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  • England’s High Court orders Saudi Arabia to pay £3m to dissident over Pegasus hack

    England’s High Court orders Saudi Arabia to pay £3m to dissident over Pegasus hack

    In a landmark ruling with significant implications for state accountability, the English High Court has mandated the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to pay over £3 million in damages to a London-based dissident. The court conclusively determined that Saudi authorities were responsible for infecting the activist’s phone with Pegasus spyware and orchestrating a physical assault against him.

    The judgment, delivered by Judge Pushpinder Saini, found Ghanem al-Masarir—a former Saudi citizen and prominent human rights campaigner—entitled to substantial compensation for severe psychiatric injuries. These injuries stemmed from the 2018 hacking of his phone using the notorious Pegasus surveillance tool, acquired from the Israeli cyber-arms firm NSO Group, and a coordinated physical attack outside Harrods department store in London that same year.

    Judge Saini’s ruling emphasized a clear pattern of intimidation against Masarir between 2015 and 2019, directly linking these acts to the Saudi state’s motivation to silence his public criticism. The court rejected Saudi Arabia’s initial claim of state immunity under the 1978 State Immunity Act, a defense that was ultimately dismissed in 2022. A subsequent appeal by the kingdom was struck out in 2024 after it failed to pay court costs.

    The Pegasus software, as detailed in proceedings, grants remote access to an infected device, enabling data extraction, location tracking, and the interception of calls and ambient communications. The court found no legal justification for this invasive surveillance or the physical violence inflicted upon Masarir, who was exercising his fundamental right to free speech.

    Masarir, who has lived in the UK since 2003 and was granted asylum in 2018, expressed that the ruling closes a ‘long and painful chapter.’ His YouTube channel, which has garnered over 300 million views, has been a primary platform for his advocacy. While acknowledging that no financial sum can undo his suffering, he expressed hope that Saudi Arabia would comply with the judgment promptly.

    The case sets a powerful precedent. Yahya Assiri, another UK-based Saudi dissident and founder of the rights group Alqst whose phone was also hacked, hailed the verdict as a victory for all human rights defenders. This ruling occurs against a backdrop of wider concerns, following a 2021 investigation that revealed hundreds of British citizens, including lawyers and academics, had been targeted by Pegasus spyware, with accusations pointing to both the UAE and Saudi Arabian governments.

  • India offered full security to Bangladesh team: BCCI Vice President Shukla

    India offered full security to Bangladesh team: BCCI Vice President Shukla

    The International Cricket Council (ICC) has formally announced Scotland’s replacement of Bangladesh in the upcoming Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, concluding weeks of tense negotiations between cricket’s global governing body and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB). This unprecedented roster change follows the Bangladeshi government’s refusal to clear its national team for travel to India despite comprehensive security assurances.

    Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Vice President Rajeev Shukla confirmed that Indian authorities had offered “full security” guarantees to the Bangladeshi delegation. “We wanted Bangladesh to play, and we also assured full security, but since they have made this decision, it is very difficult to change the entire schedule at the last moment. This is why Scotland was brought in,” Shukla stated.

    The diplomatic impasse intensified when the BCCI instructed the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise to release Bangladeshi pacer Mustafizur Rahman for the 2026 IPL season, citing unspecified “developments all around.” The BCB interpreted this move as indicating potential security concerns for Bangladeshi nationals in India.

    Throughout the three-week negotiation period, the ICC conducted multiple transparent dialogues with BCB officials through both virtual conferences and in-person meetings. The global cricket body commissioned independent security assessments from internal and external experts, reviewing detailed operational plans covering federal and state security arrangements alongside enhanced protective protocols for the tournament.

    ICC’s comprehensive evaluation concluded that no credible or verifiable security threat existed toward the Bangladeshi team, its officials, or supporters. The governing body emphasized the importance of maintaining tournament integrity, safeguarding all participating teams’ interests, and avoiding precedents that could compromise the neutrality of ICC events.

    Following a Wednesday meeting, the ICC Business Corporation Board issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Bangladesh to confirm participation. With no response received within the deadline, the ICC activated its established governance protocols, selecting Scotland—the highest-ranked T20 International team not originally qualified—as the replacement participant.

