EUROPEAN COUNTRIES
Ireland mounts its biggest security operation for European summits
Ireland is implementing its largest-ever security operation as around 50 European leaders convene in Dublin this week. Growing concerns over hybrid attacks have prompted heightened vigilance and extensive preparations by the police. Many bomb threats in recent days have caused disruptions across Europe and targeted various institutions in Ireland. Specialist units, supported by military forces, will ensure safety during the significant political gatherings.
Thomas Cook India expects higher fiscal 2028 travel bookings, delays Europe summer launch
Thomas Cook (India) anticipates a rise in passenger numbers and bookings in fiscal year 2028. The company has postponed its summer European holiday packages due to unrest and extreme weather conditions. Revenue declined in the first half, but travel demand is recovering in the ongoing third quarter. The CEO is optimistic about financial performance improving in the second half of the fiscal year.
Spain demands that TikTok suspend operations until child sexual abuse material gone
Spain's government has demanded that TikTok suspend its operations in Spain until it eliminates child sexual abuse material, it said on Tuesday, after a media report documented 1,183 explicit posts on the platform with millions of views.
EU to make addictive app features easier to switch off
The European Union will on Wednesday unveil new rules to crack down on influencer marketing, ban online features that trick Europeans and force platforms to give users the right to turn off "addictive" features.
After fridge hacks, home appliances could be next, warns EU cyber chief
Supermarkets in at least 12 European countries were hit by cyberattacks in October and November, with France the worst affected.
Marco Rubio tells G7 US will keep imposing 'devastating' costs on Iran, diplomats say
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed G7 foreign ministers on the situation regarding Iran and economic sanctions. During the meeting in Paris, he referred to Iranian authorities in strong terms, emphasizing ongoing sanctions. Trump has decided to delay military strikes against Iran following regional appeals for diplomacy and dialogue. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani expressed cautious optimism about potential diplomatic solutions.
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Trump envoys bring Russia and Ukraine together for first peace talks in 9 months
Russian and Ukrainian officials recently convened in Abu Dhabi for the first US-brokered talks since February. US envoy Jared Kushner indicated that both sides have narrowed their differences but remain far apart on terms. Ukrainian officials emphasized the need for security guarantees and lasting peace to end the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov expressed a preference for broader European security talks first.

US-mediated talks on ending Russia-Ukraine war begin in Abu Dhabi
Three-way talks involving Russia, Ukraine, and the United States began in Abu Dhabi to address security guarantees. The discussions are the first of their kind since February and will last two days. Key negotiators from both sides have returned, seeking to bridge substantial gaps in their demands. Despite previous rounds yielding no breakthroughs, hopes persist for progress towards a resolution.

Eurozone bond yields fall as lower energy prices ease inflation concerns
On Tuesday, government bond yields in the Eurozone experienced a notable drop, particularly for French and Italian bonds. The easing of inflation worries, attributed to falling oil and natural gas prices, enhanced demand for bonds. Germany's 10-year bond yield fell to 3.25%, while France's decreased to 4.69%. Boosted by the US President's calming remarks, market sentiment improved, especially for nations that had faced challenges in their bond markets.

Global climate talks open with big questions, smaller goals
Climate negotiators from nearly 200 countries are attending COP31 in Antalya, Turkey, to address rising global temperatures and emissions. The summit will focus on achieving existing commitments rather than making ambitious new goals amidst geopolitical tensions and financial constraints.

India extends Halal certification for meat exports to Egypt
The government has extended the implementation of the mandatory i-CAS-Halal for meat exports to Egypt by three months. This extension aims to facilitate the accreditation process of Egyptian Halal certification bodies. Additionally, the government specified that the Certificate of Inspection for rice exports is limited to certain European countries. Exemption from this requirement will continue until April 2027 for other European nations.

Alligator hunts, a superyacht chase and a possible Kodak Black cameo: What Rockstar's new GTA 6 screenshots reveal
The latest GTA 6 screenshots offer a glimpse into the game and what it could offer. It features two main protagonists. It also shows some supporting characters, action scenes, locations, wildlife, and nightlife. The gallery contains still images but they come without detailed captions that can explain what is happening in a particular scene. It also does not reveal the identity of some characters.

A day before US-brokered talks, Russia and Ukraine batter each other with long-range strikes
Russia has targeted multiple electrical substations in Ukraine amid ongoing military actions. Ukrainian forces have hit a major oil refinery in Russia, crippling its supply capabilities. Diplomatic talks between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled with U.S. mediation amid the ongoing conflict. European Union emergency funding for Ukrainian power grid repairs has been activated to aid recovery efforts.

European Union sues IBM and two European companies over troubled border system: Report
The European Union has initiated legal proceedings against IBM, Atos, and Leonardo for delays in the Entry/Exit System. EU-Lisa reported these delays occurred during the system's development, not affecting its operation. The consortium was awarded a contract in 2019 for implementation and maintenance. In a letter from October 2021, the companies contested a fine imposed on them. They cited external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic as reasons for the delays.

Gas prices in the US are nearly half of Europe's: Why are American drivers paying so much less?
American motorists are currently paying much less for fuel compared to drivers in the European Union. The average petrol price in the EU is almost double that of the US, highlighting significant market differences. Higher taxation in Europe contributes to this price discrepancy, making it important for consumers to understand. Diesel costs also reflect a noticeable difference, though the gap is smaller than for petrol.

