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Australian Teen Sues Government Over Social Media Ban
A teenager challenging the Australian government’s ban on social media for under‑16s argues the policy will make the internet less safe for young people and is likely to be easily bypassed.
Noah Jones, 15, is a co-plaintiff in a High Court case against Communications Minister Anika Wells and eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant.
Mental Health Concerns
The law, due to take effect on December 10, would block minors from platforms such as Meta’s Instagram, TikTok and Snap’s Snapchat. The government says the ban will protect children from harmful content and online predators.
Jones argues the policy will isolate teens and push them into riskier behaviour.
“We should be cutting off the bad things about social media,” he told Reuters from his home in Sydney. “When kids do things in secret, that’s when things can be really harmful.”
Jones said social media is essential for staying connected and sharing ideas, likening it to a modern-day town square.
“I have almost all the people in my year on Snapchat. It’s a light way of being connected. Most people will get quite separated,” he said.
Wider Implications
Jones warned the ban would create a “social divide” between those who evade restrictions and those who do not. “I most likely will get around the ban. I know a lot of my mates will,” he said.
Jones said parents, not the government, should decide how children use social media.
The Communications Minister and eSafety Commissioner were not immediately available for comment. Wells has said the government stands by the law regardless of any legal challenges.
The lawsuit, which includes another 15-year-old student, argues the ban infringes constitutional rights and should be replaced with targeted measures against cyberbullying and predatory behaviour. It is backed by an advocacy group run by a Libertarian Party member of the New South Wales state parliament.
The case has yet to be scheduled for hearing.
(With inputs from Reuters)
India-Nepal: Old Issues Raise Their Heads Amid Political Fog
Nepal’s new 100-rupee note offends India in two ways: it shows the disputed territories of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh as part of the Himalayan country.
The new note is printed in China, a decision taken by the ousted CPN(UML) government of prime minister KP Sharma Oli.
Given that Oli’s government in no longer there, Delhi had no option but to stay quiet. But India will be watching closely how the China relationship will play out once a new government is in place. Ditto for the disputed territories.
The hitch here is Nepal is presently in political deadlock. There is talk of parliament reconvening with the old discredited parties and their leaders in place.
The Kathmandu buzz also speaks of voices being raised within political parties against aging leaders seen as out of step with current realities.
This is evident in the Nepali Congress, the CPN(UML)vand even Prachand’s Maoist party.
The Gen Z protestors who led the public storm that swept out the ruling parties and their leadership, seems to have run out of ideas about the way forward.
For now India is keeping its cards close to its chest. With no credible government in Kathmandu, it has to wait for the political fog to clear before addressing either the disputed territories or Nepal currency being printed in China.
Starmer Seeks Reset In UK–China Relations Amid Security Concerns
Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday cautioned that China represents a “national security threat” to the UK, yet defended his government’s move to deepen engagement with Beijing, arguing that stronger economic ties serve Britain’s national interests.
Starmer’s Labour government has made improved relations with China one of its foreign policy priorities, but relations between the two countries have been strained by British accusations of spying by Beijing.
In one of his clearest attempts to explain his approach to China, Starmer said in a speech to business leaders in London’s historic financial district that Britain’s relationship with China had for too long “blown hot and cold”.
Shifts in UK-China Relations
Britain has made major shifts in its approach towards China in the past decade, moving from saying it wanted to be China’s greatest supporter in Europe in the so-called “golden era” of relations to then being one of its fiercest critics.
“It’s time for a serious approach, to reject the simplistic binary choice, neither golden age nor ice age, and recognise the plain fact that you can work and trade with a country while still protecting yourself,” Starmer said.
Starmer’s decision to publicly say China posed “national security threats” comes after prosecutors said a trial of men accused of spying for Beijing collapsed in September because the government declined to describe the country in similar terms.
Calling the previous Conservative government’s lack of engagement with China “a dereliction of duty”, Starmer said since 2018 French President Emmanuel Macron had visited China twice and German leaders had visited China four times.
But the last British leader to visit China was Former Prime Minister Theresa May in 2018.
Starmer is preparing to visit China next year, according to sources, following trips by at least four cabinet ministers since Labour was elected last year.
Balancing Act
Rejecting the idea that the relationship was defined by balancing economic and security considerations, Starmer said his government would not trade security in one area for more economic access.
“Protecting our security is non-negotiable – our first duty,” he said. “But by taking tough steps to keep us secure, we enable ourselves to cooperate in other areas.”
But Starmer said in areas where there is no significant security risk, he would encourage businesses to try to improve their business ties with China.
“In areas like financial and professional services, creative industries, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods and more – great British success stories – the export opportunities are huge and we will back you to seize them,” he said.
