The UK government has announced a collaboration with AI startup Anthropic to explore the use of its chatbot, Claude, in improving public access to information and services. The partnership, formalized through a memorandum of understanding, aligns with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s ambition to establish the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Backed by tech giants Google and Amazon, Anthropic is among the leading AI firms competing with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Technology Minister Peter Kyle emphasized that the initiative is part of the UK’s broader commitment to fostering AI innovation. He stated that the collaboration would help ensure the benefits of AI are widely distributed among people and businesses. The move is also expected to boost efficiency in public services, streamlining information retrieval and enhancing user experience.
Claude has already been adopted by various governmental institutions, including the European Parliament, where it assists in organizing and accessing archival documents. By integrating the chatbot into public services, the UK aims to leverage AI’s potential to improve governance and accelerate digital transformation.
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Kerala is redefining global standards in sustainable tourism under the leadership of Tourism Minister Mohammed Riyas. The state’s Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission is driving positive change by empowering local communities and promoting eco-friendly travel. With key initiatives such as coastal tourism development, adventure tourism, and enhanced air connectivity, Kerala is catering to a diverse range of travelers, including those seeking destination weddings and wellness retreats. By prioritizing women’s safety, infrastructure advancements, and innovation, the state envisions becoming a world leader in beach tourism, adventure sports, and wellness, ultimately fostering economic growth and job creation.
Pioneering Responsible Tourism
Kerala has long been at the forefront of sustainable tourism, setting high benchmarks through its Responsible Tourism (RT) initiatives. From implementing eco-conscious policies to launching innovative tourism projects, the state continues to push boundaries, attracting both domestic and international visitors. In an exclusive conversation, Kerala’s Tourism Minister, Mohammed Riyas, shares his vision for the future, emphasizing responsible travel and efforts to make tourism more inclusive and accessible.
Minister Riyas believes that tourism should be community-driven and environmentally responsible. “Tourism isn’t just about bringing in visitors; it should also uplift local communities. That’s why our Responsible Tourism (RT) Mission plays a crucial role,” he states.
The RT Mission connects local artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs with the tourism industry, ensuring that tourism benefits extend to the grassroots level. The initiative also addresses waste management, green certification for destinations, and the ‘No Plastic During Travel’ campaign, which aims to reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable tourism practices.
“Over 1,200 hotels and resorts, along with 240 travel agents, have committed to responsible tourism principles through the RT Mission’s Certificate of Association. It’s a collaborative effort uniting businesses, tourists, and local communities to create a sustainable travel experience,” Minister Riyas explains.
Expanding Tourism Through Innovation
Kerala is actively diversifying its tourism offerings to attract new segments, including Destination Weddings, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), wellness tourism, and adventure tourism. Minister Riyas highlights the importance of innovation in marketing:
“We don’t just wait for tourists to come; we proactively engage with creative campaigns. Our active participation in international and domestic travel trade fairs, social media initiatives, and unique promotional strategies ensures that ‘Destination Kerala’ remains a globally recognized brand.”
To enhance accessibility, Kerala is improving its air connectivity and inter-destination travel infrastructure. Several new projects under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIFBI) aim to modernize roads, bridges, and public transport systems, making travel within the state more seamless and comfortable.
With a 580-kilometer coastline, Kerala’s beaches have been a major attraction for centuries. The government is now investing heavily in coastal tourism, ensuring that its beaches are well-maintained and sustainable.
“We already have two Blue Flag-certified beaches—Kappad and Chal—and are working on certifying more. Kovalam, one of our most iconic beaches, is undergoing a major infrastructure revamp. Additionally, we are developing new coastal destinations such as Beypore, Chaliyam, Cherai, and Muzhappilangad,” Minister Riyas reveals.
With these strategic initiatives, Kerala is on track to becoming one of the world’s premier beach tourism destinations.
Adventure Tourism and Floating Bridges: A Game Changer
Adventure tourism is another area where Kerala is making significant strides. The state has introduced comprehensive guidelines to ensure adventure activities are both exciting and safe.
