France is on the brink of a deepening political crisis as Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu faces two no-confidence motions in the National Assembly on Thursday. These motions, filed by President Emmanuel Macron’s staunch opponents—the hard-left France Unbowed party and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally—threaten to destabilize the fragile government. Should Lecornu’s administration fall, Macron may be compelled to dissolve the National Assembly and call for snap legislative elections, a move fraught with uncertainty.
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UN warns Colombia over mercury contamination in Atrato River, calls crisis a human rights emergency
The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the escalating human rights crisis in Colombia’s Atrato River basin, caused by mercury contamination from illegal gold mining. In a public letter released on Tuesday, three UN Human Rights Council special rapporteurs expressed deep concerns over the Colombian government’s inadequate compliance with a 2016 Constitutional Court ruling that recognized the Atrato River as a legal entity entitled to protection and restoration. Marcos Orellana, the UN special rapporteur on toxics and human rights, highlighted the persistent failure to enforce the court’s decision, attributing the problem to organized crime, corruption, and the smuggling of mercury and gold. The Atrato River, a vital waterway spanning nearly 500 miles through Colombia’s biodiverse Choco region, sustains Afro-Colombian and Indigenous communities reliant on fishing and farming. However, toxic pollution from illegal mining has severely threatened their health, livelihoods, and cultural practices. Orellana revealed that over a third of the population in the Atrato watershed has been exposed to mercury levels exceeding World Health Organization limits, posing risks of neurological damage, organ failure, and developmental disorders. The UN urged Colombia to take immediate action to curb illegal mining, clean up polluted areas, and provide medical care for affected communities. Despite the 2016 ruling being hailed as a landmark in environmental law, political turnover, funding shortages, and alleged corruption have hindered its enforcement. The UN also called for stronger international mercury controls under the Minamata Convention, emphasizing the need to address cross-border trade gaps. Orellana stressed that meaningful progress would require reducing the scale of illegal mining and ensuring communities have access to specialized healthcare and exposure reduction guidance. The Colombian government has yet to respond to the UN’s letter, which was sent over 60 days ago. The situation underscores the urgent need for sustained institutional commitment to protect human rights and the environment.
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Country star Luke Combs to play two nights at Slane Castle
Country music sensation Luke Combs is set to make history by becoming the first artist to perform two consecutive nights at the iconic Slane Castle in the Republic of Ireland. The 35-year-old North Carolina native, known for his chart-topping hits, will grace the stage on July 18 and 19, 2026, as part of his My Kinda Saturday Night Tour. This unprecedented decision comes in response to overwhelming fan demand, solidifying Combs’ status as a powerhouse in the music industry. The concerts will feature stellar support acts, including Irish pop rock band The Script, American country singer Ty Myers, and the all-female trio The Castellows. Tickets for both nights will be available starting this Friday at 10:00 BST, with presale options already underway. Slane Castle, a venue with a rich history of hosting legendary acts like Queen, U2, and Madonna, boasts a capacity of 80,000 and has been a cornerstone of live music since 1981. Combs’ back-to-back performances mark a significant milestone, following in the footsteps of U2, who played twice in 2001 after their initial show sold out in record time.
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From prison to presidential palace: Who is Madagascar’s new military ruler?
In a dramatic turn of events, Col Michael Randrianirina has emerged as Madagascar’s most influential figure, following a swift and unexpected ascent to power. Just days ago, Randrianirina was relatively unknown, but as the head of the elite CAPSAT military unit, he led his troops into the capital, joining thousands of protesters demanding the resignation of President Andry Rajoelina. After Rajoelina fled and MPs voted to impeach him, Randrianirina announced to the world that CAPSAT was taking control. The constitutional court swiftly declared him the country’s new leader, despite Rajoelina’s claims of continued authority. Randrianirina’s background is shrouded in mystery, with limited public information available. Born in Sevohipoty, he served as governor of Androy and later led an infantry battalion in Toliara. A vocal critic of Rajoelina, he was imprisoned in 2023 without trial, accused of inciting mutiny, but was released in 2024 amid claims of political persecution. Randrianirina, described as ‘simple but tough’ and ‘patriotic,’ has pledged to prioritize social welfare in a nation where 75% live in poverty. He plans a two-year military-civilian government before elections. His swearing-in ceremony is imminent, marking the culmination of a whirlwind rise from obscurity to leadership.
