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News from November 17, 2025

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The Home Office Secretly Funded A Boyband To Sing Songs About 7/7 In Muslim Areas Mr Meanor, a pop trio featuring singers from Essex and LA, visited around a dozen schools in the north of England in 2016 as part of a covert Home Office initiative to deter potential Islamist extremists. As part of the tour, schools in Burnley, south Manchester, Leeds and Blackburn were visited. One school, Parrs Wood High School in Manchester, had a student travel and join ISIS a couple of years previously. Publicly, the singers released a song in aid of the Warrington-based charity Foundation for Peace, which was founded by the families of victims of an IRA bombing in the 1990s. Financial records disclosed the charity received £400,000 in funding from Prevent shortly before the tour, which accounts labelled ‘Panther [programme]’. In the song ‘Think About It’, the pop trio sings about seeing the reaction to recent terror attacks. The trio sing: See these hashtags all night, Turn the TV on and something else ain’t right More people gone don’t know how we sleep at night, What I’m hoping is we can lead a precious life, 9/11 changes how we view these things People want to terrorise, And 7/7 left behind more broken lives right before our eyes. The group said they wrote the song the day after the Paris terror attack of 2015, when 130 people were killed by Islamic State terrorists. In promotional material, the group claims to have brought the song to Foundation for Peace chief executive Nick Taylor, who organised the school tour around the North West. However, LinkedIn posts by former contractors indicate the tour and campaign were organised by the Home Office. Comms for the tour were handled by BreakThrough Media, a communications company which worked closely with the Home Office’s covert campaigns department, the Research, Information and Communications Unit (RICU). Leaked RICU documents from 2015 also detailed how BreakThrough had worked with the Foundation for Peace. RICU has been labelled a ‘propaganda unit’ by its critics. A government source has previously said it exists to service the fact that "the [British] government doesn’t want spontaneity: it wants controlled spontaneity.” It has reportedly organised the ‘bussing in’ of imams to local areas to repeat Home Office talking points following terror attacks, as well as organising influencer campaigns online. BreakThrough Media was previously found to be operating a social media channel targeting young Muslim women called ‘This is Woke’ on behalf of the Home Office. The campaign was one of several different covert tactics targeting young Muslims organised by RICU. Due to the secretive nature of RICU’s work, the department’s current projects are unclear. Documents released to the Cranston Inquiry, investigating the deaths of 27 people crossing the channel, highlighted that RICU were working on a comms campaign deterring operators and travellers of small boats. One former Home Office source told PoliticsHome that a number of covert campaigns to deter migrants had been established in recent years. The department has also had an increased focus on the far right, with one research document from the organisation causing headlines as it identified work of Chronicles of Narnia author CS Lewis as a potential sign of far-right extremism. The members of Mr Meanor were contacted for comment. There is no suggestion that any of them knew they were secretly being funded. The Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation was also contacted for comment. A Home Office spokesperson said: “This campaign was delivered under the previous government and has now been discontinued."

Baroness Ashton
Sarah Paulson transforms from horror queen to ruthless lawyer in Disney+ series All’s Fair
Entertainment

Sarah Paulson transforms from horror queen to ruthless lawyer in Disney+ series All’s Fair

Sarah Paulson plays a villainous divorce lawyer with a broken heart in All’s Fair. PHOTO: Getty Images/Gallo Images Read this for free Be among those who shape the future with knowledge. Uncover exclusive stories that captivate your mind and heart with our FREE 14-day subscription trial. Dive into a world of inspiration, learning, and empowerment. You can only trial once. Already a subscriber? Sign in ADVERTISEMENT Read more on:sarah paulsoncelebrityall's fair description ADVERTISEMENT Recommended Stories Latest Update from UCT Africa goes digital - check latest update Don’t leave your legacy in limbo: How to claim unclaimed dividends with JSE Claim It

Melon Radebe
'He Still Has Role To Play': Portugal PM Luis Montenegro Opens Up On Cristiano Ronaldo's Future After 'A Selecao' Storm Into FIFA World Cup 2026
Sports

'He Still Has Role To Play': Portugal PM Luis Montenegro Opens Up On Cristiano Ronaldo's Future After 'A Selecao' Storm Into FIFA World Cup 2026

