A cyber-attack has brought production to a standstill at four breweries under the ownership of Duvel, a prominent Belgian beer company. The attack, suspected to be ransomware, occurred overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, causing significant disruption to operations. Initially, five production facilities were affected, with only one managing to resume operations thus far.
In response to the attack, Duvel promptly activated its IT systems’ built-in command systems and alarms. These measures allowed the company’s IT department to swiftly detect the intrusion and shut down servers to mitigate further damage. Despite these efforts, production at the four Belgian production sites and one in Kansas City remains halted.
Duvel, known for its iconic brands such as Chouffe, Vedett, and Liefmans, has been a stalwart in the beer industry since its establishment in 1871. In 2022, the company reported revenue of €583 million and produced approximately 230 million liters of beer. However, the extent of the impact on the supply chain and distribution of its products following the cyber-attack remains uncertain.
The company has disclosed to local media that the incident is indeed a ransomware attack, a type of cyber-attack where hackers threaten to block or leak files unless a ransom is paid. As investigations into the attack continue, Duvel faces the challenge of restoring production at its affected facilities while ensuring the security and integrity of its IT systems against future threats.
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On Friday, Irish voters will participate in two referendums concerning changes to the country’s constitution regarding family and care.
One referendum asks whether to broaden the definition of family to include non-marital relationships. The other referendum seeks to remove language regarding the role of women in the home and replace it with gender-neutral language recognizing care provided by family members.
Voters will receive two ballots: a white one for the family referendum and a green one for the care referendum. The family referendum proposes adding language to extend constitutional protections to various family structures, while the care referendum aims to replace gender-specific language with inclusive language regarding care provision.
The current constitution only protects families based on marriage, but if the family referendum is passed, all family units would receive equal constitutional rights. Similarly, the care referendum aims to update language and recognition of care provision within families.
Voting eligibility requires being 18 or older, an Irish citizen, registered to vote, and residing in Ireland. Polls will be open from 07:00 to 22:00 local time on Friday. The government scheduled these referendums to coincide with International Women’s Day. Counting of votes will commence on Saturday morning.
In Ireland, a referendum is necessary for any proposed changes to the constitution, which has undergone various amendments since its ratification in 1937, including legalizing same-sex marriage in 2015 and repealing the abortion ban in 2018.
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Two Brighton & Hove Albion fans were attacked in Rome ahead of their Europa League match against Roma. The pair sustained non-life-threatening stab wounds during the incident, which involved a group of up to seven individuals. The attack occurred while they were walking back from a bar, with one fan describing the assailants as wearing balaclavas and all dressed in black.
The victims were promptly taken to different hospitals for treatment. One fan mentioned that his injured friend might miss the game due to the severity of the wound. Sussex Police’s liaison officer for the club confirmed that both fans were okay and urged supporters to adhere to safety advice provided by the club.
While it’s unclear whether the attackers were affiliated with Roma supporters, Brighton & Hove Albion issued a warning to fans regarding street crime in Rome. They advised supporters to use the free shuttle service provided for transportation to and from the Stadio Olimpico to ensure their safety during the event.
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The artist behind the official poster for the upcoming Paris Olympics responded to criticism alleging that his artwork neglects French identity and Christianity. Ugo Gattoni, the designer, defended his creation, describing it as a vibrant and celebratory depiction of Paris.
Critics, particularly conservatives, have taken issue with the absence of prominent symbols such as the French tricolour and a cross on the Hôtel des Invalides. Some politicians accused the creators of the poster of attempting to erase France’s history and identity.
Gattoni explained that his intention was to convey a lively and festive atmosphere, rather than making any political statements. He emphasized that the buildings in his artwork were drawn based on his creative vision, without any underlying agenda.
The organizing committee also defended the poster, describing it as a whimsical interpretation of a transformed city-stadium, featuring various sports and landmarks. They stressed that the inclusion of the French flag colors and other national symbols should dispel any politically motivated interpretations.
Meanwhile, the Hôtel des Invalides has become embroiled in another controversy concerning proposals for Saudi Arabia to construct an Olympic village on its grounds. The French Armed Forces Ministry stated that negotiations with Saudi Arabia were ongoing but emphasized that any use of the Invalides site would be subject to strict conditions.
Some politicians, including right-wing MP Nathalie Serre, voiced opposition to the idea, asserting that certain historical sites like the Invalides should not be subject to commercial interests.
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, followed by the Paralympics from August 28 to September 8.