(With inputs from Reuters)
Netanyahu Appears in Court After Seeking Pardon Backed by Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared in court on Monday for the first time since formally requesting a presidential pardon in his ongoing corruption trial a move publicly supported by former US President Donald Trump. The hearing in Tel Aviv reignited debate over whether Netanyahu should remain in office while his legal battles continue.
Opposition figures have criticised the request, arguing that any pardon should depend on Netanyahu retiring from politics and acknowledging guilt. Others said he should first call national elections, which are due by October 2026, before seeking clemency.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he would back ending the trial only if Netanyahu agreed to step away from political life “to pull Israel out of this chaos.” Bennett, who briefly led a coalition government in 2021 before Netanyahu’s return to power the following year, is now seen as a potential successor should Netanyahu depart.
Indicted on Bribery and Fraud Charges
Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving leader, was indicted in 2019 on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust after lengthy investigations. His trial began in 2020 and has continued through his return to office. He has consistently denied all accusations, insisting that the case against him is politically driven.
In his letter to President Isaac Herzog, Netanyahu said the trial was obstructing his ability to govern effectively. His lawyers argued that a pardon would serve the national interest, though Netanyahu has not admitted guilt. Pardons in Israel are typically granted only after conviction, and legal experts note that there is no precedent for granting one mid-trial.
Outside the Tel Aviv courthouse, a small group of protesters gathered, some wearing orange prison-style jumpsuits and chanting for Netanyahu to be jailed. “It’s unacceptable that he seeks a pardon without taking responsibility,” said demonstrator Ilana Barzilay.
Trump Calls Prosecution ‘Political’
Netanyahu’s pardon request follows a letter from Trump to President Herzog urging him to consider clemency, describing the prosecution as “political and unjustified.” The appeal has energised Netanyahu’s supporters while deepening divisions within Israel’s already polarised political landscape.
Polls suggest Netanyahu’s coalition regarded as the most right-wing in Israel’s history may struggle to secure a majority in future elections. His legal troubles have become a central issue in recent campaigns, shaping the country’s political discourse and testing public trust in its leadership.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Ukraine Develops National AI Model on Google’s Gemma Framework
Ukraine is building a large language model (LLM) using Google’s open-weight Gemma framework, aiming to create an independent artificial intelligence system for both military and civilian applications. The initiative, announced on Monday by Ukraine’s digital ministry and mobile operator Kyivstar, seeks to reduce the country’s reliance on foreign technology providers.
Initial training will use Google’s computing infrastructure before transitioning to Ukrainian servers. This move is intended to give Ukraine full control over AI systems used by 23 million citizens every day. Kyivstar said the model would underpin a new generation of AI-powered services across both public and private sectors.
Deputy Minister for Digitalisation Oleksandr Bornyakov said Ukraine wanted to avoid paying millions to foreign firms and instead invest in local development. He also confirmed that the country’s military plans to integrate AI into battlefield systems for troop coordination and enemy tracking.
Strategic Partnerships and Technological Goals
Google’s Gemma framework was chosen for its multilingual capabilities and performance. Ukraine’s Minister for Digitalisation Mykhailo Fedorov said the model builds upon existing AI work already in use for aerial and satellite reconnaissance and drone operations. AI tools from US-based Palantir Technologies are also helping Ukraine analyse Russian attacks and prioritise demining operations.
According to Kyivstar, the partnership with Google strengthens technological and economic ties between Ukraine and the United States — links that have grown since Kyivstar’s Nasdaq listing in August 2025. Alternatives such as Meta’s Llama and France’s Mistral AI were considered before Gemma was selected.
Building a Culturally Inclusive AI
Developers say the Ukrainian model is being designed to understand and generate multiple languages used within the country, including Ukrainian, Russian, Crimean Tatar, and minority dialects. Four advisory committees have been established to oversee technical, linguistic, cultural, and legal standards, ensuring the system reflects Ukraine’s diverse identity.
Data is being collected from more than 90 government institutions, including court registries, regional archives, and records documenting Russian actions during the ongoing war. Training will take place on secure GPUs hosted abroad, with final deployment planned for Ukrainian data centres.
Addressing Security and Reliability Challenges
Officials expect the system to face cyber threats upon release. Bornyakov said teams are developing safeguards against attacks, including “prompt injection” techniques that could manipulate AI behaviour. Kyivstar has already reinforced its infrastructure by installing over 3,500 backup generators to maintain stable operations amid continuing Russian strikes.
