featured News

Protest Disrupts Israel Philharmonic Concert in Paris

By 92 0

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.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Greek Coastguard Chief Faces Trial Over Deadly 2023 Migrant Shipwreck

By 76 0

Greek prosecutors have moved to charge four top officials in the Hellenic coastguard, including the current commander Vice Admiral Tryfon Kontizas, over the catastrophic sinking of the Adriana fishing vessel in June 2023. The boat, carrying around 650 migrants en route from Libya to Italy, capsized off Pylos after hours of being monitored by Greek authorities, with only 104 survivors rescued.

Survivors have alleged that the Adriana overturned when a Greek patrol vessel attempted an unsafe towing manoeuvre, causing the overloaded boat to tip. While just 82 bodies were recovered, hundreds more are believed to have drowned, making it one of the deadliest maritime tragedies in recent European history. The prosecutor’s recommendation cites negligent manslaughter, failure to rescue, and exposing people to danger through omission.

Earlier this year, 17 other coastguard personnel—including the ship’s captain and former coastguard chief Vice Admiral Giorgos Alexandrakis—were already set to face charges, but Kontizas and three senior officers had initially been cleared. That decision was later challenged by survivors’ families, leading to the renewed push for accountability. Greek authorities continue to insist they acted appropriately and point to more than 250,000 lives rescued at sea in the past decade.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Nexperia Chip Shipments Resume Amid Easing Trade Tensions

By 84 0

Semiconductor maker Nexperia has restarted some chip deliveries after weeks of disruption caused by a dispute between the Netherlands and China over technology transfers. German officials welcomed the signs of “de-escalation,” expressing hope that temporary permits would soon restore supply to Europe’s major automotive industry.

Germany’s Aumovio has secured exemptions from Chinese export controls, becoming the first supplier to confirm resumed access to Nexperia chips. Honda also reported progress, saying shipments in China had begun and production at affected plants in North America could restart as early as next week, though uncertainty remains.

Nexperia, which is Chinese-owned but headquartered in the Netherlands, produces essential components for car electronics. Suppliers had warned they might furlough workers if shortages continued. While Nexperia expects product flows to normalize soon, European automakers like Volkswagen remain cautious, warning that chip constraints could still threaten output into 2025.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Louvre Faces Backlash Over Security Failures After High-Profile Jewel Heist

By 98 0

Three weeks after a daring daylight robbery saw €88m worth of crown jewels stolen from the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, France’s prestigious museum is facing harsh criticism for neglecting security. A Court of Auditors report — completed before the heist — revealed that museum management prioritized new acquisitions and exhibitions over essential safety upgrades, despite repeated warnings. Culture Minister Rachida Dati and art experts have accused the Louvre of underestimating the threat and mismanaging funds intended to protect priceless heritage.

The report found that between 2018 and 2024, the museum invested more than €105m in new artworks and €63m in exhibition spaces, while spending far less on maintenance and security systems. These findings have cast doubt on the museum’s ambitious New Renaissance project, which includes a new entrance and a separate gallery for the Mona Lisa. Already over budget — rising from €700m to €1.15bn — the initiative is now being questioned for lacking proper feasibility and financial planning.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the theft continues, with four suspects arrested and the stolen jewels still missing. Among those detained is 39-year-old Abdoulaye N, a former Pompidou Centre guard known locally for viral motocross stunts, who reportedly did not even realise he was breaking into the Louvre. Authorities believe the suspects may have been petty criminals hired by a wealthier mastermind, making security lapses at the world’s most visited museum an even more alarming concern.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Georgia Charges Opposition Leaders With Plotting to Overthrow Government

By 102 0

Georgian prosecutors have filed criminal charges against eight opposition figures, including jailed former President Mikheil Saakashvili, accusing them of attempting to topple the government and aiding foreign adversaries. The move follows a recent EU enlargement report that sharply criticised Georgia’s democratic backsliding, warning that its progress toward membership has stalled.

Six of the accused are already serving prison terms on separate charges, while the opposition has denounced the latest case as a politically motivated effort to silence dissent. One of the targeted groups, Strong Georgia, said the ruling Georgian Dream party is trying to impose “a Russian-style dictatorship” and vowed to continue peaceful resistance through legal and political means.

Despite positioning itself as a future EU member, Georgia’s ruling party has maintained close economic ties with Russia and avoided sanctions over the Ukraine war. Critics say billionaire and former prime minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, seen as the country’s de facto leader, is driving the authoritarian shift — an accusation both the government and Moscow reject.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Angelina Jolie Visits Kherson, Praises Resilience of Civilians Under Fire

By 78 0

Hollywood actor and humanitarian Angelina Jolie travelled to Ukraine’s frontline city of Kherson and the neighbouring Mykolaiv region this week, meeting civilians, volunteers and medical staff who continue to endure relentless Russian attacks. Her visit was supported by the Legacy of War Foundation, which shared images of Jolie wearing a flak jacket while touring underground facilities sheltering residents from daily strikes.

Jolie said she was humbled by the courage of people living so close to the battlefield, noting that the world appears to be turning away from the protection of civilians. Kherson, once home to nearly 300,000 residents, remains within range of Russian forces who withdrew across the Dnipro River in 2022 but still launch frequent drone and artillery attacks.

