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An organised network operating from the former Soviet state of Georgia has scammed thousands of savers from the UK, Europe and Canada out of $35m (£27m) after they fell for fake celebrity adverts on Facebook and Google that the government promised to outlaw three years ago. Deepfake videos and fictional news reports featuring the money … Read more
The speaker of New Zealand’s parliament has told lawmakers to stop complaining about the use of the Māori name for the country, after the deputy prime minister strongly objected to hearing it in the house. In a ruling on Tuesday, Gerry Brownlee said that while “New Zealand” is the official name, the Māori name “Aotearoa” … Read more
Nearly one in 10 of all women who died at the hands of men in the UK over the past 15 years were mothers killed by their sons, a report reveals. Data analysing the deaths of 2,000 women killed by men since 2009 has given an unprecedented insight into the hidden scourge of matricide, with … Read more
China has set its GDP target for 2025 at “around 5%”, a figure which was unveiled by Premier Li Qiang at the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing on Wednesday. Li announced the growth target in the annual government work report, which also outlined plans to stabilise economic growth by boosting … Read more
Queensland authorities are advising some residents to leave coastal properties in the path of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, amid warnings that a storm surge of up to 1 metre higher than typical tides could inundate communities. The prime minister, Anthony Albanese, said Australian Defence Force assets have been placed on standby to respond to the looming … Read more
The latest exchanges between Tamil Nadu and the Centre over Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) funds have reignited the long-standing language debate. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has reaffirmed the State’s opposition to Hindi imposition and reiterated its commitment to the two-language policy. Meanwhile, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has dismissed allegations of Hindi imposition, … Read more
A cross-party group of MPs has written to Keir Starmer expressing “deep concern” about cuts to the UK’s aid budget, as ministers brace for a potentially stormy debate on Foreign Office spending on Wednesday. The international development committee warned of the damage the cuts may cause in a letter to the prime minister written by … Read more
The Edinburgh festival fringe should be given the same status as major sporting events like the Olympics or the Commonwealth Games, its outgoing chief executive has said. Shona McCarthy, who stands down this week after nine years running the fringe, said its needs were routinely ignored by public authorities, who expected it to fend for … Read more
The attorney general of Florida has opened a criminal investigation of Andrew Tate and his brother Tristan after the pair were able to fly into the state last week despite facing trial in Romania on charges of rape, sex with a minor, people trafficking and money laundering. James Uthmeier, appointed to be the state attorney … Read more
Key events Show key events only Please turn on JavaScript to use this feature The theme of Donald Trump’s address to Congress will be the “renewal of the American dream”, the White House said. House speaker Mike Johnson formally invited Trump to speak to Congress in January. In his letter, Johnson invited the president to … Read more