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UK Proposes Major Expansion of Bottom Trawling Ban to Protect Marine Life

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The UK government has proposed a significant expansion of its ban on bottom trawling, a destructive fishing method that drags heavy nets across the seafloor, threatening marine habitats. The plan would extend protection from 18,000km² to 48,000km² in English offshore waters, covering 41 out of 181 designated Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Environment Secretary Steve Reed warned that without urgent action, marine ecosystems could face irreversible damage. A 12-week public consultation is open until September 1, targeting feedback from the marine and fishing industries.

The move comes as global attention focuses on ocean protection at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France. Sir David Attenborough voiced strong opposition to bottom trawling, calling it destructive and indiscriminate, with his latest documentary showcasing the damage it causes to seabeds and marine life. Environmental groups including Greenpeace UK and The Wildlife Trust welcomed the UK’s proposed ban as a long-overdue and vital step toward marine conservation and climate protection.

Meanwhile, international efforts are intensifying to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which aims to protect 30% of global oceans by 2030. French President Emmanuel Macron, co-hosting the summit with Costa Rica, announced that 15 more countries had ratified the treaty, bringing the total to 47—still short of the 60 needed for it to come into force. Macron also called for a moratorium on deep sea mining, condemning recent efforts by the U.S. to issue permits as “madness” that endangers biodiversity and violates international norms.

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Hackers Taunt M&S CEO After Devastating £300m Cyberattack

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Retail giant Marks & Spencer (M&S) has reportedly suffered a major cyberattack by ransomware group DragonForce, who sent a direct, abusive email to CEO Stuart Machin and several top executives. The message, sent from a compromised employee account on April 23, contained disturbing language and confirmed for the first time that the company’s servers had been encrypted, leaving M&S unable to process online orders for more than six weeks. The hackers claimed to have stolen customer data and shared a darknet link for ransom negotiations, suggesting they were aware of M&S’s cyber-insurance coverage.

The attack allegedly originated through the compromised account of an employee from Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), which provides IT services to M&S. Although the email appeared to come from the employee’s M&S address, TCS has denied any involvement, stating the message was not sent through their systems. Neither M&S nor TCS has publicly confirmed details about the breach, but cyber-security experts have verified the authenticity of the email seen by BBC News.

DragonForce, which has also claimed responsibility for a recent cyberattack on Co-op, is known for providing ransomware tools and extortion services to affiliates. Experts suspect links to the notorious Scattered Spider collective—a loosely organized group of mostly Western teens using platforms like Discord and Telegram. The UK’s National Crime Agency is investigating the group, while the hackers behind the retail attacks continue to threaten further disruption, stating, “We’re putting UK retailers on the Blacklist.”

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Rachel Reeves Unveils £15.6bn Transport Boost for English Regions

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Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced a sweeping £15.6 billion investment in public transport infrastructure across England, targeting metro mayoral areas in the Midlands, North, and West Country. The five-year funding plan—set to run from 2027/28 to 2031/32—includes major allocations for tram, train, and bus networks, with £2.5bn earmarked for expanding Greater Manchester’s tram lines and £2.4bn to extend Birmingham’s network. Other key investments include £2.1bn for West Yorkshire’s Mass Transit programme, £1.8bn for extending the North East Metro, and £1.6bn for Liverpool’s transport links.

The move signals a break from the Treasury’s traditional Green Book investment rules, which Reeves criticised for their bias towards London and the South East. By revising these guidelines, the Chancellor aims to correct regional imbalances and respond to criticism of economic stagnation and service cuts. The Labour government had reviewed many of the same transport proposals after coming to power in July, claiming they were previously unfunded under the Conservatives’ Network North scheme, which followed the cancellation of HS2 north of Birmingham.

While regional mayors largely welcomed the funding, opposition voices expressed scepticism. Conservative and Liberal Democrat figures warned that past promises had often failed to materialise, urging the government to back words with delivery. Reeves hinted at further announcements in next week’s Spending Review, which will detail Whitehall departmental allocations and could include a new Manchester-Liverpool rail link.

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UK Government Threatens Legal Action Over Abramovich’s £2.5bn Chelsea Sale Proceeds

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The UK government has warned it may take legal action against former Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich to ensure the £2.5 billion proceeds from the club’s 2022 sale are directed toward Ukrainian humanitarian aid. The funds have remained frozen in a UK bank account since the sale, as Abramovich was sanctioned following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. While the government insists the money must support those suffering in Ukraine, Abramovich has argued it should benefit “all victims of the war,” including those in Russia.

