Eddie Jones Suspended as Japan Head Coach After Match Official Abuse Disciplinary Action Taken by JRFU Former England rugby head coach Eddie Jones has been fined and suspended from his role as Japan head coach after admitting to inappropriate comments directed at match officials during an under 23 tour in Australia last month. The Japanese Rugby Football Union confirmed the decision, saying the behaviour was serious enough to require strong disciplinary action under his contract. Jones has been removed from duty for six weeks and will miss Japan’s next four matches, including the opening Nations Championship fixture against Italy on 4 July. He will also be absent for two matches against a Hong Kong China Select team and a warm up game against the Maori All Blacks. The union has also reduced his salary as part of the punishment. Jones Issues Apology Jones accepted the sanction and expressed regret over his conduct. He said his remarks caused discomfort to local officials and others involved, and he apologised for the incident. The 66 year old acknowledged responsibility and said he understood the impact of his behaviour. Background and Recent Incidents Japan’s under 23 squad completed the tour with three wins from four matches, including a strong 38 to 21 victory over Randwick, a club closely linked to Jones’ coaching history. This is not the first time Jones has faced controversy since returning to Australia. After England’s series win over Australia in 2022, he was involved in tense exchanges with fans who accused him of disloyalty following his switch in coaching roles.
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Eddie Jones Suspended as Japan Head Coach After Match Official Abuse

Former England rugby head coach Eddie Jones has been fined and suspended from his role as Japan head coach after admitting to inappropriate comments directed at match officials during an…

England Recall Ollie Robinson as Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker Earn First Test Call Ups
Sports

England Recall Ollie Robinson for New Zealand Test as Emilio Gay, James Rew and Sonny Baker Earn First Call Ups

England have recalled Ollie Robinson after a two year absence from Test cricket for the opening match against New Zealand national cricket team at Lord’s on 4 June. The selectors…

Man Utd chiefs to recommend Carrick for permanent job
Sports

Manchester United Move Closer to Naming Michael Carrick as Permanent Manager

Strong caretaker run puts Carrick in front Manchester United are preparing to consider Michael Carrick as their next permanent manager after an impressive spell in charge as caretaker. Club officials…

Princess Eugenie Charity Under Scrutiny as Regulator Reviews Spending Concerns
Entertainment

Princess Eugenie Charity Under Scrutiny as Regulator Reviews Spending Concerns

Charity Regulator Opens Compliance Case The UK Charity Commission has launched a regulatory compliance case into Princess Eugenie’s Anti Slavery Collective. The review focuses on concerns about how the charity…

Bertie Ahern Immigration Comments Spark Controversy in Ireland
Politics

Bertie Ahern Immigration Comments Spark Controversy in Ireland

Immigration Remarks Spark Debate Former Irish leader Bertie Ahern has come under scrutiny after remarks about immigration made during a door to door campaign interaction. In a video shared widely…

Gaza teenage sisters win an environmental award for turning war rubble into reusable bricks, aiming to support local
NewsWar

Gaza Teenage Sisters Transform Rubble into Reusable Bricks and Win Youth Environmental Award

Two teenage sisters from Gaza have received a major environmental award after creating reusable bricks from rubble left by destroyed buildings. They say their goal is to turn destruction into…

Ongoing Cross Border Attacks Escalate Tensions Hezbollah has continued launching drones, rockets, and mortar shells targeting Israeli troops positioned in southern Lebanon, along with nearby communities in northern Israel. The group says these actions are part of its ongoing resistance operations in the region. Israeli forces remain active in southern Lebanon, where they conduct military operations in response to these attacks. Peace Talks Scheduled in Washington On Thursday, officials from Israel and Lebanon are expected to meet in Washington for a third round of direct discussions. The goal is to explore ways to reduce violence and stabilize the situation. These talks come as international pressure increases to prevent further escalation. Hezbollah Rejects Diplomatic Efforts Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem has publicly rejected the diplomatic push. In a recent letter, he stated that the group will not abandon its military stance or leave the battlefield. His statement signals continued resistance despite ongoing international mediation efforts. How the Conflict Expanded The current wave of fighting began on 2 March, just two days after a joint US and Israel strike on Iran. In response, Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel. Israeli forces then carried out airstrikes and later expanded ground operations into southern Lebanon. Since then, the conflict has steadily intensified across the border region. Rising Casualties in Lebanon Lebanon’s health ministry reports that at least 2,896 people have been killed since the conflict escalated. The figures include both civilians and combatants, though no clear separation is provided. The ongoing violence has heavily affected southern and coastal areas, where strikes and retaliatory attacks continue.
War