“Our adventure tourism sector is thriving, with events like the Varkala International Surfing Festival, Malabar River Festival, Wayanad Mountain Terrain Biking, and Vagamon Paragliding Festival drawing enthusiasts from around the world. Floating bridges, which have gained popularity, are further transforming Kerala’s tourism landscape,” Minister Riyas notes.
Although concerns about safety have been raised, the Minister reassures that Kerala has some of the country’s strongest safety protocols, making it a secure and thrilling destination for adventure seekers.
Prioritizing Women’s Safety in Tourism
Kerala is dedicated to making tourism safer and more accessible for women travelers. Minister Riyas underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that female tourists feel comfortable and secure, even at night.
“Kerala is already one of the safest states in India, but we are taking additional measures to enhance night travel safety. This includes better street lighting, increased police patrolling in tourist areas, and women-friendly spaces,” he explains.
The government is also introducing women-only taxi services, secure accommodations, and digital safety tools to ensure that solo female travelers and women’s groups can explore Kerala with confidence.
Strengthening Infrastructure for Tourism Growth
As both the Public Works and Tourism Minister, Mr. Riyas is focused on ensuring that infrastructure development aligns with tourism growth. He recognizes that improved roads, highways, and public transport are essential to maximizing Kerala’s tourism potential.
“We are enhancing the three key pillars of tourism—Accessibility, Attractions, and Amenities. Through initiatives like the Destination Challenge Project, we are introducing new attractions while upgrading existing ones. Our holistic approach ensures a seamless and enriching experience for travelers,” he states.
A Bold Vision for Kerala’s Tourism Future
Looking ahead, Minister Riyas envisions Kerala emerging as a global tourism powerhouse. He outlines ambitious goals for the next five years, stating:
“Tourism will soon become Kerala’s largest revenue generator, creating thousands of jobs and driving economic growth. Our vision is to establish Kerala as the world’s top beach resort destination, a premier hub for adventure tourism, a nightlife hotspot, and a global leader in wellness, Ayurveda, and medical tourism.”
Beyond traditional tourism, Kerala is focusing on women-friendly travel, tourism startups, and urban tourism innovations. Projects like ‘Illuminating Bridges and Buildings’ will add artistic elements to Kerala’s cities, enhancing the visitor experience.
From Campus to Cabinet: The Journey of Mohammed Riyas
Minister Mohammed Riyas’s journey is shaped by strong values instilled by his parents. His father, a former Police Commissioner, was known for his integrity and discipline, while his mother’s fearlessness influenced his straightforward approach to life.
Riyas’s political journey began in his school days, joining the Student Federation of India (SFI) in the 6th standard. His passion for politics grew, leading him to become a student leader by the 8th standard. His active participation in student movements solidified his belief in the power of collective action.
Sports also played a significant role in shaping Riyas’s personality. He excelled in multiple disciplines, particularly chess, where he became the State B Chess Champion and even had the opportunity to play against Viswanathan Anand—an experience he cherishes.
Despite growing up in a diverse society, religious and caste differences never defined his friendships. “Back then, friendship came first, and everything else was secondary,” he reminisces.
Life took a dramatic turn when Riyas was jailed following a student protest. “It was a turning point in my life—one that tested my resilience and conviction,” he says. The experience reshaped his perspective, making him more grounded and determined.
Reflecting on his journey, Minister Riyas believes that success is not measured by achievements alone but by the relationships built, struggles overcome, and lessons learned along the way.
With strong policies, strategic investments, and a commitment to sustainability, Kerala is not just preparing for the future of tourism—it is setting the global standard.
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A Russian SU-24MR military jet entered Polish airspace over the Gdańsk Bay area of the Baltic Sea on Tuesday, reportedly due to a navigation system failure, according to Poland’s Operational Command. The aircraft flew 6.5 kilometers (4 miles) into Polish territory and remained there for just over a minute before altering its course. Polish airspace monitoring services were in contact with their Russian counterparts, who acknowledged the violation and attributed it to a technical malfunction.
