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AfD Hits Record 28% in Germany, Expands Lead in Latest Poll

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Germany’s far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) has reached a record 28% in the latest INSA opinion poll, marking its highest level to date. The party gained one percentage point from the previous week, further strengthening its position as the leading political force in the survey.

The conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU), led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, remained steady at 24%, trailing the AfD by four points. Meanwhile, the Social Democratic Party held at 14%, the Alliance 90/The Greens slipped to 12%, and The Left stayed at 11%.

The poll also highlighted challenges in forming a government, as around 11% of votes went to smaller parties unlikely to enter parliament. With most parties ruling out cooperation with AfD, potential governing coalitions would likely require three-party alliances. Combinations such as CDU, SPD, and Greens could secure a majority, according to the survey conducted among 1,203 respondents between April 20 and April 24.

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French Teen Faces Jail in Singapore Over Vending Machine Prank

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An 18-year-old French student, Didier Gaspard Owen Maximilien, has been charged in Singapore after allegedly licking a straw from an orange juice vending machine and placing it back into the dispenser. The act, which was recorded and shared on Instagram, quickly went viral and sparked widespread backlash online due to hygiene concerns.

The vending machine company, iJooz, responded by replacing all 500 straws in the affected machine and filing a police report. Authorities have charged Maximilien with committing mischief and public nuisance, offences that could result in a jail term of over two years along with substantial fines if he is found guilty.

The incident reportedly occurred on 12 March at a shopping centre in Singapore. Maximilien, who studies at the Singapore campus of Essec Business School, is currently out on bail, with his parents travelling to Singapore to support him. His case is scheduled to be heard again in court on 22 May.

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Italy Approves Extradition of Suspected Chinese Hacker to US

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Italy has decided to extradite a Chinese national, Xu Zewei, to the United States over allegations of cybercrime, according to a source familiar with the matter. The decision follows a recent Italian court ruling that cleared the way for extradition. Xu was arrested in Milan last year at the request of US authorities, who accuse him of involvement in hacking activities.

US prosecutors allege that Xu engaged in cyber espionage between 2020 and 2021, including attempts to steal sensitive COVID-19 research. The US Justice Department claims he targeted universities, immunologists, and virologists working on vaccines, treatments, and testing during the pandemic. Xu’s lawyer has argued that he is a victim of mistaken identity and stated that no official communication on the extradition has yet been received.

Authorities also link Xu to the hacking group “Hafnium,” which allegedly infiltrated thousands of computer systems globally in 2021. The case underscores growing international cooperation on cybercrime enforcement, as well as rising concerns over cyber espionage targeting critical scientific research.

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Turkish Grand Prix to Return to Formula 1 Calendar in 2027

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Formula 1 will return to Turkey in 2027, marking the comeback of the Turkish Grand Prix after a six-year absence. The race will be held at the Istanbul Park circuit under a deal that runs until at least 2031, bringing back one of the sport’s most challenging and popular tracks.

Turkey previously hosted races from 2005 to 2011 and briefly returned during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. The 2020 race was particularly memorable, with Lewis Hamilton securing his seventh world championship title in wet conditions. The event’s reintroduction will not expand the current 24-race calendar but will instead rotate with other venues.

Officials highlighted Turkey’s strong fan base and infrastructure as key factors in the decision. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed the return, while F1 chief Stefano Domenicali praised Istanbul as a unique global city that blends history with modern sporting appeal, making it an exciting destination for fans worldwide.

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Italy Rejects Equal Parental Leave as Fathers Challenge Norms Online

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Italy’s parliament has voted down a proposal to introduce equal parental leave for mothers and fathers, rejecting a plan that aimed to balance caregiving responsibilities. The measure, which would have provided equal, fully paid and non-transferable leave, was defeated by the ruling coalition citing financial constraints, drawing criticism from opposition leaders who called it a missed opportunity for social change.

Despite the policy setback, a growing number of Italian fathers are reshaping traditional roles through social media. Influencers like Diego Di Franco share daily caregiving routines, highlighting a more involved and equal approach to parenting. Experts say these “dad influencers” are helping shift cultural perceptions of fatherhood in a country where women still bear most childcare responsibilities.

Italy continues to face one of the widest gender employment gaps in the European Union, with many women leaving jobs after childbirth. Analysts argue that unequal parental leave policies reinforce this imbalance, affecting economic growth and demographic trends. While change at the policy level remains slow, evolving social attitudes suggest a gradual transformation in how parenting roles are shared.

