Opera

• Many telecom operators and businesses in emerging markets remain vulnerable to persistent AI-enabled cyber attacks despite increased 5G era cybersecurity vigilance and standard defensive measures. • Recent high-profile incidents including CloudFlare breaches demonstrate that even major infrastructure providers struggle against the evolving threat landscape as AI enables cyber threats to mutate beyond established legacy defenses. • The convergence of limited cybersecurity maturity in emerging markets, critical infrastructure dependencies on digital networks, and rapidly advancing AI attack capabilities creates a compounding vulnerability exposure.

• Ciridae has raised $20 million in seed funding led by venture capital firm Accel to develop AI operating systems tailored for mid-market businesses in industrial and services sectors. • The funding will enable Ciridae to build and deploy AI-powered operational platforms designed to streamline processes across manufacturing and service-oriented industries. • The investment reflects growing market demand for accessible AI solutions that address specific vertical market challenges beyond general-purpose AI platforms.

Casting director urges Keir Starmer to intervene in case of Paata Burchuladze, 71, jailed for seven years after singing at anti-regime demonstrationsThe Royal Opera House in London has urged Keir Starmer to intervene in the case of Paata Burchuladze, a world-renowned bass singer who has been imprisoned in Georgia since October on a charge of leading a coup against the country’s authoritarian leader.The 71-year-old has performed at the Royal Opera House and the Metropolitan Opera House in New York and collaborated with the likes of Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo and José Carreras. He was arrested after joining a protest outside the presidential palace in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. Last week he was given a seven-year jail sentence which Burchuladze suggested to the court was equivalent to a life sentence given his age. Continue reading...

• Taiwan and Paraguay signed three memoranda of understanding on May 8, 2026, in Taipei City to strengthen ties in AI, cybersecurity, and judicial matters. • Agreements cover information security, smart technology, and digital governance cooperation between the two nations. • The pacts aim to expand partnership amid growing needs for secure digital infrastructure and technological collaboration.

• Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on 'Face the Nation' that the U.S. military paused its ship escort operation in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran requested a halt to pursue peace talks. • President Trump announced the operation last week amid Iran's blockade, but suspended it two days later following Tehran's signal to 'make a deal.' • The pause supports a fragile ceasefire, with the U.S. now clearing the strait without active escorts, aiming to de-escalate tensions.

Rhun ap Iorwerth says he hopes to work with other parties and press the UK government for extra powersUK politics live – latest updatesThe leader of Plaid Cymru, Rhun ap Iorwerth, has vowed to form a stable minority government in the Senedd and said he would seek out mature cooperation from all opposition parties.Ap Iorwerth said his administration would press the UK government for extra powers over policy areas such as policing and justice and focus on results rather than engaging in political rows with Westminster. Continue reading...

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has pledged to adopt a zero-tolerance approach to the illicit narcotics trade as part of broader efforts to establish a drug-free region across Southeast Asia. • The commitment was announced during the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, Philippines, reflecting unified regional policy against narcotics trafficking and consumption. • The drug-free initiative represents a significant coordinated effort among ASEAN member states including Indonesia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam to combat organized crime networks and reduce substance abuse.