The Polish military stated that the jet had taken off from Russia’s Kaliningrad exclave and that the flight route was immediately corrected after intervention from a Russian Armed Forces navigator. Polish Interior Minister Tomasz Siemoniak emphasized that such incidents have been occurring for years, with Russia consistently testing and probing in the Baltic region.
Siemoniak also reassured that Poland’s detection systems promptly identified the intrusion, ensuring the aircraft exited Polish airspace swiftly after being alerted. He added that the Polish foreign ministry would assess the situation and determine an appropriate response.
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Hundreds of students gathered in protest on Monday, demanding government accountability for the deaths of 27 people during devastating floods in October 2024. The disaster, which caused severe damage to homes, roads, and bridges in central and southern parts of the country, highlighted inefficiencies in aid distribution and recovery efforts. In the village of Donja Jablanica alone, 19 people died when an illegal quarry collapsed, burying victims under heavy rocks. Authorities have yet to launch an investigation into the tragedy.
The demonstrators marched in front of the state parliament, carrying banners that read, “Where is the responsibility? Where is transparency?” Imran Pasalic, president of the Sarajevo University Students Parliament, stated that the protest aimed to hold accountable those responsible for the quarry collapse and the government’s slow response to reconstruction and aid distribution. The protesters criticized delays in utilizing donations from the European Union and other foreign contributors for relief efforts.
This demonstration in Bosnia follows similar protests in neighboring Serbia, where students rallied against the government following a railway disaster in November that claimed 15 lives. Both protests reflect growing dissatisfaction with governance in the post-conflict Balkans, where political fragmentation continues to hinder effective crisis response.
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Moscow has yet to receive a “good offer” to initiate peace talks on Ukraine, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated on Monday. His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump claimed Washington was making progress in negotiations aimed at ending the nearly three-year conflict. Galuzin emphasized the need for practical steps that recognize Russia’s legitimate interests and address the root causes of the crisis.
Despite Trump’s assertions of ongoing conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov remained cautious, neither confirming nor denying the claims. Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to meet with Putin at an appropriate time to negotiate peace. He also revealed plans to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy this week to further discussions on ending the war.
The conflict, set to mark its third anniversary on February 24, remains a pivotal issue. Moscow views it as critical to Russia’s survival, while Kyiv and Western allies see it as an unjust territorial invasion. Zelenskiy reiterated Ukraine’s refusal to cede any land and stressed NATO integration as a top priority while offering rare earth minerals in exchange for U.S. financial support.
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Thousands of victims of modern slavery in Britain are being denied essential support due to stricter immigration rules introduced in 2023, according to sources from government, law enforcement, and charities. The changes have made it harder for victims to qualify for state assistance by demanding greater proof of exploitation, leading to a rejection rate of 45% in 2023 compared to just 11% in 2022. The toughened regulations are deterring victims from coming forward, fearing deportation instead of protection.
The 2015 Modern Slavery Act, once considered a global benchmark for combatting trafficking, has now lost its effectiveness, a recent House of Lords report revealed. Despite earlier pledges to reform the rules, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government has maintained a ban on asylum seekers accessing modern slavery protections. Data from the Home Office shows that foreign victims face harsher rejection rates, with 85% of British applicants receiving positive decisions compared to just 44% for foreign nationals.
Charities warn that the tightened rules have created significant barriers for victims, many of whom are unable to provide comprehensive evidence of their exploitation. Former officials and experts said the measures undermine efforts to catch traffickers, with victim engagement plummeting. Britain’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner expressed concerns that fears of deportation, including past proposals to send migrants to Rwanda, continue to deter victims from seeking help.
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The Italian government announced an investigation into a “particularly serious” spyware incident targeting seven mobile phone users on WhatsApp. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s office denied any involvement and directed the National Cybersecurity Agency to probe the matter after reports that a journalist and a migrant rescue activist were affected.
