Shield

• The Israeli coalition is advancing a controversial Basic Law designed to protect Haredi draft evaders from legal sanctions. • In separate developments, Prime Minister Netanyahu claimed Iran has already obtained atomic bombs, a statement dismissed as a "lie" by Gabi Ashkenazi and Naftali Bennett. • The NCAG reported productive meetings in Cyprus intended to prepare a Palestinian technocratic committee for entry into Gaza.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is facing criticism from opponents regarding the frequency and timing of his foreign visits, particularly during periods of global instability. • The author argues that modern diplomacy has evolved beyond state-to-state relations to focus primarily on protecting Indian citizens from external threats. • These diplomatic efforts are framed as a necessary "shield" to mitigate the impact of international crises, such as wars and global energy shocks.

• Nigerian fintech companies are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence to combat a surge in account takeover attacks and mounting fraud losses. • The shift occurs as traditional security systems prove insufficient against evolving threats, forcing firms to integrate AI as a primary defensive shield. • This transition marks a strategic pivot where cybersecurity is viewed as a competitive differentiator and a driver of customer trust rather than a mere compliance necessity.

Governor says law is a response to ‘legitimate anxiety’ about Trump’s tactics targeting Democratic-led cities and statesGavin Newsom, California’s governor, signed legislation Wednesday that aims to shield California elections from federal interference, saying he expected Donald Trump’s administration to try to meddle in the midterms this year.The law, which took effect immediately and came days before next Tuesday’s primary, prohibits any person – including federal agents – from accessing voter rolls or election technology without a court order. Law enforcement officers are restricted from disrupting election workers, except in public safety emergencies. Continue reading...

• Shield AI, headquartered in San Diego and founded in 2015, secured $1.5 billion in its Series G funding round in March 2026, bringing total funding to $2.5 billion. • The investment supports advancements in AI-driven autonomous systems for defense applications, enhancing national security capabilities. • This massive round underscores surging investor confidence in US defense tech startups amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Climate experts and advocates warn House and Senate bills will protect polluters at the cost of the climate Republican lawmakers are attempting to shield big oil from having to pay for its contributions to the climate crisis, alarming environmental advocates.New House and Senate bills, led by Harriet Hageman, a Wyoming representative, and Ted Cruz, a Texas senator, respectively, would give oil and gas companies broad legal immunity from policies and lawsuits aimed at holding the industry accountable for damages caused by its emissions. Continue reading...

Brussels will relax state aid rules to allow member countries to offer ‘targeted and temporary’ supportEurope live – latest updatesThe EU will cut electricity taxes and provide consumers with fresh incentives to ditch fuel-burning cars and boilers, the European Commission has announced, as the Iran war energy crisis speeds a shift to a clean economy.The plan, which foresees tweaking rules so that electricity is taxed less than oil and gas, aims to bring down bills while encouraging the move away from polluting devices that prolong reliance on foreign fuels. Continue reading...