Sociology professor to stand down after university announces investigation into his qualifications and career• Playbooks, plagiarism and a pig’s head: new claims surrounding a star Cambridge professorJason Arday, the Cambridge professor accused of plagiarism and embellishment, has resigned after the university announced he was to face a new investigation into his qualifications and career.Arday, who had been dogged by a growing series of questions over his academic work and credentials, issued a statement on Wednesday night, saying the “relentless accusations, speculation and public commentary have taken a profound toll on me and on those I love”. Continue reading...
• An unnamed veteran 80s metal band has announced its first U.K. tour in over a decade as part of a final farewell run before officially disbanding.
• Following the U.K. dates, the tour will expand across Europe starting March 21, with scheduled stops in 12 countries including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain.
• This tour marks a significant milestone for fans, providing a last opportunity to see the metal icons perform live before their permanent retirement.
• US stock markets reached a record high following optimism that the Strait of Hormuz will remain open for commercial shipping.
• US Central Command announced on Tuesday that the waterway is "free and open," noting that US forces have assisted over 1,000 vessels in transiting the area over the last three months.
• The news led to a drop in oil prices as investors reacted to progress in talks and the mitigation of risks associated with Iranian aggression.
Federal lawsuit alleges kids are being repatriated despite many of them qualifying to remain in the US legallyThe Trump administration is deliberately targeting children who came to the US unaccompanied by a parent or guardian as it pushes to quickly return them to the countries they fled – amid “drastic policy changes” in immigration courts, according to allegations in a federal lawsuit shared with the Guardian.The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are trying to prevent imminent deportation to the places from where they escaped danger or harm. Continue reading...
• The Parliament monsoon session is facing significant disruptions as the Opposition demands answers from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding a security crackdown on CJP protests.
• AAP MP Sanjay Singh submitted a notice under Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha to discuss public outrage and consumer rights concerns over the mandatory implementation of E20 petrol.
• This legislative move follows a march led by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal to the Prime Minister's residence on Tuesday to protest the fuel policy.
• Asian stock markets rose on Wednesday, driven by a surge in tech stocks following strong second-quarter results and an increased revenue forecast from Palantir.
• The market rally occurred as investors reacted to easing concerns regarding artificial intelligence trends and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
• Global financial focus shifted toward central bank policy decisions, specifically those from the U.S. Federal Reserve, the Bank of England, and the Bank of Japan.
Jake Richard acknowledges ‘unimaginable pain’ of Harper’s family but says government faces an ‘unenviable position’Good morning and welcome to the UK politics blog.Ministers continue to defend the release of PC Andrew Harper’s killers as part of the government’s early prisoner release scheme, despite a potential legal challenge from the Police Federation.Well, look, we understand that people are angry. The Harper family are, of course, angry. The police are angry too.We’re angry that we’re in this situation where we face the unenviable position of having to make sure that we have a sustainable prison system, which is so vital to a functioning law and order system in our country, but also that we do right by victims as far as possible.Because without a functioning prison system, it means it’s difficult for police to make arrests, it’s difficult for our courts to try cases, and it could mean to the collapse of law and order in this country.We cannot be in that situation, so that is the challenge that we face as government ministers and the prime minister faces ultimately.I feel sick to my stomach, if I’m really honest with you. I’ve had a gut wrenching feeling in my stomach the past couple of weeks with this, and it doesn’t go away.And arguably, I would say that many of my members across Thames Valley also have this gut wrenching feeling, even at the prospect of these two killers being released in the space of weeks, potentially.Ministers will scrap the requirement for companies to prove their green and progressive values before they are awarded government contracts, and instead ask firms to prove they will help young people back into work.Women should not feel pressurised into experiencing an “ideal birth”, the new health secretary, Yvette Cooper, has said, promising a root-and-branch reform of standards after several damning maternity scandals.An official investigation has been launched into charities in England and Wales donating funds to illegal Israeli settlements in Palestine.Andy Burnham has inherited a Labour membership that is sceptical about increased welfare spending, supportive of higher defence spending, and ranks the climate crisis as one of the country’s biggest challenges, according to new polling.BP’s chief executive has urged Andy Burnham to make use of the UK’s oil and gas resources even as the oil company prepares to sell its North Sea business after 60 years in the ageing basin.The Conservative party leader, Kemi Badenoch, has defended the selection of a former neo-Nazi activist as a candidate for a local election in Somerset despite him being jailed in 2016 after he was convicted of racially aggravated harassment of the former Labour MP Luciana Berger.Pupils in Scotland’s schools received their exam results this morning, with exam pass rates at all levels having risen this year, including a record number of National 5 passes. Continue reading...
