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IOC Nears Blanket Ban on Transgender Women in Female Sports

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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is reportedly moving closer to implementing a universal ban on transgender women competing in female categories across all sports. IOC president Kirsty Coventry, who pledged such action during her election campaign, has been overseeing ongoing discussions through a dedicated working group. Although the IOC maintains that no final decision has been reached, recent briefings to members suggest a ban could be announced as early as next year.

The shifting approach follows increased concerns in global sport over fairness and athlete safety. Several international federations, including World Rugby, World Aquatics, and World Athletics, have already barred those who experienced male puberty from elite female competition. In the United States, President Donald Trump signed an executive order in February restricting transgender women from competing in female categories, including at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

Transgender participation has sparked high-profile debates at recent Games, such as New Zealand weightlifter Laurel Hubbard at Tokyo 2020. The issue resurfaced at Paris 2024 when Algerian boxer Imane Khelif won gold after prior gender eligibility scrutiny—though the IOC confirmed she and fellow boxer Lin Yu-ting were permitted to compete based on their legal female status. As the IOC works toward a global policy, the aim remains to find consensus between inclusion and competitive integrity.

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Deadly Tidal Surge in Tenerife Claims Three Lives, Injures 15

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Powerful waves slammed into the popular Spanish island of Tenerife, leaving three people dead and 15 others injured. The victims included a woman who suffered a heart attack after being swept into the water near Puerto de la Cruz, and two men who were pulled from the ocean at Santa Cruz de Tenerife and El Cabezo beach but could not be revived.

Emergency services said that several people were dragged out to sea as the rough weather struck coastal areas. In Puerto de la Cruz alone, 10 people were swept away, with three left seriously injured and taken to hospital. Local witnesses described chaotic scenes, including a waiter who jumped into the water to rescue swimmers but was unable to save one of the victims.

Authorities have urged both residents and tourists to stay away from the shoreline, warning that sea conditions are expected to worsen with swells up to four metres. They cautioned the public against taking photos or videos near the waves and stressed the need for extreme vigilance along coastal paths.

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Viral ‘Fedora Man’ at Louvre Heist Scene Revealed as Stylish Teen Detective Fan

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For weeks after the dramatic Louvre museum heist, the internet obsessed over a sharply dressed stranger photographed near the crime scene — a teen in a fedora and waistcoat who instantly became known as the “fedora man.” While police quickly arrested four suspects involved in the theft of French crown jewels, the young man’s identity sparked wild theories, from undercover detective to AI-generated figure.

Now, the mystery is solved: he’s 15-year-old Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux from Rambouillet, France. Pedro said he was simply arriving for a family visit and had no idea the museum had just been robbed. An AP photographer snapped him while he was asking officers why the Louvre was closed — and within days, his image had gone viral with millions of views across TikTok and coverage even in The New York Times.

Pedro admits the attention has been surreal. Inspired by Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, and classic statesmen, he recently adopted a “chic” old-fashioned style — one he even wears to school. As online speculation soared, he chose to stay quiet. “With this photo there is a mystery,” he said. “So you have to make it last.”

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Deadly Warehouse Fire Claims Six Lives in Turkey’s Kocaeli Province

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A tragic fire at a perfume warehouse in Dilovasi, an industrial town in Turkey’s Kocaeli Province, has left six people dead and several others injured. The blaze broke out around 09:05 local time on Saturday, sending thick flames and smoke into the sky as emergency teams rushed to the scene.

Authorities confirmed that five people were taken to hospital, including one victim in critical condition receiving treatment in a burns unit. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion before seeing workers whose clothes had caught fire, describing chaotic scenes with people crying out for help as the flames rapidly spread.

The fire has since been extinguished, and officials are now focused on determining its cause. Turkey’s justice and labour ministries have launched investigations into the incident. Dilovasi, located about 70km from Istanbul, is a major industrial hub home to numerous factories and storage facilities, raising concerns about safety standards in the area.

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Serbia Approves Disputed Trump-Linked Development Amid Public Outcry

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Serbia’s parliament has passed legislation enabling a controversial luxury hotel and apartment project in Belgrade led by Jared Kushner’s firm, Affinity Partners. The planned $500m (£380m) development would replace the former Yugoslav Army headquarters — a site heavily damaged during NATO’s 1999 intervention and regarded by many as a national memorial. Despite protests, legal concerns, and the site’s symbolic value, the government moved forward after removing its protected status and agreeing to grant a 99-year lease to the US investment group.

Critics, including opposition lawmakers and architectural experts, argue the decision is unconstitutional and risks erasing a painful chapter of Serbian history for political gains. Demonstrators fear the landmark will be replaced with commercial attractions like casinos and luxury amenities, while anti-corruption organisations have questioned the transparency behind the project’s approval process.

President Aleksandar Vucic defended the move as essential to “overcome the burden from 1999” and strengthen ties with the US, even as Serbia continues balancing its relations with both Washington and Moscow. The project’s revival also surfaces reports that Donald Trump had previously eyed investments in Belgrade, though Kushner has distanced himself from any past plans.