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Ukraine’s Animal Rescuers Risk Lives to Save Pets Traumatized by War

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Animal rescue groups in Ukraine are working under constant danger to save pets and stray animals affected by the ongoing war. In the frontline city of Zaporizhzhia, a Russian drone strike destroyed part of a shelter, killing more than a dozen animals and leaving others injured or scattered. Despite the risks, volunteers and local residents quickly came together to rebuild and continue caring for displaced animals.

Thousands of pets have been abandoned as civilians flee bombardment zones, while others are left behind after their owners are killed. Rescue organisations like “12 Guardians” have evacuated tens of thousands of animals from dangerous areas, often under shelling. These efforts not only save animals but also help people who refuse to leave without their pets or struggle with the emotional toll of abandonment.

Rescuers say animals suffer trauma similar to humans, making their work even more urgent despite the dangers. With frontline areas becoming increasingly unsafe, volunteers now use protective measures like drone detectors while continuing operations. Many believe saving animals also brings hope to people affected by war, reinforcing the idea that humanitarian efforts extend beyond just human lives.

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Ukraine and Russia Exchange 193 Prisoners Each in US- and UAE-Brokered Swap

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Ukraine and Russia exchanged 193 prisoners of war each on Friday in a swap facilitated with assistance from the United States and the United Arab Emirates. The exchange is part of ongoing efforts to repatriate captured personnel amid the prolonged conflict, now in its fourth year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy confirmed the return of the captives, calling the exchanges “important” for bringing people home. Both Ukrainian and Russian officials acknowledged the role of the US and UAE in helping coordinate the operation.

The released individuals included soldiers, border guards, and police officers. Many of the Ukrainian returnees were reported to have injuries or had faced legal charges while in Russian custody. Emotional reunions were reported as freed captives arrived back in Ukraine, with some describing years of captivity before returning home.

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China Restricts Dual-Use Exports to 7 European Firms Over Taiwan Arms Links

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China has announced a ban on exports of dual-use items to seven European entities, accusing them of involvement in arms sales to Taiwan. The affected companies include Germany’s Hensoldt AG, Belgium’s FN Browning, and several Czech defence firms, with Beijing placing them on its export control list. China said the move targets organisations that “colluded with Taiwan,” which it considers part of its territory.

The restrictions apply to goods, software, and technologies with both civilian and military uses, such as components used in drones and semiconductors. Beijing stated that all related transfers must stop immediately, though it may grant case-by-case approvals in exceptional situations. China also said it had informed the European Union through its export control dialogue mechanism before announcing the measures.

European and Czech officials have sought clarification, with some companies saying they do not expect major business impacts. The Czech government has instructed its embassy in Beijing to seek explanations, while firms like Excalibur Army said they do not directly rely on Chinese dual-use imports. The move comes amid growing geopolitical tensions over Taiwan, which China claims as its own but which Taiwan’s government rejects.

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Norway Moves to Ban Social Media for Under-16s

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Norway plans to introduce legislation banning children under the age of 16 from using social media, with a bill expected to be presented in parliament by the end of the year. The proposal would place responsibility on technology companies to enforce strict age verification measures, marking a significant step in regulating youth access to digital platforms.

Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said the move aims to protect childhood from excessive screen exposure and algorithm-driven content. The government emphasized the importance of preserving traditional aspects of growing up, such as play, friendships, and real-world interactions, rather than allowing them to be dominated by digital environments.

The initiative follows similar actions by other countries, including Australia, which recently introduced a comparable ban. Major tech firms like Meta Platforms, Alphabet Inc., and Snap Inc. could be affected, though Norway has not specified which platforms will be targeted. The proposal reflects growing global concern over children’s online safety and the impact of social media on young users.

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Paris Hosts First Modest Fashion Week Celebrating Inclusive Style

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Paris hosted its first-ever Modest Fashion Week, bringing together nearly 30 designers showcasing clothing that blends style with modesty, including long, flowing dresses and headscarves. Held at Hôtel Le Marois near the Champs-Élysées, the event highlighted floral patterns, soft tones, and nature-inspired designs from global creators, reflecting a growing demand for modest fashion.

Designers from across the world presented diverse interpretations of modest wear. From romantic floral gowns by Turkish label Miha to warm-toned collections by Australian brand Asiyam, the runway featured a mix of elegance and cultural identity. Meanwhile, French brands like Soutoura and Nour Turbans leaned into bold, boxy streetwear influenced by Gen Z trends, even pairing berets with headscarves for a distinctive Parisian touch.

The event carried added significance in France, where religious attire such as hijabs has often been at the center of public debate and restrictions. Attendees and designers described the show as a sign of increasing inclusivity, with many expressing hope that modest fashion is gaining broader acceptance. As the global modest fashion market continues to expand rapidly, the Paris showcase underscored its growing cultural and commercial influence.

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