The first applications of the new AI system will serve government services and Kyivstar platforms, with private sector adoption to follow. Ukraine’s initiative highlights how smaller nations can use open technologies to strengthen digital sovereignty and reduce dependence on major global AI providers.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Hong Kong Police Arrest 13 Over City’s Deadliest Fire in Decades
Hong Kong authorities have arrested 13 people for suspected manslaughter following the city’s deadliest fire in decades, which has claimed at least 151 lives. Officials said on Monday that substandard renovation materials likely fuelled the blaze, which engulfed seven towers at the Wang Fuk Court estate last Wednesday.
Police continued searching the high-rise blocks, where many victims were found in stairwells and on rooftops as they tried to escape. More than 40 people remain missing, with police official Tsung Shuk Yin saying some bodies had been reduced to ash, making recovery efforts extremely difficult.
Unsafe Materials Blamed for Spreading Fire
Tests on samples of a green mesh used to wrap bamboo scaffolding during renovations revealed the material did not meet fire retardant standards. Chief Secretary Eric Chan said contractors had hidden these unsafe materials in hard-to-reach areas, preventing inspectors from detecting the risks.
Investigators also found that foam insulation worsened the fire’s spread, while fire alarms in the complex were not functioning properly. Thousands of residents have been displaced, and more than 1,100 have been relocated to temporary housing, while 680 others are staying in youth hostels and hotels.
Authorities have offered HK$10,000 ($1,284) in emergency funds per household and assistance with replacing identity cards, passports, and other documents lost in the disaster.
Public Mourning and Rising Anger
Thousands of mourners have gathered to honour the victims, including at least nine Indonesian domestic helpers and one from the Philippines. Long queues of mourners stretched more than a kilometre along a nearby canal, as the city collectively grieved. Vigils are also planned in Tokyo, London, and Taipei.
Public anger has intensified amid reports that residents had previously warned officials about fire hazards related to renovation work. Authorities last year reportedly told residents the buildings carried a “relatively low fire risk,” despite their complaints about flammable scaffolding materials.
Political Tensions and Crackdown Warnings
The tragedy has sparked fresh political tensions ahead of Hong Kong’s legislative elections. Police recently detained at least one person involved in a petition calling for an independent investigation into possible corruption and construction oversight failures.
Two more individuals have reportedly been arrested for “seditious intent.” China’s national security office has warned against using the disaster to incite unrest, vowing to punish anyone attempting to “disrupt Hong Kong through disaster.”
This fire, the deadliest since 1948 when 176 people were killed in a warehouse blaze, has left the city shaken and searching for accountability.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Tulip Siddiq Condemns Bangladesh Court Verdict as ‘Flawed and Farcical’
British lawmaker Tulip Siddiq has denounced a Bangladeshi court decision that sentenced her in absentia to two years in prison, calling the process “flawed and farcical.” She said the ruling should be treated with contempt, describing it as an unjust outcome from what she labelled a “kangaroo court.”
Speaking to The Guardian on Monday, Siddiq criticised the handling of the case, saying the proceedings lacked credibility from start to finish. She maintained that the verdict was entirely predictable given the political context surrounding it.
Background and Political Connections
Siddiq, who is the niece of former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, stepped down in January as Britain’s minister for financial services and anti-corruption. Her resignation followed scrutiny over her financial links to her aunt, though she continues to serve as a Member of Parliament.
The controversy has drawn attention in both the UK and Bangladesh, as Siddiq’s family ties place her at the intersection of two political landscapes. Despite stepping aside from her ministerial role, she has remained vocal about defending her reputation and challenging what she views as politically motivated actions.
Siddiq Rejects Allegations as Smear Campaign
Siddiq has consistently dismissed the accusations against her, describing them as a “politically motivated smear.” She insists that the charges were designed to damage her credibility and career rather than reflect any genuine wrongdoing.
Her statement underscores her determination to continue her political work in Britain while rejecting what she sees as an unfair and politically influenced process in Bangladesh.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Kim Jong Un Hails Air Force’s Role in Nuclear Deterrence at 80th Anniversary Event
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised his country’s Air Force for its growing role in supporting nuclear war deterrence, as he marked the service’s 80th anniversary alongside his young daughter, according to state media reports on Sunday.
Photos published by the Rodong Sinmun newspaper showed Kim observing a display of unmanned aircraft, mobile missile launchers, and military vehicles. The event also featured an air show attended by Kim and his daughter, both dressed in long leather coats, underscoring the North Korean leader’s continued efforts to project strength and family legacy.
Expanding Drone and Missile Capabilities
State media said Kim toured a display that included an airborne early-warning aircraft a model North Korea first unveiled earlier this year. He also viewed several drones, reflecting Pyongyang’s recent focus on expanding unmanned aerial systems as part of its evolving military strategy.