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Inspired by the timeless wisdom of William Shakespeare, Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister, Devendra Gangadharrao Fadnavis, epitomizes the essence of greatness through his remarkable journey. From his humble beginnings as the youngest mayor of Nagpur, he has ascended to the esteemed position of Deputy CM, earning every accolade through sheer merit and unwavering dedication. Fadnavis stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, a leader whose journey mirrors resilience, reform, and a steadfast commitment to visionary governance. His story resonates with the essence of true leadership, rooted in service to the people and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
With several accomplishments up his sleeve, this man for all seasons was born on July 22, 1970, in Nagpur, the famed ‘Orange City’ of Maharashtra. He assumed office as the 18th Chief Minister of the state on October 31, 2014, serving until November 12, 2019. Additionally, he held the position of Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly from 2019 to 2022, and previously served as the President of the BJP state unit from 2013 to 2015.
Notably, he became Chief Minister at the age of 44, making him the second-youngest to hold the position in Maharashtra’s history, after Sharad Pawar. His tenure as Chief Minister also included a brief second term during the 2019 political crisis, spanning five days before his resignation on November 28. As a prominent member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, his contributions have not only shaped the contours of Maharashtra’s politics but also its developmental trajectory.
Early Life and Formative Years
The foundation of Fadnavis’s political insights and values was laid early in his life. Born into a Marathi Brahmin family, with a lineage of political and social involvement, his upbringing was steeped in the ethos of public service. His father, Gangadhar Fadnavis, was a member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from Nagpur, and his mother, Sarita Fadnavis, is a descendant of the distinguished Kaloti family of Amravati. Both of them played pivotal roles in his formative years. The incarceration of his father during the Emergency instilled in young Fadnavis a profound sense of justice and resilience, shaping his ideological moorings and future political engagements.
Educational Pursuits and Early Political Forays
Fadnavis’s educational journey, encompassing a graduate degree in law, a post-graduate degree in business management, and a diploma in Methods and Techniques of Project Management equipped him with the analytical and strategic acumen that would later define his political career. His early foray into politics through the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) marked the beginning of a journey that would see him ascend to significant political heights. At the age of 27, he became the youngest mayor of Nagpur Municipal Corporation, setting the stage for a career characterized by youthful energy and innovative governance.
The mantle of Chief Ministership
Appointed as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra on October 31, 2014, Fadnavis assumed leadership as the head of the largest party in the state assembly. Following his appointment, his government secured a vote of confidence by voice vote on November 12, 2014, affirming its mandate to govern.
His tenure as the Chief Minister from 2014 to 2019 was marked by ambitious projects and transformative initiatives. Under his leadership, Maharashtra saw the launch of the ‘Mumbai Next’ initiative, aimed at transforming the metropolis into a global financial and entertainment hub. His government’s commitment to digitization and transparency was evident in the inauguration of the Maharashtra Crime and Criminal Tracking Network and Systems (CCTNS) in Nagpur, making Maharashtra the first state in India to digitize its police force comprehensively.
Flagship Projects and Developmental Initiatives
One of Fadnavis’s most ambitious projects was the Samruddhi Expressway, which enhanced connectivity and fostered economic development between Mumbai and Nagpur. This initiative not only promised to reduce travel time but also aimed at bridging the urban-rural divide, thereby catalysing socio-economic growth. Additionally, his administration was marked by significant strides in digital governance, agricultural development, and social welfare, including the pioneering 1% reservation for orphans in government jobs and educational institutions.
Notably, in 2015, he introduced the Chief Minister Fellowship programme, offering graduates and postgraduates an 11-month stint with the Maharashtra government to gain administrative experience. Designed to nurture youth talent, the initiative included stipends and other benefits, with the eligibility criteria focused on age, education, and language proficiency.
Additionally, Fadnavis spearheaded the ‘Magel Tyala Shettale’ scheme in 2016 to tackle drought and promote sustainable agriculture. This initiative surpassed its targets, benefiting farmers by making farms available for sustainable agricultural production and enhancing irrigation through watershed management and water conservation efforts.
In 2017, under his leadership, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Krushi Sanman Yojana was announced, providing a substantial Rs 34,022 Crore loan waiver to 89 lakh farmers. This scheme alleviated financial burdens for crop and medium-term borrowers, contributing to agricultural stability.
Furthermore, in 2019, Fadnavis initiated a Rs 4,293 Crore water grid project in the hard-hit Marathwada region to combat drought. The project aimed to transport water from the Konkan region to the Godavari basin, fundamentally transforming Marathwada’s water landscape and reducing its vulnerability to drought.
His visionary leadership also paved the way for the launch of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) in 2016. They were instrumental in providing accurate weather data to farmers, helping mitigate losses caused by untimely rains and hailstorms. With plans for over 2,000 AWS, this initiative aimed to enhance farming practices and resilience in the face of climatic challenges.
Beginning of a New Chapter
Following political upheavals, Fadnavis assumed the role of Deputy Chief Minister in 2022, continuing his influence on the state’s governance and development. His partnership with Ajit Pawar marked a new chapter in the state’s political landscape, with a renewed focus on infrastructure development, social welfare, and economic growth.