Cristiano Ronaldo will be playing his sixth FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo, who has accomplished everything in football, will have one last shot at his final frontier, the World Cup. Portugal produced a perfect performance in their final World Cup qualifier game as they steamrolled Armenia 9-1.Roberto Martinez's men suffered a 2-0 loss against Ireland in their previous World Cup qualifier game and they needed a victory at all cost to storm into the prestigious multi-national tournament.ALSO READ | Cristiano Ronaldo Set To Create New FIFA World Cup Record As Portugal Demolish Armenia In WC QualifiersCristiano Ronaldo will turn 41 by the time Portugal play their first World Cup game. There have been a lot of rumours and speculations around Ronaldo's future. Nobody can question CR7's determination, hard work and his love for the sport, and he wants to maintain his peak fitness levels heading into such a massive event.Portugal Prime Minister Luis Montenegro recently spoke on Cristiano Ronaldo's future. Montenegro said that Portugal has endless amount of talent and according to him Cristiano still has a role to play in the final phase of the tournament.'I think he still has a role to play in this final phase, but the coach will decide. We have a group of players who offer the coach a huge range of possibilities, and he has a huge headache trying to choose a starting eleven and manage the players' comings and goings throughout the game. We have an endless amount of talent, and the country will be much more optimistic when the final phase begins,' said Prime Minister Luis Montenegro.ALSO READ | 'I'm Used To It': Cristiano Ronaldo Sets The Record Straight, Gives His Take On Hostile Dublin CrowdCristiano Ronaldo was shown the red card during the Portugal vs Ireland game. Ronaldo did miss Portugal's last qualifier game against Ireland and he is likely to miss Portugal's opening match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, the biggest icons of football, are gearing up to play their sixth World Cup.

Jishu Bhattacharya
‘Hateful, racist’: Man’s threat to Fatima Payman
Health

‘Hateful, racist’: Man’s threat to Fatima Payman

Sean Sharman, 52 of Ballarat, appeared in the Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon where he avoided jail after pleading guilty to using a carriage service to threaten to kill Ms Payman. Handing down the sentence, magistrate Julia Barling said she had wrestled with the question on whether it was appropriate to read out in court what he had sent on March 27 this year. “I’m not going to repeat the contents of that email because it is so offensive, it is disgusting,” she said. Through his lawyer, Sharman said he did not remember sending the email and was drinking “24 cans of beer daily at the time” but accepted responsibility. Ms Barling described Sharman’s email to Ms Payman as “hateful” and “racist”, noting the senator had provided a statement to the court to send “a message to the community about the serious impact this behaviour has on public figures”. She told the court the threats had a significant impact on Ms Payman’s emotional and mental wellbeing after reading the Islamophobic and xenophobic comments directed at her. “The words left me feeling scared and deeply unsettled,” Ms Payman wrote. “It was a personal attack and an attempt to intimidate me in the role I hold for Western Australia and Muslim women.” Ms Barling said Sharman was going through a “particularly difficult time” in his mental health when he sent the email and suffered from complex PTSD. “The fact is you then transferred your trauma onto another person with whom you had no contact, no personal relationship, no reason to have contact with other than to berate, threaten, insult and intimidate,” the magistrate said. Ms Barling said it was concerning that, as a resident of regional Victoria, Sharman had targeted Ms Payman “clearly” due to her gender, race and religion. “This is someone that doesn’t have any impact on your day to day life … aside from the fact she is a Muslim woman and a person that fit the type,” she said. She described Sharman as a “keyboard warrior”, saying that from what she understood of him, she was confident he would never have said what he said to Ms Payman face-to-face. In a “bizarre” turn of events, two minutes after sending the initial email, Sharman followed up with a second listing out his full name, address and telephone number. He later told police he’d done this “maybe to show her you were a real person and not a bot”, Ms Barling said. The magistrate said since sending the threats Sharman had been consistently receiving mental health treatment. She told the court it was important to note he had no prior convictions, noting that if he had, she “would have been minded to sentence you to a jail term today”. Sharman was placed on a 18-month community corrections order, with conditions to engage in treatment and courses to address his alcohol abuse and dependency, mental health and risk of reoffending. “You are being given an opportunity to engage with support services,” Ms Barling said.

