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Silent March in Belgrade Demands Elections After Railway Station Tragedy

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Tens of thousands of people staged a silent march in Belgrade on Monday to honor the 16 victims of a collapsed roof at the city’s renovated railway station and to demand snap elections aimed at unseating President Aleksandar Vucic and his ruling SNS party. Sixteen high school pupils led the procession across Savski Trg square, each carrying a white rose as the names of the victims were read aloud.

The demonstration, organized by students, also spread to towns including Novi Sad, Kragujevac, and Aleksinac. Protesters accused government-linked corruption of causing the disaster and said only early elections could bring accountability. “Corruption is the root of all problems in our society. Elections can be the only solution,” said Srdjan, a 35-year-old scientist attending the march.

Months of protests have rattled Vucic’s government since the November tragedy, with mostly peaceful rallies occasionally turning violent, most notably on August 13 when clashes injured police and civilians. Opposition groups, students, and watchdogs accuse Vucic of ties to organized crime, political intimidation, and suppressing media freedoms—charges the president and his allies strongly deny.

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France’s National Rally Prepares for Snap Elections as Bayrou Faces Confidence Vote

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France’s far-right National Rally (RN) signaled on Monday that it is preparing for potential snap elections, warning that Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s efforts to save his minority government are unlikely to succeed. Bayrou faces a September 8 confidence vote after unexpectedly announcing it last week in a bid to push through unpopular budget-tightening plans for 2026.

RN president Jordan Bardella said the party “must be ready for anything, including a return to the ballot box,” and revealed that 85% of RN’s candidates have already been selected. Marine Le Pen, despite being barred from standing for election due to a conviction for embezzling EU funds, remains the party’s dominant figure and said she and Bardella would meet Bayrou out of courtesy but expect little from the talks.

With opposition parties including the Socialists and Communists committed to voting against Bayrou, his government’s collapse appears imminent. If defeated, President Emmanuel Macron could either appoint a new prime minister, retain Bayrou in a caretaker role, or dissolve parliament for new elections. While Macron previously ruled out early polls, fresh elections could further fragment parliament, with RN poised to gain strength.

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Domino’s Pizza Reaffirms Earnings Outlook, Launches £20M Share Buyback

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Britain’s Domino’s Pizza Group has reaffirmed its annual earnings forecast while announcing a £20 million ($27 million) share buyback programme on Monday. The company recently lowered its 2025 core profit guidance to between £130 million and £140 million, down from the earlier forecast of £141 million to £150 million, citing rising costs and subdued consumer demand.

UK consumers have been tightening their budgets amid persistent inflation, unpredictable weather, and higher prices as companies pass on additional costs. Domino’s CEO Andrew Rennie said in August that the company would raise prices to help offset increasing wage bills and higher National Insurance contributions.

Despite these challenges, analysts at Peel Hunt remain optimistic, expecting Domino’s like-for-like sales to recover next year. They point to the benefits of the company’s loyalty programme expansion, the FIFA World Cup, and improved weather conditions as potential drivers of growth.

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England Flags Spark Debate Amid Rising Anti-Immigration Protests

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The red and white St George’s Cross and Union Jack flags have appeared across English streets in recent weeks, with supporters calling it an expression of national pride while critics fear it reflects rising anti-immigration sentiment. The flag displays come during a politically charged summer in Britain, where immigration has overtaken the economy as voters’ top concern, according to YouGov polls.

The movement has coincided with protests outside hotels housing asylum seekers, particularly in the West Midlands and London’s Isle of Dogs, a diverse area where nearly half of residents were born outside the UK. While groups like the Birmingham-based Weoley Warriors frame the campaign as patriotism, migrant communities and local councils warn it risks fueling division. Some flags have already been removed from council infrastructure, sparking backlash from politicians such as Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick, who called councils’ actions “Britain-hating.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has said flags are symbols of heritage but acknowledged concerns over their misuse to stoke conflict. The protests follow riots last year that targeted migrants after misinformation spread online. With far-right figures and even U.S. billionaire Elon Musk amplifying the flag movement on social media, residents remain divided — some see a show of cultural pride, while others worry nationalism could escalate into hostility.

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French Finance Minister Warns of IMF Risk if Bayrou Government Falls

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French Finance Minister Eric Lombard on Tuesday warned that France could face the risk of International Monetary Fund (IMF) intervention if Prime Minister Francois Bayrou’s minority government collapses next month. His remarks come amid mounting political uncertainty, with Bayrou set to face a crucial confidence vote on September 8 tied to his proposed sweeping budget cuts.

Bayrou’s government, which already lacks a parliamentary majority, appeared increasingly vulnerable after three main opposition parties announced they would not support the vote. The move significantly raises the likelihood of his administration being ousted, deepening financial and political instability.

“We are right in the thick of the battle,” Lombard told France Inter radio, stressing he was not resigned to a defeat. Acknowledging concerns voiced by other politicians, he said an IMF bailout is a “risk in front of us,” one the government is determined to avoid but cannot entirely rule out.

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Keurig Dr Pepper to Acquire JDE Peet’s in $18.4 Billion Deal

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Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP.O) announced on Monday that it will acquire Dutch coffee company JDE Peet’s (JDEP.AS) for €15.7 billion ($18.4 billion) in cash, representing a 20% premium to JDE Peet’s stock market valuation at the end of last week. Shares of JDE Peet’s surged 18% in early trading, marking their best day on record.

