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UPDATE: Three Israeli hostages who will be released on Saturday have been named by Hamas. They are Keith Samuel Siegel, Yarden Bibas and Ofer Kalderon.

Off topic video posts removed @Neeranam

@Will B Good a personal attack troll post has been removed. Please discuss without the need to make make derogatory slurs to other members.

@Neeranam I have had to remove one post already for making false claims. No more leeway.

Marianne Faithfull, the legendary singer and actress, has passed away at the age of 78, her spokesperson has confirmed. Born in Hampstead in December 1946, Faithfull rose to fame in the 1960s with her hit song *As Tears Go By*, which reached the UK top 10 in 1964. She also starred in films such as *The Girl On A Motorcycle* (1968), cementing her place as a cultural icon of the era. In addition to her artistic success, she was widely known for her relationship with Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger, inspiring classic songs like *Wild Horses* and *You Can't Always Get What You Want*. Jagger paid tribute, calling her "a wonderful friend, a beautiful singer and a great actress," adding that he was "so saddened" by her passing. Keith Richards shared that he was "so sad" and that he "will miss her." Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood also honored her memory, posting an old studio photo of himself with Faithfull and Richards, captioned "Farewell dear Marianne," followed by a more recent image with the message, "Marianne will be dearly missed. Bless her xx." Faithfull’s spokesperson released a statement confirming her peaceful passing in London, surrounded by her loving family. "She will be dearly missed," the statement read. Throughout her life, Faithfull faced significant health challenges, including bulimia, breast cancer, and emphysema caused by decades of smoking. In 2020, she contracted Covid-19 and was hospitalized for 22 days. Doctors did not expect her to survive, yet she defied the odds and released her 21st album, *She Walks in Beauty*, a year later. Faithfull's career was a testament to resilience. She was discovered at 16 by the Rolling Stones’ manager and became a key figure in the "British Invasion" of the U.S. pop charts with her ethereal, folk-pop style. However, it was her later reinvention that truly defined her artistic legacy. In recent years, she collaborated with songwriters like PJ Harvey and Nick Cave, both of whom regarded her as a major influence. Other artists she worked with over the years included David Bowie, Lou Reed, Jarvis Cocker, Damon Albarn, Emmylou Harris, and Metallica. Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s drummer, expressed his gratitude for Faithfull’s "incredible and unique contribution to our music, and for always being so willing to join us in performing it." Her remarkable life and career spanned decades, from the youthful innocence of the 1960s to the haunting, mature artistry of her later years. Marianne Faithfull leaves behind a legacy of music, resilience, and cultural influence that will endure for generations. Based on a report by BBC 2025-01-31

Off topic image of an ex uk model with plastic surgery removed and some off topic troll posts @MalcolmB Migrants in UK: The Challenge of Integration

For the first time, scientists have discovered the fundamental ingredients for life on a distant asteroid, according to NASA. A detailed analysis of debris collected from Bennu, an asteroid nearly 5 billion years old, suggests that the essential components for life on Earth existed in the early solar system. These findings, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, mark a significant breakthrough in understanding how life may have originated. In 2023, we brought a sample of an asteroid called Bennu to Earth, part of a plan to study remnants of our early solar system. These grains of rock have shown that the building blocks of life and the conditions for making them existed on Bennu's parent body 4.5 billion years ago. The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft harvested the sample from Bennu in 2020 and returned it to Earth in 2023. Upon examination, researchers found that the asteroid fragments contained all five nucleobases—the essential “letters” that make up DNA and RNA—as well as 11 unique mineral compounds, which had not been identified in any previous studies of space rocks. Analysis of the samples showed that evaporated water had created a briny, primordial “broth” on Bennu’s parent body. This environment allowed the elemental precursors of life to interact and form increasingly complex structures. These residual brine deposits are reminiscent of the salt crusts found in dried-up lakebeds on Earth, but Bennu’s chemical signatures date back 4.6 billion years—predating its formation by around 100 million years. “These grains of rock have shown that the building blocks of life and the conditions for making them existed on Bennu’s parent body 4.5 billion years ago,” NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center stated on X (formerly Twitter). This discovery suggests that the fundamental ingredients for life could have been widespread throughout the galaxy, raising the possibility that planets and moons far from the Sun may have had similar conditions. “NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission already is rewriting the textbook on what we understand about the beginnings of our solar system,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Asteroids provide a time capsule into our home planet’s history, and Bennu’s samples are pivotal in our understanding of what ingredients in our solar system existed before life started on Earth.” Bennu may not be the only cosmic body to contain these key components of life. Scientists believe that other celestial objects, such as the dwarf planet Ceres and Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus, may also harbor similar briny deposits. Notably, sodium carbonate—an important chemical compound linked to prebiotic chemistry—has already been found on Enceladus. Meanwhile, researchers in the UK recently confirmed the presence of a “super-Earth” located 20 light-years away in a habitable zone, meaning it is at the right distance from its central star to potentially sustain liquid water. While Bennu’s sample provides compelling evidence of life’s fundamental ingredients, scientists have yet to determine whether this asteroid’s chemical interactions could have progressed into more advanced organic structures, similar to the evolution of life on Earth. “We now know we have the basic building blocks to move along this pathway towards life, but we don’t know how far along that pathway this environment could allow things to progress,” McCoy stated. The discovery of life’s essential ingredients on Bennu offers a new perspective on how the origins of life may not have been exclusive to Earth. It also deepens the ongoing search for life beyond our planet, strengthening the case for further exploration of asteroids and distant worlds that may hold similar secrets. Based on a report by NYP 2025-01-31

President Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order Wednesday directing federal agencies to identify all civil and criminal measures available to combat antisemitism, including potential deportation for non-citizens involved in anti-Jewish activities. According to a document outlining the order, agency and department leaders will have 60 days to provide recommendations to the White House. The Justice Department is expected to investigate pro-Hamas graffiti and acts of intimidation, particularly on college campuses, as part of the administration’s broader effort. The House GOP report accused the Biden administration, particularly the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, of obstructing records requests regarding the number of visa holders involved in anti-Israel protests. During his campaign, Trump called for the deportation of pro-Hamas students in the U.S. on visas, a stance reinforced last week by an executive order aimed at addressing national security concerns. That order included language asserting that the U.S. must "ensure that admitted aliens and aliens otherwise already present in the United States” do not support designated foreign terrorist organizations, though the precise legal implications remain unclear. The issue of free speech protections has been a focal point in the debate. During a congressional hearing in December 2023, university presidents faced intense scrutiny from Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), Trump’s nominee for UN ambassador, after refusing to state whether calls for the genocide of Jews constituted punishable conduct. Their responses suggested concerns over First Amendment protections. Although hate speech is generally legal in the U.S., the recent House GOP report argues that federal law prohibits institutions receiving taxpayer funds from tolerating discrimination, potentially allowing the government to enforce stricter policies against antisemitism. Legal precedents also suggest that non-citizens have fewer speech protections than U.S. citizens. The 1972 Supreme Court case Kleindienst v. Mandel upheld the government's right to deny a visa to a Belgian Marxist, and prior rulings have affirmed the deportation of non-citizens affiliated with anarchist and Communist movements. Some of the most visible pro-Hamas activism in the U.S. occurred in Washington, D.C., where demonstrators carried banners in support of the group as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Congress in July. One high-profile incident involved Zaid Mohammed Mahdawi, a 26-year-old leader of the Richmond, Va., chapter of American Muslims for Palestine, who was arrested for allegedly climbing atop a Capitol monument and spray-painting “HAMAS IS COMIN.” Trump’s latest executive order, which likely includes provisions for withholding federal funds from non-compliant institutions, comes after his administration attempted to temporarily freeze federal aid and halt the distribution of pending grants. However, a federal judge blocked the pause on grants on Tuesday, indicating potential legal battles ahead. Based on a report by NYP 2025-01-31

Former President Donald Trump has reached a $25 million settlement with Meta, resolving a lawsuit he filed in 2021 after the company suspended his Facebook accounts in the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Trump’s accounts were taken offline following the events of that day, during which his supporters stormed the Capitol in an attempt to overturn Joe Biden’s presidential victory. In the lead-up to the attack, Trump had repeatedly used his social media platforms to claim, without evidence, that the 2020 election had been stolen. On January 6, he urged his followers near the Capitol to “fight like hell.” The settlement, signed Wednesday, comes shortly after Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg was seen attending Trump’s inauguration alongside other prominent billionaires and tech executives. In recent months, their previously strained relationship appears to have improved, with Zuckerberg dining with Trump at Mar-a-Lago shortly after the election. The meeting was reportedly part of broader efforts to repair ties between Meta and the new administration. According to sources familiar with the agreement, Trump raised the issue of the lawsuit during his dinner with Zuckerberg in November, suggesting that resolving the case would be necessary before he could be “brought into the tent.” Zuckerberg later returned to Florida for a mediation session in early January, during which Trump briefly stepped away to attend proceedings in his hush money trial. As part of its broader outreach, Meta also donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund. Trump’s lawsuit against Meta was one of several legal actions he launched in July 2021, months after leaving office. He also sued Twitter—now known as X under Elon Musk’s ownership—and YouTube, arguing that social media companies had unfairly censored him. His complaint against Meta claimed that widespread online censorship created a "chilling effect" on political, medical, social, and cultural discourse in the United States. Trump’s suspension from Facebook and Instagram followed scrutiny of his role in the January 6 riot, with Meta concluding that his posts violated platform policies. However, the former president has since regained access to his accounts. The settlement marks the latest chapter in Trump’s complex relationship with major tech companies, with both political and business interests shaping the evolving dynamics between the former president and Silicon Valley’s most powerful executives. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-01-31