  • Big Bash League 2025-26: Glenn Maxwell will remain at Melbourne Stars for further two seasons

    Big Bash League 2025-26: Glenn Maxwell will remain at Melbourne Stars for further two seasons

    In a significant move for Australia’s Big Bash League, veteran all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has opted against free agency to extend his tenure with the Melbourne Stars. The franchise officially announced on Tuesday that the 37-year-old has inked a two-year contract extension, solidifying his place as a cornerstone of their lineup.

    Despite a challenging recent season with the bat, Maxwell remains one of the world’s most formidable white-ball strikers. Having represented the Stars in over 100 matches, his pursuit of a maiden BBL title continues. Expressing strong belief in the team’s trajectory, Maxwell stated, ‘The Melbourne Stars have been a massive part of my cricket career and I’m really passionate about this team having success. I think this current group is building towards something special and I’m confident we’re in a place to contend for the title in the next two seasons.’

    Complementing Maxwell’s retention, the Stars have secured two other key signings. Promising top-order batsman Campbell Kellaway, who is on the radar for national Test selection, has also signed a two-year deal. Additionally, young fast bowler Austin Anlezark has been secured for another season, highlighting the club’s strategy of blending experience with emerging talent.

    Clint McKay, the Stars’ High Performance Manager, emphasized the equal importance of securing both established and young players. ‘Glenn has obviously been one of the best T20 players in the world for a long period of time… Signing Campbell was just as important as he adds some great stability to our top order,’ McKay remarked. He also expressed excitement about Anlezark’s development, noting the bowler’s potential to flourish within the club’s program. This series of signings signals a focused effort by the Melbourne Stars to assemble a competitive squad capable of challenging for the BBL championship in the coming seasons.

  • What is the meaning of ‘globalise the intifada’ and when did it first appear?

    What is the meaning of ‘globalise the intifada’ and when did it first appear?

    The phrase ‘Globalize the Intifada’ has emerged as one of the most contentious slogans in pro-Palestine activism, sparking intense debate about its meaning and legal status. Recent developments in the United Kingdom have seen law enforcement agencies take unprecedented steps to criminalize its use, resulting in the first criminal charges under racial hatred legislation.

    British authorities have charged three individuals for chanting the slogan during a December protest supporting hunger-striking Palestine Action prisoners. The charges allege ‘using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intending thereby to stir up racial hatred,’ an offense carrying potential seven-year prison sentences. This enforcement action follows joint announcements from the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police in December that they would arrest anyone using the phrase or displaying it on placards.

    The linguistic and historical context of ‘intifada’ reveals complex layers of meaning. Derived from Arabic, the term translates to ‘shaking off’ or ‘uprising’ and has been applied to various resistance movements beyond the Middle East, including the Jewish uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Historically, it references two specific Palestinian uprisings: the largely non-violent First Intifada (1987-1993) that employed civil disobedience and stone-throwing tactics, and the more violent Second Intifada (2000-2005) that featured suicide bombings and resulted in approximately 4,000 combined casualties.

    Pro-Palestine activists maintain the slogan represents a call for international solidarity against what they term Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which has claimed over 71,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023. Ben Jamal of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign asserts the phrase advocates ‘worldwide support for an end to the oppression of the Palestinian people through all means of legitimate resistance’ rather than violence against Jewish civilians.

    However, critics including the American Jewish Committee argue the slogan inherently promotes violence, noting that previous intifadas resulted in significant Israeli casualties. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently stated those who don’t view the phrase as violent are ‘daft,’ while Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called it ‘a call to attack Jewish communities around the world.’

    The enforcement crackdown follows the December Bondi Beach attack in Australia, where 15 people were killed in an antisemitic incident. Although the attackers had no established connection to Palestine activism, Australian and British authorities have cited rising antisemitic hate crimes as justification for stricter measures. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has initiated a parliamentary inquiry into banning the phrase, describing it as ‘hateful, violent rhetoric.’

    Legal experts and rights organizations have raised concerns about free expression implications. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians criticized the police action as ‘reckless and nonsensical,’ noting that the Crown Prosecution Service had previously advised that such phrases didn’t meet prosecution thresholds. The situation reflects broader tensions surrounding protest rights and counter-terrorism measures in Western democracies grappling with the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

  • UAE offers condolences to Philippines over victims of deadly ship sinking

    UAE offers condolences to Philippines over victims of deadly ship sinking

    The United Arab Emirates has formally expressed its profound condolences and solidarity with the Republic of the Philippines following a devastating maritime tragedy in the southern island province of Basilan. The diplomatic gesture comes in response to the sinking of a passenger ferry that resulted in significant casualties and missing persons.

