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WW1-Era Chemical Likely Used on Georgian Protesters, BBC Investigation Reveals

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A BBC investigation suggests that Georgian authorities used a World War One–era chemical agent, known as camite, in water cannons during anti-government protests in late 2024. Demonstrators in Tbilisi reported severe burning sensations, difficulty breathing, coughing and vomiting—symptoms that persisted for weeks. Doctors, chemical weapons specialists, and whistleblowers from Georgia’s riot police provided evidence pointing toward the use of this long-discontinued compound, once deployed by France in WW1 and eventually abandoned due to its prolonged harmful effects.

Paediatrician and protester Dr Konstantine Chakhunashvili conducted a survey of nearly 350 affected demonstrators, finding that almost half experienced symptoms lasting more than 30 days. His study, soon to be published in Toxicology Reports, also noted abnormal heart electrical activity among many participants. These findings supported theories from journalists, civil rights groups and medical experts that the water cannon contained more than just irritants like pepper spray or CS gas.

Whistleblowers from Georgia’s Special Tasks Department revealed that the chemical used closely resembles one tested in 2009, which they described as extremely difficult to wash off and far more harmful than standard tear gas. Despite recommendations against its use, they say it continued to be loaded into water cannon vehicles for years. The Georgian government dismissed the BBC’s findings as “absurd,” insisting police acted lawfully against what they called “violent criminals.”

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Brigitte Bardot Reassures Fans She Is Recovering and Requests Privacy

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Brigitte Bardot, the 91-year-old former French film icon and long-time animal rights activist, has reassured her followers that she is recovering and that there is no cause for alarm about her health. Her foundation issued a statement clarifying her condition after media reports suggested she had been hospitalised again in Toulon last month, following an earlier stay in October for what her office had described as minor surgery.

In the statement, Bardot expressed frustration over the spread of false information and asked the public to respect her privacy while she continues healing. She also shared a heartfelt message to those genuinely concerned about her wellbeing, saying, “I send my love to you all,” emphasising gratitude for the support she has received during this period.

Bardot rose to global fame in the 1950s and 60s with iconic roles in films such as And God Created Woman and later expanded her artistic career into music. She left acting in the 1970s, settling in Saint-Tropez, where she devoted herself fully to animal welfare through her foundation, becoming a prominent and outspoken advocate for the cause.

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Dignitas Founder Ludwig Minelli Dies at 92 by Assisted Suicide

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Ludwig Minelli, the founder of the Swiss right-to-die organisation Dignitas, has died by assisted suicide at the age of 92, just days before his 93rd birthday. Dignitas paid tribute to Minelli, describing his life as one dedicated to freedom of choice, self-determination, and human rights. Since he founded the organisation in 1998, Dignitas has assisted thousands of people seeking an end to their suffering, becoming one of the most recognised names in global debates on assisted dying.

Minelli initially worked as a journalist before turning to law and human rights advocacy, becoming a leading voice in the international right-to-die movement. He campaigned passionately for what he called society’s “last human right”—the ability to decide one’s own end in a safe and painless way. His efforts helped shape legal and ethical discussions worldwide, including a notable 2011 European Court of Human Rights ruling affirming the right of competent individuals to determine the manner and timing of their death.

Despite his influence, Minelli also faced criticism and legal challenges within Switzerland, particularly over Dignitas’ openness to helping non-terminally ill individuals and foreigners seeking assisted suicide. While euthanasia remains illegal in Switzerland, assisted dying has been permitted since 1942 under strict conditions. Dignitas emphasised that it will continue Minelli’s mission, operating as an international organisation committed to self-determination and freedom of choice at the end of life.

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Swiss Voters Overwhelmingly Reject Wealth Tax on Large Inheritances

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Swiss voters have decisively rejected a proposed 50% tax on inherited wealth exceeding 50 million Swiss francs, with 78% voting against the initiative—an even stronger rejection than opinion polls had predicted. The proposal, seen as a major test of public appetite for wealth redistribution, attracted significant attention from the country’s powerful banking and finance sectors. Despite global discussions on taxing the ultra-rich, Switzerland’s electorate reaffirmed its historically cautious stance on such measures.

