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  • Meta, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube aren’t fully complying with child account ban, Australia says

    Meta, Snapchat, TikTok and YouTube aren’t fully complying with child account ban, Australia says

    Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has initiated potential legal proceedings against five major social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube—for alleged failures in enforcing the nation’s pioneering age restriction laws. The regulatory action comes as the government asserts these platforms are implementing minimal compliance measures despite legislation that took effect December 10 prohibiting children under 16 from maintaining accounts.

    Commissioner Julie Inman Grant’s office released its inaugural compliance report revealing that while approximately 5 million Australian accounts have been deactivated since the law’s implementation, a substantial number of underage users continue to access platforms through various circumvention methods. The report identified “significant concerns” regarding half of the ten platforms subject to the legislation, with evidence gathering underway against the five named companies.

    The regulatory body has documented problematic practices including systems that permit unlimited attempts to bypass age verification and mechanisms that prompt underage users to retry verification even after self-declaring as minors. Platforms found in systemic violation face potential fines reaching AU$49.5 million (approximately US$33 million).

    Communications Minister Anika Wells accused the non-compliant platforms of deliberate resistance, stating: “Social media platforms are choosing to do the absolute bare minimum because they want these laws to fail. We’re the first in the world to do this—of course they don’t want these laws to work.”

    Company responses varied significantly. Meta acknowledged the industry-wide challenge of age verification while committing to compliance. Snap reported locking 450,000 accounts with ongoing daily enforcement. TikTok declined comment, while Alphabet (YouTube’s parent company) did not immediately respond.

    Legal experts anticipate courts will determine what constitutes “reasonable steps” in age verification, particularly given technological limitations. RMIT University information sciences expert Lisa Given noted the central question becomes whether platforms should be held accountable for imperfect verification systems.

    Concurrently, constitutional challenges have emerged with Reddit and the Digital Freedom Project filing suits claiming the law infringes on Australia’s implied freedom of political communication. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for May 21.

  • Kosovo in euphoria as they dream of World Cup history

    Kosovo in euphoria as they dream of World Cup history

    In what would represent one of international football’s most remarkable ascents, Kosovo stands on the precipice of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup merely a decade after gaining official recognition from global football authorities. The nascent national team, ranked 78th globally, will host 23rd-ranked Turkey in a decisive play-off final at Pristina’s sold-out Fadil Vokrri Stadium on Tuesday evening.

    The journey to this pivotal moment has been extraordinary. Following a 4-0 opening defeat to Switzerland in qualification, Kosovo demonstrated remarkable resilience by remaining unbeaten in their subsequent five group matches. This impressive streak included decisive victories over Sweden and strategic draws against Slovenia, ultimately securing their place in the play-offs where they triumphed 4-3 against Slovakia in a thrilling semi-final encounter.

    Head coach Franco Foda emphasized the significance of the occasion while advocating for composure: “We are in euphoria, but we need to play the last game with calm. In that case everything is possible. We have emotional fans, but we must be careful and not allow ourselves to make mistakes.”

    The geopolitical context amplifies the match’s importance. Since declaring independence from Serbia in 2008 and receiving FIFA/UEFA recognition in 2016, Kosovo has pursued international legitimacy through sporting achievement. Qualification would represent not just athletic success but a profound national statement, potentially ranking alongside liberation day (1999) and independence declaration (2008) as historic milestones.

    Kosovo’s squad boasts considerable talent despite its brief international history. Record goalscorer Vedat Muriqi (32 international goals) brings extensive experience from Turkey’s Süper Lig, while players like Fisnik Asllani (Hoffenheim), Arijanet Muric (Sassuolo), and Edon Zhegrova (Juventus) contribute top-flight European experience.

    Turkey presents formidable opposition, having not qualified for the World Cup since their third-place finish in 2002. However, Kosovo has developed a reputation for overcoming expectations, with commentator Arben Berisha noting: “When the draw came out and we saw the opponents, we weren’t very hopeful. Then everything changed and we did something that was unbelievable and unexpected.”

    The potential World Cup group stage would see Kosovo face Australia, Paraguay, and co-hosts United States in North American venues next summer. Beyond sporting considerations, qualification would deliver immense psychological impact to a nation that has endured conflict and continues facing economic challenges, providing what captain Anel Rashkaj described as “the feeling we are strong, that we can make a name in Europe.”

