Bacon1

A courtroom in Manchester has sentenced Mohammed Zahid, 65, to 35 years in prison after being convicted as the ringleader of a grooming gang that exploited two teenage girls. The seven men involved were found guilty of a total of 50 offences spanning rape, indecency with a child, and procuring a child for sex. The abuse began when both victims were just 13 years old, continuing from 2001 into the mid-2000s. Zahid, nicknamed “Boss Man,” used enticements—money, alcohol, cigarettes, free lingerie from his stall—to gain control over the girls. In return, he demanded regular sexual access for himself and his associates. The other six men—some taxi drivers and locals from Rochdale and Oldham—received sentences ranging from 12 to 29 years. Key perpetrators include Kasir Bashir (29 years), Mushtaq Ahmed (27 years), Mohammed Shahzad (26 years), and Naheem Akram (26 years). The girls, identified only in court as Girl A and Girl B, testified to the devastating and long-lasting impact. One said her life had been “destroyed” by the abuse; the other urged survivors to come forward even decades later. Judge Jonathan Seely condemned the “incessant abuse” and highlighted systemic failings by social services, law enforcement, and local authorities. Rochdale Council and Greater Manchester Police have formally apologised. The case is part of Operation Lytton, an ongoing investigation into historical child sexual exploitation in Rochdale, which has already charged 37 individuals with more trials pending. Key Takeaways 1. Major sentences handed down — Zahid imprisoned 35 years; six others get 12–29 years. 2. Exploitation from early age — abuse dated from when victims were 13, sustained over years. 3. Systemic failures exposed — child protection agencies and police apologised for neglect. Adapted From: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/01/rochdale-manchester-grooming-girls-sex-slaves-court

The UK government has reignited its battle with Apple, seeking access to encrypted iCloud backups of British users through a new legal order. The Home Office issued a technical capability notice (TCN), pressuring Apple to create a backdoor into its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service. Previously, the UK had pushed for worldwide access to Apple’s encrypted data, sparking clashes with Washington. Apple responded by halting ADP for new UK customers in February, insisting it will never compromise on encryption. Privacy advocates warn that forcing Apple to weaken its security in the UK could create global vulnerabilities, exposing data to hackers and hostile states. Apple has appealed the government’s earlier TCN, with details of the case still largely secret under the Investigatory Powers Act. While iMessage and FaceTime remain fully end-to-end encrypted, Apple says it is “gravely disappointed” at being unable to offer UK customers the strongest privacy protections. Campaigners argue the UK’s demands could undermine trust in digital security worldwide. Key Takeaways UK government issues a new order demanding access to British Apple users’ encrypted iCloud backups. Apple refuses to build a backdoor, halting its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) rollout in the UK. Privacy groups warn the move could compromise global cybersecurity and user trust. Adapted From: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/01/uk-government-apple-data-british-telecoms

A few photos of her life. Gorgeous looking woman in her youth. Missed by many, I'm sure. She said: "I’m not going to give in. I’ll die fighting, that’s for sure.” https://www.theguardian.com/international

Post removed @JimCM 9. You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages. You will respect other members and post in a civil manner. Personal attacks, insults or hate speech posted on the forum or sent by private message are not allowed. To everyone else: It's an emotive thread, please ensure you abide by forum rules & calm down.

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Empty post removed @retayl

This part, you left out, from your above linked study: "In conclusion, COVID-19 vaccination could be associated with an increased risk of six specific cancer types, including thyroid, gastric, colorectal, lung, breast, and prostate cancers. Notably, this COVID-19 vaccination-associated cancer risk was likely more elevated among individuals aged ≤ 65 years except in individuals with prostate cancer. Given the observed associations between COVID-19 vaccination and cancer incidence by age, sex, and vaccine type, further research is needed to determine whether specific vaccination strategies may be optimal for populations in need of COVID-19 vaccination."

Comment removed @Ralf001 29. You will not discuss the specifics of prostitution. Although Thailand has a visible sex industry and acknowledgement of that fact is not forbidden, ASEAN NOW is not the place to seek or give specific information on this topic. ASEAN NOW seeks to protect children and other at risk groups from exploitation on the internet. Any content that appears to be inappropriate or exploitative will be removed.

