Ofcom Probes Porn Site Kick Over Suspected Illegal Content Britain’s media regulator, Ofcom, has launched two formal investigations into Kick Online Entertainment S.A., the operator behind pornography website Motherless. The probes are the latest actions under the UK’s new online safety law, which focuses on curbing illegal online material. Complaints Trigger Ofcom Action The investigations follow complaints alleging the presence of illegal content on the Motherless website. Reported material includes suspected child sexual abuse imagery and extreme pornography, both of which fall under criminal classifications in the UK. These are among the first such cases initiated under the Online Safety…
Author: Kanika Sharma
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Trump Ends Syria Sanctions, Secures $600 Billion Saudi Investment Former US President Donald Trump began his Gulf visit with a bold announcement: the United States will lift long-standing sanctions on Syria. This decision, combined with a $600 billion investment pledge from Saudi Arabia and a major arms deal, marks a significant policy shift. Syria Sanctions Lifted Amid Arms Agreement The decision to lift sanctions on Syria came as Trump attended an investment forum in Riyadh. Speaking at the event, he said the move followed a request from Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Trump noted the sanctions had served…
AI System Revolutionises Biomanufacturing with Real-Time Fermentation Monitoring A new artificial intelligence (AI)-powered monitoring system developed by researchers at Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) is now in operation at biomanufacturing facilities or ‘Smart Fermentation Labs’. The technology is transforming how fermentation processes are managed, offering real-time control and data-driven optimisation that marks a major shift in life sciences and industrial production. This AI system is specifically designed for use in industrial fermentation—one of biomanufacturing’s core technologies. Fermentation is a time-sensitive process, with microorganism behaviour varying significantly at different stages of growth. In traditional setups, engineers monitored these complex systems around…
Norway’s Sovereign Wealth Fund Divests from Israeli Energy Firm Over West Bank Fuel Operations Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, the world’s largest, has sold all its shares in Israeli energy firm Paz Retail and Energy. The move follows concerns about the company’s role in supplying fuel to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law. Ethical Guidelines Drive Divestment The decision, announced on Sunday, stems from a stricter interpretation of ethical standards adopted by the fund’s Council on Ethics in August. This updated stance focuses on companies contributing to the Israeli presence in Palestinian territories.…
US and UK Sign Limited Trade Deal Amid Global Tariff Disputes US and UK announced a new trade agreement on Thursday. While the deal offers some relief, it keeps key tariffs in place and leaves more negotiations ahead. Limited Tariff Cuts with Room to Grow The agreement keeps Trump’s 10% tariffs on most British goods. However, it lowers high US tariffs on British car imports and allows for modest increases in agricultural trade. British tariffs on US goods will fall from an average of 5.1% to 1.8%. Though described as a “breakthrough,” officials from both sides admit it is not…
Axelspace to Join Surge of Space Startups Listing on Tokyo Exchange Tokyo-based Axelspace is preparing to go public as early as June, according to sources familiar with the matter. The satellite manufacturer is expected to receive approval for its initial public offering (IPO) from the Tokyo Stock Exchange later this month, marking the fifth listing by a Japanese space venture in just two years. Founded in 2008 by aerospace researcher Yuya Nakamura, Axelspace has launched five Earth observation satellites and built custom satellites for clients such as Weathernews. The company plans to launch seven more satellites next year, further expanding…
Lawmakers Question Elon Musk’s Dual Roles at SpaceX and Federal Oversight Body Democratic lawmakers on key US House committees have raised alarms over a possible conflict of interest stemming from Elon Musk’s dual positions as CEO of SpaceX and a Special Government Employee overseeing major reforms at NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD). Letter Highlights Conflict Concerns Tied to DOGE Oversight In a letter sent Tuesday to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Acting NASA Administrator Janet Petro, House Democrats expressed concern over Musk’s leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), an entity driving significant structural changes across federal…
Zelenskiy Urges Western Support to Develop Drone Interceptors Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called on his government to seek increased support from Western allies for developing interceptor drones, which he says are essential for protecting Ukraine from ongoing Russian air attacks. Focus on Drone Interceptors to Counter Russian Threats In his nightly video address on Tuesday, Zelenskiy said Ukraine’s top military command had discussed the strategic need for drones capable of intercepting and destroying enemy drones—particularly the Iranian-designed Shahed models frequently used by Russia. “This is one of the most advanced technologies of modern warfare,” Zelenskiy stated. “I instructed the…
Toyota Eyes Steady Profits Amid Hybrid Demand, But US Tariffs Loom Large Toyota Motor Corp is expected to post stable profits this Thursday, supported by strong global demand for its hybrid vehicles. However, investors remain cautious about the potential impact of US tariffs, especially with looming policy shifts under former President Donald Trump. Hybrid Sales Support Steady Performance The world’s largest automaker is predicted to report a modest 2% increase in fourth-quarter operating profit to 1.13 trillion yen ($7.86 billion), according to analysts surveyed by LSEG. This would be Toyota’s first quarterly profit growth in three quarters. Sales have remained…
EU Unveils €500 Million Plan to Attract Top Global Scientists European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced a €500 million package to strengthen scientific research across EU. The initiative, covering the 2025–2027 period, aims to attract leading global scientists, especially those disillusioned with the US under President Donald Trump. Europe Positions Itself as a Hub for Innovation Speaking in Paris alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, von der Leyen described science as a vital investment. “We need to offer the right incentives,” she said, introducing the funding plan. “We are choosing to be the continent where universities are pillars…