The initiative was put forward by the youth wing of the Social Democratic Party (JUSO), arguing that taxing the very wealthiest families would help fund climate-related programmes. Supporters framed the proposal as a way to address economic inequality and rising concerns around cost of living in some of the world’s most expensive cities. The slogan, “The super rich inherit billions, we inherit crises,” captured their message but failed to resonate widely with voters.

Opponents warned that the measure could drive wealthy residents out of the country, ultimately reducing tax revenue and weakening the national economy. Switzerland’s government also urged voters to reject the tax, emphasising potential long-term risks to financial stability and competitiveness. The outcome reinforces Switzerland’s long-standing reluctance to adopt aggressive wealth taxation, even as other European nations push similar debates forward.

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Spain Detects More Suspected Swine Fever Cases as Pork Export Industry Faces Major Setback

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Spain has identified eight additional wild boar suspected of carrying African swine fever near Barcelona, according to local media reports, deepening concerns for the country’s multibillion-euro pork industry. While two cases have been officially confirmed, twelve more are undergoing laboratory tests, which could bring the total number of infected animals to fourteen. The Catalan government has sought assistance from military specialists to help contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

The impact on Spain’s pork export sector—valued at €8.8 billion annually—has been immediate and severe. Around one-third of the country’s 400 export certificates have been blocked since the first outbreak was detected, marking Spain’s first swine fever cases since 1994. Agriculture Minister Luis Planas said efforts were underway to restore access to international markets and reassure trading partners of stringent safety measures.

Several countries, including Taiwan, China, the UK, and Mexico, have already imposed bans or temporary restrictions on pork imports from Spain, particularly from the affected Catalonia region. Although African swine fever poses no threat to human health, it spreads rapidly among pigs and wild boar, prompting swift global reactions to limit biosecurity risks tied to Spanish pork products.

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Louvre to Increase Ticket Prices for Non-EU Tourists After Security Failures

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The Louvre Museum in Paris will raise ticket prices by 45% for most non-EU tourists starting 14 January, increasing the standard entry cost to €32. Visitors from countries such as the US, UK, and China will be affected, with guided group visitors paying €28. The measure aims to generate €15m–€20m annually to support major upgrades, including modernisation and improved visitor facilities.

The decision follows growing concerns over the museum’s outdated security and infrastructure, highlighted after a €102m jewellery heist in October that exposed serious vulnerabilities. An official audit revealed insufficient maintenance investment, despite the museum heavily prioritising art acquisitions in recent years.

With nearly 9 million visitors last year—many rushing to the Mona Lisa—crowding and long queues have long been a challenge. President Emmanuel Macron has backed plans to revamp the museum, move the Mona Lisa to a new space, and expand amenities such as restrooms and restaurants. Renovations will continue alongside closures of ageing sections, including a gallery of Greek ceramics flagged for structural issues.

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Russian Strikes Leave Over 600,000 Without Power in Kyiv Region

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More than 600,000 people in Kyiv and surrounding areas were left without electricity after Russia launched a large-scale overnight attack targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. Officials reported that over 36 missiles and nearly 600 drones were fired across multiple regions, leaving at least three dead and dozens injured. The majority of outages hit the capital, where emergency crews responded to fires and damaged residential buildings.

As winter sets in, Russia has intensified strikes on Ukraine’s energy grid, echoing previous years when civilians endured rolling blackouts. Kyiv Mayor Vitaly Klitschko confirmed that a 13-year-old was among the injured, while Dtek Energy said power had been restored to more than half of the affected households by Saturday afternoon. Ukraine’s Air Force reported intercepting 558 drones and 19 missiles despite the heavy bombardment.

The attack comes as Ukrainian and US officials prepare for talks on a revised peace plan backed by Washington. While President Zelensky has welcomed diplomatic efforts, he stresses Ukraine’s need to protect its sovereignty. Meanwhile, President Putin reiterated that Russia would only halt its offensive if Ukrainian forces withdraw from territory Moscow claims, as both sides brace for another harsh winter of conflict.

