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Chinese Businessman Linked to Prince Andrew Loses UK Appeal on Security Grounds

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A Chinese businessman identified as H6, described as a “close confidant” of Prince Andrew, has lost his appeal against a UK ban imposed on national security grounds. The former Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, barred H6 from entering the UK in March 2023, citing concerns over his alleged connections to the Chinese Communist Party’s United Front Work Department (UFWD), an organization accused of influence operations. Judges upheld the decision, noting H6’s close ties with the Duke of York and the potential risk of political interference.

Court documents revealed H6 had developed a significant relationship with Prince Andrew, attending his birthday party in 2020 and allegedly receiving authorization to act on his behalf with Chinese investors. MI5 flagged H6’s activities, citing concerns about covert operations and influence campaigns by the UFWD. Evidence included a letter where an adviser to the duke praised H6’s trusted position and mentioned facilitating discreet meetings at Windsor, raising further security alarms.

Prince Andrew, who stepped back from royal duties in 2019 amid scandals, has faced scrutiny over his finances and associations. Buckingham Palace declined to comment on the case, emphasizing the duke’s status as a non-working royal. The ruling noted the timing of H6’s influence during a period of vulnerability for the prince, underlining the justification for his exclusion from the UK.

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From Smiles to Startups: Dr Thomas Nechupadam’s Entrepreneurial Journey

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Dr Thomas Nechupadam, a specialist in aesthetic and cosmetic dentistry, seamlessly balances multiple roles as a smile expert, accomplished entrepreneur, and aspiring author. His expertise extends beyond dentistry, including mentoring beauty queens for national pageants and exploring new entrepreneurial ventures, including writing.

Carrying Forward a Legacy

Dr Thomas Nechupadam is the proud son of Dr K T Paulose, a renowned dental surgeon and the visionary behind the Nechupadam brand. Following in his father’s footsteps, all three of his siblings have also embraced careers in dentistry. While Dr Paulose continues his practice in Kolenchery, Dr Thomas manages the Dr Nechupadam Dental Clinic at Marine Drive, Kochi, excelling as an Appearance Expert, Orthodontist, Dentofacial Orthopaedician, and Implantologist. A graduate in dentistry from Mangalore University (2000), he completed his master’s in Orthodontics at Rajiv Gandhi University, Bengaluru, and pursued advanced endodontic training under Dr Omar Zidan at Minnesota University, USA.

The Entrepreneurial Smile

While Dr Thomas Nechupadam is dedicated to perfecting smiles through dentistry, his passion for innovation drives his entrepreneurial spirit. His journey, however, has been anything but smooth, involving a constant cycle of learning, unlearning, and relearning. Through this process, he has honed the skill of balancing business with his profession, earning numerous accolades along the way for his diversification and success.

Mission Startups

He has invested time and dimes in numerous sustainable eco-friendly startups like Enerz, EcDenntistry, Payspoon, Learnstroke, Pet’M and many more. He is an advisor and mentor for startups to fend the initial bootstrap time efficiently. Interestingly, his clinic has a well-decorated meeting room that is effectively used for startup pitches, investor meetings, and reviews. The companies that come under his purview are diverse–from fintech like Payspoon and AI-based Dental software ECDentistry to millet-based pet food Pet’M and solar-powered transport system in Enerz.

ECDentistry & Enerz

This application is an effort of two brilliant youngsters Dr Ajai and Dr Prince mentored by Dr Thomas to build a learning platform for dental students and dentists alike. The power of Artificial Intelligence is used to simplify learning the different subjects of dentistry in an interactive and fun way. On the other hand, Enerz is an ambitious project to harness solar power to propel future transportation in a smart secure, and reliable way.

Maybe the fact that he hails from Kolenchery could be one of the reasons behind his entrepreneurial pursuit as the hamlet is known for its contractors, industrialists, and business houses. The business acumen and the quest for new horizons have always taken him to numerous business ventures he has founded, cofounded or catalysed. Dr Thomas and his better half, Dr Nithia Sara Thomas, made their mark on corporate grooming, appearance facelifts, and organic farming in the entrepreneurial journey.

Pageant Groomer and Judge

Perhaps, Dr Thomas could be one of the few doctors who are closely associated with beauty pageants. With the same ease with each he mends broken teeth and handles implants, he can handle grooming sessions for beauty contest participants. He teaches them how to smile in the right way to win hearts, and the correct manner to pose for shutterbugs. An expert in adult orthodontics and clear aligner therapy, Dr Thomas also grooms the contestants on how their facial appearance should be while sashaying on the ramp and what accessories to pick and choose. He has been the groomer for various national pageants since 2011 and served as the director of the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Dr Thomas was also the sub-title committee chairman of beauty contests like Miss Queen of India, Miss South India, and Miss Asia. He used to put his judging skills to good use during the Miss Beautiful Smile category to select the contestant with the best ravishing smile. He also actively supports Pegasus Events and supports the cause of excellence in fashion.