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Belgium Ramps Up Drone Defences After Airport Disruptions

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Belgium is urgently working to strengthen its drone defence systems following sightings that caused temporary shutdowns at Brussels’ Zaventem Airport, affecting around 3,000 passengers. Drones were also spotted near a Belgian military base, prompting concern over growing threats to both civilian and defence infrastructure across Europe. Support has already come from Germany, which is providing anti-drone technology.

Airlines including Brussels Airlines suffered major operational and financial disruptions, with flights cancelled or diverted, and emergency arrangements required for stranded travellers. The carrier said drones are a “new threat”, and even short disruptions at major airports have significant ripple effects.

European officials increasingly suspect Russia’s involvement in recent airspace incursions across the region, though no evidence has been publicly confirmed. Analysts say such actions may be aimed at testing European security and undermining support for Ukraine, particularly as the EU considers using frozen Russian assets to fund a major aid package for Kyiv.

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Tesla Backs $1 Trillion Pay Deal to Keep Musk at the Helm

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Tesla shareholders have approved a record $1 trillion pay package for Elon Musk, betting on his ability to transform the company into an $8.5 trillion enterprise over the next decade. Under the agreement, Musk will forgo a salary and receive payment only if he meets ambitious performance targets, including producing 20 million vehicles, developing one million robots, and rolling out a fleet of self-driving robotaxis. The decision underscores shareholder confidence that Musk’s leadership remains vital to Tesla’s long-term innovation and success.

Despite controversy over his outspoken political views and open support for President Donald Trump, Musk continues to command a devoted following among investors. Analysts argue that much of Tesla’s $1.4 trillion valuation is driven by what they call the “Musk premium,” a reflection of market faith in his creative and risk-taking approach. Supporters compare him to historical visionaries like Einstein and Edison, saying that without him, Tesla risks losing its innovative edge, particularly in artificial intelligence.

Still, Musk’s unpredictability poses challenges for Tesla’s board. Critics warn that his outside ventures and political involvements could distract him from the company’s complex goals. Legal experts note that the targets set for Musk may be flexible enough to secure his payout even under shifting conditions. Whether or not he achieves them, Tesla’s gamble signals how deeply intertwined Musk’s identity remains with the company’s brand and future direction.

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Trump Grants Hungary One-Year Exemption from Russian Energy Sanctions

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President Donald Trump has granted Hungary a one-year exemption from US sanctions on Russian oil and gas imports, marking a diplomatic win for Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. The decision, confirmed by a White House official, follows Orban’s visit to Washington, where he argued that his landlocked nation faced severe energy supply challenges without Russian imports. Trump acknowledged Hungary’s unique position and noted the difficulty of finding alternative sources of oil and gas.

The exemption comes just weeks after the US imposed harsh sanctions on major Russian energy companies, warning of penalties for nations continuing trade with them. As part of the deal, Hungary agreed to purchase several hundred million dollars’ worth of US natural gas, though the arrangement is expected to unsettle many European capitals critical of Orban’s pro-Russia stance. The move underscores the close personal and political ties between Trump and Orban, who share similar right-wing populist views.

During their meeting, the two leaders also discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, with Trump hinting at future peace talks involving Russian President Vladimir Putin. Orban reiterated his belief that Ukraine cannot win the conflict without a “miracle,” arguing that only the United States and Hungary genuinely seek peace. Despite tensions with the European Union, Trump praised Orban as a strong and pragmatic leader and urged Europe to accord him greater respect.

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Protest Disrupts Israel Philharmonic Concert in Paris

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A concert by the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra in Paris was disrupted multiple times on Thursday night when protesters set off flares in the auditorium. Four people were detained after clashes broke out in the Pierre Boulez hall, forcing the performance led by conductor Lahav Shani and pianist Sir Andras Schiff to be temporarily halted due to smoke and commotion.

The event had already faced criticism from a French performing arts union and calls for a boycott by pro-Palestinian activists. While French ministers condemned the disturbances and defended artistic freedom, some political voices argued the protest was justified due to their opposition to the Israeli state.

Despite the chaos, the venue confirmed the troublemakers were removed and legal action will follow. The concert eventually resumed and concluded peacefully, with authorities stressing that violence and threats to public safety have no place in cultural spaces.

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Russian Soldier Gets Life Sentence in Landmark Ukrainian War Crimes Trial

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A Ukrainian court has sentenced Russian soldier Dmitry Kurashov, 27, to life imprisonment for the execution of surrendered Ukrainian soldier Vitalii Hodniuk in January 2024. This marks the first life sentence imposed on a Russian serviceman for killing a prisoner of war since the full-scale invasion began. Evidence, including witness accounts and scene footage, confirmed Kurashov shot Hodniuk at point-blank range despite the captive emerging unarmed with hands raised.

Kurashov had joined Russia’s Storm V penal unit after being recruited from prison with the promise of freedom in exchange for military service. Although he initially pleaded guilty, he later denied responsibility, blaming a medic who, according to other captured Russian soldiers, was not present during the shooting. Prosecutors argued Kurashov displayed no genuine remorse and knowingly followed illegal orders not to take Ukrainian prisoners alive.

Ukraine’s intelligence and legal bodies say more than 150 similar executions of POWs by Russian forces have been documented since 2022, suggesting a possible pattern or policy. While some accusations have also been made against Ukrainian troops for killing Russian captives, officials stress those instances are far fewer and under investigation.

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