A man whose gaze is always on the horizon, Fadnavis unveiled the Mumbai Metropolis Metaverse on February 19, with a vision to transform the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) into a global city of dreams by 2025. This immersive virtual representation of Mumbai offers a glimpse into the future, showcasing ongoing projects and planned developments that will reshape the cityscape.
Through the metaverse, the government aims to provide residents with a preview of forthcoming amenities and infrastructure enhancements, fostering a sense of anticipation and excitement for the city’s evolution in the years ahead. Fadnavis highlighted 12 key projects within the metaverse that will contribute to the transformation of the metropolis, ushering in a new era of growth and development.
No Full Stops to Accolades
Fadnavis’s leadership and contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally. Notable accolades include the Best Parliamentarian Award by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (2002–03) and being honoured as a Lee Kuan Yew Exchange Fellow by the prestigious Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, where he delivered a speech on ‘Infrastructure-led Growth: Maharashtra – India’s Engine of Development.’ Fadnavis’s delegation also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Korean Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, showcasing partnerships for infrastructure development projects in Maharashtra.
Furthermore, the Deputy CM also received an Honorary Doctorate from Osaka City University, Japan, for his contribution to the socio-economic development of Maharashtra, becoming the first Indian to receive this prestigious recognition. His outstanding leadership was recognized with the Outstanding Leadership in Development Award from Georgetown University, USA.
Fadnavis’s diplomatic endeavours extended to Mauritius, where he inaugurated a statue of the Maratha warrior king, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and signed an MOU between the Economic Development Board (Mauritius) and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation to enhance investment opportunities. His visit marked a significant milestone in diplomatic relations between India and the Indian Ocean island nation.
Additionally, Fadnavis embarked on an official tour to Japan, aiming to strengthen bilateral cooperation and business relations between Maharashtra and Japan. Meetings with key dignitaries and representatives from government organizations and top companies highlighted the potential for foreign investment in critical projects such as the Mumbai Flood Mitigation Project and Versova-Virar Sea Link. His efforts exemplify his commitment to fostering international collaboration and advancing Maharashtra’s development agenda on the global stage.
Life Beyond Politics
Beyond his political identity, Fadnavis is deeply committed to his family comprising his wife, Amruta, and daughter, Divija. His marriage to Amruta, a banker, actress, singer and social activist, underscores a partnership grounded in mutual respect and shared values, reflecting their collective commitment to societal welfare. The presence of their daughter further enriches their lives, symbolizing the hope and future they strive to improve through their public and private endeavours. Fadnavis’s ability to balance the demands of his political career with his family responsibilities showcases his dedication not just to the public but also to the personal realms of love, commitment, and family well-being.
Devendra Fadnavis with his wife Amruta Fadnavis (left) and daughter Divija Fadnavis (centre)
The fact remains that his tenure is marked by transformative developmental initiatives, a pioneering push towards digital governance, and inclusive social policies aimed at uplifting the marginalized. Fadnavis’s strategic focus on leveraging technology to streamline governance processes, coupled with his efforts to bolster infrastructure, exemplifies his approach to fostering a progressive, connected, and economically vibrant Maharashtra. Despite facing controversies, his resilience and unwavering dedication to the state’s development have solidified his reputation as a reformist leader with a clear vision for Maharashtra’s future.
Yulia Navalnaya, the widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, has urged for a protest against President Vladimir Putin on election day, scheduled for March 17th. She encourages people to gather at polling stations at noon, forming long queues, as a way to demonstrate their presence and strength. This initiative, dubbed “Midday against Putin,” aims to show solidarity and opposition to Putin’s regime.
Navalnaya emphasizes that this action is simple and safe, yet effective in making a statement. Participants are encouraged to vote for any candidate other than Putin, spoil their ballot, or write “Navalny” prominently. The idea of this midday gathering was originally proposed by Navalny himself before his death.
Navalny, a prominent critic of Putin, was disqualified from running in the 2018 presidential election and later faced imprisonment on politically motivated charges, leading to his death in custody, which many believe was orchestrated by Putin.
Since Navalny’s passing, Navalnaya has stepped into the political arena, addressing international bodies and leaders, including the European Parliament and US President Joe Biden. She expresses gratitude for the support shown at her husband’s funeral and emphasizes that the vision for a better Russia, championed by Navalny, lives on through the people.
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In Paris, a defamation lawsuit against the long-standing filmmaker Roman Polanski was scheduled to commence on Tuesday, brought forward by British actress Charlotte Lewis.
