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UK Spends £99 Million on Electric Cooking Initiatives in Africa and Asia
UK Spends £99 Million on Electric Cooking Initiatives in Africa and Asia British taxpayers are funding a £99 million initiative aimed at encouraging families in Africa and Asia to adopt electric cooking. The project, which falls under the UK’s foreign aid programme, is designed to improve health and environmental conditions by reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal, both of which contribute to pollution. More than £55 million has already been spent on the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) project, and the Foreign Office recently approved nearly doubling its budget, extending its operation until the end of the decade. The majority of this funding is allocated to Loughborough University, which is conducting extensive research on clean cooking solutions. By 2030, the university is expected to produce 650 reports on the subject. As part of its efforts, researchers have also developed 'eCookbooks' to guide families in preparing traditional meals with electric appliances and created a 'multi-dimensional framework to assess and monitor gender equality, equity, and women's empowerment.' Additionally, the programme includes the distribution of 20,000 electric pressure cookers in Tanzania and Uganda, with a smaller number of air fryers being handed out in other countries. However, the initiative has faced criticism from some quarters, with concerns being raised about the use of taxpayer money on foreign aid projects that may not deliver tangible benefits. Joanna Marchong, Investigations Campaign Manager at the TaxPayers' Alliance, expressed her concerns, stating, "Taxpayers will be furious at the frittering away of their cash on frivolous foreign aid projects. Too many of these costly schemes look like little more than virtue-signalling exercises rather than genuine humanitarian assistance which saves lives." The future of the MECS project is now uncertain following a recent announcement by Sir Keir Starmer that the UK’s aid budget will be reduced to accommodate increased defence spending. A spokesperson from the Foreign Office commented, "The UK is taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA [Official Development Assistance] delivers value for money for the taxpayer. Detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review." Loughborough University, which remains at the forefront of the initiative, responded to the potential budget cuts, saying, "The university remains committed to the MECS project. At this stage, we have no information on whether cuts to UK Official Development Assistance will affect our programme moving forward." With the debate over foreign aid spending continuing, the programme’s long-term viability remains uncertain. However, for now, the UK government maintains its commitment to promoting clean cooking in developing countries. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-03-19 -
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Kanye West Sparks Outrage with Controversial Casting Call for New Choir
Kanye West has once again ignited backlash after announcing an open casting call for his latest project, a choir known as "The Hooligans." The 47-year-old rapper, already under intense scrutiny for his previous anti-Semitic remarks, shared the details of the audition on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday night, sparking widespread outrage. "THE HOOLIGANS Open casting call for volunteers," the post read. "Ye is putting together a hooligan choir to give the sound of the Vultures number one song Carnival." However, the eligibility criteria quickly raised eyebrows. "Those interested in joining must be men and fit. NO FAT PEOPLE," the announcement specified. Further adding to the controversy, the casting call required participants to have "the skin complexion of Sean Combs and darker." This exclusionary requirement drew immediate criticism, with many accusing West of engaging in discriminatory behavior. West, who has been a vocal supporter of Sean 'Diddy' Combs despite the latter facing federal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, even featured what appeared to be a recorded conversation between them in his latest track, Lonely Roads Still Go to Sunshine. The choir members are also required to have shaved heads or be willing to shave them if selected. However, the most shocking detail was the final stipulation: they "MUST BE COMFORTABLE WEARING SWASTIKAS." West, who has faced condemnation for his previous remarks about Hitler and Nazis, introduced a line of T-shirts featuring swastikas in February, further fueling concerns over his extremist rhetoric. The response to the casting call was swift and harsh. While some mocked the unusual requirements, others expressed outrage. "Not dark or skinny enough, damn," one person sarcastically remarked. Another furious commenter wrote, "This is straight-up clown behavior. If you’re begging for attention this hard, you’ve already lost. Swastikas? Fat-shaming? Obsessing over skin color? You sound like a joke trying way too hard to be edgy. Nobody with self-respect would waste their time on this garbage." A particularly scathing response read, "JEWISH lives matter, BLACK lives matter, fk slavery, fk yo NARCISSISM and also—son—f**k you." The outrage extended beyond social media, with Anti-Defamation League (ADL) CEO and National Director Jonathan Greenblatt strongly condemning West’s actions. Speaking to Daily Mail, Greenblatt stated, "There is no excuse—none—for praising Hitler. Glorifying a genocidal dictator with swastika merch is not 'edgy' or 'controversial.' When someone with Kanye’s influence spreads Nazi glorification, it emboldens extremists. It’s unacceptable and downright dangerous." West’s actions continue to alienate fans and industry professionals alike, with many questioning whether his behavior is a calculated attempt to stay in the public eye or a genuine descent into extremism. Regardless, the backlash against his latest move shows no signs of slowing down. Based on a report by Daily Mail 2025-03-19 -