Nigel Farage has revealed that he and King Charles have shared lighthearted moments despite their past differences. The Reform UK leader attended a reception at Buckingham Palace for newly elected MPs, where he mingled with members of the royal family, including Queen Camilla, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. Farage acknowledged that he has met the King "many times" and anticipated that their exchanges would be "interesting" given their previous disagreements. Reflecting on their history, he recounted an incident at the European Parliament years ago when King Charles, then Prince of Wales, delivered a speech that received a standing ovation from nearly everyone except Farage himself. "Apart from me, I sat there with arms folded. So we've had a laugh about it ever since, it's not nasty, it's climate change and stuff like that," he said. Beyond his interactions with the King, Farage also commented on other members of the royal family, particularly the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. He suggested that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s departure to the United States had left a void that others had to fill. He praised the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, calling them "charming" and crediting them with taking on a significant amount of royal duties. "They're doing a lot of the heavy lifting," he said. Asked whether it was his first time meeting them, he responded, "I met them [a] long, long, long time ago. But no, they're charming, and they do a lot of the heavy lifting, because there's one or two gaps out there." Farage also reflected on what he described as "a difficult few years" for the royal family. He pointed out that with the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles’s health struggles, and Prince Andrew’s absence from public life, the burden of royal responsibilities had fallen on fewer shoulders. "You know, wonder boy and wonder girl disappear off to America, you know, [Queen Elizabeth II] dies, the King's not been well, Andrew's not in the public eye, Princess Anne is 74 or 75 or whatever she is. So they're doing a lot of the heavy lifting. And I think doing it very well." Speaking about his time at the palace, Farage said he also had "a laugh about life" with Prince Edward. He reflected on past receptions, recalling that this was not his first time attending such an event at Buckingham Palace. "It's really funny being at this, because this is not the first one of these I've been to. I came to a reception for new MEPs. So we're going back 26 years, and there were about 30 of us, and that was with [Queen Elizabeth II] and as he was then, the Duke of Edinburgh." Despite past political and ideological differences, Farage’s comments suggested a level of cordiality between him and the King, with mutual understanding allowing them to share a laugh over past disagreements. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-01-31

Lord Mandelson has admitted that his past comments about Donald Trump were a mistake, calling his 2019 statement that the former US president was a "danger to the world" both "ill-judged and wrong." The remarks come as the former Labour minister prepares to take on the role of the UK’s ambassador to the United States, though speculation has arisen about whether President Trump will accept his appointment. Speaking to Fox News, Mandelson distanced himself from his previous criticisms, acknowledging a shift in both public perception and his own views. "I consider my remarks about President Trump as ill-judged and wrong," he said. "I think times and attitudes towards the president have changed since then. I think people have been impressed, not just by the extraordinary second mandate that he has received from the American people, but the dynamism and energy with which he approached not just the campaign but government as well." Mandelson’s past remarks about Trump were starkly different. In a 2019 interview on the Alain Elkann Interviews podcast, he described Trump's beliefs as "an anathema to mainstream British opinion." He added, "Even those who have a sneaking admiration for Donald Trump because of his personality, nonetheless regard him as reckless, and a danger to the world." He also previously accused Trump of being "little short of a white nationalist and a racist," and criticized his approach toward the UK’s ambassador at the time. Now, however, Mandelson is adopting a far more conciliatory tone. He has not only walked back his past remarks but has also gone as far as praising Trump’s leadership qualities. "He is a nice and fair-minded person," Mandelson said, adding that Trump could become "one of the most consequential American presidents I have known in my adult life." He also praised Trump's governance, stating, "I think that with the approach he is taking to government, which frankly just seems to us in Britain so much more organised, it's so much more coherent, he seems to be so much more clear in what he wants to do, we take encouragement from that, that gives us greater confidence." With Mandelson now set to represent the UK in Washington, his shift in tone is likely a strategic move to ensure smooth diplomatic relations between the two nations. Whether Trump will accept his appointment remains to be seen, but his remarks mark a significant departure from his previously harsh stance on the US president. Based on a report by Sky News 2025-01-31