Sarah Henderson says bill ignores gambling inducements, uniting parties and independents against controversial legislationFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastLabor will be forced to make major changes to its planned crackdown on online gambling advertising, as the Coalition, Greens and independents demand tougher rules to stop betting companies offering generous inducements as well as further limits on broadcast ads.After a two-day inquiry including sensational evidence that gambling companies allegedly provided illegal drugs and access to sex workers to keep problem gamblers betting, the Coalition confirmed on Wednesday afternoon it would seek “crucial amendments” before agreeing to support the government’s legislation. Continue reading...
Ukrainian president tells allies that anti-ballistic measures could have saved lives as at least 17 die and more than 40 are injured in huge attackUkraine shot down 98 of the 115 drones fired by Russia overnight, the country’s air force said. But it was unable to shoot down any of the missiles, preliminary statistics from the air force showed.Kyiv can intercept the vast majority of drones, but still relies on supplies from allies to counter missiles, AFP noted. Continue reading...
• The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day following an uproar from Opposition MPs regarding the funding of the Ram Temple.
• Chaos also erupted in the Rajya Sabha as members protested the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah during discussions on the July 20 police action and NEET protests.
• Congress MP Pawan Khera demanded an official statement from the Union Home Minister, alleging that the government is intentionally avoiding a parliamentary discussion on student issues.
• Singer Ariana Grande, 33, will step back from public visibility and take a break from her public life following the conclusion of her world tour next month.
• The decision comes as a response to what her representative describes as "endless" scrutiny surrounding the artist.
• Grande is currently continuing her tour schedule, with three upcoming performances at the United Center in Chicago starting this Monday.
• US singer Ariana Grande, 33, has announced she will "step back from visibility" and take a break from public life.
• The hiatus will begin next month following the conclusion of her current world tour.
• According to her representative, the decision comes as a response to the "endless" scrutiny the artist has faced.
Restaurant chain pulls peppers ‘out of an abundance of caution’ as salmonella outbreak sickens 100 peopleChipotle said on Tuesday it had removed jalapeños from some of the chain’s restaurants after identifying the peppers as a potential ingredient tied to a salmonella outbreak, replacing them with supplies from different growers.The company said it began tracing ingredients through its supply chain after learning of a potential outbreak and identified jalapeños from a common lot as a possible source. Continue reading...
• Ariana Grande has announced she will "step back from visibility" following the conclusion of her Eternal Sunshine tour to distance herself from ongoing public scrutiny.
• As part of this hiatus, the three-time Grammy winner is dropping out of the musical production "Sunday in the Park With George."
• This decision follows a period of high professional success, including her role as Glinda in the 2024 "Wicked" movie, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actress.
Comparisons of live and archived pages show more than 20 mentions have been removed, including in reference to the gender pay gapGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastReferences to “gender equality” have been removed from the Queensland Office for Women’s website amid claims by former staffers that the Liberal National party government wants to “dewokify” the public service.Guardian Australia has seen an email from a manager, sent in January, tasking staff with scanning the website for the word “gender” so that it could be “reframed”. Continue reading...
• UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan has stated that the government is open to implementing AI regulation if it becomes necessary to protect public safety.
• This potential shift comes in response to growing concerns regarding "rogue AI" and the risks associated with uncontrolled artificial intelligence development.
• The move signifies a cautious approach, balancing the desire for technological innovation with the need to mitigate systemic safety threats.
Special rapporteurs say ‘transnational repression by Indian authorities’ has put Moninder Singh in dangerUN rights experts have urged Canada to take all feasible measures to protect the Sikh activist Moninder Singh, who has been repeatedly warned by the Canadian authorities of credible threats to his life.In a letter to the Canadian government, the five UN experts raised “concerning allegations of foreign intimidation and reprisals” against Singh, a Canadian national. Continue reading...
PM Péter Magyar says country nearly forced into decision as extreme heat and low water levels in Danube pose challenges in regionHungary has come “within millimetres” of having to shut down its nuclear power plant overnight, prime minister Péter Magyar said, as low water levels in the Danube continue to pose challenges for countries in south-eastern Europe.“Around 1:30 a.m. we were a few millimetres away from completely shutting down the Paks Power Plant, but then the water level stopped falling and by morning it had risen 1.5 centimetres. The last turbine is currently operating safely,” Magyar said on social media. Continue reading...
