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Netanyahu Testifies in Corruption Trial Amid War and Legal Challenges

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made history as the first sitting leader to testify as a criminal defendant, appearing in a Tel Aviv courtroom to address charges of fraud, breach of trust, and bribery. Netanyahu, accused of receiving luxury gifts from billionaires and manipulating media coverage for personal gain, denied wrongdoing, labeling the cases against him as “an ocean of absurdness.” The trial, taking place during Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, adds to the challenges facing the embattled leader, whose popularity has waned since the October 2023 Hamas attack.

Netanyahu’s testimony, set to span several weeks, is unfolding amid accusations that he is prolonging the Gaza war to deflect attention from his legal troubles. Critics question his ability to manage the country effectively while dedicating substantial time to the trial, as the nation confronts threats on multiple fronts, including regional tensions with Iran and fallout from Syria’s regime collapse. Despite calls for resignation, Netanyahu has rejected stepping down, insisting he can balance his responsibilities.

The trial also casts a spotlight on deep divisions within Israel, with protests outside the courthouse calling Netanyahu a “Crime Minister” and supporters dismissing the charges as politically motivated. The most serious allegations involve claims of regulatory favors for Bezeq telecom in exchange for positive media coverage. Netanyahu’s legal battles, coupled with public dissatisfaction over the Gaza war, have left his political future in jeopardy, with polls suggesting he may struggle to retain power in a future election.

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West Midlands Braces for Further Flooding After Storm Darragh

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Parts of the West Midlands are on high alert as flood barriers have been erected following heavy rains from Storm Darragh. The Environment Agency (EA) has deployed defences at Coleham Head in Shrewsbury, with nearby roads like Longden Road and Hereford Road closed due to rising water levels. Flood warnings have been issued for rivers including the Severn, Wye, Sow, and Trent, with levels at the River Severn in Shropshire reaching over six metres, posing a risk to properties. The EA urged commuters to check for flooding before traveling.

The storm’s powerful winds toppled hundreds of trees over the weekend, causing widespread disruption. In Erdington, Birmingham, a driver tragically died when a tree fell on his car, and another man in Leamington Spa was seriously injured by a fallen tree. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, forcing school closures in Stourport-on-Severn and Telford. Train services are also disrupted, with damaged overhead lines and tracks causing cancellations and delays across the region.

Emergency repairs continue in affected areas, including the West Coast Main Line, while Shrub Hill station in Worcester has reopened after Sunday’s storm damage. The Severn is expected to peak in Shrewsbury by Monday afternoon, with more rain forecasted. Local authorities and the EA continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to stay cautious and prepare for further disruptions.

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Macron to Appoint New Prime Minister Amid Political Crisis After Barnier’s Ouster

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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to name a new prime minister in the coming days following the resignation of Michel Barnier after a no-confidence vote in parliament. The unprecedented move, which saw Barnier ousted just three months into his tenure, highlights the political deadlock in France’s parliament, where left, center, and far-right blocs are deeply divided. Macron criticized opposition parties for forming an “anti-republican front” but vowed to remain in office until the end of his mandate in 2027.

Talks are underway with political leaders to form a new government, with the Socialist Party showing openness to a fixed-term administration while rejecting the continuation of “Macronism.” The no-confidence vote against Barnier was triggered by his use of special powers to push through a budget, a decision that united the far-right National Rally and the left-wing New Popular Front. Macron acknowledged public criticism over his earlier decision to call snap elections, which led to the current parliamentary impasse.

The political uncertainty looms as France prepares for the high-profile reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral this weekend, a milestone marking its reconstruction after the devastating 2019 fire. Macron cited the event, along with the successful hosting of the 2024 Olympics, as symbols of France’s resilience. Speculation is rife over who will take the reins as prime minister, with Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and centrist François Bayrou among the potential candidates.