By the 1980s, Britain had emerged as a relatively civilised and cohesive society, but some of those hard-won social advances now appear to be under strain. A recent case highlights this concern: a sexagenarian was arrested for allegedly using wigs and disguises to take British citizenship tests on behalf of over a dozen applicants. This incident suggests that some individuals are so determined to settle in Britain that they are willing to bypass the very requirements meant to ensure their integration. It is possible that their English proficiency was too limited to answer even basic multiple-choice questions like, "St Andrews is the patron saint of which country?" Such a case exposes the weaknesses of the citizenship test itself—both in terms of its content and its effectiveness. The 45-minute exam, which can be repeatedly attempted until passed, seems incapable of assessing an applicant’s commitment to British values, institutions, and traditions. A simple online practice test makes it clear that the system fails to measure a person’s willingness to assimilate. How many applicants are genuinely drawn to British culture, rather than merely seeking practical benefits? Recent projections from the Office for National Statistics indicate that net migration could push the UK’s population to 72.5 million by 2032. Despite this, political leaders appear strikingly indifferent to the broader implications of such demographic shifts on social and cultural cohesion. Following the Second World War, fewer than one in 25 people in Britain had been born abroad. Today, that figure stands at roughly one in seven. The first major wave of migrants, the Windrush generation, mostly came from the Caribbean, spoke English, and shared a Christian heritage. In contrast, research from Policy Exchange now identifies over two dozen communities in Britain where at least 100,000 residents were born overseas. The scale of this diversity is immense. British citizens today speak a wide range of languages, practice different religions, and adhere to varied traditions. This raises the question: how can a society foster mutual responsibility, a shared sense of purpose, and national solidarity amid such deep cultural differences? There is no clear answer, and few are willing to ask the question. A core contradiction in the multiculturalism debate remains unresolved—while we are encouraged to celebrate an increasingly diverse and dynamic society, we are simultaneously expected to maintain a unified set of values. This paradox demands scrutiny. Britain is undeniably changing. A recent survey found that one in five voters under 45 would prefer to abolish democracy. Meanwhile, BBC In Depth reported shifting moral perspectives, with "disapproval of various underhand activities [falling] noticeably." Additionally, alcohol consumption has been steadily declining since the mid-2000s, particularly among Gen Z. Oddly missing from analyses of these shifts is the potential influence of high migration levels. Instead, the BBC attributes these changes to the usual suspects: social media, politicians, and corporations. While these factors undoubtedly play a role, corruption and unethical business practices have existed in Britain for centuries, and modern corporations are arguably more ethically conscious than in the past. By the 1980s, Britain had firmly established itself as a progressive and orderly society. Capital and corporal punishment had been abolished. Homosexuality had been decriminalised. Nepotism, bribery, and tribal loyalty had been pushed aside. Secular education was firmly in place, women’s rights had been dramatically expanded, and the principle that nobody is above the law was widely respected. These advances were built on a strong sense of national identity and pride. Yet some of these values are now being eroded. Part of this can be attributed to progressive policies championed by Tory politicians, the increasing influence of "woke" ideology in institutions, and the denigration of British history. What remains unclear is the precise role of mass migration in these societal changes. Today, only 64 per cent of people express pride in Britain’s history. When four schoolboys accidentally scuffed a Koran, they were suspended, and police recorded it as a non-crime hate incident. Meanwhile, efforts to redefine Islamophobia risk introducing a de facto blasphemy law. Concerns over electoral integrity have also been raised, with Tory politicians warning of the "abuse of postal votes" and instances where heads of households reportedly complete ballots on behalf of entire families. "We’re at a crossroads," says academic Dr Rakib Ehsan. "There is a lack of political leadership over these issues – and they won’t go away." Ensuring successful integration in a multi-ethnic society requires active effort. To assume that it will happen passively, through some mysterious process of osmosis, is a dangerous mistake. Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-01-31 Related Topics: UK Population Set to Surge to 72.5 Million by 2032, Driven by Migration

President Donald Trump has officially invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to visit the White House next week, making him the first foreign leader to be hosted by the 47th president during his second term. "I would like to formally invite you to the White House next week," Trump wrote in a letter released by Netanyahu’s office. "I look forward to discussing how we can bring peace to Israel and its neighbors, and efforts to counter our shared adversaries. It will be my honor to host you as my first foreign leader during my second term." Netanyahu’s office has indicated that the meeting is scheduled for February 4. The visit comes amid the first phase of a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which Trump’s transition team played a role in brokering before his inauguration. The agreement, which is expected to last until early March, includes Hamas releasing 33 hostages taken from Israel on October 7, 2023, in exchange for Israel freeing nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Trump has recently suggested that neighboring countries should take in Palestinians displaced from Gaza in an effort to stabilize the region. "I wish he would take some," Trump said about Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. "We help them a lot, and I’m sure he can help us." The president also stated, "I’d like to get them living in an area where they can live without disruption and revolution and violence." Over the weekend, Trump proposed the idea of resettling Palestinians in Jordan, either temporarily or long-term, but the suggestion was swiftly rejected by Jordan’s foreign minister. "You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know, it’s over,’" Trump said, describing the Gaza Strip as "a real mess" following Israel’s military actions against terror groups in the region. Trump’s remarks came on the same day that his administration agreed to send a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel. The weapons, previously withheld by former President Joe Biden over concerns about their use in densely populated areas, are now being provided under the new administration’s policy. Trump hinted at Netanyahu’s visit during a conversation with reporters aboard Air Force One, and the invitation was extended on the same day that Senate Democrats blocked a Republican-led effort to advance legislation sanctioning the International Criminal Court (ICC). Last spring, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, accusing them of using starvation as a weapon of war. The United States does not recognize the ICC’s jurisdiction. Senate Democrats voiced concerns that the proposed Republican sanctions on the ICC could have unintended consequences for American allies and U.S. businesses that contract with The Hague. "The ICC bill is one I largely support and would like to see become law," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) before the 54-45 vote on the measure, which fell short of the required 60 votes to advance. "However, as much as I oppose the ICC bias against Israel, as much as I want to see that institution drastically reformed and reshaped, the bill before us is poorly drafted and deeply problematic." Based on a report by NYP 2025-01-31