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As US shutdown starts to bite, how much could it hit economy?
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown has plunged millions of federal employees into financial uncertainty, with widespread repercussions for the economy and individual households. Michael Galletly, an IT management specialist at Utah’s Department of Agriculture and president of the American Federation of Government Employees Local 4016, is among those affected. Placed on unpaid leave, Galletly and his wife spent hours strategizing how to navigate the crisis, cutting back on expenses and delaying major purchases. ‘I could make it two months, maybe three lean, very lean months,’ he said, expressing uncertainty about the shutdown’s duration. The impasse has disrupted travel, delayed government approvals, and shuttered museums, with broader economic impacts now emerging. Analysts warn that the shutdown is reaching a critical inflection point, with business and consumer confidence declining. The suspension of key economic data releases, such as the monthly jobs report, has added to the uncertainty, forcing firms to delay spending decisions and increasing the risk of policy errors. In Utah, Galletly has applied for unemployment insurance and sought accommodations from banks holding his mortgage and car loans. ‘Having been through this before—this is my third government shutdown as a federal employee—I just can’t afford to hope for the best,’ he said. The Trump administration’s unprecedented threats to deny backpay and initiate permanent firings have heightened the stakes, particularly in a slowing economy already strained by tariffs, immigration rule changes, and earlier spending cuts. Economists project a 0.2 percentage point hit to quarterly growth per week, with potential long-term damage if the shutdown persists. The Washington, DC region, already reeling from earlier government cuts, faces severe repercussions, with consumer spending in the metro area dropping significantly during the 2013 shutdown. Local businesses, such as Duke’s Counter near the National Zoo, have seen sales plummet by over 50%. ‘It’s not just federal workers and contractors who are affected here. It’s the entire ecosystem,’ said Daniel Kramer, the restaurant’s managing partner. As the shutdown drags on, families like Allison’s in Ohio are making difficult choices, canceling trips and deferring mortgage payments. ‘If this continues through December, I don’t know what we’re going to do,’ she said, highlighting the widespread anxiety gripping federal employees and their communities.
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Australian PM’s phone number leaked on US-based website
Australian authorities have launched an investigation after the private phone number of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was leaked on a US-based website. The platform, which claims to provide access to 300 million professionals from 30 million companies, allegedly scrapes data from public sources such as LinkedIn. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) confirmed they are aware of the breach and are working to remove the Prime Minister’s personal details from the site. Acting Prime Minister and Defence Minister Richard Marles emphasized the government’s concern and efforts to address the issue. The leak also exposed the contact information of several other prominent Australians, raising broader questions about online data privacy. Digital Rights Watch chair Lizzie O’Shea called for stricter regulations on the transfer of personal data outside Australia, highlighting the reliance on US tech companies. The AFP warned that using communication services to harass or menace individuals is a criminal offense, and they will take swift action against violators. The incident has ignited public debate over the protection of personal information in the digital age.
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Kenyans gather to mourn Raila Odinga
The city of Nairobi has come together in a solemn gathering to honor the memory of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who passed away at the age of 80. Odinga, a prominent political figure in Kenya, died while undergoing medical treatment at a hospital in India. His death has sparked an outpouring of grief and reflection among citizens, who remember him as a pivotal leader in the nation’s history. The mourning event, held in the heart of Nairobi, saw a diverse crowd of supporters, political allies, and ordinary citizens paying their respects. Odinga’s legacy, marked by his contributions to Kenya’s democratic evolution and his role in shaping the country’s political landscape, continues to resonate deeply across Africa and beyond. The gathering not only commemorates his life but also underscores the profound impact he had on the nation and its people.