  • Sydney lawyer Keith Redenbach ordered to repay council millions after billing impossible hours

    Sydney lawyer Keith Redenbach ordered to repay council millions after billing impossible hours

    In an extraordinary case of legal billing misconduct, Sydney solicitor Keith Redenbach has been compelled by the New South Wales Supreme Court to reimburse millions to Broken Hill City Council after submitting invoices for physically impossible working hours, including multiple 36-hour workdays.

    Justice Elisabeth Peden delivered a scathing verdict against Mr. Redenbach, formerly of Norton Rose Fulbright and currently operating Redenbach Legal, finding him personally liable for systematic overcharging during his representation of the council in litigation concerning the Broken Hill Civic Centre from December 2017 through January 2023.

    The court uncovered six separate instances where Redenbach billed for more than 24 hours within a single day, including a remarkable three-day period in May 2019 where he claimed to have worked 103 hours. Most astonishing was an invoice submitted for a 36-hour continuous work period, defying biological limitations.

    Compounding the fraudulent billing practices, Redenbach’s firm repeatedly increased hourly rates without council authorization—escalating from $390 to $480 per hour, eventually reaching $750 per hour. These excessive charges ballooned legal costs to approximately $10 million for litigation that ultimately settled for just $1.5 million.

    When confronted during cross-examination, Redenbach offered implausible explanations including ‘operator errors’ with handwritten timesheets and alleged ‘time zone issues’ during international travel. He further attempted to justify his actions by referencing personal circumstances, including hospitalization and the death of his dog.

    Justice Peden dismissed these explanations as inadequate, ordering Redenbach to personally restore $1.5 million to the council from his private funds, with his legal firms liable for an additional $750,000. The council was awarded a further $504,698 in compensation due to misleading fee estimates provided by Redenbach’s firm.

    The ruling establishes significant precedent regarding legal billing transparency and accountability, particularly concerning public bodies engaging external legal counsel.

  • Oil prices hold above $100 and Wall Street rebounds as US exchanges strikes with Iran

    Oil prices hold above $100 and Wall Street rebounds as US exchanges strikes with Iran

    Financial markets exhibited a mixed response Tuesday amid escalating military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran, now entering their fifth week of conflict. Wall Street futures indicated a strong opening rebound with S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average futures both advancing 0.9%, while Nasdaq futures climbed 0.8% in premarket trading.

    The geopolitical tensions reached new heights as U.S. strikes targeted a city housing critical Iranian nuclear facilities, generating massive fireballs, while Tehran retaliated with attacks on a fully-loaded Kuwaiti oil tanker in the Persian Gulf. These developments have maintained Brent crude futures at $107.56 per barrel and benchmark U.S. crude at $103.71, sustaining the energy market’s heightened volatility.

    March has witnessed extraordinary energy price inflation with Brent crude surging over 40% since the conflict’s inception on February 28. This has propelled U.S. average gasoline prices beyond $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, while European inflation accelerated to 2.5% in March from February’s 1.9%.

    The Strait of Hormuz emerges as a critical flashpoint, with approximately 20% of global oil shipments transiting through this strategic waterway. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the administration has ‘options available’ regarding Iran’s threats to control the strait, where Tehran has effectively established a ‘toll booth’ operation.

    Global equity markets presented a fragmented picture: European indices showed resilience with Britain’s FTSE 100 gaining 0.9%, France’s CAC 40 rising 0.5%, and Germany’s DAX advancing 0.6%. Conversely, Asian markets struggled as Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 declined 1.6%, effectively erasing its year-to-date gains, while South Korea’s Kospi plummeted 4.3%.

    Corporate developments included McCormick shares jumping 3% on acquisition speculation regarding Unilever’s food division, while Sysco announced a monumental $29 billion acquisition of Jetro Restaurant Depot. Precious metals strengthened with gold rising 0.6% to $4,584.10 per ounce and silver surging 3.7% to $73.17 per ounce, reflecting ongoing safe-haven demand.