Local authorities expressed gratitude for Jolie’s presence, saying it helps ensure Kherson is not forgotten amid the ongoing war. The actor last visited Ukraine in 2022, when she met displaced families in the western city of Lviv.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Europe Tightens Bird Flu Controls as Outbreaks Surge

By 67 0

A rapid rise in highly pathogenic avian influenza cases has pushed European countries to impose strict containment measures, with millions of birds now ordered indoors. Ireland became the latest to enforce a nationwide poultry housing mandate after confirming its first outbreak in three years, joining France, Britain, the Netherlands, and Belgium in efforts to curb transmission from wild birds.

The virus’s early arrival and wider geographical spread this year have alarmed authorities and farmers. Europe has already recorded 688 outbreaks this season — more than triple the number seen at the same point last year. Bird flu previously led to mass culling, supply disruptions, and higher food prices, while also raising concerns about the potential for human transmission.

Germany has been hit hardest, with 58 farm outbreaks and around one million birds culled since August, far exceeding last year’s figures. Poland, the EU’s largest poultry producer, ranks second with 15 farm cases but has not imposed blanket indoor housing rules. With 15 of the EU’s 27 members already affected, officials warn the situation remains “very worrying” as the autumn migration season continues.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News Trending

Pfizer Prepares Sweeter Bid in Intensifying Battle for Metsera

By 89 0

Pfizer is preparing to raise its offer for obesity drugmaker Metsera after a U.S. judge refused to block rival Novo Nordisk’s $10 billion bid, according to a source. The pharmaceutical giant is scrambling to keep its takeover plans alive as its current merger agreement with Metsera is set to expire at midnight ET without an improved proposal. The fierce competition reflects the companies’ push to secure a foothold in a rapidly expanding obesity treatment market projected to reach $150 billion by the early 2030s.

The bidding war, which began privately in January, escalated into public view when Novo launched an unsolicited proposal last week—its seventh attempt—undermining Pfizer’s earlier $7.3 billion deal. Both companies raised their offers on Tuesday, with Pfizer valuing Metsera at up to $8.1 billion and Novo offering a mix of upfront cash and milestone-based payments. The uncertainty has caused Metsera’s stock to swing, falling 2.5% Wednesday before rising in after-hours trading.

Regulatory challenges are adding further complications. The U.S. Federal Trade Commission warned that Novo’s deal structure may violate antitrust rules without proper premerger review, while Pfizer’s claim that the rival offer is illegal was rejected in court. As Pfizer seeks to overcome past setbacks in the obesity space and Novo tries to regain ground lost to Eli Lilly, control of Metsera—and its next-generation GLP-1 drug pipeline—remains hotly contested.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Nottingham Forest Owner Faces Trial in Greece Over Football Violence Charges

By 89 0

Nottingham Forest owner and Olympiacos chief Evangelos Marinakis has gone on trial in Athens, accused of instigating football-related violence and supporting a criminal organisation. The 58-year-old, along with four Olympiacos board members, faces two misdemeanour charges connected to alleged actions between 2019 and 2024. Marinakis, who was represented by his lawyer in court, has strongly rejected the allegations as entirely unfounded.

The case centres on violent clashes outside a women’s volleyball match between Olympiacos and Panathinaikos in 2023, during which 31-year-old riot police officer George Lyngeridis was fatally injured by a flare and later died in hospital. A total of 142 fans are charged with participating in a criminal organisation and causing life-threatening explosions during sporting events, while seven individuals are accused of leading the group. All defendants have denied wrongdoing.

The first day of the trial took place in a specially prepared room next to Korydallos high-security prison due to the large number of defendants and witnesses expected—more than 200 in total. Security was tight, with heavy police presence, ID checks and media restrictions. Proceedings began late but moved swiftly as judges confirmed the attendance of defendants and witnesses. The high-profile trial is expected to last several months, with the next hearing scheduled for 25 November.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright

featured News

Protests Erupt as Shein Opens First Permanent Store in Paris

By 96 0

Chinese fast-fashion giant Shein opened its first permanent physical store on Wednesday inside the historic BHV Marais department store in Paris, drawing large crowds of eager shoppers — and equally strong opposition. Protesters gathered outside carrying signs reading “Shame on Shein,” criticizing the retailer’s low-cost business model and its impact on the environment, workers, and local businesses. Police were deployed to manage tensions as the store launched its promotional offer allowing customers to receive vouchers to spend at other BHV outlets.

The move has sparked backlash from lawmakers and retailers who argue that Shein’s practices undermine France’s textile industry and high streets. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo and other officials have condemned the partnership, describing it as a “provocation,” especially as France pushes forward a fast-fashion law that could ban Shein from advertising and impose fees on items sold in the country. The retailer also faces scrutiny after regulators fined it €190 million, with new investigations underway into inappropriate content allegedly sold on the platform.

Despite the controversy, Société des Grands Magasins — owner of BHV — sees the collaboration as a lifeline to attract younger shoppers and revive struggling department stores. Shein has rapidly grown its presence in France, reporting 27.3 million average monthly users earlier this year. As concerns over affordability persist, the French government acknowledges the challenge consumers face in accessing fairly priced clothing while maintaining pressure on Shein to comply with national standards.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright