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Former US President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, reaffirming their close personal relationship despite tensions. Trump criticized the ongoing Gaza war, calling for its quick end and expressing readiness to resolve the conflict if he had been president. He also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris for her statements, labeling her as 'radical' and 'not very nice' to Israel. Netanyahu, facing growing international pressure, met with Biden and Harris to discuss ceasefire efforts and the release of Hamas hostages. The meeting with Trump could potentially position him as a statesman and the Republicans as a pro-Israel party. Netanyahu defended his government's actions before Congress, attributing protests to Iran as a diversion. Additionally, Biden spoke with Jordan's King Abdullah II to discuss efforts towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza war. CIA Director William Burns held talks in Rome, while Egypt and Jordan, both having peace agreements with Israel, called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Rafah border crossing.

A coordinated attack on the French rail network has caused severe delays and transportation issues just hours before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Arson attacks on three of the country's high-speed lines impacted up to 800,000 travellers, leading to speculation about the motives and the perpetrators. While no one has claimed responsibility, French officials and US intelligence suggest the possibility of anarchist or extreme left-wing groups being involved. Some senior French officials have also pointed the finger at Russia, although there is no concrete evidence to support this claim. Repairing the sabotaged fibre-optic cables will be a complex and painstaking process, as specialised experts and equipment are needed. To ensure the security of the rail network, SNCF, France's national railway company, has ramped up security measures with the deployment of 1,000 workers, 40 railway police teams, and 50 drones. The disruption caused by the sabotage is expected to continue throughout the weekend, with Eurostar cancelling one in four services and delays expected across the French high-speed rail network. The investigation into the attacks is ongoing, and authorities are preparing for potential future incidents.

Unknown arsonists targeted France's high-speed rail network, causing chaos and disruption for 800,000 people, including Olympic athletes, ahead of the opening ceremony in Paris. The attacks, which included the sabotage of signal systems and cables, prompted severe disruptions and stranded thousands of travelers. Although no one was harmed, the impact on the rail network was significant. The motive behind the attacks and the identity of the perpetrators remain unknown, leading to an ongoing investigation. The French authorities have increased security measures, with 45,000 security forces expected to be deployed for the opening ceremony. The incidents have been widely condemned, with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressing solidarity and emphasizing the importance of strong security measures. The sabotage has marred what was meant to be a moment of national glory for France, with President Emmanuel Macron's hopes overshadowed by the disruption. Despite the setbacks, the mayor of Paris has assured that the opening ceremony will proceed without any restrictions. The International Olympic Committee has expressed confidence in the French authorities' ability to ensure safety during the games. These attacks serve as a reminder of the current threat levels in Europe and the need for heightened security measures to protect major events like the Olympics.

Multiple coordinated arson attacks on the French railway system have caused major disruptions to train travel, affecting around 800,000 passengers. The attacks targeted train control cables, causing disruptions on high-speed TGV lines to the north, east, and west. Although an attack in the southeast was foiled, incendiary devices were seized. The investigations are focused on 'damage to state property' and 'property damage,' with possible penalties of up to 20 years in prison. The regional president has described the attacks as an 'act of destabilization,' while the Transport Minister has condemned the 'coordinated malicious actions.' It is important to note that there is currently no connection between these attacks and the ongoing Olympics. However, Deutsche Bahn has warned of disruptions in long-distance traffic between France and Germany. The attacks highlight the vulnerability of railway infrastructure and raise concerns about potential future incidents, including terrorism and sabotage. Efforts are being made to repair the damage, but it is expected that the repairs will take several weeks to complete. The French and German security authorities are working closely together to investigate and prevent further attacks, ensuring the safety of the public and athletes.

The Paris Olympics promise revenue but come at a significant social cost due to investments in security against terrorism. Some businesses are experiencing a decline in American customers while others hope for a resurgence post-event. The sustainability plan for Paris 2024 includes green initiatives like using renewable energy sources and reusing materials. Despite the efforts towards sustainability, questions linger about the Olympic model's compatibility with a greener future.