    According to maritime authorities, the vessel carrying more than 350 passengers capsized approximately five kilometers east of Baluk-Baluk Island in the Zamboanga Peninsula region on Monday morning. Current reports indicate at least 18 fatalities with 24 individuals still unaccounted for in the ongoing search and rescue operations.

    The Philippine Coast Guard released dramatic footage showing rescue teams extracting survivors from dark waters and providing emergency medical treatment. Social media platforms circulated live recordings capturing desperate pleas for assistance as the disaster unfolded in early morning darkness.

    In an official statement released through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the UAE government conveyed heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families and extended solidarity with both the Philippine government and citizens. The statement emphasized shared grief over the tragic loss of life in the maritime incident.

    Maritime safety experts note that such accidents occur with concerning frequency in the Philippine archipelago, where millions depend on affordable but often poorly regulated sea transportation to navigate between the nation’s 7,000-plus islands. This latest incident has renewed discussions about maritime safety standards and emergency response capabilities in the region’s vital ferry transportation network.

  • Pact to boost China’s gold market

    Pact to boost China’s gold market

    In a landmark move set to redefine Asia’s precious metals trading landscape, Hong Kong and Shanghai have established a comprehensive partnership agreement aimed at creating an integrated renminbi-denominated gold market. The strategic accord, signed during the opening session of the 19th Asian Financial Forum, represents a coordinated effort to elevate China’s financial hubs within the global gold ecosystem.

    The agreement was formally executed by Christopher Hui Ching-yu, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, and Yu Wenjian, Chairman of the Shanghai Gold Exchange. Both officials characterized the partnership as a transformative milestone that will fundamentally reshape the regional gold trading architecture.

    Secretary Hui emphasized the timing significance of this initiative, noting that “gold’s strategic importance has intensified amid prevailing geopolitical uncertainties, persistent inflationary pressures, and the ongoing restructuring of the international monetary system.”

    Under the newly established framework, the Hong Kong Precious Metals Central Clearing Company—a wholly government-owned entity—will implement a sophisticated collaborative governance structure. This system will feature Secretary Hui chairing the board with representation from the Shanghai Gold Exchange serving as deputy chairman.

    The Shanghai exchange will contribute substantial technical expertise and regulatory guidance across multiple domains including system architecture, rule formulation, institutional access protocols, risk management frameworks, and operational standards. Both parties have committed to synchronized efforts ensuring the efficient development of gold trade-clearing mechanisms aligned with international benchmarks.

    Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu underscored the agreement’s broader implications, stating it will “initiate a cross-boundary trade-clearing system for precious metals” that enhances financial connectivity between the two markets.

    The collaboration extends to physical infrastructure development, with Hong Kong targeting expansion of its gold storage capacity to exceed 2,000 metric tons within three years. Future cooperation will encompass physical delivery mechanisms, warehousing solutions, and broader ecosystem development.

    The People’s Bank of China demonstrated strong institutional support through Deputy Governor Zou Lan, who witnessed the signing ceremony. The central bank pledged comprehensive backing for Shanghai’s participation in developing the clearing system and reinforcing Hong Kong’s ambition to become an international gold trading hub.

    Industry representatives including Edward Au, Deloitte China’s Southern Region Managing Partner, noted the agreement’s relevance amid current financial fragmentation trends. While anticipating gradual rather than immediate capital inflows, Au projected that consistent policy execution would eventually yield deeper market participation and enhanced institutional accessibility across Asia’s gold market.

  • Can India be a player in the computer chip industry?

    Can India be a player in the computer chip industry?

    India’s technological landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as the nation strategically develops its domestic semiconductor industry. This initiative, catalyzed by global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic, represents a crucial step toward technological self-reliance.