Luca Casarini, co-founder of the Mediterranea Saving Humans charity, revealed he received a spyware alert from WhatsApp the same day Meta accused surveillance firm Paragon Solutions of targeting 90 users across several countries. Italian journalist Francesco Cancellato, editor of Fanpage, also confirmed receiving a similar alert. Both victims expressed concern about the breach, with Casarini calling it a “violation of democracy.”
Meta linked the sophisticated “zero-click” hacking method to Paragon, reportedly owned by AE Industrial Partners, and issued a cease-and-desist letter. Spyware cases were also detected in Belgium, Greece, Germany, and other EU nations. The Italian cybersecurity agency has yet to receive information on the identities of those targeted.
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Santorini residents and visitors scrambled to leave the Greek island on Monday as dozens of tremors continued to shake the region for a fourth consecutive day. The quakes, some with magnitudes above 4, prompted authorities to close schools on Santorini and nearby islands, including Ios, Amorgos, and Anafi, until Friday. Disaster response units were deployed as a precaution, and people were urged to stay out of indoor spaces and small ports.
Local officials noted that while permanent residents were accustomed to earthquakes, many visitors and workers were leaving the island. “There have been continuous tremors every five minutes for three days. We couldn’t sleep last night,” said Tzanis Lignos, who left with his family after managing to secure tickets. Aegean Airlines arranged extra flights upon the request of Greece’s Civil Protection Ministry to facilitate travel for those evacuating the island.
Experts, including Efthymios Lekkas, a professor of tectonic geology and disaster management, warned that seismic activity is expected to persist for several weeks. The tremors come in an area historically known for tectonic and volcanic activity, with the last major volcanic eruption occurring in 1950. However, experts clarified that the mild volcanic activity observed recently near Santorini is unrelated to the current quakes.
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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer traveled to Brussels on Monday to call for a stronger European commitment to countering President Vladimir Putin’s Russia and its ongoing war in Ukraine. In his discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and European leaders, Starmer emphasized the need for the continent to step up its efforts, particularly in targeting Russia’s energy revenues and companies supporting Putin’s missile factories. His visit marks the first time a British leader has met with EU heads of state since the UK’s departure from the bloc.
During his visit, Starmer reiterated the importance of maintaining pressure on Putin, noting U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threats to impose new tariffs on Russia if the war in Ukraine continues without a resolution. He expressed confidence that European allies must play a more significant role in this collective effort, working together to “crush Putin’s war machine.”
While Starmer’s visit aimed to strengthen post-Brexit relations with the EU, British Interior Minister Yvette Cooper raised concerns over the government’s position on migration. She clarified that a proposed youth mobility deal with the EU was not a priority for the UK, stressing the need to reduce net migration, which has been a central issue for the government.
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French Finance Minister Eric Lombard expressed optimism on Friday regarding ongoing talks to pass the 2025 budget bill, emphasizing that negotiations were “on the right track” despite potential compromises still needed. Speaking to TF1 television, Lombard reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing the public sector deficit to 5.4% of GDP this year, down from nearly 6% last year, amid concerns over tax shortfalls and increased spending.
As lawmakers from the Senate and lower house continued closed-door discussions to finalize the much-delayed budget, Lombard acknowledged the risk of a possible no-confidence motion. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou is expected to invoke constitutional powers to push the budget through without a regular vote, a move likely to provoke backlash from opposition parties, including the far-left and potentially Marine Le Pen’s far-right RN party.
Jean-Philippe Tanguy, an RN lawmaker on the panel, criticized the draft budget for lacking significant spending cuts, calling it a “phantom budget.” He warned of mounting financial risks as France approaches February without an approved fiscal plan, noting that the rising cost of state debt has already increased by 8 billion euros. The uncertainty has rattled investor confidence and could have further consequences if no resolution is reached.
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