In a joint statement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed frustration over the ongoing deadlock, stating they are “fully prepared to pursue this through the courts if required.” They reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring the money reaches humanitarian causes in Ukraine as quickly as possible, criticizing the lack of progress in reaching an agreement with Abramovich. Despite the oligarch receiving a special license to sell the club under strict conditions, including that he would not profit, negotiations have stalled over differing interpretations of how the funds should be allocated.

The legal ownership of the money remains with Abramovich under UK law, but sanctions prevent him from accessing it. The impasse has drawn criticism, including from a House of Lords committee that labeled the delay “incomprehensible” and said it reflected poorly on both Abramovich and the UK government. The committee also noted that a more binding commitment should have been secured at the time of the sale.

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Karol Nawrocki Wins Polish Presidency, Setting Stage for Political Gridlock

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Nationalist candidate Karol Nawrocki narrowly defeated centrist rival Rafal Trzaskowski in Poland’s presidential election, securing 50.89% of the vote against Trzaskowski’s 49.11%, according to official results released Monday. Nawrocki, backed by the opposition Law and Justice (PiS) party, ran on a platform opposing Prime Minister Donald Tusk’s liberal agenda, positioning the vote as a referendum on the current government’s policies. The outcome delivers a major blow to Tusk’s pro-European Civic Coalition and signals the likelihood of increased political deadlock.

Nawrocki, a conservative historian and former head of Poland’s remembrance institute, is expected to use his veto power to stall liberal reforms, particularly in areas such as judiciary overhaul and abortion rights. His victory follows a campaign marked by nationalist rhetoric and controversy, including scrutiny over a past property deal and involvement in staged fights. Turnout hit a record 71.31% for a presidential run-off, underscoring the nation’s deep political divide.

The result has drawn praise from nationalist and eurosceptic leaders across Europe, including Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Czech opposition leader Andrej Babis, while investors reacted negatively, with Warsaw’s stock index falling and the zloty weakening. Despite concerns in Brussels, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed hope for continued cooperation. As Poland braces for more legislative clashes, observers warn of intensified tensions between the presidency and parliament, raising uncertainty about the country’s policy direction.

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Russell Brand Pleads Not Guilty to Rape and Sexual Assault Charges in London Court

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British comedian and actor Russell Brand pleaded not guilty on Friday at Southwark Crown Court to five criminal charges, including rape, indecent assault, and sexual assault, involving four women between 1999 and 2005. The 49-year-old, once a prominent broadcaster and former husband of U.S. pop star Katy Perry, appeared in court to formally deny all allegations and is scheduled to stand trial in June 2026.

Prosecutors had announced in April that Brand faced two counts of rape, one of indecent assault, and two of sexual assault. Since the allegations first surfaced in 2023 through an investigation by the Sunday Times and Channel 4’s “Dispatches,” Brand has consistently denied any non-consensual behavior. In a video released after the charges, he admitted to being a “sex addict” in his earlier years but firmly stated, “what I never was, was a rapist.”

Brand rose to fame in the 2000s with regular appearances on British television, work with the BBC, and film roles such as in Get Him to the Greek. He married Katy Perry in 2010, but the couple divorced just over a year later. In recent years, Brand has shifted his focus to digital platforms, using his internet channel to share views on politics and free speech. Now a self-declared Christian, he continues to reject all allegations against him.

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Euro Zone Consumers Raise Short-Term Inflation Expectations Amid Global Trade Uncertainty

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Consumers in the euro zone raised their short-term inflation expectations in April, reflecting heightened economic uncertainty driven by a global trade war, according to the European Central Bank’s (ECB) Consumer Expectations Survey released on Wednesday. Households now anticipate inflation to hit 3.1% over the next year, up from 2.9% in March, significantly surpassing the ECB’s 2% inflation target.

Despite these rising short-term expectations, the outlook for medium- and long-term inflation remains steady. The ECB noted that consumers continue to expect price growth at 2.5% in three years and 2.1% in five years. These figures are based on a survey of 19,000 adults across 11 euro zone nations, suggesting persistent uncertainty without a dramatic shift in longer-term consumer sentiment.

The ECB’s own projections indicate that inflation should slow in the coming months, citing subdued economic growth, modest wage increases, declining energy prices, and a stronger euro. However, the divergence between consumer expectations and ECB forecasts—coupled with ongoing concerns about U.S. tariffs—is pushing the central bank toward another interest rate cut, expected to be the eighth in just over a year.

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Kerala’s Aditya Wins Teen India Glam World 2025 Title

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Aditya Nair, a ninth-grade student from Jyothis Central School in Thiruvananthapuram, has brought pride to Kerala by winning the title at the 2nd edition of Teen India Glam World 2025. The event, held at Le Meridien, Kochi, celebrated young achievers with a flair for the arts, personality, and leadership.