New fossil evidence suggests the predecessors of today’s flightless giants—ostriches, emus, cassowaries, rheas, and kiwis—were once capable of sustained flights across vast distances. Researchers examined a ~56-million-year-old fossil of a bird closely related to palaeognaths (the group including ratites and tinamous). The bone morphology, especially of the sternum, strongly resembles that of known long-distance flying birds such as herons and storks, indicating that these ancestors retained flight ability. This finding challenges older models that explained the wide geographical spread of ratites by continental drift alone. If their ancestors could fly, they likely dispersed across oceans and land barriers long after the breakup of Gondwana. Over time and in predator-safe environments, multiple ratite lineages independently lost flight and evolved into giant terrestrial species. Genetic data also support this view: molecular clocks place the split of major ratite lineages well after continental separation, making flighted dispersal a more plausible path. The transition to flightlessness, the authors argue, may have been driven by reduced predation pressure and the high energy costs of flight. In stable ecosystems without major aerial predators, evolving into more efficient runners or large ground dwellers would be an easier path. Today’s tinamous, small ground birds still capable of short bursts of flight, may echo that ancient versatility. This study reframes how scientists understand the evolutionary journeys of flightless birds, showing that their grounded life was a derived trait, not an ancestral disadvantage. Key Takeaways 1. Flighted beginnings: The ancestors of ostriches and emus likely retained strong flying ability, based on fossil sternum features. 2. Dispersal via air, not land: These birds may have spread to distant continents by flight, not solely through plate tectonics. 3. Independent loss of flight: Multiple ratite lineages arrived airborne, then evolved flightlessness separately under ecological conditions. Adapted From: https://theconversation.com/the-ancestors-of-ostriches-and-emus-were-long-distance-fliers-heres-how-we-worked-this-out-266081

The UK Labour government is proposing tougher eligibility criteria for migrants seeking indefinite leave to remain (ILR), shifting the objective of belonging toward an ongoing examination. In her keynote at the Labour Party conference, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood outlined changes that would require applicants to prove societal “contribution” rather than simply accruing time in the country. Under the plan, future ILR applicants would face several new hurdles: they must maintain a clean criminal record, pay social security (national insurance), avoid claiming benefits, demonstrate English language proficiency, and show evidence of community volunteering. Existing ILR holders are exempt from these changes. Critics argue the policy redefines belonging as a performance, making permanence conditional and potentially exclusionary. The proposed system risks creating administrative burdens (e.g. verifying volunteer activity), and could disadvantage lower-income migrants or those with language barriers. Labour frames the move as a balance between fairness and controlled immigration — distinct from rival Reform UK’s harsher proposals, such as scrapping ILR entirely and replacing it with a renewable visa. But commentators warn the new framework may erode trust in the idea of citizenship, turning settlement into a perpetual exam. A public consultation on the measures will be launched later in 2025. As immigration continues to dominate political debates, the redefinition of “belonging” could reshape the rights and identity of new British residents. Key Takeaways: 1. New residency criteria demand active “contribution” — Migrants must meet standards on social security, volunteer work, English, clean record, and avoid benefits. 2. Belonging becomes conditional — Permanent status may be seen less as a right earned over time and more as performance over and over. 3. Implementation and fairness concerns loom — Verifying volunteer work, language barriers, and socio-economic inequalities could undermine equity. Adapted From: https://theconversation.com/labours-plan-for-migrants-to-earn-permanent-residency-turns-belonging-into-an-endless-exam-266382

At the recent Labour Party conference in Liverpool, Prime Minister Keir Starmer aimed to reassert control and renew public confidence in his leadership. But the gathering revealed deep tensions within the party and mounting external challenges. Starmer tried to frame the contest ahead as more than intra-party strife — positioning it as a battle between his vision of “patriotic renewal” and what he called the divisive nationalism of Reform UK, led by Nigel Farage. He criticised Farage’s rhetoric as corrosive to British unity. Internally, Andy Burnham, the Manchester mayor, openly criticised a “culture of fear” and signalled himself as a possible rival, intensifying speculation that Starmer’s dominance is at risk. Yet beneath the rhetoric, Starmer’s popularity is flagging. Polls show his approval rating among Labour supporters has dropped considerably, and public frustration is growing over economic stagnation, inflation, and perceived broken promises. Starmer used the conference to warn the party of uncomfortable choices ahead, including possible tax adjustments and tough fiscal decisions, acknowledging that recovery will not be painless. Key Takeaways: Starmer’s leadership is under strain, with growing whispers of internal revolt and Burnham emerging as a potential challenger. He casts his mission as a national contest: renewal and unity vs division and grievance. His popularity has slumped under policy pressure and economic drag, requiring bold moves ahead. Adapted From: https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2115202/keir-starmer-popularity-labour-conference

