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Outrage in Germany as Elon Musk Accused of Election Meddling
Germany's government has expressed strong disapproval of tech mogul Elon Musk's apparent attempts to influence the country’s upcoming parliamentary elections by endorsing the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. Musk, a vocal supporter of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and recently appointed "efficiency czar" in Trump’s administration, has sparked widespread controversy with his public comments and media engagements. This month, Musk used his social media platform X to declare, "Only the AfD can save Germany," a statement that quickly ignited political backlash. He subsequently reinforced his stance through an opinion piece published in a German Sunday newspaper, intensifying the debate. Responding to Musk's remarks, German government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann emphasized the sanctity of Germany's electoral process, stating, "It is a fact that Elon Musk is trying to exert influence on the parliamentary election. In Germany, elections are decided by voters at the ballot box." She further asserted that Germany’s elections remain "a matter for Germans" and reminded the public that the AfD has been classified as "extremist" by the nation’s domestic security agency. The controversy comes as Germany prepares for February 23 elections following the collapse of Chancellor Olaf Scholz's centre-left coalition government. Musk’s comments have drawn criticism across the political spectrum. Lars Klingbeil, co-leader of Scholz’s Social Democrats (SPD), accused Musk of mirroring Russian President Vladimir Putin’s tactics, claiming both figures aim to "weaken Germany and push it into chaos." Klingbeil also called for stronger European regulations to limit the political influence of large social media platforms like X. Musk's criticism of Scholz has been relentless, with his most recent attack following a deadly car-ramming incident at a Christmas market in Magdeburg on December 20. Musk called Scholz an "incompetent fool" and demanded his immediate resignation, further fueling tensions. Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative opposition CDU/CSU, also condemned Musk’s actions, labeling his endorsement of the AfD as "interfering and presumptuous." Merz highlighted the unprecedented nature of such interference, stating, "I cannot remember a comparable case of meddling in the election campaign of an allied country in the history of Western democracy." The AfD, known for its controversial stances, currently sits in second place in the polls at 19 percent, trailing the CDU/CSU at 32 percent. Meanwhile, Scholz’s SPD is projected to achieve its worst-ever result at 16 percent, with its Green coalition partners polling at 13 percent. Musk’s controversial remarks have added a volatile dimension to an already tumultuous political landscape. As Germany navigates the challenges of an unexpected election, the fallout from Musk's intervention may further shape the discourse and outcome in the months ahead. Based on a report by AFP 2024-01-02 -
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Trump Reiterates Warning to Hamas on Hostage Release
Former US President Donald Trump has once again issued a strong ultimatum to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages being held in Gaza. Trump’s comments came during a New Year’s Eve gala at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, as he was pressed by reporters on the delicate situation. The former president’s remarks highlight the ongoing tension surrounding the hostages and the apparent impasse in talks aimed at resolving the crisis. As Trump prepares for a potential return to office, his firm stance underscores the high stakes involved in addressing the situation in the region. Asked about his resolutions for the new year, Trump said, “I just want everybody to be happy, healthy and well.” Trump later took the stage to briefly address the crowd ringing in the new year at Mar-a-Lago and promised “to do a great job as your president.” Biden, for his part, spent New Year’s Eve celebrating the wedding of his niece Missy Owens in Greenville, Delaware, followed by the reception in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Biden and first lady Jill Biden cut short their traditional holiday trip to the U.S. Virgin Islands to attend the ceremony. Based on a report by USA News | TOI | 2024-01-02 -
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Scrutinizing BBC Verify: A Record of Errors and Omissions