OpenAI's announcement of the SearchGPT prototype poses a new threat to Google's search market dominance. With Google currently holding 91% global and 95% mobile search market share, even a small percentage gained by OpenAI could yield significant revenue. The integration of SearchGPT's best features into OpenAI's popular ChatGPT application aims to enhance user experience and provide location-based search results. This development has caused concern among Alphabet and Microsoft investors, leading to a sell-off in tech stocks. OpenAI's SearchGPT prototype will undergo testing with publishers, potentially disrupting Google's search market share. The prototype aims to provide up-to-date and relevant information, linking to reliable sources, similar to Google's AI-powered search engine, AI Overviews. While Microsoft has previously integrated OpenAI's AI technology into products like Bing, it has not been able to gain market share from Google. OpenAI's foray into the search market with SearchGPT marks an important step in making generative AI accessible to a wider audience. However, the success of smaller AI search engines in competing with Google remains uncertain.

In the run-up to the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, the French rail network was the target of a massive attack that caused considerable disruption to traffic. Arsonists targeted three of the four high-speed TGV lines to Paris, which the transport minister condemned as an ‘outrageous criminal act’. Over 800,000 travellers were affected and repair work is expected to take several days. An extensive deployment of 45,000 police officers, 10,000 soldiers and 2,000 private security personnel is planned to provide security during the Olympic Games. Although the attacks on the railway facilities appeared to be coordinated, there is no clear evidence of a direct link to the Olympic Games. The geopolitical context of the Games is tense. Despite calls to exclude Israel due to the Gaza conflict, the country will take part in the Games. These tensions also put a strain on the traditional Olympic truce. The opening ceremony on the Seine will be watched closely by over 100 international leaders. Paris, under the leadership of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, will not only showcase its famous landmarks, but will also invite visitors to experience the unique Parisian lifestyle.

Since the coup in Niger a year ago, President Bazoum has been held captive by the junta in his former palace without contact with the outside world. The junta plans to try him for conspiracy and treason, and his life is in danger. The coup has divided the nation, with some supporting the military rulers and others questioning their approach to governance. The country has faced economic sanctions and a rise in food prices since the coup, exacerbating the already existing food insecurity. The rift between Niger and France has deepened, leading to the withdrawal of French troops and strained relations. The future of Niger remains uncertain as the nation grapples with political instability and security challenges.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets US President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and presidential candidate Donald Trump. Netanyahu thanks Biden for 50 years of support for Israel, discusses strained relationship due to Israel's actions in Gaza war. Netanyahu justifies his course in a speech before the US Congress. Talks about a possible hostage deal and the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel. Accompanied by protests and anti-Semitic incidents. Netanyahu plans to meet Trump in Florida. Harris calls for a ceasefire and protection of civilians in Gaza, while Biden focuses on ending the war. Some US representatives boycott Netanyahu's speech in Congress. Trump urges Netanyahu to end the war in Gaza. Biden and Netanyahu discuss the need for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The Israeli population is disappointed with Netanyahu's speech. Trump criticizes Harris, calling her a 'radical Marxist'. Biden meets Netanyahu in the Oval Office and expresses support for Israel.

President Joe Biden hosted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House amidst the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict. Netanyahu also addressed the U.S. Congress during his visit, defended Israel's actions in Gaza, and received support from Republicans, while facing criticism from some Democrats. The strained relationship between Biden and Netanyahu was evident, especially after Netanyahu's meeting with former President Trump in Florida. Concurrently, activists protested Netanyahu's visit in Washington, D.C., highlighting concerns over Israel's military actions in Gaza. The interactions between these political figures underscore the complex dynamics surrounding the Israel-Hamas conflict and the differing perspectives within U.S. politics on the matter.

The luxury conglomerate LVMH, headed by billionaire Bernard Arnault, has emerged as the winner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. LVMH's brands have designed uniforms for French athletes, trunks for medal collection, and the Olympic flame. The VIPs will enjoy LVMH's champagne and cognac, while the prize-winners will be dressed in LVMH clothes. This strategy allows LVMH to be discreet yet visible. The event was attended by prominent figures such as French President Emmanuel Macron, President of the International Olympic Committee Thomas Bach, and renowned fashion designer Christian Louboutin. The gala dinner hosted by the IOC and the French Presidency took place at the iconic Louvre Museum, showcasing the unique Louvre Pyramid designed by Ieoh Ming Pei. The event gathered heads of states, sports personalities, and other distinguished guests. The Paris 2024 Olympics promise a combination of sports, fashion, and diplomacy, with LVMH playing a central role in promoting French luxury and style. The Prelude to the Olympics, held at The Fondation Louis Vuitton, welcomed celebrities like Vogue's Anna Wintour, rapper Snoop Dogg, and basketball player LeBron James. As the opening ceremony approaches, anticipation and excitement for the Paris 2024 Olympics continue to grow.

French economist and politician Lucie Castets is boldly calling on President Emmanuel Macron to appoint her as Prime Minister, despite her relatively low public profile. Castets, a 37-year-old financial expert, expressed her readiness during a radio interview. Meanwhile, in Paris, outgoing Minister for Foreign and European Affairs Stephane Sejourne and ECB President Christine Lagarde met at a Sustainable Development Summit before the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. President Macron, alongside Sejourne and outgoing Minister for Sports and Olympics Amelie Oudea-Castera, participated in the same event, emphasizing the country's commitment to sustainability in sport. These prominent figures in French politics are actively engaged in shaping the nation's future and international relations.

Paris is undergoing a transformation as it prepares for the Olympics, implementing extensive security measures. The city is installing 44,000 metal barriers and restricting access to the Seine banks for 326,000 spectators using QR codes. On opening night, there will be 45,000 police and gendarmes, 20,000 private guards, and 10,000 soldiers for anti-terror operations. However, activist group Saccage 2024 opposes the environmental impact of these measures. In addition, 1,000 French police will guard Israel's high-risk Olympic football match against Mali, creating an 'anti-terror perimeter' for expected protests. Pro-Palestine groups also plan demonstrations against Israel's participation. Meanwhile, the Paris Olympics are also being seen as an opportunity to test AI video surveillance technology, raising concerns about mass surveillance and discrimination. The French government has authorized the experimental use of AI-powered video surveillance in 46 Paris subway stations, despite fears of misuse and infringement on civil liberties. However, organizations warn of the potential for abuse and violation of rights. Alongside these security measures, French President Macron is using the Olympics to showcase France's global image, but the country faces political uncertainty after a recent parliamentary election.

Copernicus reported that Sunday marked the hottest day globally ever recorded, with temperatures surpassing the previous day by a mere 0.01 degrees Celsius. This year has seen numerous temperature records broken, including June being the hottest on record. Data since 1940 show an alarming trend in rising temperatures. Monday continued the trend, setting a new high global average temperature, breaking the record set just the day before. These extreme temperatures are attributed to climate change and natural weather patterns such as El Niño. The scorching heatwave affected regions worldwide, including California, Southern Europe, and Al Dhaid in Dubai. Scientists warn of 'uncharted territory' and emphasize the urgent need to address climate change. The relentless rise in temperatures follows a 13-month streak of record-setting months, with every month since June 2023 setting new temperature highs.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress in Washington on Wednesday. The speech comes amidst strained relations between the US and Israel due to the Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip. Netanyahu arrived in Washington on Monday and is scheduled to meet President Joe Biden on Thursday, while also planning a meeting with former President Donald Trump on Friday. The US government has been pressuring Netanyahu to consider the civilian population in his military operations in the Palestinian territory. The speech is expected to be met with anticipation and controversy, with Democratic lawmakers planning to boycott it and Republican lawmakers showing support for Israel. The visit holds both foreign policy and domestic political significance, with Netanyahu's leadership being a divisive topic among party lines. Meanwhile, ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages are showing signs of progress, according to Netanyahu's office. The international community, including the UN, has criticized the Israeli army's repeated evacuations in the Gaza Strip, which are further straining the already damaged healthcare system and causing water shortages.

Fourteen Palestinian groups, including Hamas and Fatah, have agreed to establish a national interim government of 'reconciliation' for the Gaza Strip after the war. The key point is the agreement to form a 'national interim government for reconciliation,' said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi after the signing of the 'Beijing Declaration' by the groups in the Chinese capital. The declaration aims to end the division and strengthen Palestinian unity. China, showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause, wants to play a 'constructive role in securing peace and stability' in the Middle East. UN Secretary-General Guterres welcomed the Palestinian agreement mediated by China, which includes a 'unity government' for Gaza and the West Bank. Israel criticized the agreement. The Fatah-led Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank, while Hamas has controlled the Gaza Strip since 2007. The factions had promised to end their rivalry in 2011, but attempts to form a unity government have repeatedly failed. China aims to promote itself as a Middle East peace broker.

The European Parliament has elected new chairs for several influential committees, including the Committees on Industry, Energy and Research; Environment, Public Health and Food Safety; and Transport and Tourism. Notable appointments include Borys Budka as chair of the Industry and Energy Committee, Antonio Decaro as chair of the Environment Committee, and Eliza Vozemberg as chair of the Transport Committee. Decaro, a former mayor, has been recognized for his advocacy of bicycle traffic and environmental causes. In addition, the Socialists and ECR parties continue to hold leadership positions in the Parliament's economic and budget committees, with Aurore Lalucq as chair of the Economic Committee and Johan Van Overtveldt re-elected as Budget chair. The committees will focus on key issues such as trade, competitiveness, green transition, and capital markets union. Gender balance and the exclusion of far-right groups have been a source of tension within the Parliament. Other notable appointments include Carmen Crespo as chair of the Fisheries Committee and Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann as chair of the Defense Committee.

Google has decided not to ban third-party cookies in its Chrome browser, instead opting to allow users to manage their cookie settings centrally. The original plans for a cookie-less solution did not receive full support from competition watchdogs or the advertising industry. Cookies, which store information about user browsing habits, have long been criticized by privacy advocates. Websites and apps must obtain user consent before storing and using cookies for advertising purposes. However, many users find the cookie consent pop-ups annoying and often dismiss them without consideration. Google's initial plan to eliminate tracking of individual user behavior received support from privacy advocates but faced criticism from the advertising industry and competition regulators concerned about Google's dominant position. Google's updated approach now focuses on empowering users to make informed decisions that apply to their entire internet browsing experience. The company will present this plan to regulatory authorities for review. The decision to retain third-party cookies in Chrome has disappointed privacy advocates, who saw their elimination as a step forward for consumers.

On Friday, a CrowdStrike update led to outages affecting at least 8.5 million Windows devices. In response, Microsoft has released a recovery tool that installs a rescue system to help users restart their systems. The affected file systems are BitLocker-encrypted, and the cause of the error is currently being analyzed. IT expert Patrick Wardle is investigating the cause of the outage. CrowdStrike, which is used by many organizations for critical services, experienced one of the worst cyber failures in history. CrowdStrike has provided a technical advisory with more information and temporary solution steps. CrowdStrike says that many of the affected devices are now back online, testing new reboot methods. However, the global outage disrupted flights and healthcare services, and normal GP service cannot immediately resume due to the system shutdown. Passengers were stuck at airports and had to sleep in the jetway as a result of the IT outage, which also disrupted the Paris Olympics. CrowdStrike has rolled out a fix and apologizes for the 'blue screen of death' error. At least 4,295 flights were cancelled globally.

A global IT outage led to chaos affecting flight operations, hospitals, and media worldwide. Sydney Airport faced delays but check-in services are returning in Hong Kong, South Korea, India, Indonesia, and Singapore. BER Airport had self-service check-in issues, pushing UK travelers towards ferries. BSI President Plattner took swift action after the faulty security software from Crowdstrike caused the unprecedented disruption. Experts like Junade Ali highlighted the severity of the situation, warning about common cause failures due to tech reliance. Despite the havoc, Beijing airports remained unaffected, underscoring the widespread impact of the IT crash.