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Romania Faces Election Interference Allegations Amid TikTok and Cyber-Attack Controversy

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Romania’s domestic intelligence agency has revealed evidence of a coordinated attempt to interfere in the country’s presidential election, implicating state-sponsored actors. The campaign allegedly used TikTok to promote far-right NATO-skeptic candidate Calin Georgescu, who unexpectedly advanced to the second round of voting. Paid content worth $381,000 was reportedly funneled through influencers to boost Georgescu’s profile, bypassing platform regulations and electoral laws. Intelligence documents also detail cyber-attacks targeting electoral data, with access stolen and shared on Russian cyber-crime platforms, alongside 85,000 hacking attempts on election day.

Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis declassified these findings ahead of the runoff vote between Georgescu and reformist Elena Lasconi. While Georgescu denies any involvement, calling the accusations a state-orchestrated plot, critics view the campaign as a destabilizing effort by external forces, with Russia identified as a likely perpetrator. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who placed third in the first round, has endorsed Lasconi, advocating for Romania’s continued European integration.

Protests supporting the pro-EU candidate have been announced, with concerns mounting over potential unrest. Georgescu has warned against demonstrations, referencing Ukraine’s 2014 revolution as a cautionary tale. As investigations unfold, prosecutors are assessing whether the alleged interference compromised the election’s integrity, while many await assurances that Sunday’s vote will proceed fairly.

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French Government Teeters on Brink as No-Confidence Vote Looms

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French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government faces collapse after he invoked Article 49.3 of the constitution to push through a controversial budget without parliamentary approval. The €60 billion bill, aimed at curbing France’s growing deficit with tax hikes and spending cuts, sparked fierce opposition from both left- and right-wing parties. Left-wing alliance France Unbowed (LFI) and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) have tabled no-confidence motions, with a decisive vote expected on Wednesday.

Barnier, a former Brexit negotiator appointed by President Macron to stabilize the government after summer’s hung parliament, defended his use of executive powers, stating, “I have assumed my responsibility.” Despite making concessions like scrapping an electricity tax hike, his efforts failed to appease critics. LFI leader Mathilde Panot called the move a “political chaos” borne of both Barnier’s administration and Macron’s leadership, while Le Pen declared that “the French have had enough.”

If the government is ousted, Barnier would remain as caretaker until Macron forms a new administration or calls for new elections. The turmoil threatens months of political instability, with the fractured parliament making the formation of a stable government challenging. Some parties have also called for early presidential elections, though Macron’s term is set to run until 2027.

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Protests Erupt in Georgia Over EU Negotiation Suspension, Dozens Hospitalized

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Tbilisi witnessed a third consecutive night of protests as tens of thousands of demonstrators clashed with police outside the Georgian Parliament over the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks. The unrest left 44 people hospitalized, including protesters, police officers, and a journalist. Protesters hurled stones, set off fireworks, and burned an effigy of Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, while police responded with tear gas and water cannons.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed claims that Georgia’s European integration had been halted, stating that the government rejected “shameful blackmail” that hindered the process. However, the EU criticized Georgia for democratic backsliding and urged authorities to respect peaceful assembly rights. The announcement of the suspension followed a disputed parliamentary election in October, which opposition leaders claim was rigged with Russian interference to maintain Georgia’s alignment with Moscow.

Pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili condemned the ruling party’s grip on power, calling Georgia a “quasi-Russian” state. The EU, which had granted Georgia candidate status last year, suspended financial support over concerns about the passage of a controversial “foreign influence” law. The protests have intensified political tensions, with opposition parties demanding new elections under conditions guaranteeing transparency and fairness.

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Rare Harry Potter First Edition Bought for £10 in 1997 Sells for £45,000 at Auction

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A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, originally purchased for just £10 (around ₹1,068) in 1997, has fetched a remarkable £36,000 (₹38 lakh) at an auction in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Including the buyer’s premium, the final bid for the book reached £45,000 (approximately ₹50 lakh), as reported by BBC News. This first edition is one of only 500 hardback copies from the initial print run, making it an exceptionally coveted item among collectors.