BBC Verify, an investigative unit launched to combat disinformation, has faced increasing scrutiny due to high-profile missteps in its reporting. Promoted as the "frontline of the fight for truth," the unit's commitment to accuracy has been questioned following a series of corrections and controversies. A notable example arose during the riots following the Southport murders, when BBC Verify reported a violent racist attack in Humberside. The team identified two alleged attackers using open-source intelligence (OSINT) and facial recognition, claiming they targeted a car of men "of Asian heritage." However, Humberside Police later clarified that the victims were Eastern European, making the event unrelated to racial tensions as originally reported. Despite having multiple writers on the story, Verify failed to identify this critical detail before publication. Another instance involved allegations of systemic racism in the motor insurance industry. Maryam Ahmed, a BBC Verify journalist, reported that drivers in racially diverse areas paid 33% higher premiums, suggesting an "ethnicity penalty." Months later, the article was quietly retracted. The BBC admitted its analysis was flawed, stating it had failed to account for the limitations of its data. In October 2022, BBC Verify’s reporting on an explosion at Al Ahli hospital in Gaza sparked further controversy. Initially attributing the blast to an Israeli airstrike, the BBC echoed Hamas' claim of 500 deaths. Subsequent investigations by independent experts and Western governments pointed to a misfired Palestinian rocket, significantly reducing the death toll. While many revised their assessments, Verify maintained the event’s origins were "contested," relying heavily on analysis from Forensic Architecture, an organization with strong ties to pro-Palestinian activism. Critics argued this affiliation should have been disclosed to provide context for the claim. Another Gaza-related report from Verify relied on a questionable source. Mahmoud Awadeyah alleged that Israeli soldiers deliberately attacked civilians during an aid distribution in March 2023. However, Awadeyah’s ties to Tasnim, a media outlet controlled by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, and his history of celebrating anti-Israeli violence raised serious doubts about his credibility. Despite these associations, BBC Verify presented his account without disclosing these affiliations, leading former BBC Television Director Danny Cohen to criticize the omission as "misleading audiences." Since its inception in May 2023, Verify has published more than 200 stories, of which approximately 5% have been corrected, clarified, or withdrawn. Cohen highlighted this as a troubling statistic, emphasizing the BBC’s responsibility to uphold the highest journalistic standards. These controversies underline deeper concerns about Verify's approach, which some argue prioritizes quick, shareable content over rigorous fact-checking. As the unit continues to dominate BBC News output with over 60 dedicated journalists, its effectiveness in combating disinformation will depend on its ability to address these systemic flaws and rebuild trust with its audience. Based on a report by UnHerd 2024-01-02 Related: Former BBC News Chief Voices Concerns Over Verify Unit’s Impact on Journalism Credibility -
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Five Years On: WHO Presses China to Share Data on Covid Origins
Five years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its appeal to China for transparency in uncovering the origins of the virus. The pandemic, which has claimed millions of lives, disrupted economies, and overwhelmed healthcare systems, remains an enduring global concern. In a statement issued Monday, the WHO emphasized the importance of collaboration. "We continue to call on China to share data and access so we can understand the origins of Covid-19. This is a moral and scientific imperative," the organization declared. It further underscored that without transparency and cooperation between nations, the world risks being unprepared for future pandemics. "Without transparency, sharing, and cooperation among countries, the world cannot adequately prevent and prepare for future epidemics and pandemics." The agency recalled the initial alert it received on December 31, 2019, when its country office in China detected reports from health authorities in Wuhan regarding cases of "viral pneumonia." The following months saw the virus redefine global norms. "In the weeks, months and years that unfolded after that, Covid-19 came to shape our lives and our world," the WHO remarked. Marking the five-year milestone, the organization took a moment to honor those affected by the pandemic. "Let’s take a moment to honour the lives changed and lost, recognise those who are suffering from Covid-19 and Long Covid, express gratitude to the health workers who sacrificed so much to care for us, and commit to learning from Covid-19 to build a healthier tomorrow," it urged. Earlier in December, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus addressed the question of whether the world was better equipped for the next pandemic. His response reflected both progress and lingering vulnerabilities. "The answer is yes, and no," he stated. "If the next pandemic arrived today, the world would still face some of the same weaknesses and vulnerabilities that gave Covid-19 a foothold five years ago. But the world has also learnt many of the painful lessons the pandemic taught us, and has taken significant steps to strengthen its defences against future epidemics and pandemics." Efforts to formalize a global response mechanism are ongoing. In December 2021, spurred by Covid-19's devastating impact, nations began drafting an international accord on pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response. While significant progress has been made, negotiations remain gridlocked on critical issues. A notable divide exists between wealthier nations with established pharmaceutical industries and low-income countries concerned about equitable access during future health crises. Central to the debate is the commitment to rapidly share emerging pathogens and the resulting benefits, such as vaccines. These unresolved matters remain the core of the treaty, which has a negotiation deadline set for May 2025. As the world reflects on five years of grappling with Covid-19, the WHO’s call for collaboration serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for global solidarity in addressing both current and future public health challenges. Based on a report by AFP 2024-01-02 -