  • Iran fires missiles across Middle East as Trump threatens oil hub

    Iran fires missiles across Middle East as Trump threatens oil hub

    The Middle East conflict entered a dangerous new phase on Tuesday as Iran launched cross-border missile attacks while experiencing fresh explosions in its capital. This escalation occurred shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning targeting Iran’s critical oil infrastructure, including export terminals, power stations, and desalination facilities.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, coordinating with the U.S. administration, reported achieving over half of his military objectives while refusing to establish a definitive timeline for operations that have already triggered a month-long regional war and disrupted global markets. Air raid sirens sounded in Jerusalem as Israel’s military responded to incoming Iranian missiles, while Iranian state media documented new explosions in Tehran causing partial power outages across the capital.

    The conflict expanded to southern Lebanon, where Israel confirmed four additional military casualties in clashes with Iranian-backed Hezbollah forces. Prior to the Tehran strikes, Israel issued a public warning via social media platform X alerting residents of western districts about impending attacks on military infrastructure.

    Iran simultaneously launched missile salvos against Gulf nations it accuses of facilitating U.S. strikes. In Dubai, four civilians sustained injuries from falling debris of intercepted projectiles, while an Iranian attack ignited fires aboard a Kuwaiti oil tanker in port. Saudi authorities reported intercepting eight ballistic missiles hours after Iran’s top diplomat urged Riyadh to expel U.S. forces from the region.

    President Trump presented an ultimatum demanding Iran agree to a war-ending deal that would reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, threatening otherwise to destroy Iran’s electrical grid, oil wells, and Kharg Island facilities. However, conflicting reports suggest the administration might accept a resolution without full strait access, potentially strengthening Tehran’s control over the critical waterway.

    In response, an Iranian parliamentary committee voted to impose tolls on vessels transiting the strait—which handles twenty percent of global oil shipments—while implementing complete bans on U.S. and Israeli shipping. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned this move as setting “an incredible precedent” for seizing international waterways and discussed forming a coalition to counter Iranian control.

    Diplomatic efforts intensified as Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar prepared to meet Chinese counterpart Wang Yi following weekend consultations with Saudi, Egyptian, and Turkish counterparts. Pakistan offered to host U.S.-Iran talks in coming days, though Iranian officials consistently denied any direct negotiations with Washington.

    The human impact deepened in conflict zones, with Tehran residents describing lives suspended between momentary normality and the grim reality of wartime existence. On the Lebanese front, UN peacekeeping forces suffered casualties with two Indonesian peacekeepers killed in vehicle explosions of undetermined origin, prompting French calls for an emergency UN Security Council meeting.

    G7 economic ministers convened in Paris to address the war’s consequences as market analysts warned that ground operations or expanded Iranian retaliation could drive oil prices to historic levels unseen since the 2008 commodity boom. Further complicating matters, Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched missiles and drones toward Israel, threatening Red Sea shipping routes in addition to Gulf maritime security.

  • US used new ballistic missile in strike that killed teens in Iran sports hall: Report

    US used new ballistic missile in strike that killed teens in Iran sports hall: Report

    A previously combat-untested US-manufactured ballistic missile struck civilian facilities in southern Iran during the opening phase of recent US-Israeli military operations, according to a New York Times investigation. The Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) impacted a sports complex and elementary school in Lamerd on February 28, causing significant casualties.

    Forensic analysis of the damage patterns indicates the short-range ballistic weapon functioned as designed, detonating above its targets and dispersing tungsten pellets across wide areas. Military experts consulted by the Times confirmed that verified video evidence of the explosions corresponds with the PrSM’s documented blast characteristics.

    Iran’s state media reported at least 21 fatalities from the strikes, with UN representative Amir Saeid Iravani noting the sports hall was actively occupied by a girls’ volleyball team during the attack. Additional reporting described chaotic scenes as young athletes underwent training when the missile struck.

    The Times investigation could not determine whether the civilian targeting resulted from intentional action, targeting error, or technical malfunction attributable to the weapon’s battlefield debut. Journalists noted the civilian nature of both structures was clearly identifiable on major digital mapping platforms.

    In a related development, Pentagon investigators confirmed US responsibility for a separate strike on a girls’ school in Minab that killed 165 people, predominantly children aged 7-12. This attack employed a Tomahawk missile, though previous administration officials attempted to deflect responsibility through inaccurate claims about Iranian weapons capabilities.