Apart from her success in modeling, Aditya is a dedicated learner and performer. She has trained in the martial arts of Kalaripayattu and Karate, showcasing a balance between academic dedication and extracurricular excellence. Her journey is an inspiration to students nationwide, proving that passion and perseverance pave the way to success.

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Transforming Ideas into Impact: Manappuram Unique Times Conclave 2025 Charts the Path to Business Value Creation

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At the confluence of innovation, leadership, and forward-thinking, the Manappuram Unique Times Conclave 2025 emerged as a seminal event in India’s business landscape. Hosted at the refined Le Meridien Kochi, the conclave brought together thought leaders under the visionary theme, “How to Create Value in Your Business.” Spearheaded by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd under the stewardship of Dr Ajit Ravi, this year’s conclave reinforced its position as a transformative platform for idea exchange and enterprise evolution.

With CA Vivek Krishna Govind of Varma & Varma, Chartered Accountants, steering the panel discussion, the conclave welcomed a powerhouse of leaders: V P Nandakumar (MD & CEO, Manappuram Finance Ltd), Dr Sumitha Nandakumar (Executive Director, Manappuram Finance Ltd), Dr. Jolly Antony (Chairman, Vibe Munnar and Managing Director, Fog Resort & Spa), CA Sreejith Kuniyil (Founder, CAPITAIRE & PravasiTax), Dr. Fathima Nilufer Sheriff (CEO, Therefore I’m), Navas Meeran (Chairman, Group Meeran & CEO, Eastern Condiments), Sir Sohan Roy SK (Founder, Chairman & CEO, Aries Group), and Muhammed Madani K (Founder & MD, ABC Group).

Each shared invaluable wisdom on value creation amidst today’s business complexities. From financial empowerment to digital innovation, ethical leadership to sustainability, the panel explored the vital elements shaping resilient enterprises. Attendees walked away empowered, enriched, and equipped to redefine value within their organizations.

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Alcazar Watches and DQUE Mrs Kerala Global 2025 title bagged by Dhanya Sanjeev

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The Mrs Kerala Global 2025 title has been rightfully claimed by Dhanya Sanjeev, in a grand spectacle held at Le Meridien, Kochi on May 26th. The esteemed event, powered by Alcazar Watches and DQUE, was orchestrated by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, a pioneer in creating empowering platforms for women. Harsha Sunny and Devika Vijaykumar were named first and second runners-up, respectively. The title winner was crowned by Revathy Mohan (Mrs Kerala Global 2024), while Dr Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus, and Jebitha Ajit, Managing Director of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, crowned the first and second runners-up, respectively.

12 talented women competed in the finale, reflecting excellence and elegance. Their performances turned the event into an inspiring celebration of personality, intellect, and charisma.

Subtitle Winners

Mrs Kerala Solidarity – Tintu Bissy

Mrs Kerala Fashionista – Devika Vijaykumar

Mrs Kerala Inspiring – Harsha Sunny

Mrs Kerala Vivacious – Devika Vijaykumar

Mrs Kerala Ramp Walk – Athira Sreedharan

Mrs Kerala Congeniality – Ramya P

Mrs Kerala Talent – Dhanya Sanjeev

Mrs Kerala Humaneness – Dhanya Sanjeev

A special panel, including Revathy Mohan (Mrs Kerala Global 2024), Lakshmi Atul (Director, Operations, Aries Group), Regi Bhaskar (Fashion Photographer), and Nisha Mathew (entrepreneur, actor, and producer) judged winners. The iconic gold crowns were presented by Preeti Prakash from Parakkat Jewels, reinforcing the sense of accomplishment for the winners.

The pageant saw robust backing from influential partners. While Alcazar Watches and DQUE led as main partners, additional support came from Manappuram Finance Ltd, Unique Times, Parakkat Resorts, SAJ Group Hotels & Resorts, and Green Media. Co-partners who enhanced the event’s reach and visibility included Kalpana International Salon & Spa, Aiswaria Advertisements, Europe Times, Times New, UT World, DQUE Soap, DQUE T-shirts, DQUE Watches, Unique Times, Akshay Inco, and JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

Finalists who took the stage were Anjela Francis, Athira Sreedharan, Devika Vijaykumar, Dhanya Sanjeev, Harsha Sunny, Prineesha Thomas, Ramya P, Rikhina Akhil, Saritha S N, Sheeja Naveen, Surya Suresh, and Tintu Bissy. More than just a pageant, the event stood as a tribute to the entrepreneurial, social, and personal aspirations of women across Kerala.

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