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Guardian Angels Return: New Yorkers Welcome Subway Safety Patrols
The Guardian Angels, led by founder Curtis Sliwa, have returned to patrol New York City's subways, bringing their iconic red berets and anti-crime mission back to the troubled transit system. The renewed efforts come in response to a surge in subway violence and a rising sense of unease among New Yorkers. Founded in 1979 during a period of rampant subway violence, the Guardian Angels once boasted thousands of members worldwide. Sliwa, a former Republican mayoral candidate, launched the group while working as a night manager at a Bronx McDonald’s. Though the Angels have sporadically returned to the subway over the decades, this marks their first patrol since 2020. The decision to resume patrols followed the horrific arson death of a homeless woman on an F train in Brooklyn earlier this month. This tragedy was part of a troubling pattern of transit violence, with recent attacks including a 48-year-old man slashed in the neck at the West 50th Street station and a 52-year-old man stabbed in the arm at the Myrtle-Wyckoff station. NYPD statistics reveal a disturbing rise in transit crime. Over the past 28 days, 49 felony assaults were reported in the subway system, a 40% increase from the same period last year. This year, subway murders have reached 10, doubling the number in 2023 and matching the 25-year high of 2022. Between 1997 and 2019, transit homicides rarely exceeded five per year. Other violent incidents have also underscored the urgency of the Angels' return. Hours after the F train arson, a 76-year-old woman was randomly punched on a 6 train at the 51st Street station, and a 27-year-old man was assaulted on the Bleeker Street platform. “We ride the trains and check every car, making our presence known,” Sliwa explained. “Then we get off and check the really bad stations like here at 125th and Lex. Upstairs is like dope fiend city.” The Guardian Angels’ new mission has already sparked interest, with 70 people reaching out to volunteer after a recent report on their efforts. Founding member Arnaldo Salinas emphasized that recruits are carefully screened to ensure they are motivated by a genuine desire to help rather than vigilante impulses. “If we get answers like ‘my mom was robbed the other day, and I want to get out there and kick the f–king s–t out of somebody,’ then, no, we can’t use you,” Salinas said. Meanwhile, New York State has also stepped up efforts to combat subway violence. Governor Kathy Hochul has deployed 1,250 National Guardsmen to patrol 150 transit locations, including major hubs like Grand Central and Times Square. While a spokesperson for Hochul declined to comment on the Angels' patrols, the governor’s office confirmed its commitment to working with the NYPD and City Hall to address the crisis, focusing on removing individuals with mental health issues who pose risks to themselves or others. As New Yorkers grapple with the resurgence of transit chaos, the return of the Guardian Angels offers a sense of hope and nostalgia. For many, their presence is not just a reminder of the city’s past struggles but a symbol of resilience and community in the face of adversity. Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-02 -
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Russia Dismisses Proposed Peace Deal from Trump Transition Team
Russia has firmly rejected peace proposals reportedly being considered by President-elect Donald Trump’s team to resolve the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking at a press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed dismay over suggestions that Ukraine’s NATO membership could be postponed or that European peacekeeping forces might be deployed within the country. Lavrov pointed to leaks and Trump’s December 12 interview with *Time* magazine as indicators of the incoming administration’s intentions. “Judging from numerous leaks and Donald Trump’s interview... their idea is to suspend hostilities along the line of contact and transfer responsibility for confrontation with Russia to the Europeans,” Lavrov stated. He criticized proposals that would delay Ukraine’s NATO membership for 20 years, calling them unacceptable. The Russian foreign minister made it clear that Moscow opposes any scenario that keeps the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO alive. “We are not happy, of course, with the proposals made by members of the Trump team to postpone Ukraine’s admission to NATO... and to station British and European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine,” Lavrov said. He reiterated Moscow’s stance that Ukraine’s NATO membership is non-negotiable, irrespective of territorial considerations. Although Trump declined to provide specific details about his plans for Ukraine during the *Time* interview, he did emphasize his commitment to supporting the country. Reports suggest the Trump transition team has been exploring a strategy involving European troops in Ukraine and delaying Kyiv’s NATO aspirations. Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, expected to serve as Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, has proposed leveraging military aid to Kyiv and threatening an increase in weaponry to pressure both sides into negotiations. Lavrov dismissed these ideas as untenable and warned that any effort by Trump to engage Moscow would face resistance. “Even if he tries to relaunch bilateral ties, he will have to swim against the stream,” Lavrov remarked. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a U.S.-based think tank, characterized Lavrov’s comments as reflective of Russia’s intransigence on negotiations. The ISW noted that Moscow’s demands remain rigid, including forcing Ukraine into permanent neutrality, significantly downsizing its military, and removing its current government. “These demands,” the ISW stated, “leave little room for compromise and underscore the challenges Trump will face in fulfilling his campaign pledge to end the war in Ukraine.” With Russia’s unwavering stance and its insistence on rejecting any compromises that undermine President Vladimir Putin’s objectives, Trump and his team are poised to face significant obstacles in crafting a viable path to peace. Based on a report by NYP 2024-01-02 -
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Legal Challenge Against Private School VAT Policy Deems It Discriminatory
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) has initiated a High Court legal challenge, claiming the Government’s proposed VAT on private school fees is discriminatory and undermines the rights of certain pupils. Representing over 1,400 private schools, the ISC filed a judicial review against Sir Keir Starmer’s flagship education policy, which aims to impose a 20 percent VAT on private school fees started January 1. The ISC asserts that the policy disproportionately impacts families who rely on private education to meet specific needs, such as children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), those attending single-sex schools, minority Jewish and Muslim families, and foreign nationals in bilingual schools. Six families, representing these groups, will serve as case studies in the legal proceedings. While their identities will remain anonymous, they are expected to argue that the additional financial burden could force them out of private education and into a state system ill-equipped to meet their unique requirements. One case study involves parents who have a young teen with special educational needs and will not be able to afford the additional cost of her child's private school fees from next year. She was refused an education health care plan (EHCP) by her local council. Without the support of an EHCP, she is "between a rock and a hard place". "She would tear up every morning. And I felt awful. I was dragging her to a school that she couldn't access because of her autistic needs," she said. "We entered the independent sector from the state sector out of desperation." Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, expressed concern over the policy’s far-reaching consequences. “Throughout the debate over charging VAT on education, we have consistently said that the diversity within independent schools has been ignored by policymakers,” she stated. “As a result of the Government’s blanket approach, the impact is likely to be felt immediately by many families and children, many of whom have chosen an independent school for reasons including faith, SEND support, dual-language learning, or single-sex education.” The legal claim, naming Chancellor Rachel Reeves as the defendant since the policy falls under the Treasury’s jurisdiction, argues that the VAT measure infringes on human rights protected by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the Human Rights Act 1998. The ISC has requested an expedited hearing, warning that families are already grappling with the impending financial strain as they weigh their options. The Council also highlights the policy’s broader implications, suggesting that it discriminates against private schools in comparison to other educational institutions like universities, which are exempt from VAT on fees. Robinson emphasized the importance of the case, stating, “We are seeking a declaration of incompatibility by the High Court to protect families who are having their choice removed from them by this policy.” While a favorable ruling in the High Court would not reverse the policy or halt its implementation, it could validate private schools’ concerns about its discriminatory nature and pressure the Government to introduce exemptions for affected families. The ISC anticipates a judicial review in early 2025, leaving many families anxiously awaiting clarity on their children’s educational futures. Based on a reports by Daily Telegraph & BBC 2024-01-02 Related: Top Oxfordshire Prep School to Close Amid Controversial VAT Policy on Private Education Looming Crisis: Private Schools Face Closures Amid VAT Hike Labour's School Curriculum Overhaul More Diversity to Reflect modern Britain
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