Hezbollah Drone and Rocket Attacks Continue as Lebanon and Israel Hold Peace Talks in Washington

Ongoing Cross Border Attacks Escalate Tensions Hezbollah has continued launching drones, rockets, and mortar shells targeting Israeli troops positioned in southern Lebanon, along with nearby communities in northern Israel. The…

Two neighbours divided by Belfast peace wall turn barriers into friendship Physical wall turns short distance into long walk Lily Brannon, 73, and Michelle Bradley, 46, live in Belfast on opposite sides of a peace wall that separates the Springfield and Springmartin Road areas. Their homes are only about two minutes apart on foot. Because of the wall, the journey between them takes around 20 to 30 minutes. These peace lines exist across parts of Belfast to separate some Catholic nationalist and Protestant unionist communities. Friendship formed through cross community project The two women met through a cross community programme in west Belfast. The initiative runs at the Black Mountain Shared Space building and is supported by the International Fund for Ireland peace barriers programme. At first, both felt cautious. Michelle remembers a sense of reservation. Lily describes it as suspicion. That early tension faded as they spent more time together. From fear to trust Lily grew up before the Troubles, the decades of conflict that ended with the 1998 peace agreement. Michelle was born during the 1980s, when violence was still widespread. Michelle says she did not grow up with hate, but with fear of what she did not know. She believed people on the other side might already dislike her, even without meeting them. Strong bond despite history Over time, the two women built a close friendship. Lily now speaks warmly about Michelle and says she is someone she can rely on. Michelle has also formed a strong bond with Lily. Their relationship shows how everyday contact can reduce long held fears between communities that have been divided for decades. The International Fund for Ireland, which supports this kind of work, is marking 40 years of cross community efforts.
News

Two neighbours divided by Belfast peace wall turn barriers into friendship

Physical wall turns short distance into long walk Lily Brannon, 73, and Michelle Bradley, 46, live in Belfast on opposite sides of a peace wall that separates the Springfield and…

Margot Robbie backs the Tudor drama 1536 as it transfers to London’s West End, highlighting its focus on ordinary women during Anne Boleyn’s
Entertainment

West End transfer of 1536 gains Margot Robbie support

Margot Robbie has stepped in as a co producer for the play 1536 as it moves to London’s West End. The Tudor era drama explores the final days leading up…

Top US Tech CEOs Join Donald Trump Visit to China Amid Rising Trade Tensions
PoliticsUnited States

Top US Tech CEOs Join Donald Trump Visit to China Amid Rising Trade Tensions

A group of major American business leaders joined US President Donald Trump on an official trip to China this week. The visit comes at a sensitive moment in relations between…