    Bangalore-based Tejas Networks exemplifies India’s existing strengths in semiconductor design. As a leading provider of telecommunications equipment, the company designs specialized chips that power mobile networks and broadband connections. “Telecom chips are fundamentally different from consumer or smartphone chips,” explains Arnob Roy, Tejas Networks co-founder. “They handle massive volumes of data coming simultaneously from hundreds of thousands of users with absolute reliability requirements.”

    India already possesses remarkable design capabilities, with an estimated 20% of the world’s semiconductor engineers working within its borders. “Almost every major global chip company has its largest or second-largest design centre in India,” confirms Amitesh Kumar Sinha, Joint Secretary of India’s Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

    The nation’s vulnerability emerged during the pandemic when manufacturing dependencies became apparent. “Covid showed us how fragile global supply chains can be,” Sinha notes. “If one part of the world shuts down, electronics manufacturing everywhere is disrupted.”

    India’s strategy focuses initially on the Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) segment rather than competing directly in wafer fabrication dominated by Taiwan and China. “Assembly, test and packaging are easier to start than fabs,” explains Ashok Chandak, president of India Electronics and Semiconductor Association. “That is where India is moving first.”

    Kaynes Semicon, established in 2023, represents the vanguard of this initiative. The company has invested $260 million in a Gujarat facility that began production in November. Rather than targeting advanced AI chips, Kaynes focuses on practical applications. “These are not glamorous chips, but they are economically and strategically far more important for India,” says CEO Raghu Panicker. “We’re producing chips for cars, telecoms and the defense industry.”

    The journey involves substantial challenges, particularly in workforce development. “Training takes time,” Panicker emphasizes. “You cannot shortcut five years of experience into six months. That is the single biggest bottleneck.”

    Despite these hurdles, industry leaders remain optimistic about India’s semiconductor future. Roy anticipates that “over the next decade, a significant semiconductor manufacturing base will emerge in India.” This development, while requiring “patient capital and time,” marks the beginning of India’s strategic move toward technological independence in critical electronics components.

  • Tech giants face landmark trial over social media addiction claims

    Tech giants face landmark trial over social media addiction claims

    In a groundbreaking legal confrontation with far-reaching implications for the technology sector, major social media corporations are preparing for a pivotal courtroom battle in California’s Los Angeles Superior Court. The trial, commencing Tuesday, represents the first in an anticipated wave of litigation challenging the fundamental design principles underpinning modern social platforms.

    The case centers on allegations brought by a 19-year-old plaintiff identified as KGM, who contends that algorithmic architectures employed by Meta (parent company of Instagram and Facebook), ByteDance (TikTok’s owner), and Google (YouTube’s parent) deliberately fostered addictive usage patterns that severely compromised her mental wellbeing. Notably, Snapchat reached an out-of-court settlement with the plaintiff preceding trial proceedings.

    This litigation marks a significant evolution in judicial approach toward technology firms, testing the boundaries of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act—legislation historically invoked to shield platforms from liability regarding third-party content. The current proceedings uniquely target design elements including recommendation algorithms, notification systems, and engagement-optimizing features that plaintiffs argue directly cause psychological harm.

    Matthew Bergman, representing KGM, emphasized the trial’s historic nature: “This constitutes the first instance where social media entities will answer before a jury regarding their operational methodologies. Numerous adolescents globally endure similar struggles attributable to deliberately addictive algorithms prioritizing corporate profitability over youth welfare.”

    Legal experts observe heightened stakes for the industry. Professor Eric Goldman of Santa Clara University warned that adverse rulings could pose existential threats to social media business models, though establishing causal relationships between platform design and specific psychological harm presents substantial evidentiary challenges.

    The trial will feature testimony from top executives including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, whose congressional testimony last year denied established scientific connections between social media usage and deteriorating youth mental health. Company internal documents previously shielded from public scrutiny are expected to feature prominently in proceedings.

    This judicial development coincides with intensified global scrutiny, including multi-state lawsuits against Meta in the United States, Australia’s implementation of under-16 social media prohibitions, and potential regulatory action in the United Kingdom. Professor Mary Anne Franks of George Washington University noted: “The technology sector has historically received deferential treatment. Current developments suggest this paradigm may be undergoing fundamental transformation.”