The Defense Department’s intelligence agency has paused observances of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Pride Month, Holocaust Days of Remembrance, and several other cultural and historical events in response to President Donald Trump’s executive order banning diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in federal workplaces. The directive, issued in a Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA) memo obtained by The Associated Press, affects 11 annual events, including Black History Month, which begins Saturday, and National Hispanic Heritage Month. A U.S. official confirmed the authenticity of the memo, stating that the directive was initiated by the DIA and does not appear to be a department-wide policy across the Pentagon. “We are receiving questions across the workforce on the way forward,” the memo stated. “DIA will pause all activities and events related to Agency Special Emphasis Programs effective immediately and until further notice." Additionally, the agency has suspended “special observances” throughout the year, though the memo clarified that federal holidays such as Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Juneteenth would remain unaffected. The DIA has not responded to requests for comment. Federal agencies have struggled to interpret Trump’s January 20 executive order, which abruptly ended DEI programs across the government. Due to a lack of specific guidance from the White House, agencies have broadly halted related initiatives as they determine compliance measures. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has since directed staff to establish a DEI task force to ensure that all DEI-related programs are eliminated from the Pentagon. In addition to Black History Month and MLK Day, other annual observances affected by the DIA’s decision include Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month, National American Indian Heritage Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Women’s Equality Day, and Women’s History Month. When asked at a White House briefing on Tuesday whether Black History Month would cease to be recognized, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “As far as I know, this White House certainly still intends to celebrate, and we will continue to celebrate American history and the contributions that all Americans, regardless of race, religion, or creed, have made to our great country.” Based on a report by The Independent 2025-01-31

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg expressed optimism about the company's evolving relationship with the U.S. government, praising the Trump administration during an earnings call on Wednesday. He signaled a shift in how Meta interacts with policymakers, emphasizing the importance of fostering innovation and supporting American technological leadership. "This is also going to be a big year for redefining our relationship with governments," Zuckerberg stated. "We now have a US administration that is proud of our leading companies, prioritizes American technology winning and that will defend our values and interests abroad." He added, "And I am optimistic about the progress and innovation that this can unlock." His comments coincided with the announcement of a settlement between Meta and former President Trump over a lawsuit stemming from Meta’s decision to suspend Trump's accounts in the wake of the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Under the terms of the agreement, Meta will pay Trump $25 million, with approximately $22 million allocated to a fund for his presidential library and the remainder covering legal expenses and other plaintiffs. The Wall Street Journal first reported on the settlement, and a Meta spokesperson later confirmed its details to The Hill. Trump, who previously regarded Zuckerberg as an adversary, has shown a warmer attitude toward the Meta CEO in recent months. Following his election victory, Zuckerberg visited Trump at Mar-a-Lago and attended the presidential inauguration last week. This apparent reconciliation has drawn criticism from some Democrats and other observers, who accuse major tech executives of attempting to secure favor with the administration to shield their companies from regulatory challenges. Adding to the controversy, Meta recently made a dramatic policy shift by dismantling its fact-checking program, a move widely seen as a departure from the company's prior efforts to combat misinformation. The initiative, introduced in 2016, had long been cited by Meta as a crucial tool in maintaining the integrity of information on its platforms. Trump himself suggested that the removal of the fact-checking system was influenced by his own past confrontations with Zuckerberg and Meta. Speaking to reporters earlier this month, he remarked that the decision was "probably" linked to his previous threats against the company. Based on a report by The Hill 2025-01-31