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Kunal Shah Takes Charge of WhatsApp as Meta Bets on Payments and AI Growth From Indian Startup Founder to Global Tech Leader Kunal Shah, the founder of Indian fintech company Cred, has been appointed as the new head of WhatsApp. The move places him at the center of one of the world's largest digital platforms, with more than three billion users worldwide. For years, Shah was well known in India's startup and investment community. However, his new role at WhatsApp has brought him international attention. Meta's decision comes after its reported $900 million investment in Cred and reflects the company's ambition to expand WhatsApp beyond messaging. Meta aims to strengthen WhatsApp's position in digital payments, business services, and artificial intelligence. Shah's experience in building consumer-focused technology products made him a strong choice for the role. Building a Reputation in India's Startup Ecosystem Kunal Shah first gained recognition in 2010 when he co-founded FreeCharge. The platform allowed users to recharge mobile phones and quickly became popular as India's digital economy started to grow. The company achieved rapid success and attracted significant investor interest. In 2015, e-commerce company Snapdeal acquired FreeCharge in one of India's biggest startup deals at the time. Following the acquisition, Shah shifted his focus toward investing in emerging technology companies. He worked closely with startup founders and became a respected mentor within the entrepreneurial community. A Trusted Adviser to Startup Founders After leaving FreeCharge, Shah spent several years advising and investing in promising startups. During this period, he also collaborated with renowned organizations such as Y Combinator and Sequoia Capital. These experiences helped him build strong relationships across the technology sector. As India's startup ecosystem expanded, Shah became known for sharing insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth. His podcasts, interviews, and social media posts attracted a large audience. He often discussed topics such as trust, incentives, wealth creation, artificial intelligence, and human behavior. An Unconventional Journey to Success Unlike many leading technology entrepreneurs, Shah did not attend a prestigious engineering or management institution. He studied philosophy while living in Mumbai and followed a different path to success. According to stories shared by fellow entrepreneurs, Shah selected philosophy partly because the class schedule allowed him to continue working after his family's business faced financial difficulties. While studying, he took on various jobs to support himself. Those experiences shaped his understanding of business and eventually inspired him to launch FreeCharge. How Cred Changed the Fintech Market In 2018, Shah founded Cred, a fintech company designed to reward users for paying their credit card bills on time. The concept focused on encouraging responsible financial behavior through incentives and rewards. The platform quickly attracted users and investors. Over time, Cred expanded its services into lending, insurance, commerce, and wealth management. Shah frequently explained that the company's foundation was built on trust and incentives. This philosophy helped Cred stand out in India's highly competitive fintech industry. What Shah's Appointment Means for WhatsApp As WhatsApp enters a new phase of growth, Shah faces the challenge of turning the platform into more than just a messaging service. Meta wants to expand digital payments, support businesses, and introduce new AI-powered features. His track record of building innovative financial products and understanding consumer behavior could play a major role in shaping WhatsApp's future strategy. With billions of users and growing competition in the technology sector, all eyes will now be on Kunal Shah as he leads one of the world's most influential communication platforms.
Kunal Shah Takes Charge of WhatsApp as Meta Bets on Payments and AI Growth
Information Technology News
# Who Could Be the UK's Next Chancellor? With Sir Keir Starmer stepping down, many political observers expect Andy Burnham to become the next UK prime minister. If Burnham takes office, attention will quickly turn to one of the most important positions in government: the chancellor. The next chancellor will inherit a challenging economic situation. Rising public debt, weak economic growth, welfare reform pressures, increased defence spending, and global uncertainty are all on the agenda. As a result, the choice could have a direct impact on businesses, investors, and households across the UK. ## Wes Streeting Emerges as the Leading Contender Many bookmakers currently see Wes Streeting as the frontrunner for the chancellor role. Streeting previously competed for the Labour leadership but later backed Burnham. His support has led to speculation that he could be rewarded with one of the most powerful jobs in government. However, not everyone supports that idea. Economist Lord Jim O'Neill has suggested that the role should go to the most qualified candidate rather than someone seeking recognition for political loyalty. Although Burnham and Streeting work within the same party, they often differ on economic priorities. Burnham generally supports higher public spending, while Streeting is viewed as more cautious on government finances. Economic analysts describe Streeting as relatively friendly to business and growth. Supporters believe he could reassure financial markets. Critics, however, argue that his long term political ambitions could create challenges in government. ## Ed Miliband Remains a Strong Alternative Another name frequently