Nicole Kidman has initiated divorce proceedings against her husband, country music star Keith Urban, after nearly two decades together. The Oscar-winning actor filed documents in a Nashville court citing “marital difficulties and irreconcilable differences.” The filing includes a detailed parenting plan for their two daughters, aged 17 and 14. Kidman is proposed as the primary residential parent, caring for the girls 306 days a year; Urban would have them for 59 days. The couple pledges in the submitted plan to foster a stable, loving environment for their children post-split, avoid disparaging one another, and encourage the girls’ relationship with both parents. Financially, the agreement states that both Kidman and Urban make over $100,000 per month and that neither would require spousal support. Their assets will largely remain in individual names, and royalties, copyrights, and artistic incomes are slated to stay separate. The level of detail and earlier signatures (Urban signed in late August; Kidman in early September) suggest this divorce has been gestating for a while. Tennessee law requires at least 90 days before a divorce can be final. Kidman and Urban, both originally from Australia, wed in Sydney in 2006. Their relationship had often been framed publicly as a strong partnership, though both acknowledged challenges over time. This announcement marks the end of a high-profile celebrity marriage, drawing attention across entertainment media and public discourse. Key Takeaways: Nicole Kidman cites “marital difficulties and irreconcilable differences” in her divorce filing. The submitted plan gives Kidman primary physical custody; Urban will have limited visitation. Both make high incomes; neither seeks spousal support, and assets remain largely separate. Adapted From: https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2025/oct/01/nicole-kidman-files-for-divorce-from-keith-urban-citing-marital-difficulties-and-irreconcilable-differences

A new study suggests that walking just 3,000 steps a day at a faster pace can significantly reduce cardiovascular risk, particularly for people with hypertension. Researchers analysed data from thousands of participants and found that those who maintained brisk walking lowered their likelihood of heart disease by 17%. Unlike the often-quoted 10,000-step target, this study highlights that consistency and intensity matter more than sheer numbers. Even modest increases in daily activity, especially when performed at a moderate-to-vigorous pace, can strengthen cardiovascular health, improve blood pressure, and reduce overall mortality risk. Experts emphasise that walking is a simple, accessible, and cost-free exercise suitable for most adults. For individuals managing high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors, incorporating 3,000 brisk steps into daily routines may offer a practical, sustainable way to enhance heart health without the need for structured gym workouts. The study adds to growing evidence that lifestyle changes, even at small increments, can have meaningful effects on long-term health outcomes. Walking faster not only improves heart efficiency but also helps regulate weight, blood sugar, and stress levels—key contributors to cardiovascular disease. Key Takeaways Walking 3,000 steps daily at a brisk pace may lower cardiovascular risk by 17%. Intensity matters: brisk walking outperforms simply reaching a higher step count. A practical, low-cost strategy to improve heart health, especially for people with hypertension. Adapted From: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/3000-steps-a-day-at-a-faster-pace-may-lower-cardiovascular-risks-by-17?utm_source=chatgpt.com Edited Discussion From: European Association of Preventive Cardiology "Our study demonstrated, for the first time, an inverse dose-response association between daily step count and risk of MACE among adults with hypertension. For each 1000 steps/day increase in daily step count above the referent 2344 steps/day, there was an average 22.3% lower risk of future HF, 9.3% lower risk of future MI, and 24.5% lower risk of stroke." Study Link: https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/advance-article/doi/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf441/8223012?login=false

Flame post removed @BarraMarra

Video showing this amazing achievement. 👍

Irrelevant comment removed @Baht Simpson

I imagine that Ms Qián is feeling a little unhappy. £5bn....then only wrist bracelets