    The PrSM represents advanced military technology designed to replace the Army Tactical Missile System, featuring ground-launch capability and precision targeting. Conflict casualty figures provided by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies indicate approximately 1,900 deaths and 20,000 injuries in Iran since hostilities commenced.

  • Round five teams: Kieran Foran resists the urge to pick Joey Walsh as Brandon Smith’s return from injury is delayed

    Round five teams: Kieran Foran resists the urge to pick Joey Walsh as Brandon Smith’s return from injury is delayed

    The National Rugby League (NRL) landscape experienced significant shifts this week as interim Manly Sea Eagles coach Kieran Foran made a decisive team selection, opting against promoting young talent Joey Walsh to the halves despite mounting fan pressure. This development follows the club’s recent dismissal of head coach Anthony Seibold amid a winless start to the season with three consecutive home losses.

    Sea Eagles captain Tom Trbojevic advocated for patience regarding Walsh’s development, stating, “Joey’s going to be at this club for a long time and be a very, very successful first grade footy player for Manly. But for now, I think he needs to be developed into that player… he will get his time to play.”

    Across the league, several clubs faced substantial lineup challenges due to injuries and suspensions. The Warriors suffered a major setback with inspirational forward Mitch Barnett ruled out indefinitely after breaking his right thumb just two games following recovery from a serious knee injury.

    The Bulldogs maintained their halves pairing of Matt Burton and Lachlan Galvin, with Stephen Crichton remaining at left center. Meanwhile, the Rabbitohs received a boost with Campbell Graham’s return from injury, though Brandon Smith continues recovering from a calf issue.

    Notable roster changes include:
    – Broncos welcoming back powerhouse prop Payne Haas for their clash against Titans
    – Sharks naming Briton Nikora in reserves after he missed the Canberra trip with broken nose
    – Wests Tigers maintaining momentum after their big win in New Zealand
    – Eels naming Joash Papalii at fullback to replace injured Isaiah Iongi
    – Panthers facing Storm with Freddy Lussick replacing suspended Mitch Kenny at hooker
    – Dragons starting Lyhkan King-Togia at five-eighth for injured Kyle Flanagan

    The most concerning development emerged from the Bulldogs camp, where veteran forward Tui Kamikamica suffered a suspected stroke, prompting the club to name a six-man bench including Lazarus Vaalepu, Jack Hetherington and Davvy Moale.

  • Mongolia names new prime minister in bid to end legislative deadlock

    Mongolia names new prime minister in bid to end legislative deadlock

    ULAANBAATAR, Mongolia — Mongolia’s parliament has confirmed Uchral Nyam-Osor as the nation’s third prime minister within a year, marking a critical move to resolve legislative gridlock amid growing economic challenges facing the resource-dependent, landlocked country.

    The 39-year-old former Digital Development and Communications Minister secured overwhelming parliamentary support with 88 votes from 107 lawmakers present (82.2%) during Monday night’s session. His appointment follows the resignation of predecessor Zandanshatar Gombojav, who stepped down after just nine months in office amid corruption allegations against one of his senior ministers.

    Uchral, who previously gained public recognition as hip-hop artist ‘Timon’ before entering politics, immediately called for political unity in his address to lawmakers. ‘While other nations unite to confront crises, we cannot afford internal disputes that weaken our economy,’ he stated, acknowledging both external pressures and self-inflicted political challenges.

    The new prime minister brings a reform-oriented agenda focused on modernizing Mongolia’s regulatory framework, particularly streamlining Soviet-era permitting systems and advancing digital governance initiatives. His background in promoting transparency reforms aligns with urgent needs to address foreign investor concerns regarding political instability, frequent policy shifts, and regulatory unpredictability.

    Uchral emerges as a compromise figure between factions within the ruling Mongolian People’s Party—those aligned with the president and supporters of former Prime Minister Oyun-Erdene Luvsannamsrai, who resigned last June after losing a confidence vote. The appointment resolves a parliamentary crisis that had paralyzed legislative proceedings due to opposition boycotts and ruling party infighting.