mentioned is Ed Miliband. The former Labour leader is considered politically closer to Burnham. Many experts believe that strong alignment between the prime minister and chancellor helps create stable economic policy. Miliband brings significant experience to the table. Supporters argue that he has the knowledge and authority needed to guide the economy through difficult times. Some economists believe he could win market confidence by presenting a clear and consistent financial strategy. Others remain concerned about his economic approach. ## Concerns Over Energy Policy Critics often link Miliband's strong support for net zero policies to Britain's relatively high energy costs. Because of this perception, some analysts fear financial markets could react cautiously if he became chancellor. Investors typically look for policies that support stable growth while keeping inflation under control. Miliband has also faced criticism from parts of the trade union movement. Opponents argue that restrictions on new oil and gas projects in the North Sea could limit job creation and investment opportunities. ## Major Challenges Await the Next Chancellor Regardless of who secures the position, the next chancellor will face a difficult task. The UK economy continues to struggle with slow growth and high government borrowing. At the same time, public services require additional funding, while defence spending demands continue to increase. Global tensions and uncertainty in international markets add further pressure. The next chancellor will need to balance economic growth, public spending, and financial stability while maintaining confidence among businesses and investors. ## Final Thoughts The race to become the UK's next chancellor is already attracting significant attention. Wes Streeting and Ed Miliband currently lead the discussion, but the final decision will likely depend on Andy Burnham's broader economic vision. Whoever takes the role will play a crucial part in shaping the UK's financial future during a period of significant economic and political change.
Who Could Be the UK’s Next Chancellor? Top Contenders and What Their Appointment Could Mean for the Economy
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Economic Challenges Facing the Next Prime Minister
Economic Challenges Facing the Next Prime Minister
Economics
# EU Entry/Exit System Sparks Concerns Over Summer Travel Delays Travellers heading to Europe this summer may experience longer waiting times at airports because of the European Union's new Entry/Exit System (EES). The digital border control program has now become fully operational across the Schengen Area and is changing the way non-EU visitors enter and leave participating countries. Many travel experts have warned that the new checks could create delays during peak holiday periods. As millions of people travel across Europe, airports are preparing for increased passenger processing times. ## What Is the EU Entry/Exit System? The EU Entry/Exit System is a digital border management program designed to replace traditional passport stamping. Instead of receiving a manual stamp, travellers now have their entry and exit information recorded electronically. The system applies to non-EU citizens entering the Schengen Area. This includes UK travellers visiting popular destinations such as France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, and other participating countries. Officials introduced the system to improve border security and track the movement of visitors more accurately. ## What Information Must Travellers Provide? Under the new rules, travellers must complete biometric registration when entering the Schengen Area for the first time. This process includes: * A passport scan * Fingerprint registration * A digital facial photograph Most passengers complete these checks at automated kiosks located at airports. However, border officers may process some travellers manually. Children under 12 years old are generally exempt from fingerprint collection. Once travellers leave the Schengen Area, authorities verify the stored information to confirm their departure. ## Why Are Airport Delays Expected? The biometric registration process takes longer than a standard passport check. As a result, airport authorities expect increased waiting times, especially during busy travel periods. Since the rollout began last year, several airports have reported smooth operations. However, others have experienced significant delays during peak hours. Travel industry representatives believe some airports could face lengthy queues when passenger numbers rise sharply. In certain cases, travellers may wait several hours before clearing border control. ## What Should Travellers Do Before Flying? Passengers travelling to Europe should arrive at airports earlier than usual and allow extra time for border procedures. Checking airline guidance before departure can also help travellers prepare for any additional requirements. Furthermore, travellers should keep passports ready and follow airport instructions to speed up the registration process. Although the new system aims to strengthen security and modernize border management, it may take time before airports fully adjust to the additional checks. ## Outlook for Summer Travel The EU Entry/Exit System marks a major change in European border control procedures. While authorities expect the system to improve efficiency in the long term, travellers could experience delays during the busy summer season. For now, planning ahead and allowing extra time at airports remains the best way to avoid unnecessary stress and travel disruptions.
EU Entry/Exit System Sparks Concerns Over Summer Travel Delays
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