The lawsuit stems from Polanski’s remarks to Paris Match magazine in 2019, where he accused Lewis of fabricating a sexual assault allegation against him from four decades ago. Polanski, now 90, had fled the United States in 1978 after admitting to unlawful sexual activity with a thirteen-year-old girl. Despite numerous allegations of abuse from other women, Polanski has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Polanski, residing in Paris, has opted not to attend the trial personally, with his legal representation handling the proceedings. On the other hand, Lewis, currently living in the UK, was expected to be present.
Lewis initiated the legal action four years ago, expressing her readiness for the trial despite the prolonged and distressing process. In 2010, she had accused Polanski of assaulting her at the age of 16 during a casting trip to Paris in 1983, although she later appeared in one of his films.
Polanski’s defense in the defamation case refers to a 1999 article in a now-defunct British tabloid, where Lewis allegedly expressed admiration for him. However, Lewis maintains that the quotes attributed to her were inaccurate.
The defamation complaint led to automatic charges against Polanski under French law. The filmmaker, celebrated for works like “Chinatown” and “The Pianist,” has remained a controversial figure, evading extradition attempts by US authorities due to his French and Polish citizenship.
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Tesla’s car factory in Berlin came to a standstill on Tuesday following a suspected arson attack in the vicinity. The incident occurred when an electricity pylon near the plant caught fire, resulting in power disruptions within the factory premises and neighboring towns. Despite ongoing protests by environmental activists against the factory’s expansion, they denied any involvement in the fire incident.
Although the fire did not reach Tesla’s factory itself, it caused damage to the electricity pylon and high-voltage wires nearby. The company took precautions by sending its workers home, ensuring the safety of its building. Authorities, including Brandenburg’s Interior Minister, emphasized the seriousness of the act of sabotage but urged against premature speculation regarding the perpetrators.
The situation has escalated against the backdrop of environmental concerns, with around 100 activists camping in the adjacent forest to protest against the factory’s expansion plans. Their primary objection revolves around the potential deforestation required for the expansion project. Despite assertions from environmental groups like Robin Wood denying any involvement in the fire, tensions remain high.
Tesla’s ambition to double the size of its only European plant is met with resistance from environmental activists. Currently, the factory produces approximately 500,000 cars annually, with plans for expansion aimed at doubling this output. However, the disruption caused by the recent incident has left production in limbo, with uncertainty surrounding when operations will resume.
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France recently made history by becoming the first country to explicitly include the right to abortion in its constitution. The move was celebrated with an overwhelming 780-72 vote in parliament, prompting a standing ovation. President Emmanuel Macron hailed it as a moment of “French pride” and a “universal message.”
However, anti-abortion groups, as well as the Vatican, criticized the change. Abortion has been legal in France since 1975, but this constitutional amendment solidifies and guarantees this right. The decision was influenced by recent events in the US, where abortion rights have been under threat. The constitutional change aims to protect women’s reproductive rights amid global challenges.
Despite some criticism, the move has been largely welcomed, especially by feminist activists. The decision reflects a broader societal support for women’s rights and autonomy over their bodies. It marks a significant step forward in ensuring that women have the freedom to make decisions about their reproductive health without interference or restriction.
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Germany is currently facing scrutiny after a leaked conversation among air force officials discussing the possibility of providing long-range missiles to Ukraine was made public by Russian sources. The recording, aired by Russia’s state-run RT channel, captured high-ranking German military officers discussing the potential use of Taurus cruise missiles to target the Kerch Bridge, which links Russia to Crimea.
The breach has raised significant concerns among Germany’s allies regarding its security measures. The discussion also touched on alleged British operations in Ukraine, further complicating matters.
While Germany’s defense ministry acknowledged the interception of the conversation, it could not confirm if the recording had been altered. The meeting was reportedly conducted on the Webex conference platform instead of a secure military platform, adding to Berlin’s embarrassment.
Germany’s Military Counterintelligence Service is investigating the security breach, though it remains uncertain if the findings will be disclosed publicly. Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s allies have rejected calls for a parliamentary inquiry.
The incident has underscored divisions over Scholz’s reluctance to supply Taurus missiles to Ukraine, citing concerns about their potential use against Russian territory. France and Britain have provided Kyiv with missiles of shorter range.
The leak has exposed a rift between senior German military officials advocating for Taurus deployment and Chancellor Scholz, whose focus appears to be on political survival rather than continental interests, according to critics.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has labeled the hack as a Russian attempt to sow discord, characterizing it as a “hybrid disinformation attack” aimed at undermining unity. He cautioned against falling for Russian manipulation.
In response, the Kremlin has seized upon the leak to portray Western involvement in the Ukraine conflict. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov suggested that the leaked conversation indicated the Bundeswehr’s deliberation over plans to strike Russian territory, further fueling tensions between Russia and the West.
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