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Orban Meets Putin Again in Moscow, Defying EU and NATO Concerns

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Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has once again broken ranks with his EU and NATO partners by meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow, just days before US-Russia discussions on the Ukraine war. Orban, one of Putin’s closest allies in Europe, has consistently opposed European efforts to isolate Russia, and his latest visit drew sharp criticism from EU leaders. Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Orban was acting without any European mandate, calling his diplomacy “nothing new.”

During the meeting, Putin thanked Orban for offering Budapest as a venue for a potential Trump-Putin summit and praised Hungary’s “balanced position” on Ukraine. Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said the visit secured guarantees for Russian oil and gas supplies and confirmed continued work on Hungary’s Paks nuclear plant. The atmosphere, however, appeared tense, with reports of awkward interactions and suggestions from Hungarian media of mistranslated remarks meant to paint a friendlier picture.

Orban, facing a tough parliamentary election next April, is seen as using these high-profile diplomatic moments to strengthen his political standing. He continues to champion Trump’s proposed peace plan for Ukraine while accusing EU leaders of warmongering. Despite pressure from Brussels to cut dependence on Russian energy by 2027, Hungary still relies heavily on Russian oil, gas, and nuclear fuel. As Putin openly supports Orban’s re-election, both leaders appear aligned in leveraging the visit for political advantage.

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Runaway Austrian Nuns Allowed to Stay in Convent—But Only if They Quit Social Media

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Three elderly Austrian nuns who left a Catholic care home and returned to their former Alpine convent have been told they may stay—but only if they give up social media. Sisters Bernadette (88), Regina (86), and Rita (82) had been removed from the Kloster Goldenstein convent in 2023, a move they say was against their will. After returning in September with the help of former students and a locksmith, the nuns rejected the Church’s initial terms, calling them a “gagging contract”.

The nuns have gained global attention after supporters began posting videos of their daily routines—from prayer sessions to Sister Rita’s exercise workouts—amassing nearly 100,000 Instagram followers. Their online popularity angered Church authorities, who now say the sisters may remain at the convent only if they stop posting online and restrict access to the private parts of the monastery. In exchange, the Church will continue providing medical and spiritual support.

In a statement, the nuns said they were open to discussion but insisted that giving up social media would deprive them of their “only protection” and lacked legal basis. The three have spent decades at Schloss Goldenstein, which served as a convent and school since 1877. Despite their community being formally dissolved in 2024, the sisters remain determined to stay in the place they have called home for most of their lives.

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Black Friday 2025: Online Shopping Surges as Cautious Consumers Skip Store Lines

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Black Friday 2025 saw a major shift in shopping behaviour as Americans increasingly chose to shop online rather than line up outside stores in the cold. According to Adobe Analytics, shoppers spent $8.6 billion online by early Friday, with total Black Friday online sales expected to reach nearly $12 billion. The traditional rush outside malls and electronics stores faded, replaced by mid-morning online buying spikes and evening surges. Many shoppers who did venture out said they were more budget-conscious due to a softening labour market and lingering inflation.

Deep discounts and extended online promotions have blurred the boundaries between Black Friday and the rest of Cyber Week. Retailers are spreading deals across multiple days, making online platforms the top hub for bargain hunting. Cyber Monday is expected to set a new record with an estimated $14.2 billion in online spending. At the same time, higher prices driven by inflation and tariff impacts have made shoppers more selective. Data from Salesforce shows average selling prices in the U.S. rising faster than the global average, partly due to tariffs and retailers protecting their margins.

Despite cautious spending, affluent consumers continue to drive strong sales in luxury and high-end categories. Meanwhile, the usual early-morning crowds were noticeably thinner at stores like Walmart and Target, with some offering freebies to draw foot traffic. Labour unrest also shaped the day, with strikes at Amazon warehouses in Germany, protests in Spain, and expanded Starbucks walkouts in the U.S. Overall, Black Friday 2025 reflected a retail landscape where online shopping dominates, consumer behaviour shifts, and economic uncertainty plays a growing role.

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