A global IT outage, caused by a bug in a CrowdStrike update, has resulted in widespread disruption to air travel, rail traffic, and broadcasting in numerous countries. Major airports such as Berlin's BER and Sydney's airport experienced shutdowns, while airlines like Delta, United, and American Airlines suspended operations. The impact also extended to hospitals and media outlets. The outage affected countries including Australia, Singapore, the USA, Hong Kong, South Korea, Thailand, India, and Indonesia. The magnitude of the disruption was unprecedented, according to cybersecurity experts. CrowdStrike, the cybersecurity firm responsible for the flawed update, has since found a solution. While the situation is slowly improving, there are still delays and cancellations at some airports, and passengers are advised to check their flight status. The outage highlights the vulnerability of global technological infrastructure and the need for businesses to have contingency plans and diversify their cloud services. It serves as a reminder that even routine software updates can have significant consequences.

In his party conference speech, former President Donald Trump struck a partly conciliatory tone, urging unity in the US while also launching sharp attacks on President Joe Biden. Trump detailed the assassination attempt he narrowly survived and expressed his desire to be a president for all of America. However, as his speech progressed, he returned to his usual hard rhetoric, criticizing Biden for the damage he claims he has caused to the country. Trump repeated his unfounded claim that the 2020 election was stolen from him and referred to himself as a victim of a 'witch hunt' regarding ongoing legal proceedings against him. He blamed Biden for inflation, uncontrolled immigration, and international conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, promising to end these crises. Trump also focused on his usual tirade against irregular migration, vowing to build a continuous border wall with Mexico. The speech concluded with Trump's family joining him on stage, including his previously reclusive wife Melania. Meanwhile, as the Republican convention took place, doubts grew within the Democratic Party about Biden's fitness for a second term, with reports suggesting he may consider withdrawing from the presidential race.

Joe Biden, the current president of the United States, is facing increasing pressure from Democratic lawmakers and donors to drop out of the 2024 race. Polls show that a majority of Democrats believe Vice President Kamala Harris would make a good president and should be nominated instead. Despite this, Biden remains defiant and vows to stay in the race, despite concerns about his age and health. His campaign chair, Jen O'Malley Dillon, acknowledges a decline in support, but Biden is more committed than ever to defeat Trump. Top Democrats, including Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi, have expressed concerns behind the scenes. Biden's fundraising is drying up, and there are worries about the chaos that would ensue in the Democratic Party if he were to resign. Over 30 House Democrats and 4 senators have called on Biden to quit, while influential supporters like George Clooney and Michael Moritz want him to make way for Harris. The vice president is holding emergency calls with donors, and some polls show she may be more competitive against Trump. Amidst these pressures, Biden's family has reportedly discussed the possibility of him exiting the campaign.

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's controversial visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque threatens the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The recent Gaza offensive led by Israel has resulted in hundreds of casualties and sparked international outcry. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that pressure is advancing negotiations for the release of captives. In response, Hamas has called for action, accusing Israel of undermining peace talks. The intense bombing in Gaza has tragically killed innocent families, further fueling tensions. As Israelis who were previously held captive by Hamas plan to protest, the region remains on edge. The Hamas-led attack on October 7 resulted in the deaths of 1,139 Palestinians, while Israel's war on Gaza has caused the deaths of 38,848 and left 89,459 wounded. The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed optimism about the ceasefire negotiations, stating that the agreement is close to the goal line. However, the high death toll and destruction caused by Israel's offensive since the October 7 attack continue to complicate the path to peace. The future of Gaza and Israel's security remain uncertain, as the conflict highlights the challenges of finding a long-term solution that balances self-determination for Gaza and security for Israel. The ongoing violence and lack of progress in hostage negotiations further exacerbate the already dire situation. As the international community urges a resolution, the need for bold actions and a change in approach becomes increasingly urgent.

Ursula von der Leyen has been re-elected as President of the European Commission, receiving 401 out of 707 votes. In her speech, she outlined her political guidelines for the next five years, which include a change in transportation and climate policies and a focus on a strong Europe. Despite some opposition, her re-election is seen as recognition for her work in navigating challenging times such as the Ukrainian conflict and the COVID-19 pandemic. Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Emmanuel Macron both congratulated von der Leyen on her re-election. She plans to prioritize climate protection, affordable housing, and migration policy, and she will assemble a team of commissioners to be presented to the European Parliament in the coming months.