  • How Ozempic, GLP-1 drugs are reshaping food shopping habits in UAE

    How Ozempic, GLP-1 drugs are reshaping food shopping habits in UAE

    A transformative shift in dietary consumption patterns is sweeping across the United Arab Emirates, driven significantly by the increasing adoption of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic. Renowned food industry analyst Phil Lempert, addressing attendees at Gulfood—the world’s premier food and hospitality exhibition—revealed that these pharmaceutical interventions are fundamentally altering how consumers approach nutrition and grocery shopping.

    Lempert, founder of SupermarketGuru and recognized trend authority through appearances on major media platforms including The Oprah Winfrey Show, identified three powerful forces reshaping global food retail: the expanding loneliness epidemic, proliferation of GLP-1 medications, and emerging ‘no-buy’ consumer movements. His research demonstrates that UAE shoppers are making fewer retail visits while selecting higher-quality, nutritionally dense foods in reduced quantities, moving decisively away from ultra-processed alternatives.

    The physiological mechanism of GLP-1 drugs, originally developed for diabetes management, produces enhanced satiety signals and reduced appetite. With Novo Nordisk’s recent introduction of an oral formulation eliminating injection barriers and reducing cost, Lempert anticipates usage rates could “double or triple in a very short timeframe,” accelerating existing consumption trends.

    This pharmacological influence intersects with concerning social patterns. “Post-COVID has witnessed unprecedented increases in loneliness,” Lempert noted, observing consequent changes in shopping behavior: “More frequent trips with smaller basket sizes.” Retail innovators like American giant Kroger are responding with architectural and service modifications including communal tables, in-store cafés, and cooking demonstrations specifically designed to foster human connection.

    UAE-based supermarket chain Grandiose exemplifies this dual approach, combining social engagement spaces like food preparation avenues with curated selections of premium yet affordable products. CEO Mussaab Aboud emphasized the evolving philosophy: “Food doesn’t have to be expensive and quality doesn’t have to be expensive. Consumers seek affordable excellence—products delivering sensory satisfaction and nutritional benefit without premium pricing.”

    This convergence of pharmaceutical science, retail innovation, and social adaptation signals a profound reorientation of food consumption values throughout the Emirates, prioritizing wellness, quality, and community engagement over quantity and convenience.

  • This Week in Golf: Reed in Bahrain, Koepka returns, and what fans should watch

    This Week in Golf: Reed in Bahrain, Koepka returns, and what fans should watch

    The world of professional golf enters a dynamic phase this week with simultaneous high-stakes tournaments across multiple continents, headlined by Patrick Reed’s Middle Eastern campaign and Brooks Koepka’s anticipated return to PGA Tour competition.

    In the Arabian Gulf, the DP World Tour’s International Swing progresses to the $2.75 million BAPCO Energies Bahrain Championship at Royal Golf Club. Fresh from his commanding victory at the HERO Dubai Desert Classic, Patrick Reed leads an impressive field that includes major champions Sergio Garcia of Spain and Ireland’s Padraig Harrington. Defending champion Laurie Canter of England and previous winner Dylan Frittelli from South Africa complete the star-studded lineup, offering regional golf enthusiasts a showcase of elite talent.

    Meanwhile, California’s iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course hosts the PGA Tour’s Farmers Insurance Open, featuring the noteworthy comeback of five-time major winner Brooks Koepka. The 35-year-old American’s transition back from LIV Golf to the PGA Tour has progressed smoother than anticipated despite his acknowledged struggles with form and injuries throughout 2025. Currently positioned 254th in the Official World Golf Ranking—a dramatic fall from his former world number one status—Koepka seeks competitive redemption on familiar grounds.

    The professional circuit continues to navigate the complex landscape of player affiliations as the PGA Tour’s February 2nd deadline approaches for potential returns by LIV golfers Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm, and Cam Smith, all of whom have reportedly declined for the present moment. Reed’s competitive status remains particularly intriguing following his recent comments in Dubai confirming he hasn’t yet committed to LIV Golf for 2026, maintaining speculation about his future moves while he continues to climb the OWGR, now ranked 29th globally.

    Supplementing these headline events, the Korn Ferry Tour presents The Panama Championship at Club de Golf de Panama with a $1 million purse, while the MENA Golf Tour conducts the Egypt Golf Series at Address Marassi Golf Resort offering $100,000 in prizes. This multi-continental arrangement ensures golf aficionados worldwide have abundant competitive drama to follow throughout the week.