China has officially opened the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, now the tallest bridge in the world, spanning a breathtaking 625 metres above the Beipan River in Guizhou province. The suspension bridge, which took roughly three years and eight months to complete, replaces the nearby Beipanjiang (Duge) Bridge as the world’s highest. This engineering feat dramatically reduces the crossing time of the canyon—from two hours down to just two minutes. Stretching over 2,890 metres in total (with a main span of 1,420 m), it carries the Guizhou S57 / Liuzhi-Anlong Expressway. Beyond its practical use, the bridge is designed to draw tourists. Features include a high-speed elevator to a glass café perched at one of its highest points, and a transparent walkway suspended over 1,900 feet above the canyon floor. Officials and engineers tout the project as a catalyst for economic growth in this remote, mountainous region. But critics caution that such grand infrastructure comes with heavy costs and local debt pressures. As the Huajiang Bridge opens to traffic, it cements China’s reputation for bold infrastructure ambition—linking isolated communities, promoting tourism, and redefining what’s possible in civil engineering. Key Takeaways: The Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge now holds the title as the world’s tallest bridge at 625 m height. It slashes travel time across the canyon from about two hours to two minutes. The bridge includes tourist attractions (glass walkway, café) and is poised to spur economic development, though cost and debt risks loom. Adapted From: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/worlds-tallest-bridge-finally-opens-35986710

An Estonian hitman known as “The Butcher” has emerged as a suspect in the 2015 murder of John “Goldfinger” Palmer. Palmer, a controversial figure involved in timeshare fraud and alleged money laundering, was fatally shot six times at his woodland home in Essex. Police investigations indicate that the suspected hitman may have surveilled Palmer prior to the killing, using a small “spy-hole” scratched into a garden fence to monitor his movements. The killing is widely believed to have been a premeditated, contract-style assassination. The suspect, Imre Arakas, currently serving time in Lithuania for murder, is linked by investigators to organised crime networks, including the Kinahan cartel, and is said to have traveled to the UK shortly before Palmer’s death. Detectives are coordinating with European authorities and hope new leads will clarify Arakas’s possible role. If confirmed, this development could breathe new life into an investigation that’s remained unsolved for years. The case continues to draw media and law enforcement attention, as families and the public await closure. Key Takeaways Estonian hitman Imre Arakas (“The Butcher”) is now a prime suspect in John “Goldfinger” Palmer’s 2015 murder. Investigators believe Palmer was stalked via a spy-hole in his garden fence before being shot six times. Arakas’s links to organised crime groups and his UK travel just before the killing have spurred renewed scrutiny. Adapted From: https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/hitman-known-the-butcher-named-35985715

YouTube has agreed to pay $24.5 million to resolve a lawsuit filed by Donald Trump, who claimed the platform improperly suspended his channel. The legal action centered on YouTube’s decision following the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, when the platform said Trump violated its rules around incitement to violence. Trump had sued YouTube and Alphabet’s CEO, accusing the company of wielding undue power over public discourse. YouTube defended itself by citing policy enforcement. With the settlement, the case is dismissed. The payout mirrors similar settlements: Meta agreed to pay $25 million after suspending Trump’s Facebook accounts, while X (formerly Twitter) settled for $10 million. Trump plans to allocate $22 million of the YouTube funds toward restoring the National Mall and aiding construction of a White House ballroom. Originally, the case against YouTube was closed in 2023. But after Trump’s return to power in 2024, his legal team revived it. YouTube first suspended Trump’s access in January 2021, initially for seven days. The suspension was later made indefinite. The channel was eventually reinstated in March 2023 after a careful review. Key Takeaways YouTube settles Trump’s lawsuit with a $24.5 million payout. Trump’s channel was suspended post–January 6 over alleged violations, reinstated in 2023. The settlement echoes similar tech-company payouts: Meta ($25M), X ($10M). Adapted From: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/sep/29/youtube-trump-lawsuit-settlement

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Off Topic post removed @short-Timer Multiple bickering posts & replies to it also removed. @JakeC @KhunLA 9. You will not post disruptive or inflammatory messages. You will respect other members and post in a civil manner. Personal attacks, insults or hate speech posted on the forum or sent by private message are not allowed.