The merged entity plans to split into two separate U.S.-listed companies: “Beverage Co.” and “Global Coffee Co.” Beverage Co., with annual net sales of more than $11 billion, will focus on North America’s $300 billion refreshment market, while Global Coffee Co., with around $16 billion in combined net sales, will target the $400 billion global coffee industry. Keurig’s CEO Tim Cofer will head Beverage Co., while CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi will lead Global Coffee Co.

Keurig Dr Pepper, valued at about $48 billion, owns brands including Dr Pepper, Snapple, 7UP, and Green Mountain Coffee. JDE Peet’s, valued at €12.76 billion as of Friday’s close, owns popular coffee brands such as Jacobs, L’Or, Tassimo, and Douwe Egberts. Both companies have recently faced pressure from volatile coffee bean prices, which have surged due to unpredictable weather and a new 50% U.S. levy on Brazilian imports.

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French Researcher Laurent Vinatier Faces Espionage Charges in Russia

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French researcher Laurent Vinatier, who was already serving a three-year sentence in Russia for violating the country’s “foreign agent” laws, is now facing a fresh espionage charge. Court documents from Moscow’s Lefortovo Court, cited by Russian news agencies, confirmed the new charge, though details remain undisclosed. A hearing on the case has been scheduled for next Monday.

Vinatier, 49, was convicted last October for failing to register as a “foreign agent” while carrying out research that Russian authorities claimed involved collecting military-related information. His appeal against the sentence was rejected in February. At his trial, Vinatier expressed regret, saying he loved Russia and apologised for breaking the law.

France has condemned his detention as arbitrary, with President Emmanuel Macron denying any state links to Vinatier and describing his case as part of Moscow’s misinformation campaign. Vinatier is employed by the Switzerland-based Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue, a conflict mediation organisation. Academics familiar with his work described him as a respected scholar engaged in legitimate research, caught in the middle of heightened tensions between Russia and the West over the war in Ukraine.

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Kneecap Rapper Challenges Terrorism Charge in London Court Over Hezbollah Flag

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Hundreds of supporters gathered outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London on Wednesday as Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known by his stage name Mo Chara from the Irish rap group Kneecap, sought to dismiss a terrorism charge. The 27-year-old is accused of displaying Hezbollah’s yellow flag and shouting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during a London gig on November 21, 2024. Kneecap maintain the flag was thrown onto the stage by the audience and that the case is an attempt to silence them.

Ó hAnnaidh, who appeared in court wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf and accompanied by an Irish language interpreter, faces prosecution under the Terrorism Act, which makes it an offence to display symbols of proscribed organisations in a way that suggests support. His lawyers argue that the charge was filed too late, on May 22, one day past the six-month deadline. Prosecutors countered that it was formally brought on May 21, within the time limit, leaving Judge Paul Goldspring to decide.

The rapper’s bandmates, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, joined him in court as fans filled the public gallery. Kneecap, known for mixing Irish and English lyrics and voicing strong political stances, have openly supported the Palestinian cause and Irish republicanism. Since the charge, they have become increasingly vocal about the Gaza war, leading a 30,000-strong crowd at Glastonbury in chants against Prime Minister Keir Starmer and accusing Israel of war crimes—allegations Israel denies.

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Lavrov Praises Constructive U.S. Stance on Ukraine After Alaska Summit

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration showed a sincere desire to achieve a long-term and sustainable peace in Ukraine during last week’s U.S.-Russia summit in Alaska. Lavrov described the atmosphere at the meeting between Trump and President Vladimir Putin as “very good.”

Speaking to Rossiya 24 state television, Lavrov emphasized that the U.S. leadership appeared genuinely committed to finding a “reliable and lasting” solution to the conflict. He contrasted this with Europe’s approach, noting that some European leaders, who attended an extraordinary White House summit with Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Monday, focused only on securing a cease-fire while continuing military support to Kyiv.

Lavrov suggested that Washington’s stance could open the door to more constructive negotiations, while Europe’s insistence on arming Ukraine risked prolonging tensions. His remarks underscore Russia’s effort to highlight differences in Western strategies on the Ukraine conflict as Moscow continues to seek leverage in international diplomacy.

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Bussiness News

Growvia Unveiled: Pioneering the Future of Digital Business

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Kochi came alive with the official launch of Growvia.biz, a new-age digital commerce platform that promises to reshape the way people connect with business opportunities. The event opened with a warm welcome, followed by the grand entry of the Co-Founders and Founder & Chairman Dr. Jolly Antony, who is known for his successful ventures in hospitality, retail, wellness, and education. The inauguration was highlighted by the lamp-lighting ceremony and the unveiling of the official launch video.

The Co-Founders—Mr. Rijil Bharathan, Mr. Benny Esthaac, Mr. Sunil, Mr. Ranjulal, Mr. Athulnath, and Mr. Sreekumar—shared their inspiring journeys and vision for Growvia. In his address, Dr. Jolly Antony spoke about innovation, empowerment, and global aspirations, underlining Growvia’s mission to create new possibilities in digital commerce. The launch left the audience energized and excited about the brand’s bold step into the future.

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