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Soho's Nightlife Under Fire: Legal Battles and "Quiet Nights" in Westminster
Soho's Nightlife Under Fire: Legal Battles and "Quiet Nights" in Westminster London’s Soho, long celebrated as the heart of the city’s nightlife, is now at the center of a heated debate over late-night opening hours. As Westminster Council pushes forward with its new “After Dark” strategy, designed to create a more sensory-friendly environment with "quiet nights," reduced noise levels, and designated calm zones, legal battles over licensing restrictions are beginning to unfold. Westminster Council introduced its first-ever “After Dark” strategy this week, acknowledging concerns that the city’s nightlife is being stifled by increasing bureaucracy and rising costs. The draft policy aims to foster a more inclusive and accessible nighttime experience by urging venues to embrace quieter atmospheres with dimmed lighting and lower volume levels. For over a century, Soho has been the epicenter of London’s entertainment scene, boasting an array of renowned nightclubs, theatres, LGBTQ venues, and live music spaces. However, in recent years, the district has been caught in a struggle between business owners seeking to extend operating hours and residents raising concerns about noise and disruption. Rising rents, staff shortages, and licensing restrictions have added to the challenges for venue operators. Currently, under Westminster Council’s “core hours” policy, new establishments in much of Soho must close by 11:30 PM on weekdays, midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:30 PM on Sundays. These regulations have sparked backlash from business owners, particularly in cases like the proposed Blue Note Jazz club in St. Martin’s Lane near Leicester Square. The venue sought permission to remain open until 1 AM but faced resistance from the Metropolitan Police, Environmental Health, and local residents, who all objected to the late-night hours. In response, the Westminster Licensing Committee ruled against the club’s request, citing concerns about public nuisance. “The [Licensing] Committee were concerned that granting a licence for the hours requested would undermine the prevention of public nuisance licensing objective and therefore granted a licence limited to core hours,” the council stated. As part of its broader strategy, Westminster Council aims to balance economic vibrancy with public safety. The draft policy highlights measures to improve security, particularly for women, and combat anti-social behavior through increased CCTV surveillance. However, one of the most controversial proposals involves imposing a levy on late-night businesses that sell alcohol, such as pubs and nightclubs, to help fund these initiatives. Similar levies in cities like Nottingham and Cheltenham were scrapped after failing to improve nightlife or safety, and in 2023, a House of Lords committee concluded that such policies had not been successful in practice. Whether Westminster’s approach will prove any different remains to be seen. As the battle over Soho’s nightlife continues, venue owners, residents, and policymakers remain at odds over how best to preserve the area’s legendary after-dark culture while addressing the needs of the community. Based on a report by The Standard 2025-03-19 -
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Calls Grow to Shut Down ‘Vile’ Death Video Site as Ofcom Gains New Powers
Calls Grow to Shut Down ‘Vile’ Death Video Site as Ofcom Gains New Powers Bereaved families are demanding that Ofcom take action against a "vile" website that showcases videos of their loved ones' deaths. The site, which will not be named, has amassed over three million members and contains thousands of graphic images and videos of real-life murders, suicides, and extremist executions. According to the BBC, some former members of the site have gone on to commit school shootings and other violent crimes. As of Monday, Ofcom has been granted new powers to combat illegal content under the Online Safety Act, which includes material promoting terrorism or banned extremist groups. However, despite these strengthened regulations, it is uncertain whether the site can be shut down entirely. The website's administrators have stated that they will give their "full attention" to any requests made by Ofcom. Under the new law, platforms must demonstrate they have systems in place to remove illegal content, and failure to comply could result in court orders to block sites or fines of up to £18 million. Additionally, by the summer, all sites must introduce strict age verification measures to prevent children from accessing harmful content. However, critics argue that the law lacks strength and that Ofcom is not being assertive enough in its enforcement. Mike Haines, whose brother David was murdered by the Islamic State (IS) in Syria in 2014, has condemned the website. The full, uncensored video of David’s murder remains accessible on the site. Mr. Haines describes the platform as "vile" and says its content is "horrifying." He is particularly alarmed by the lack of effective age verification, fearing for the impact on young viewers. "It's like a drug," he warns. "Once you've had your first taste, you want another taste. So you want to see more, and it becomes more violent and more graphic and more disgusting." David Haines' daughter, Bethany, is equally distressed. "For years I have been trying to keep track and report sites such as this one. I have a fear that my son will one day see the video of his grandfather." Mr. Haines insists that authorities must act immediately. "Every second that we delay in shutting this site down, we are endangering our youth." Since the Online Safety Act was passed 18 months ago, Ofcom has been developing the codes of practice that platforms must now adhere to. The regulator can now investigate and penalize sites that host illegal material. The website categorizes its videos into different sections, including executions by extremist groups, people being burned alive, decapitated by vehicles, and individuals crushed by trains. While not all content on the site is considered illegal, experts warn that exposure to such violent imagery can desensitize