This European country is offering 3 days off from work to play GTA 6, but there's a catch
The course is not a GTA 6 gaming holiday. It uses open-world games as a learning environment to teach skills that can be applied to professional life. The timing has gained attraction because participants may be able to explore a newly released game while attending an officially recognised educational programme.

India finalises association with Horizon Europe for research and innovation collaboration
India has concluded negotiations with the European Union to associate with Horizon Europe for research cooperation. The agreement aims to create a long-term framework for collaborative R&D projects between India and the EU. Indian researchers will have access to European consortia and cutting-edge research infrastructure through this partnership. The collaboration seeks to deepen talent mobility and co-develop critical technologies and standards effectively.

They wear black, hide their faces and vanish into crowds: The mysterious movement from the 1980s unsettling Europe
Masked protesters known as the Black Bloc utilize a collective identity to evade police identification during demonstrations. This tactic has escalated violence and conflicts during protests across various European countries. Authorities struggle to address this phenomenon due to the absence of a formal organizational structure. While some view these methods as legitimate political expression, others believe they undermine peaceful movements.

EU and India conclude negotiations on association to Horizon Europe to push innovation ties
India and the European Commission have completed negotiations for India’s association with Horizon Europe. The agreement is expected to enhance scientific cooperation between Europe and India significantly. Researchers from India will gain access to Horizon Europe funding and can lead joint projects addressing pressing global challenges. This association aims to facilitate collaboration in various fields, including health, climate, and energy.

Kremlin denies Russia role in fridge cyber attacks
The Kremlin has denied accusations of being behind recent cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems across Europe. Grocery stores in numerous European countries experienced significant issues with fridge temperatures, leading to massive food wastage. European Union officials have suggested that these attacks may be a deliberate attempt to disrupt food supplies. This accusation follows increased concerns regarding Russian cyber activities since the ongoing conflict in Ukraine began.

EU Transport Commissioner activates security protocols after flight bomb threats; says "too early" to establish links
European Union Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas expressed concern over recent hoax bomb threats affecting flights in Europe. Many budget airlines were targeted, with investigations ongoing to determine the source of the threats. Multiple countries reported threats that prompted increased security measures and emergency landings. All affected flights were able to land safely after thorough inspections confirmed no explosives were present.

After freezer attacks and fake nuclear alerts, Europe hit by wave of bomb threats targeting flights: Which flights were affected and who's behind it?
In light of recent bomb threats troubling various European nations, numerous airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Finnair were forced to reroute flights and implement military escorts. Authorities found that the threats were ultimately empty, but heightened vigilance remains with ongoing cyberattacks and drone activity demanding attention. Governments are now urging citizens to stockpile emergency supplies as a precautionary measure amidst these escalated security challenges.

Cristiano Ronaldo International Retirement: Will he also retire from professional club football?
Cristiano Ronaldo has announced on Thursday that the soccer player is retiring from international football. He is leaving behind an impressive career with Portugal. He has had a record number of appearances and goals. The 41-year-old star has had an incredible career. He has won five Ballon d’Or awards. The footballer has a rags to the riches story.

World War 3: Is UK bringing back compulsory military service? Report claims conscription may return if major war erupts
Amid rising concerns over potential conflicts, discussions on mandatory military service in the UK have gained momentum. Experts assert that the government would likely mobilize reservists and former service members before implementing a draft. Retired Army chief Lord Dannatt emphasized that young adults aged 18 to 24 would be the primary focus of any conscription efforts.

Cristiano Ronaldo retires from international football, ending Portugal's CR7 & Siuuu era
Cristiano Ronaldo announced his retirement from international football, concluding his remarkable 23-year career with Portugal. He made a total of 234 appearances and scored 146 goals for the national team. Ronaldo's international journey began in August 2003, leading to multiple World Cup participations. Notably, he captained Portugal to their first European Championship title in 2016. His outstanding contributions also include winning the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

New cyberattack targets French blood banks, health ministry says
The incident follows attacks that forced stores in eight European countries to throw away vast quantities of food after hackers tampered with their fridges on Monday, mirroring hacks that swept dozens of supermarkets in France three weeks ago.

India-EU trade deal to ease mobility for Indian professionals, but work visas will still be required
The proposed India-European Union Free Trade Agreement is set to simplify temporary entry for Indian professionals. It includes provisions for intra-corporate transferees, contractual service suppliers, independent professionals, and business visitors. Visa applications will still follow existing immigration procedures and conditions, ensuring applicants meet specific requirements.

'New Cold War'? Supermarket freezers hacked in six European countries, food worth millions spoiled. Who's behind it?
A wave of cyberattacks has struck supermarket refrigeration systems across several European nations, including Belgium, Sweden, Luxembourg, and Estonia, raising serious food safety alarms. These breaches allowed unauthorized access to cooling units, causing hazardous temperature increases that threaten product integrity. Experts are voicing concerns about the rising risks associated with connected technologies, while investigators work diligently to pinpoint the perpetrators and safeguard against future breaches.

Global Market: French bond yields hold steady despite Fitch downgrade warning
French bond yields remained steady despite Fitch downgrading the country's outlook to negative, as investors weighed fiscal concerns and political uncertainty against easing energy prices and developments in the Middle East.
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