Retail crime in the UK has hit an all-time high, with theft and violence against shop workers escalating at an alarming rate. According to the British Retail Consortium (BRC), shoplifting is now “spiralling out of control,” while store workers face up to 2,000 incidents of violence and abuse every day. The BRC’s annual crime survey revealed a staggering 50% increase in incidents of violence and abuse compared to the previous year. Weapons-related attacks on retail staff have more than doubled since 2023. The survey also recorded over 20 million shoplifting incidents in 2024, equivalent to more than 55,000 thefts per day. Labour has pledged to tackle the crisis, promising to end the “shameful neglect” of retail crime. Meanwhile, the Government is introducing new laws under the Crime and Sentencing Bill, making assaults on shop workers punishable by up to six months in jail. Shoplifters could also be banned from stores where they have committed offences. Additionally, the Government is reversing the so-called "shoplifters’ charter," which effectively decriminalised thefts of items worth less than £200. However, some officials argue these measures do not go far enough. Lord Foster of Bath, chairman of the House of Lords justice and home affairs committee, has urged authorities to stop using the term "shoplifting," arguing it trivialises what is often organised criminal activity. He also called for new regulations to prevent criminals from anonymously reselling stolen goods online. Retailers have expressed frustration with the police response to shoplifting and violence. According to the BRC survey, 61% of respondents described police responses as “poor” or “very poor.” Helen Dickinson stressed that businesses are investing heavily in security, but cannot fight crime alone. “With little faith in police attendance, it is no wonder criminals feel they have licence to steal, threaten, assault, and abuse. Retailers are spending more than ever before, but they cannot prevent crime alone.” Last year, businesses spent £1.8 billion on security measures such as CCTV and body cameras, a significant rise from £1.2 billion the previous year. Some retailers have also introduced DNA testing kits to help police track down abusive customers. Tesco, for example, has provided its delivery drivers with "spit kits" to identify offenders. Fears of rising organised crime are growing. James Bailey, managing director of Waitrose, has reported an increase in armed assaults on staff, noting that gangs are now "shoplifting to order," stealing specific products for resale. The BRC survey is considered one of the most comprehensive indicators of retail crime in the country, as official police figures only account for reported incidents. Official statistics show that 469,788 shoplifting offences were reported to police in the year to June 2024, a 29% rise from the previous year’s total of 365,173. However, only one in six shoplifters are caught and charged. Ministry of Justice research indicates that shoplifters are among the most likely offenders to reoffend. Between March 2017 and March 2022, nearly 80,000 shoplifters were convicted again within a year of their previous offence, with data suggesting that six in ten reoffend within 12 months. Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Crime, Policing, and Fire, condemned the rising violence against retail staff. “The rising levels of shop theft and violence against retail staff are utterly unacceptable. We will not stand for this. That is why this Government has made clear we will introduce a new specific offence of assaulting a retail worker and end the effective immunity that currently applies for theft of goods under £200. And it is why as part of our Safer Streets Mission we are restoring neighbourhood policing, putting thousands of dedicated officers and community support officers back on our streets, and ensuring every community has a named local officer they can turn to.” Based on a report by Daily Telegraph 2025-01-31

A major cyberattack that forced DeepSeek to halt new registrations for its groundbreaking AI model, R1, originated in the United States, according to Chinese state media. The attack, which targeted user credentials and attempted to breach the system, came just days after DeepSeek’s rapid rise in popularity sent shockwaves through the Western tech industry. DeepSeek, a Chinese startup, introduced its AI model, R1, last week, immediately drawing global attention. The model quickly climbed to the top of Apple’s free app downloads, surpassing OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Unlike its Western counterparts, DeepSeek claims to have developed its model at a fraction of the cost, using significantly less computing power and avoiding reliance on expensive Nvidia chips. As reports emerged over the weekend that R1 rivaled the most advanced AI models from tech giants like OpenAI, Google, and Meta—while also being open-source and cost-effective—investors reacted sharply. The fear of competition triggered a massive sell-off in companies such as Nvidia and Oracle, leading to a near-trillion-dollar loss in the U.S. stock market on Monday. Nvidia, a key supplier of AI training chips, was among the hardest hit. On Tuesday, DeepSeek announced it had been targeted by a large-scale cyberattack. The company responded by restricting new registrations, allowing only users with Chinese phone numbers to sign up while barring international accounts. A notice on its app informed users that the attack was ongoing but did not specify its origin. “Due to large-scale malicious attacks on DeepSeek's services, we are temporarily limiting registrations to ensure continued service,” the message read. “Existing users can log in as usual. Thanks for your understanding and support.” By Wednesday, DeepSeek confirmed it had identified the issue and was working on a fix. Shortly after, Yuyuan Tantian, a social media account linked to China’s state broadcaster CCTV, claimed the cyberattack had been traced to the United States. Citing the Chinese cybersecurity firm QAX Technology Group, the report described an initial wave of attacks aimed at overwhelming DeepSeek’s servers with excessive traffic. Later attacks reportedly became more targeted, using brute-force methods to crack user passwords in an effort to analyze the AI model’s functionality. “All the attack IPs were recorded, all are from the US,” said Wang Hui, a cybersecurity expert at QAX, in a statement to CCTV. The accusations add to ongoing tensions between China and the U.S. in the field of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, where competition over technological supremacy continues to escalate. Based on a report by The Independent 2025-01-31