A Ukrainian intelligence official told Reuters that North Korea has begun mass-producing small First Person View (FPV) drones for short-range reconnaissance and attacks, as well as larger, medium-range battlefield drones. These developments suggest the country is seeking to diversify its capabilities beyond traditional missile systems.
Strengthening the “Nuclear War Deterrent”
According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim said the Air Force’s responsibilities are “truly great” as it plays an essential role in the exercise of the nuclear war deterrent. He called on the force to “resolutely repulse and control all sorts of espionage acts and possible military provocations of the enemies.”
Kim also pledged to equip the Air Force with new strategic assets, though he did not specify what those might include. Analysts say this could signal future upgrades to North Korea’s air defence systems or the introduction of advanced drones and aircraft designed for nuclear or electronic warfare support.
Continued Military Focus Amid Isolation
Kim’s public emphasis on the Air Force’s nuclear-related role aligns with North Korea’s broader push to modernise its military, despite international sanctions and economic strain. In recent months, Pyongyang has unveiled new missile systems, advanced drones, and enhanced surveillance technology, asserting its readiness to counter what it calls growing threats from the United States and South Korea.
The anniversary celebrations reinforced Kim’s message of military resilience and deterrence, while also highlighting the symbolic presence of his daughter, seen by observers as part of efforts to shape the image of a dynastic succession within North Korea’s leadership.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Putin Grants Visa-Free Entry to Chinese Tourists and Business Travellers
President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on Monday granting visa-free access to Russia for many categories of Chinese citizens including tourists, business people, academics, artists, and athletes for stays of up to 30 days.
The new policy, which will remain in effect until September 14, 2026, is a reciprocal move following China’s decision in September to offer visa-free travel to ordinary Russian passport holders for a year starting September 15.
Deepening “No Limits” Partnership
The visa exemption reflects the deepening ties between Moscow and Beijing since the two countries declared a “no limits” strategic partnership just days before Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
With Russia facing sweeping Western sanctions, it has grown increasingly reliant on China for trade and technology imports to sustain its economy. The mutual visa-free travel agreement is the latest sign of the two nations’ expanding cooperation in the face of geopolitical isolation from Western countries.
Specific Categories and Restrictions
According to the decree, the visa-free access applies to short-term visitors such as tourists, investors, scholars, artists, and athletes but does not cover Chinese migrant workers, long-term students, or logistics and transport personnel.
Putin’s order said the decision was aimed at encouraging tourism and cultural exchanges while strengthening economic links between the two nations.
China’s Foreign Ministry confirmed earlier this year that its own visa-free policy for Russians would facilitate travel, business, and people-to-people exchanges, supporting what Beijing has called a “comprehensive strategic partnership” with Moscow.
The move is expected to boost travel between the two countries, which have already seen a sharp rise in cross-border tourism and bilateral trade over the past year.
(with inputs from Reuters)
Bangladesh Court Jails UK MP Tulip Siddiq and Ex-PM Sheikh Hasina for Corruption
A court in Bangladesh on Monday sentenced British parliamentarian and former UK minister Tulip Siddiq to two years in prison in absentia over corruption charges linked to the illegal allocation of government land in Dhaka, prosecutors said.
Siddiq’s aunt, former Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, was sentenced to five years in jail, while Hasina’s sister Rehana received a seven-year sentence. All three were fined 100,000 taka ($820) each, with an additional six months in prison if the fines are not paid.
The court ruled that the three used their political influence to unlawfully obtain a 13,610-square-foot (1,264-square-metre) plot of land that had been designated for a government housing project intended to ease population pressure in the capital.
Political Fallout and Denials
Siddiq, who resigned in January as the UK’s minister for financial services and anti-corruption, has dismissed the charges as a “politically motivated smear.” She has not returned to Bangladesh and, as Britain has no extradition treaty with the country, she is not expected to serve her sentence.
Hasina’s representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Prosecutors said the trio “abused their authority and colluded with senior officials” to secure the land allocation during Hasina’s tenure as prime minister.
Fourteen other defendants in the same case were each sentenced to five years in prison.
Mounting Legal Cases Against Hasina
The verdict is the latest in a growing list of criminal cases against Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India in August 2024 amid a mass uprising against her government. Last month, a separate Bangladeshi court sentenced her to death over her administration’s deadly crackdown on demonstrators during anti-government protests.
Just last week, she was also handed a combined 21-year prison term in other corruption cases.
The latest ruling underscores the deepening political turmoil in Bangladesh following Hasina’s ousting after more than a decade in power. Her conviction, along with that of her relatives, adds to a widening web of legal challenges surrounding the country’s former ruling family.
(with inputs from Reuters)