viewers and contribute to radicalization. An investigation into user accounts has uncovered links between the website and known extremists. Among its former users are two teenagers who carried out school shootings in the US. In December, 15-year-old Natalie Rupnow opened fire at her conservative Christian school in Madison, Wisconsin, killing two people and injuring six. The following month, 17-year-old Solomon Henderson carried out an attack in a school cafeteria in Antioch, Tennessee, killing one student and injuring another before taking his own life. Both had been active members of the website, which even offers a "school shooting compilation" video. The UK has also seen a connection between the site and violent crime. Nicholas Prosper, 19, who pleaded guilty to the murders of his mother and two siblings, was a member. When police arrested him in September last year, they discovered a shotgun and 30 cartridges nearby, leading authorities to believe he was planning an attack on his former primary school in Luton. Prosper had expressed an interest in mass shootings, particularly the infamous 1999 Columbine High School massacre. Dr. Olivia Brown, an expert in radicalization and extremism at the University of Bath, warns of the dangerous effects of repeatedly viewing violent content. "What might have seemed like an impossible solution to what someone might be feeling, would then become something that might feel like a viable option," she explains. For grieving families, the existence of this site is profoundly distressing. However, a significant challenge for Ofcom is that the site is hosted in the US, and both its owner and administrators remain anonymous. Based on a report by BBC 2025-03-19 -
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Ex-Ofsted Chief Warns Labour’s Education Reforms Will Harm Schools and Students
Amanda Spielman, the former head of Ofsted, has launched a scathing critique of Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson’s proposed reforms, accusing her of prioritizing the interests of teaching unions over those of children. Writing in The Telegraph, Spielman urged Phillipson to reconsider her policies “before the damage is done.” Her comments come as the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill returns to Parliament, with critics arguing that the proposed reforms will significantly reduce the autonomy of academies—state-funded schools that set their own curriculum and pay structures. These institutions have long been unpopular with some teaching unions, and Spielman believes Phillipson’s approach is driven by a desire to appease them. “It is hard to understand the motivation, beyond being seen to be different, though the new minister is clearly giving a great deal of time and attention to the desires and demands of unions,” Spielman wrote. “And alas, unions will always defend the interests of the adults in schools over those of children... I do hope she will think again, before the damage is done.” She expressed astonishment at the rapid pace at which Phillipson is overhauling key elements of the current education system, describing it as an unnecessary dismantling of progress made over the past 25 years under various governments. She argued that England has seen a steady improvement in international student achievement rankings and is now regarded as a high-performing country compared to Scotland and Wales. Spielman also highlighted England’s relatively strong record in supporting disadvantaged children, though she noted that more attention could be given to higher-achieving students. “There is much interest from other countries in what has been achieved in England, and in learning from us,” she said. “Just in the past year I have been working in Flanders and in the UAE, visited Australia, and talked to people in Poland and the USA. They are as astonished as I am by the speed and thoroughness with which Bridget Phillipson has moved to dismantle every main pillar of the system.” Spielman warned that reducing school autonomy would be detrimental to educational outcomes, arguing that a better approach would be to conduct a proper evaluation before making sweeping changes. “Most obviously, the schools bill will cut the autonomy of schools and school groups right back, even though this has clearly been a contributor to system success,” she said. “A better first step would have been a proper evaluation to see which dimensions of autonomy should be protected and which need adjusting.” She also criticized changes to Ofsted inspections, asserting that unions have long resented the existence of inspections and their consequences. “The unions’ real beef about inspection is that it exists at all, and that government uses inspection information to apply consequences,” she said. “No matter how well Ofsted does its job, the union narrative will always be negative. Yet to please unions, both inspection processes and outcome reporting are being watered down to make it much less likely that inspection will detect weaknesses or convey a negative message.” Spielman expressed concerns over potential changes to the national curriculum, arguing that while it is not perfect, it has played a key role in improving the education system. She suggested that the ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review may lead to a lowering of academic expectations in an attempt to motivate lower-attaining students. “It may propose leaning more heavily on the distorted ‘equivalences’ used in school performance tables, whose main purpose is to make it look as though lower-attaining children taking non-GCSEs are doing better than they really are. Levelling down, in other words.” She also raised concerns about teacher training, warning that current high standards could be jeopardized. “We have a strong suite of training standards grounded in the best available evidence of what constitutes good teaching and wider good practice in schools. These have been placed under review, casting the future of all teacher training and development into uncertainty.” Additionally, Spielman criticized the increased centralization of education, arguing that greater government control over school improvement efforts is unlikely to