech companies such as Meta, Apple, and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) over potential violations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA) introduced in 2022. If found guilty, these companies could face fines of up to 10% of their annual turnover.

EU antitrust chief Margrethe Vestager and industry head Thierry Breton announced the investigations, focusing on allegations of anti-competitive practices by these tech giants. The DMA, which targets companies considered to be digital gatekeepers, aims to foster fair competition in the digital market.

The investigations are particularly focused on whether these companies are impeding fair competition, such as by limiting app communication with users, restricting user choice, or favoring their own services in search results. For instance, Apple faces scrutiny for its App Store policies, while Meta is being investigated for its advertising practices.

These investigations come shortly after Apple was fined €1.8 billion for competition law violations related to music streaming, and amid a landmark lawsuit in the United States accusing Apple of monopolizing the smartphone market.

Both Apple and Meta have responded, expressing willingness to engage with the investigation and asserting their compliance with the DMA. However, Alphabet has yet to comment on the matter.

The EU aims to complete the investigations within approximately 12 months, with a focus on ensuring open and contestable digital markets in Europe. The timing of these actions, just ahead of European Parliament elections, underscores the EU’s commitment to consumer protection and fair competition in the digital sphere.

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Vinicius Jr: Racist abuse means Brazil winger feels ‘less like playing’

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Brazilian winger Vinicius Jr expressed feeling increasingly reluctant to continue playing football due to the persistent racist abuse he has endured. Despite facing ten reported incidents of racism in La Liga last season, the 23-year-old remains determined not to let racism drive him away from Real Madrid or Spain. Vinicius emphasized his commitment to staying in Spain to defy the racists and asserted that leaving would only serve their agenda. He acknowledged the difficulty of moving past the abuse and stated his dwindling enthusiasm for playing the sport.

Vinicius’s resolve to remain in Spain was reinforced as Brazil prepared to face Spain in an international friendly at the Santiago Bernabeu, coinciding with an anti-racism campaign titled ‘One skin’. Real Madrid recently filed a complaint against a referee for allegedly omitting racist abuse directed at Vinicius from his match report, though Osasuna denied such claims.

The winger has faced numerous instances of racism in recent seasons, including chants from Atletico Madrid fans and fines and stadium bans for offenders involved in racially motivated incidents. This season alone, reports of racist abuse have surfaced during matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, and Valencia.

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Paris Welcomes Back Iconic Café Waiters’ Race After 13-Year Hiatus

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The iconic Parisian event known as the Café Waiters’ Race, where service staff speedily navigate through the city while balancing trays of hot drinks and croissants, has made a triumphant return after a hiatus since 2011.

Originating in 1914 as the Course Des Café, this tradition has seen nearly 300 Parisian waiters, donned in their work attire, racing a 1.2-mile course to and from the city hall adjacent to the Seine river. The challenge mandates participants to carry the tray, laden with a quintessential French breakfast of coffee, croissant, and water, with precision and poise, ensuring not a single drop is spilled. Upon reaching the finish line, judges meticulously inspect trays for any spillage.

This year, Samy Lamrous claimed victory in the men’s category, completing the course in a swift 13 minutes and 30 seconds, while Pauline Van Wymeersch triumphed in the women’s division with a time of 14 minutes and 12 seconds. Both winners were honored with medals bestowed by the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, along with a complimentary night’s stay in a luxurious hotel.

Eau de Paris, the city’s water authority and the event’s sponsor, expressed their delight, stating, “This Sunday, nearly 300 waitresses and waiters took on an original challenge in the heart of Paris and brought a legendary event back to life! Here are the medal-winning athletes. Congratulations to all!”

While the Parisian race holds historical significance, similar events were once popular in London and Berlin. However, the inaugural race in 1914 cemented Paris as its birthplace. Following a pause in 2011 due to sponsorship issues, other French towns like Marseille continued the tradition, keeping the spirit alive.

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Moscow attack: Russian court charges four men with act of terrorism

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Four men have been charged by Russian authorities for their alleged involvement in a terrorist attack at a concert hall in Moscow, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least 137 individuals. These suspects, marched into a Moscow court, faced charges related to committing an act of terrorism. However, their appearance in court raised concerns as they exhibited signs of physical abuse, with reports suggesting mistreatment during their arrest.

The attack, which occurred at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, involved gunmen storming the venue during a rock concert attended by approximately 6,000 people. The assailants unleashed gunfire and set fires within the hall, leading to chaos and widespread devastation. Russian officials reported over a hundred injuries in addition to the significant loss of life.

Despite the Islamic State group claiming responsibility for the attack, Russian authorities have insinuated, without evidence, Ukrainian involvement. This assertion has been vehemently denied by Ukrainian officials, who have dismissed it as unfounded and absurd. Meanwhile, the suspects, identified as citizens of Tajikistan, have been detained pending further investigation, with their detention extended until May 22.

