Ministers today unveils plans they said would 'modernise our democracy' by widening the franchise to bring national elections in line with those held in Scotland and Wales.

French first lady Brigitte Macron was always renowned for her decorum and grace at the many high-profile public appearances that come with the role.

A black-box recording of their conversation suggests that it was the captain, Sumeet Sabharwal, who turned off the switches, according to sources close to the US side of the probe.

The Australian-born chef, 59, has also been accused of lying about claims he wasn't told he was being sacked before it ended up in the press.

The Russian military has accused Kiev of trying to cause a major chemical spill close to the frontline with the intention of blaming Moscow Read Full Article at RT.com

External affairs ministry has cautioned against double standards following NATO chief Rutte's warning of potential secondary sanctions for countries, including India, maintaining trade ties with Russia. Rutte urged India, China, and Brazil to reconsider their economic relations with Moscow or face sanctions if Russia doesn't engage in peace talks.

Lalu Prasad Yadav has approached the Supreme Court. This action follows the Delhi High Court's rejection of his request. He sought a stay on proceedings in the land-for-job case. The case involves alleged appointments made during his tenure as railway minister. He claims the FIR was delayed. He also alleges political motivation behind the investigation.

Amidst political shifts in Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis has extended an invitation to Uddhav Thackeray's Shiv Sena UBT to rejoin the ruling coalition. This comes after Thackeray met with Chief Minister Shinde, sparking speculation about a potential reconciliation. Fadnavis emphasized the BJP's stability until 2029, suggesting an opportunity for Thackeray to reconsider alliances.

Nitish Kumar's political resilience in Bihar stems from his ability to cultivate a broad support base beyond his Kurmi caste. By championing the Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and implementing targeted schemes, he has positioned himself as their leader.

On July 14, the US president said that he was «disappointed» with Russia and its president personally

Dmitry Peskov stressed that these restrictions are justified, because they are related to security

Dmitry Peskov mentioned this in response to a question about how important the sovereignty of Ukraine's actions is for a full and final settlement

Earlier, mobile internet restrictions were introduced in several Russian regions, including Udmurtia, Nizhny Novgorod, and Saratov, due to risks posed by Ukrainian drone attacks

Mired in millions of dollars in debt, Cathay Cineplexes' parent company mm2 Asia said on Thursday (July 17) that it is considering closing its cinema business.CNA reported that winding up one of Singapore's oldest cinema's chains is one of the options mm2 Asia is evaluating to address its «ongoing financial challenges».It has been operating since 1939, and was originally known as Cathay Cinema.«The group has been committed towards the continued operation of its cinema business in Singapore,» said the Singapore Exchange-listed company.«However, such commitment requires the support from its landlords which has not been meaningful despite the difficult operating environment for cinemas and the wider retail industry over the past years caused by, amongst other things, the Covid-19 pandemic.»Six Cathay Cineplexes cinemas have closed in the last three years, with the remaining four in operation at Causeway Point, Century Square, Downtown East and 321 Clementi.Mm2 Asia owes $3.3 million to the the landlords of its Century Square and Causeway Point cinemas.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has denounced NATO for allegedly backing a “genocide” of Palestinians in Gaza Read Full Article at RT.com

Chrispin Phiri has said the situation in Gaza constitutes genocide and that not enforcing ICJ rulings threatens the global legal order Read Full Article at RT.com

Paris has expressed its openness to cooperation, but not acknowledged responsibility for atrocities in Niger Read Full Article at RT.com

The US president said he plans to send letters informing countries that their tariff rates could be set at 10% or 15%   Read Full Article at RT.com

A Karnataka government report has revealed critical failures by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and its partners in organizing a victory parade that led to a deadly stampede. The event, celebrating RCB's IPL title, lacked necessary permissions and safety measures, resulting in 11 deaths and numerous injuries.

Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced free electricity up to 125 units for domestic consumers starting August 2025, a move hailed by the NDA as historic. The opposition, however, criticized the announcement, accusing the government of copying their schemes and questioning the timing ahead of upcoming elections. The decision is expected to benefit 1.67 crore families in the state.

[allAfrica]

[allAfrica] The U.S. has deported five people whom it described as «criminal illegal aliens» to Eswatini. The deportees are originally from Vietnam, Jamaica, Laos, Cuba, and Yemen, and had been convicted of serious crimes such as murder and child rape.