be effective. “The Department for Education will have bigger budgets, bigger teams of officials and more powers to manage all interventions and improvement work in schools, despite little evidence that micro-managing individual school improvement from the centre of government is effective.” She blamed education union leaders and activists for driving these changes, claiming that they do not represent the majority of teachers. Despite this, she noted a lack of widespread concern from parents, warning that they may not yet fully grasp the implications of the reforms. “It will probably take a while for parents to see through the polished verbiage and jazz hands that accompany every announcement. But unless they do see through it, and exert enough pressure to counteract union dominance, it is current and future generations of children—the people who were most harmed by lockdowns—who will bear the brunt of these changes.” Spielman urged Phillipson to avoid following the example of countries such as Portugal and Spain, where she claims that effective education reforms were reversed by left-wing governments with “predictable consequences.” “Does Bridget Phillipson really want to align herself with Portugal and Spain, where effective education reforms were reversed when Left-wing governments came in, with predictable consequences? I do hope she will think again, before the damage is done.” Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-19 -
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A difference between free speech and persecuting Jews
The distinction between free speech and inciting hatred is under scrutiny as the U.S. government continues its moves to deport Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University student and green card holder, for his alleged support of Hamas. While critics argue this is an attack on political expression, officials maintain it is necessary to uphold safety and American values. "When you apply for a U.S. visa, you are a guest. You must make certain assertions... If you state that you're coming to the U.S. to participate in pro-Hamas events, that contradicts the foreign policy interests of the United States." The BBC’s coverage of Khalil’s case presents him as a student targeted by the Trump administration for expressing pro-Palestinian views. It also suggests that his arrest and impending deportation are driven by Islamophobia, racism, and alleged influence from pro-Israel groups. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio made it clear that the administration is acting against individuals it identifies as Hamas supporters in the United States. House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the threat posed by anti-Israel protests on campuses, recalling his visit to Columbia University. “I went to face down the angry mob at Columbia at the height of that stuff... and it was dangerous,” said Johnson. “I met with Jewish students who were hauled away off campus because they were instructed not to come to class for fear of their physical safety.” While U.S. citizens cannot be deported, foreign nationals like Khalil fall within the administration’s authority. Khalil, a Syrian-born Palestinian who served as a spokesperson for the Columbia protests, is among those being removed for allegedly making college campuses and cities hostile for Jewish students. Rubio framed the policy as a deterrent to violent anti-Semitism disguised as anti-Zionism. He also positioned it as part of a broader effort to preserve America’s foundational Enlightenment values, warning that these principles are eroding at an alarming rate. Khalil’s involvement with Columbia University Apartheid Divest, the group behind the protests, has raised concerns. The organization openly declared on Instagram that it seeks the “total eradication of Western civilization.” Jewish students at Columbia reported feeling unsafe, with many locking themselves in dorm rooms or being forced to move out due to conflicts with pro-Palestinian roommates. “Most of the Jewish students literally locked themselves in dorms, those who were lucky to share the room with a sane student. But those who had [pro-Palestine] room-mates had to move out, while we paid not just for the school, but for the dorms as well. It was the worst student year any Jewish/Israeli ever imagined.” Khalil’s wife, Noor Abdalla, is now speaking out about his arrest. In an interview with Reuters, she revealed that Khalil had anticipated the possibility of being detained. “I didn’t take him seriously. Clearly I was naive,” said Abdalla, who is a U.S. citizen and expecting their first child next month. NBC News obtained a document stating that Khalil is “subject to removal from the United States,” with officials arguing that his presence poses “serious adverse foreign policy consequences.” Abdalla met Khalil in Lebanon in 2016 while volunteering for a nonprofit that provided educational scholarships to Syrian children. They maintained a long-distance relationship before marrying in 2023. She defends her husband’s actions, telling Reuters, “Mahmoud is Palestinian and he's always been interested in Palestinian politics. He's standing up for his people, he's fighting for his people.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt countered these claims, stating that Khalil led disruptive protests, harassed Jewish students, and spread pro-Hamas propaganda. “Khalil organized group protests that not only disrupted college campus classes and harassed Jewish American students and made them feel unsafe on their own college campus, but also distributed pro-Hamas propaganda, fliers with the logo of Hamas.” Related Topics: Democrats Face Backlash for Supporting Arrested Palestinian Activist Mahmoud Khalil Federal Education Department Investigates 60 Universities Over Antisemitism Allegations Trump’s Bold Stand Against Campus Antisemitism Sends a Clear Message Trump Border Czar: ICE Will ‘Absolutely’ Deport Legal Immigrants Trump Threatens to Cut Federal Funding Over Campus Protests U.S. State Dept to Use AI to Revoke Visas of Foreign Students with Alleged Ties to Hamas Based on a report by The Telegraph 2025-03-19
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