The Doctor in the Spotlight

Dr. Thomas Nechupadam is a well-known face on television channels like Asianet, Kairali TV, and Jaihind, where he educates audiences about dentistry and oral hygiene. Advocating for dental treatment as a means to preserve and enhance natural teeth rather than replace them, he has become a trusted voice in the field. With the rise of social media in 2010, Dr. Thomas expanded his reach to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram, sharing educational content on advanced dental care and treatment options. His popular Instagram page, Palludoctor, boasts 92.8k followers, while his YouTube channel, Wikidontist, provides valuable dental insights.

Venturing Into the Realm of Writing

Despite his demanding schedule, Dr. Thomas Nechupadam dedicates time to writing blogs, newspaper articles, and engaging social media content. Committed to delving deeper into the literary world, he is documenting insights from his professional journey to educate readers, share oral care tips, and explore innovative treatment options. His upcoming book, My Experiments with Tooth, is set to be released soon.

Family

Dr Thomas is the eldest son of Dr Paulose, who was the first private practicing Orthodontist in Kerala and the founder of the Nechupadam Dental Clinic way back in 1965. His pillar of strength, Dr Nithia, is the Chief Dental Surgeon at Dr Nechupadam Dental Clinic at Marine Drive. The power couple is blessed with three children—Nissi, Nidhi, and Noah who are poised to take forward the illustrious legacy of the Nechupadam family.

Building Bridges, Fostering Innovation

Dr. Thomas Nechupadam has demonstrated exceptional leadership within prominent networking organizations such as the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Young Indians, and the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he serves on the Executive Committee of MOSC Medical College and Hospital in Kolenchery, championing entrepreneurial growth through collaboration and forward-thinking innovation.

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French Court Convicts Author Charles Onana for Downplaying Rwandan Genocide

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A French court has found French-Cameroonian author Charles Onana guilty of downplaying the 1994 Rwandan genocide in his controversial 2019 book, Rwanda, the Truth About Operation Turquoise. Onana was fined €8,400, and his publisher, Damien Serieyx of Éditions du Toucan, was ordered to pay €5,000. They were also required to provide €11,000 in compensation to human rights organizations that filed the lawsuit, including Survie and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH). The court ruled that Onana’s writings violated France’s laws prohibiting genocide denial and incitement to hatred.

Onana’s book controversially described claims that the Hutu government planned the genocide as “one of the biggest scams” of the century, sparking criticism for distorting historical facts. The court concluded that the book “trivialised” and “contested” the genocide in an “outrageous manner,” which Rwanda’s Foreign Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe hailed as a “landmark decision.” The genocide saw about 800,000 people, primarily Tutsi minorities, massacred by ethnic Hutu extremists in just 100 days.

Prosecutors called the decision a historic victory in Europe against genocide denial, with lawyer Richard Gisagara emphasizing the importance of justice for victims and survivors. Onana’s lawyer argued that the book was a decade-long academic investigation into the genocide’s mechanisms and claimed it did not deny the genocide occurred. Both Onana and Serieyx have filed an appeal against the verdict.

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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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Scotland’s Finance Secretary Faces Tough Choices in Upcoming Budget

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Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, is under intense pressure to implement wide-reaching reforms ahead of her draft Budget for 2025/26, as key public sectors face mounting challenges. Audit Scotland has warned that the NHS is unsustainable in its current state, local authorities are demanding more funding and autonomy, and unions highlight an education system threatened by a shortage of teachers. With calls to replace the council tax and limit state-funded benefits like university tuition, Robison is tasked with navigating a tight budget amid increased financial constraints.

The Scottish government’s block grant for 2025/26 is set at £47.7bn, with an additional £3.4bn from the UK government. However, much of this increase has already been absorbed by public sector wage hikes and other commitments, leaving Robison with limited fiscal flexibility. The budget will also need to address pressing issues such as funding business rate relief, providing further support for public services, and meeting the SNP’s climate and child poverty goals.

As Robison prepares for heated debates in the Scottish Parliament, political parties are already voicing their positions. Labour and Conservatives have criticized the SNP’s fiscal management, while the Scottish Greens are pushing for a budget focused on climate action and poverty alleviation. With the future of key services and tax policies at stake, Robison’s ability to balance competing demands will be critical in securing cross-party support for her proposals.

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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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