Since the 2014 invalidation of the Data Retention Directive, the EU legal landscape has become fragmented, causing uncertainty for providers and challenges for law enforcement. With a Commission proposal likely and growing Member State support for a more permissive EU regime, a solid understanding of relevant CJEU case law may help inform Parliament's assessment. Over the past decade, CJEU case law has set detailed requirements for data retention. Laws must respect proportionality and necessity, with a clear hierarchy of objectives: general and indiscriminate retention of traffic and location data is only permissible for safeguarding national security, while targeted retention of such data may be justified by public security or other important public interest goals. Any such framework must also include robust safeguards. Similarly, access to retained data must be limited to the purpose for which it was collected or a more important objective. The ECtHR ruled that such retention and access require safeguards similar to those for secret surveillance. Stakeholders are divided on a new EU data retention regime. Law enforcement agencies favour EU-level harmonisation but warn against restrictive retention rules that would limit their operational effectiveness. Providers of electronic communications services support a CJEU-compliant EU framework and seek cost compensation. Civil society organisations oppose new EU rules and urge the Commission to focus on enforcing existing case law through infringement procedures. This is one of four publications that explore different aspects of the roadmap for effective and lawful access to data for law enforcement. These include a summary of the roadmap, and briefings on lawful interception, data retention and digital forensics. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The EU's High-Level Group on access to data for law enforcement (HLG) has identified digital forensics as one of three key areas requiring progress to allow law enforcement agencies to fight crime effectively, together with data retention and lawful interception. Member States possess the expertise and have the capacity to engage in digital forensics, defined as the collection, analysis and preservation of digital evidence stored in any digital form on an electronic device. However, the ability of law enforcement agencies to access data stored on confiscated devices differs widely among Member States. According to the HLG, much could be gained by law enforcement agencies sharing both know-how and technical solutions, but the absence of comparable capacities among digital forensics laboratories and the general lack of standardised forensics procedures and of mechanisms enabling the recognition of skills and expertise of digital forensics experts are obstacles to cross-border cooperation. Europol, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation, already plays an important role in digital forensics. The Commission would like Europol to evolve further into a centre of excellence for operational expertise in this field. Encryption lies at the heart of the debate around digital forensics. Encryption is vital to protecting personal data and fundamental rights. However, it also represents an obstacle to criminal investigation, and hence a threat to security in Europe. The Commission will present a technology roadmap on encryption in 2026, to identify technological solutions that would enable law enforcement authorities to access encrypted data in a lawful manner, while safeguarding cybersecurity and fundamental rights. In its capacity as co-legislator, the European Parliament has actively engaged in shaping policies concerning law enforcement access to data, balancing the need for effective crime prevention with the protection of fundamental rights. This is one of four briefings that explore different aspects of the roadmap for effective and lawful access to data for law enforcement. These include a summary of the roadmap, and briefings on lawful interception, data retention and digital forensics. Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

A rare Philippine crocodile has hatched at the Singapore Zoo in June, the first of its species to be successfully bred in captivity in South-east Asia, announced Mandai Wildlife Group.Breeding the critically endangered croc species is no easy task — the reptiles can show aggressive behaviour towards each other especially during mating season and must be carefully paired up.Efforts began in 2022, after Philippine crocodile pair Reginald and Delilah were genetically matched and transferred to the Singapore Zoo from Denmark's National Aquarium.The programme kicked-off after the 11-year-old freshwater crocs were transferred to a new and improved habitat that includes a pond with adjustable dividers and enhanced heat and light conditions.Delilah started to nest, and Reginald was observed guarding the nest alongside Delilah.The animal care team then decided that any eggs laid will be artificially intubated to maximise their chances of survival, as it would allow precise control over temperature and humidity and minimise disturbance.

Police are investigating 93 individuals for suspected involvement in unlicensed moneylending activities following a seven-day operation that ended on Tuesday (July 15).The operation which began on July 9 saw officers from the Criminal Investigation Department and the seven police land divisions conduct simultaneous raids across Singapore.Among the 93 under investigation, the oldest is 67, while the youngest is 13.Preliminary investigations revealed that one person operated as an unlicensed moneylender, while seven others allegedly harassed debtors at their homes. Under investigation are also 43 persons suspected of being runners who would assist in unlicensed moneylending activities through ATM transfers.The remaining 42 people allegedly opened bank accounts, provided ATM cards and personal identification numbers, as well as internet banking tokens to these illegal moneylenders, the police said.Investigations are ongoing.If found guilty, first-time offenders will face jail for up to four years, a fine between $30,000 and $300,000, and up to six strokes of the cane.

The UK unemployment rate has risen to a four-year high, going from 4.6 per cent in the three months to April to 4.7 per cent in the three months to May.

Le Vice-Président International de la Jeune Chambre Internationale (JCI), Guénolé Ravelomahafaly, est en visite au Gabon dans le cadre de sa tournée officielle dans les pays placés sous sa supervision, notamment le Gabon, le Burkina Faso, le Cameroun, la Côte d'Ivoire, la Guinée, le Mali et le Sénégal. Arrivé ce mercredi 16 juillet 2025 à l'aéroport international Léon Mba, il a été accueilli par les membres de la JCI Gabon, marquant le début d'une visite fortement symbolique pour (...) - SOCIETE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

Numerous countries have shown interest in the missiles jointly developed by Russia and India Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia’s ability to continue the Ukraine conflict must be weakened, the Latvian foreign minister has said Read Full Article at RT.com