  • Hindu devotional clubbing sways India’s youth

    Hindu devotional clubbing sways India’s youth

    Across India’s urban landscapes, a cultural phenomenon is transforming traditional worship into a vibrant nighttime experience. ‘Bhajan clubbing’ has emerged as an unexpected fusion of ancient Hindu devotional songs and contemporary concert energy, drawing thousands of young professionals to spiritual gatherings that pulse with electric guitars and powerful drumbeats.

    In New Delhi’s suburbs, venues like the ChaiLeela cafe regularly host these innovative events where IT professionals, nuclear physicists, and doctors sway to rhythmic reinterpretations of songs praising deity Krishna. The atmosphere crackles with spiritual energy as modern instrumentation elevates centuries-old bhajans into immersive musical experiences.

    This movement represents more than musical innovation—it’s a cultural bridge connecting millennials and Gen Z with their spiritual heritage through mediums they understand. March 2026 witnessed at least five major devotional concerts across the capital, with attendance reaching tens of thousands. The 16th-century Purana Qila fort recently hosted approximately 7,000 devotees in an event that resembled a rave more than traditional religious gathering.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has endorsed this trend, recognizing in his weekly radio broadcast how bhajan clubbing ‘incorporates the spirit of devotion into the youth’s experiences and lifestyles.’ The movement has gained political support, with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta from Modi’s party introducing a massive devotional show at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium.

    Organizers emphasize the alcohol-free nature of these events, offering young people an alternative to conventional nightlife. ‘We want the youth to be high on spirituality, not spirits,’ stated Nikunj Gupta, organizer of the Purana Qila festival. This approach has resonated with conservative Hindus while providing socially acceptable entertainment options.

    The phenomenon reflects broader cultural shifts in India, where public expressions of Hindu identity are experiencing revival. The movement has transcended national borders, with neighboring Nepal hosting bhajan club nights attracting over 3,000 participants. Organizers maintain the essential spiritual core while delivering it through modern musical arrangements that appeal to younger demographics.

    Attendees report multiple benefits—from spiritual connection to national pride and psychological calm. The events successfully merge traditional devotion with contemporary entertainment values, creating a unique cultural space that respects religious traditions while embracing modern expression.

  • The personal items the Artemis II crew are taking to the Moon

    The personal items the Artemis II crew are taking to the Moon

    In an unprecedented celestial endeavor, NASA’s Artemis II mission prepares to launch four exceptional astronauts on humanity’s first lunar orbital journey in over 50 years. The diverse crew comprises Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, representing a new era of international space collaboration.

    Commander Wiseman, a seasoned US Navy test pilot and veteran of Expedition 40 aboard the International Space Station, brings profound leadership experience to the mission. Beyond his technical expertise, Wiseman embodies resilience as a single parent to two teenage daughters following the tragic loss of his wife to cancer in 2020. He openly discusses with his children the realities of spaceflight risks, emphasizing the importance of preparedness for life’s uncertainties.

    Christina Koch marks a historic milestone as the first woman destined to travel to the Moon. An accomplished engineer and physicist, Koch already holds the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (328 days aboard the ISS in 2019) and participated in the first all-female spacewalk. Her inspiration stems from childhood exposure to the iconic Apollo 8 Earthrise photograph, which revealed the profound human element behind space exploration.

    Jeremy Hansen, making history as the first non-American lunar traveler, represents Canada’s growing role in space exploration. The former Royal Canadian Air Force fighter pilot and physicist has played crucial roles in astronaut training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Hansen’s approach to mission preparation includes transparent conversations with his family about technical aspects and safety protocols, demystifying the complexities of space travel.

    Victor Glover, set to become the first Black astronaut to journey to the Moon, brings impressive credentials as a former Navy fighter pilot and test pilot with three master’s degrees. His previous experience as pilot of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission and Expedition 64 aboard the ISS provides invaluable practical knowledge. Glover’s preparation involves studying original Gemini and Apollo documents to extract timeless engineering wisdom from earlier space missions.

    The Artemis II mission represents more than technological achievement—it embodies human curiosity, international cooperation, and personal sacrifice. Each astronaut plans to carry meaningful personal items, from handwritten notes and family pendants to historical artifacts, maintaining tangible connections to Earth during their groundbreaking journey around the Moon.