US sees first fatalities due to intestinal illness, though both had significant underlying health conditionsTwo people have died from cyclosporiasis in Michigan, the state’s health department said on Monday, marking the first fatalities in the largest US outbreak of the intestinal illness.Both individuals had significant underlying health conditions that may have been affected by cyclosporiasis and dehydration, according to medical records. Continue reading...
Boris Nadezhdin, who gained prominence after standing against Putin in 2024, says he is now in FranceThe prominent Russian anti-war politician Boris Nadezhdin has fled to Paris as Moscow tightens its grip on dissent before parliamentary elections later this year.Nadezhdin, a veteran liberal politician, gained international prominence during Russia’s 2024 presidential election when his long-shot campaign against Vladimir Putin unexpectedly gathered momentum before electoral authorities barred him from running. Continue reading...
Expert says people face being filmed without their consent as $89 Anko smartglasses sell out in stores and onlineGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastKmart has sold out of Anko-branded $89 camera glasses across Australia, which a digital rights expert says presents a “privacy nightmare” as people face being filmed without their consent.As of Monday, the clear-lens, black-rimmed glasses, which can capture images and record high-definition videos, were sold out at Kmart stores across Australia and online. Continue reading...
• India's Parliament Monsoon Session entered its third week on Monday, with the government focusing on advancing key legislation in the Lok Sabha.
• A parliamentary panel is scheduled to question Big Tech executives following a controversy regarding Meta's removal of a post by the Prime Minister.
• The House is set to introduce two significant pieces of legislation: the Indian Statistical Institute Bill, 2026, and the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026.
• Indian stock markets are expected to see stock-specific movements as earnings seasons continue, influenced by geopolitical developments, crude oil prices, and foreign fund flows.
• Market volatility remains a factor, with the India VIX closing the week at 12.15% and the Put-Call Ratio Open Interest (PCR OI) standing at 1.14.
• The Nifty faces a crucial resistance zone between 24,550 and 24,600, which aligns with previous swing highs.
• A resident of Neelum Valley, identified as Raja Ehsan, was killed by security forces during firing at protesters in Athmuqam Tehsil.
• The incident occurred as the second phase of the disputed legislative assembly polls concluded amid widespread unrest and heightened regional tension.
• This violence underscores the volatility surrounding the electoral process in PoJK, where security interventions have led to fatal clashes.
Health secretary, longtime vaccination skeptic, spent years boosting misinformation about vaccines including MMRRobert F Kennedy Jr, the US health secretary, on Sunday told American parents that they should get their children vaccinated against measles, as the surge in infections has reached numbers not seen in the past 35 years.Kennedy, a leading vaccination skeptic who has spent years amplifying misinformation about vaccines, including the shot that protects against measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), made his call in the course of a contentious interview with CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday morning. Continue reading...
Senator Bernie Moreno says congressman and ex-son-in-law should step down after his daughter’s allegationsRepublican senator Bernie Moreno on Sunday publicly called for Representative Max Miller, his ex son-in-law, to step down from Congress amid allegations of domestic and child abuse.As recently as Friday, the Ohio senator had avoided giving his opinion directly on accusations made by his daughter, Emily Moreno, against the congressman. Continue reading...
• Pakistan held the second phase of legislative assembly elections in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday.
• The voting process took place amid significant unrest, particularly in Muzaffarabad, where residents reported rock-strewn roads and burnt vehicles.
• Heavy security was deployed across the region following violent clashes between local protesters and security forces.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met with PML-N President Nawaz Sharif in Raiwind on Saturday for a high-level political consultation.
• The meeting, which included Maryam Nawaz and Ishaq Dar, focused on governance reforms and the ongoing national debate regarding the creation of new provinces.
• This discussion is critical as the party evaluates administrative restructuring to improve governance and service delivery across Pakistan.
Australians bought EVs and hybrids at nearly same rate as petrol cars between April and June, Australian Automobile Association data showsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastAustralians are now buying electric and hybrid vehicles at the same rate as traditional petrol-powered cars, according to new data that shows EV sales doubled in the months after the peak of the fuel price spike.Fuel prices are again on track to top $2 a litre, after the federal government’s fuel excise reductions – introduced to offset the impact of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East – came to an end on Sunday. Continue reading...
• India is implementing the National Cyber Crisis Management Framework to address unprecedented cyber threats emerging from the country's rapid digital transformation.
• The government has introduced the Cyber Shikshit Bharat initiative, which evolves previous awareness programs to focus on skills development and indigenous innovation.
• These strategies aim to protect critical national infrastructure and bolster economic resilience against security breaches that threaten national stability.