I baiting troll post with personal attack has been removed @Neeranam along with a further off topic baiting post. Any more and expect some more time off to read the rules Topic: UK Population Set to Surge to 72.5 Million by 2032, Driven by Migration

Large crowds in Khan Younis ahead of release of Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes; already freed hostage Agam Berger reunites with parents. There are chaotic scenes in southern Gaza ahead of the release of hostages Arbel Yehoud and Gadi Mozes. The vehicle that appears to be carrying the hostages struggles to inch its way through the large crowd of onlookers as sirens wail. Horrific: The moment Agam Berger was freed—surrounded by Hamxs cameras. A staged spectacle. Based on a report by BBC & TOI 2025-01-31

A regional jet operated by American Airlines collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter in midair near Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m., according to a preliminary update from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Wednesday evening. Authorities have launched a search-and-rescue operation in the Potomac River, where one or both aircraft may have crashed. The Bombardier CRJ700, which was en route from Wichita, Kansas, was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members when the collision occurred. The aircraft, fitted with 65 seats, has 44 in the main cabin, 12 in the main cabin extra section, and nine in first class, according to American Airlines. U.S. Senator Roger Marshall of Kansas confirmed the number of passengers aboard and expressed his concern, saying, "My prayer is that God wraps his arms around each and every victim and that he continues to be with their families. There are no words that can make telling this story any easier. I ask the world to join me in praying for Kansas this evening, the first responders, rescue crews, and all those involved in this horrific accident." Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was sworn in earlier the same day, stated on social media that he was monitoring the situation from the FAA headquarters. Emergency responders are actively searching for survivors in the river, with NBC 4’s Julie Carey reporting that four victims have been taken to the North Boathouse Fire Station at Reagan National Airport for medical attention. Officials confirmed that the helicopter involved in the collision was an Army Black Hawk. The circumstances leading up to the crash remain unclear, and authorities are continuing their investigation into the incident. Based on a report by NBC News 2025-01-31

Hostages Update: Tomorrow three Israeli hostages will be released from Hamas captivity. Reports indicate five Thai hostages will also be released.

President Donald Trump has signed a memorandum instructing the heads of Homeland Security and Defense to expand the migrant detention center at the U.S. naval base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The directive orders officials to bring the facility "to full capacity to provide additional detention space for high-priority criminal aliens unlawfully present in the United States, and to address attendant immigration enforcement needs identified by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security." The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from the Cuban government, which has long opposed the presence of a U.S. naval base on the island. Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel condemned the decision, calling it "an act of brutality" to place migrants next to "known prisons of torture." Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez echoed the sentiment, stating that the move "shows contempt for the human condition and international law." The Guantanamo Bay naval base has been a point of contention between the United States and Cuba since Fidel Castro came to power in 1959. While the base has primarily been known for detaining terrorism suspects since 2002, it has also been used to house migrants at the Guantánamo Migrant Operations Center under various U.S. administrations. Despite Havana’s protests, the Trump administration appears unbothered by the diplomatic fallout. With the State Department now led by Marco Rubio, the former Florida senator whose family left Cuba in the 1950s, tensions between Washington and Havana seem unlikely to ease. The move to expand detentions at Guantanamo is likely to further strain relations, yet it aligns with the administration’s broader immigration enforcement agenda. Based on a report by BBC 2025-01-30