The book’s owner, Adam McCulloch from Tansley, Derbyshire, discovered its value during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 after reading about similar first editions. Initially bought by his mother, Christine McCulloch, from a bookshop in Stratford-upon-Avon, the book had been stored in their family cupboard for years, oblivious to its future worth. Adam described the moment of verification as a “pinch yourself moment,” adding that the tea stains and folded corners on the book made it even more magical for collectors.

This sale underscores the enduring legacy of J.K. Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter series, which debuted in 1997 and has since become a global phenomenon. The book’s journey from a modest £10 purchase to a multi-lakh auction piece is a testament to its cultural and literary significance, captivating readers across generations.

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Electric Flying Taxi Industry Faces Turbulence Amid Financial and Technical Challenges

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The promise of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft transforming urban mobility has hit significant hurdles, as leading innovators struggle with funding and technical setbacks. Germany’s Volocopter, which aimed to showcase its VoloCity air taxi at the Paris Olympics, failed to launch passenger services and is now relying on a potential $95 million investment from China’s Geely, which could shift manufacturing to China. Similarly, German eVTOL pioneer Lilium has entered insolvency proceedings after failing to secure crucial loans, casting doubt on its ambitious plans to build radical electric jets.

In the UK, Vertical Aerospace has made progress with its VX4 aircraft, including recent piloted tests. However, financial instability has led to a $50 million rescue investment by US-based Mudrick Capital, leaving the creditor with a 70% stake in the company. Meanwhile, Airbus’s CityAirbus NextGen appears more stable, with its four-seater design progressing as a technology project backed by ample funding and expertise.

Despite enthusiasm for the industry’s potential, concerns remain over profitability, particularly due to operational costs like pilot wages and battery replacements. While startups like Joby and Archer in the US continue to push forward, the sector faces a long road before proving its commercial viability, with investors hoping to emulate the success of transformative companies like Tesla.

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Australian Senate Considers Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Industry Pushback

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Australian lawmakers are debating a groundbreaking bill to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, with fines of up to AUD 50 million ($33 million) for non-compliance. Sunita Bose, Managing Director of Digital Industry Group Inc., representing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), argued during a Senate committee hearing that the legislation should be delayed until the government concludes its evaluation of age-verification technologies in June 2025. She warned that rushing the bill could lead to implementation challenges, leaving both children and platforms unprepared.

Bose highlighted the broader implications of such a ban, cautioning that it could isolate children and push them toward less safe online spaces. This sparked criticism from Senator Sarah Henderson, who accused her of prioritizing corporate interests over child safety. Addressing questions about children’s exposure to harmful content, Bose stated that current algorithms already employ filters to reduce risks, though she acknowledged the industry’s shortcomings in enforcing existing age restrictions.

Research by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health revealed that major platforms earned $11 billion in advertising revenue from U.S. users under 18 in 2022. However, Bose admitted she did not know how much revenue these platforms derived from Australian children. The bill, if passed, would make Australia the first country to impose such strict regulations, with the outcome likely to set a global precedent.

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Trailblazer in Digital Growth: Mayura Shreyams Kumar Receives Top Honor

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Mayura Shreyams Kumar, Director of Digital Business at Mathrubhumi Printing and Publishing Company Ltd, was honored with the esteemed Visionary Digital Growth Leader Award at the Manappuram Unique Times Business Excellence Award ceremony. Held at the Gokulam Convention Centre, the award was presented by Shri V.P. Nandakumar, MD and CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd, and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, in a celebration of leadership and innovation.

Mayura Shreyams Kumar was lauded for her pivotal role in Mathrubhumi’s digital transformation, steering the organization through the rapidly evolving media landscape. Her forward-thinking strategies and focus on enhancing audience engagement have driven sustainable growth for the company, positioning it as a leader in the competitive digital media industry.

Expressing her gratitude, Mayura emphasized the importance of innovation in shaping the future of digital media. The event concluded with appreciation for her visionary leadership and remarkable contributions to the industry.

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