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Comera Pay joins with TAMM to power digital payments in Abu Dhabi
In a landmark move to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s digital transformation, Comera Pay, a subsidiary of the Royal Group, has joined forces with TAMM, the Emirate’s unified digital platform for government services. The collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed during GITEX Global 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. This partnership marks the official integration of Comera Pay as a direct payment option within the TAMM ecosystem, enabling residents and businesses to conduct seamless, secure, and cashless transactions for a wide range of government services. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of building a world-class, cashless economy by leveraging homegrown innovation and technology. Comera Pay’s Managing Director and Group CEO, Akthar Saeed Hashmi, emphasized the shared mission of both organizations to advance the UAE’s digital economy. Beyond government payments, Comera Pay plans to expand its offerings within TAMM to include peer-to-peer (P2P) payments, international remittances, and local merchant transactions. Backed by the Royal Group, Comera Pay is also scaling its presence across retail, corporate, and government sectors with advanced wallet, POS, and gateway solutions. This integration underscores Abu Dhabi’s commitment to fostering a globally competitive, locally developed digital economy built on trust, simplicity, and innovation.
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ICC disqualifies chief prosecutor from Duterte case over perceived conflict of interest
In a significant development at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands, judges have disqualified Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan from the case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The decision, dated October 2 but released on Wednesday, cited a ‘reasonable appearance of bias’ due to Khan’s prior representation of victims allegedly affected by Duterte’s ‘war on drugs’ campaign. This disqualification follows Khan’s temporary withdrawal from his duties in May pending an independent investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct. Court spokesperson Fadi El Abdallah assured that the case against Duterte will proceed under the leadership of a deputy prosecutor, ensuring no disruption in the legal proceedings. Defense lawyers for Duterte had argued in August that Khan’s previous involvement created an ‘irreconcilable conflict of interest,’ a claim the judges found compelling. While the panel did not conclude that actual bias was demonstrated, they acknowledged that a fair-minded observer could perceive a reasonable appearance of bias. Duterte, arrested in March, faces charges of crimes against humanity related to mass killings during his tenure as mayor of Davao and later as president. Estimates of the death toll during his anti-drug campaign range from 6,000 to 30,000. The ICC has postponed pretrial hearings due to health concerns raised by Duterte’s legal team, who argue he is ‘not fit to stand trial.’
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MDS SI seeks to play key role in region’s digital transformation
As the Middle East accelerates its digital transformation, MDS SI, a prominent digital system integrator with a presence in 13 countries and 20 major cities, is positioning itself as a pivotal enabler for businesses navigating this technological shift. With over two decades of dominance in the UAE’s IT services sector and a strong foothold in Saudi Arabia’s competitive market, MDS SI attributes its sustained success to a customer-centric approach, innovation, and consistent value delivery. The company’s President, Sami Abi Esber, emphasized that their focus on customer satisfaction and significant investments in talent and technology have been instrumental in maintaining their leadership. MDS SI’s strategy revolves around optimizing existing operations and enabling new digital business models, leveraging AI-powered solutions and predictive IoT systems to unlock measurable value for clients. Central to their approach is the proprietary “AI Path to Value” methodology, supported by a team of over 700 specialists, ensuring alignment with key business drivers such as revenue growth, cost efficiency, and ESG goals. The company has successfully implemented over 80 AI use cases, demonstrating the practical impact of artificial intelligence. MDS SI also prioritizes ethical considerations, embedding privacy and security into every AI engagement from the outset. In the realm of cybersecurity, the company offers robust defenses, including sovereign AI environments and cloud-based solutions, addressing threats at every level. Building on its legacy as the region’s first public cloud provider through its affiliate eHosting DataFort, MDS SI continues to lead in hybrid and multi-cloud solutions, offering services across platforms like Azure, AWS, GCP, and HPE GreenLake. Recognizing the tech talent gap, the company invests in workforce development through continuous training, certifications, and collaborations with governments and academia. Looking ahead, MDS SI believes the next phase of digital transformation will be defined by tangible outcomes, aligning innovation with measurable business results. The company is also expanding its regional presence through strategic acquisitions, such as Egypt-based cybersecurity firm SmplID and AIdeology, an NVIDIA Elite Solution Provider, while investing in startups focused on smart cities and advanced security technologies.