Liam Beatty
‘Sabotage’: Grim warning on quartet of chaos
World

‘Sabotage’: Grim warning on quartet of chaos

China, Russia, Iran and North Korea – the so-called ‘quartet of chaos’ – have in recent years sharpened and unified their efforts to usher in a multipolar world where global decisions are made not only by the likes of Washington and London but by Beijing and Moscow. Australia’s location and political system have made it a soldier in the battle for global influence, as well as a prime target. Foreign Minister Penny Wong on Monday touted Australia’s standing in the Indo-Pacific, pointing to the suite of treaties and security pacts inked across the region since Labor’s election in 2022. “Every relationship Australia has in this region has been strengthened under our government,” she told the Australian Institute of International Affairs on Monday. “And it pays to look at a map to picture the architecture I am about to describe, because we have agreed groundbreaking treaties with four countries, upgraded or enhanced partnerships with six and made progress on agreements with another four.” Among them is the Pukpuk Treaty with Papua New Guinea – a mutual defence deal that commits both countries to each other’s defence if they are attacked. Defence-related agreements are in the works with Fiji, Tonga and Vanuatu. Meanwhile, both Beijing and Canberra have declared relations “stabilised” after a years-long trade war. This stabilisation had been with “without compromising on our interests”, Senator Wong said. “None of this was thinkable in 2021,” she said. “Yet the Albanese government has actively pursued landmark agreements that come together to safeguard the region that we want.” But she warned that “doesn’t mean that our strategic environment is getting any easier”. “The change in the regional landscape is permanent,” Senator Wong said. “The disruption, the contest, is permanent. “China will continue trying to reshape the region according to its own interests. “Russia, Iran and North Korea will continue to sabotage and destabilise. “With so much activity and contest, things may not go Australia’s way every time. “But we will keep pressing our national interest in the contest every day.”

Joseph Olbrycht
‘Go home’: Neo-Nazi ordered to be deported
Politics

‘Go home’: Neo-Nazi ordered to be deported

Immigration Minister Tony Burke on Monday said he had cancelled the visa of South African-born Matthew Gruter following the controversial incident. “If you are on a visa you are a guest; if you’re a citizen you’re a full member of the Australian family,” Mr Burke said. “Like with any household, if a guest turns up to show hatred and wreck the household, they can be told it’s time to go home.” Mr Gruter, a civil engineer will be deported back to his native South Africa. He has been living in Australia with his influencer wife for about three years, the Sydney Morning Herald reported. More than 60 members of the Nationalist Socialist Network (NSN) demonstrated outside Parliament shortly before 10am on Saturday November 9, holding a large sign reading “Abolish the Jewish lobby”. Dressed in dark clothing and sunglasses, the members chanted slogans used by the Hitler Youth, captured by their own videographer. They also spruiked offensive and anti-Semitic conspiracies and spoke out against new laws outlawing public incitement of hatred – which came into effect on August 15. The rally created a political furore when it was revealed NSW Police had allowed the protest, but had not informed Commissioner Mal Lanyon or the government. NSW Police said the demonstration had been given the green light, but NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon and Premier Chris Minns said they were not given a heads-up about the rally on parliament’s doorstep. Premier Chris Minns condemned the group, labelling their actions a “shocking display of hatred”. “No one who lives in Sydney should have to put up with that kind of hate speech on the steps of the People’s House,” he said. “It’s obviously … shameful that these people feel that they have the right to demonstrate in such a despicable, hateful way, spewing division and racism on the streets of Sydney.” Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-chief executive officer Alex Ryvchin said at the time the neo-Nazis were “adept at identifying the grievances and prejudices that are taking hold in a society and manipulating this for their evil purposes”. “To defeat this, our law enforcement and security agencies need the right legislative tools to monitor and disrupt violent extremists and to prevent them from menacing or physically harming peaceful Australians,” he said. “But the single most important thing we must do is to restore decency, civility and basic rationalism to our country which would instantly remove any appeal of movements founded in pathetic ideas of overthrowing democracy and creating racial hierarchies.”