The incident underscores the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups like IS, particularly in regions like Central Asia. Security analysts point to various factors driving such attacks, including geopolitical tensions and historical conflicts. The rise of IS-K, a branch of IS operating in Afghanistan and parts of Central Asia, highlights the organization’s adaptability and continued efforts to target regions beyond its traditional strongholds.

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Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Malta say they are ready to recognise the State of Palestine

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Leaders from Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, and Malta have declared their readiness to acknowledge the State of Palestine as a crucial step towards achieving peace and stability in the conflict-ridden region. During a meeting on the sidelines of a summit in Brussels, they emphasized their willingness to recognize Palestine when it could contribute positively to the situation. They stressed the necessity of a two-state solution, with both Israeli and Palestinian states coexisting peacefully.

Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob expressed optimism about garnering political support for Palestine at the United Nations, suggesting that conditions for establishing a Palestinian government could be ripe in the near future. Currently, nine out of the EU’s 27 member states recognize Palestine based on the 1967 borders. Belgium, represented at the meeting, also supports Palestinian statehood but may be constrained from signing such declarations due to its presidency of the Council of the EU.

While the EU backs the two-state solution and provides significant aid to Palestinians, it has not unanimously supported recognizing a Palestinian state. Spain and Ireland have been vocal advocates for recognizing Palestine, particularly following the recent conflict in Gaza. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the importance of unified action among EU countries rather than unilateral recognition. He stressed the need for careful timing to ensure a lasting peace.

The political diversity of the leaders involved suggests broad consensus on the necessity of recognizing Palestine for future peace efforts. Irish Taoiseach Leo Varadkar also confirmed ongoing discussions among member states regarding formal recognition of Palestine to facilitate more equitable negotiations post-conflict.

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Moscow attack: Gunmen kill dozens at Crocus City Hall in Moscow

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Gunmen launched a devastating assault on a concert hall near Moscow, resulting in the tragic loss of at least 60 lives and leaving around 100 people injured, as confirmed by Russian security services. The attackers, numbering at least four and clad in camouflage attire, stormed the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, igniting chaos and terror.

The concert hall, moments away from hosting a rock concert, witnessed the assailants infiltrating both the foyer and the theatre, setting parts of the building ablaze, which eventually led to a portion of the roof collapsing. Shockingly, children were among the casualties, prompting swift condemnation from the Russian foreign ministry, which labeled the incident a “terrorist attack.”

Although an online statement attributed to the Islamic State claimed responsibility, the assertion remains unverified. Nevertheless, US officials disclosed intelligence suggesting IS harbored intentions to target Russia, a warning conveyed to Russian authorities earlier. Subsequently, Russia’s National Guard mobilized special units to apprehend the attackers, while top officials rushed to the scene.

The harrowing assault unfolded just as thousands gathered for a rock concert by the band Picnic, narrowly sparing the musicians themselves from harm. Witnesses recounted scenes of horror as gunfire erupted, prompting frantic attempts to seek refuge or escape. Fire engulfed the premises, likely initiated by incendiary devices hurled by the assailants.

Emergency responders swarmed the area, tending to the wounded and facilitating evacuations. Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin responded by canceling all public events in the capital, with other regions following suit. Amid the grief and shock, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova called for international condemnation of what she described as “a monstrous crime.”

While Ukrainian officials swiftly disavowed any involvement, tensions heightened as Ukrainian military intelligence insinuated possible Russian involvement, an allegation dismissed by Russian authorities. The attack bore eerie parallels to the 2002 theatre siege in Moscow, evoking memories of past tragedies.

In response to the atrocity, security measures were reinforced at key transport hubs, reflecting a nation on edge in the wake of this appalling act of violence. The White House expressed profound sympathy for the victims, denouncing the attack as an unfathomable act of brutality.

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Row erupts over German football team switching supplier from Adidas to Nike

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The decision by the German Football Association (DFB) to change the supplier of the national team’s kit from Adidas to Nike starting in 2027 has sparked strong reactions from German politicians. Economy Minister Robert Habeck and Health Minister Karl Lauterbach both voiced their disapproval, with Habeck expressing a desire for more local patriotism and Lauterbach labeling the move as “wrong”. The long-standing partnership between Adidas and the German national team, spanning over 70 years, has been a significant part of the country’s football culture.

The DFB defended its decision, emphasizing the financial benefits and support for grassroots football in Germany that the new partnership with Nike would bring. Despite understanding the emotional attachment to the Adidas brand, the DFB stated that economic considerations necessitated the switch. Nike’s substantially higher financial offer, reported to be around €100 million annually compared to Adidas’s €50 million, played a significant role in the decision-making process.

The controversy surrounding the change in kit supplier highlights the intersection of sports, tradition, and commerce. Politicians from across the political spectrum in Germany have expressed concerns about departing from a longstanding partnership that is deeply intertwined with the national team’s identity. As the DFB navigates this transition, it faces the challenge of balancing financial imperatives with the preservation of cultural and sporting heritage.

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