In a powerful video posted to YouTube on Tuesday, Caroline Kennedy, the only surviving child of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, publicly denounced her cousin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., calling him a "predator" and urging senators to reject his nomination as President Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services. Reading from a letter addressed to U.S. senators, Caroline Kennedy delivered a damning critique of her cousin’s character and actions, stating that his behavior "has cost lives" and alleging he preys on vulnerable individuals, including parents of sick children. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for his controversial stance on vaccines, faces a significant hurdle in his confirmation hearings scheduled for Wednesday. He is set to appear before both the Senate Finance Committee and the Health, Education, Labor, and Pension Committee. His confirmation, which requires a simple majority in the Senate, has drawn fierce opposition due to his views on public health, his past accusations of voter fraud in New York, and his divisive stance on abortion. With all Senate Democrats and three Republican votes needed to block his appointment, the hearings promise to be contentious. In her letter, Caroline Kennedy did not hold back, accusing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of exploiting the fears and desperation of those in need. She specifically highlighted his outspoken skepticism of vaccines, a position that she argued should disqualify him from leading the Department of Health and Human Services. “He preys on the desperation of parents, sick children, and even his own family members,” Kennedy wrote, adding that his actions were "a perverse scene of despair and violence." Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has repeatedly denied being "anti-vaccine," telling NBC News in November, “I wouldn’t take away anybody’s vaccines.” However, he has made statements that undermine public trust in vaccines, such as claiming during an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman that there are no safe and effective vaccines available. He has also criticized the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines, asserting that he had doubts about their efficacy as early as May 2020 after analyzing early animal studies. These positions have fueled his critics’ concerns about his ability to oversee a department tasked with safeguarding public health. Caroline Kennedy also detailed what she described as troubling personal behavior, including anecdotes of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. feeding blended baby chickens and mice to his hawks. She characterized these actions as emblematic of a pattern of violence and despair, further underscoring her assertion that he is unfit for public office. Beyond his controversial rhetoric, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has also come under scrutiny for financial conflicts of interest. According to Caroline Kennedy, he has profited significantly from lawsuits targeting vaccine manufacturers. Specifically, she pointed to his involvement in a case against pharmaceutical company Merck over Gardasil, a vaccine that prevents cervical cancer. The Associated Press reported that Kennedy earned more than $850,000 from the case last year. “In other words, he is willing to enrich himself by denying access to a vaccine that can prevent almost all forms of cervical cancer and which has been safely administered to millions of boys and girls,” Caroline Kennedy wrote. As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. prepares to face the Senate, the accusations from his cousin cast a long shadow over his confirmation bid. Whether these charges will influence the outcome remains to be seen, but they have undoubtedly added a deeply personal and dramatic dimension to an already contentious nomination process. Based on a report by Newsweek 2025-01-30

The UK population is projected to increase significantly over the next decade, reaching 72.5 million by 2032, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This marks a rise from 67.6 million in 2022, with migration identified as the primary factor driving the growth. Net migration is expected to contribute nearly five million people to the population between 2022 and 2032. The ONS noted that the natural change, which reflects the balance between births and deaths, is projected to be around zero during this period. “The UK population is projected to grow by almost five million over the next decade. The driver of this growth is migration,” said James Robards, head of population and household projections at the ONS. In addition to population growth, the data highlights the UK’s status as an ageing society. By 2047, the number of individuals aged over 85 is projected to nearly double, reaching 3.3 million. Robards explained this trend as a consequence of the ageing baby boomer generation and ongoing improvements in life expectancy. By mid-2032, 10.3 percent of the UK population is expected to be aged 75 or older, compared to 9.1 percent in mid-2022. Net migration, defined as the difference between people entering and leaving the UK, is projected to average 340,000 per year starting from mid-2028. This represents a decline from current levels, as net migration for the year ending June 2024 is estimated at 728,000. Nevertheless, migration will remain a key contributor to the UK’s population increase. The population is expected to surpass the 70 million mark by 2026. For historical context, the UK population was approximately 40 million in 1898, reached 50 million by 1948, and crossed 60 million in 2005. The ONS also reported that the overall population of the UK is projected to grow by 7.3 percent between mid-2022 and mid-2032. This represents an increase compared to the 6.1 percent population growth recorded in the previous decade. As the country approaches these significant demographic milestones, migration and ageing will continue to shape the UK’s societal and economic landscape in profound ways. Based on a report by The Times 2025-01-30

In a provocative claim lacking evidence, conservative commentator Tucker Carlson accused the Biden administration of attempting to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking on a recent episode of his podcast, *The Tucker Carlson Show*, the former Fox News host made the incendiary statement, drawing widespread attention and criticism. Carlson offered no proof to substantiate his extraordinary assertion. The remarks appeared to align with his pattern of making bold claims and stirring controversy, particularly regarding U.S. involvement in global conflicts. His comments come amidst ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Russia, heightened by the Kremlin's war in Ukraine and America's military aid to Kyiv. Since leaving Fox News in 2023 following the network's legal troubles over broadcasting unfounded claims about electoral fraud in the 2020 presidential election, Carlson has remained a divisive figure. He often amplifies viewpoints sympathetic to the Kremlin, including criticisms of U.S. support for Ukraine, which he has dismissed as "not a democracy." Carlson's engagement with Russian leadership has also drawn scrutiny. In February, he visited Moscow for a widely criticized interview with Putin, which many saw as lenient toward the Russian president. Later that year, in December, Carlson returned to Russia to sit down with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, further solidifying his image as a controversial voice on international politics. Despite the lack of evidence for his recent accusation, Carlson's remarks are likely to fuel ongoing debates about U.S. foreign policy, its role in the Ukraine conflict, and the broader implications of his alignment with Russian narratives. Based on a report by Politico 2025-01-30