120 Comments
‘Discrimination’: Byron healer’s wild move after kambo death
Politics

‘Discrimination’: Byron healer’s wild move after kambo death

A Byron Bay “ceremonial leader” who ran a kambo frog poison session prior to a man’s death has accused the police and courts of a “persecution campaign” in his fight to continue running similar retreats. Soulore “Lore” Solaris, previously known as Peter George McIntyre, was issued an interim prohibition order in August 2023 by the Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) that prevents him from practising any health services following the death of 46-year-old Jarrad Antonovich at one of his retreats. The self-described “healer” appealed the order in the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal; however, the application was shut down by the appeals panel on Friday. The panel missed the appeal as a permanent prohibition order replaced the temporary order in September 2025, meaning that a successful appeal would have “no utility”. The permanent order states Mr Solaris must not “under any circumstances” provide any ceremony, service or activity in which the natural psychedelic drugs ayahuasca, DMT or kambo are “present, administered, or promoted”. However, Mr Solaris told news.com.au, he wanted to appeal the interim order regardless, as it had caused him reputational harm and described the court proceedings as “torture”. In a statement provided to news.com.au, Mr Solaris said he had “the right” to challenge the interim orders and accused the HCCC and the NSW Coroner of a “persecution campaign”. “Relentless delays, obstructive and deceptive behaviours by the HCCC, combined with procedural failings at NCAT, have made a fair hearing unattainable,” Mr Solaris said in the statement. “At the core of this issue is the lack of jurisdiction where the HCCC is claiming colonial-style domination over community-based and Indigenous aligned spiritual practices.” DDP considers charges against Mr Solaris In May last year, the NSW State Coroner Teresa O’Sullivan paused an inquest into Mr Antonovich’s death after finding there was enough evidence to potentially lay criminal charges against Mr Solaris. Homicide detectives raided the retreat venue in November last year; however, charges have not been laid. The inquest heard how Mr Antonovich was administered kambo between 10am and 11am before he became swollen in the neck and face, complaining of “intense pain”. Despite the reaction, he was later given a cup of ayahuasca, a hallucinogenic beverage used by Indigenous Amazonian tribes, at a ceremony at 8.30pm. He collapsed around 11.30pm and died by the time an ambulance arrived, where it was discovered he had suffered a perforated oesophagus as a result of the . The inquest heard that if an ambulance had been called in a “timely fashion”, Mr Antonovich would likely have survived. The inquest also heard that Mr Solaris told Mr Antonovich’s lover, Patrick Santucci, that Jarrad’s death was a “beautiful passing”.

Sarah Keoghan
Liberal Victoria leader told to stand down
Politics

Liberal Victoria leader told to stand down

The Herald Sun reported shadow treasurer Jess Wilson is expected to put her hand up to take over the state’s opposition leadership. She missed out on the top job last year, and if successful would become the state’s first third Liberal leader in 11 months and the first woman to hold the job. There is expected to be a full leadership spill on Tuesday, which will lead to a vote for Mr Battin, who succeeded John Pesutto last December, and a vote for the deputy roll, currently held by Sam Groth. Mr Battin’s leadership woes follow another poor opinion poll showing the Coalition’s primary vote fell six points to 37 per cent while Labor has improved its vote from 30 to 32 per cent. The failure to win over voters comes despite the unpopularity of the Jacinta Allan’s government. Labor has held power in Victoria since the November 29, 2014 election. Party members have reportedly become frustrated as Mr Battin focused mainly on crime and let other policy issues fall to the wayside. Former deputy state director of the Victorian Liberal Party Tony Barry told ABC Melbourne the problem with focusing on crime was one dimensional. “Crime will only get you so far, at the end of the day, there’s more votes on the table to have a strong economic narrative,” he said. “That’s where the real sort of opportunity is for the Liberal Party.” Mr Barry said there was a big mood for change and it got to a point when a party was just “sick and tired of losing.” “They sort of will do anything to win and unify behind it,” he said. Mr Barry said the electorate was not happy with the direction of the state of Victoria at the moment and the policies of the government. “They’re looking for the opposition to reach minimum expectations,” he said. “Jess represents a fresh start. You look at her and she’s definitely a new start for the Liberal Party – a different look, a young professional woman, speaks to a constituency that we haven’t spoken to, we haven’t connected with for a very long time.” Victorians head to the polls in 12 months.

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S. Korea, US Launch Joint Cybersecurity Drills
Technology

S. Korea, US Launch Joint Cybersecurity Drills

Seoul, November 17 (QNA) - South Korea and the United States kicked off a joint cybersecurity exercise Monday to strengthen their combined readiness posture against potential cybersecurity threats from enemies.The Cyber Alliance drills, slated to run through Friday, will take place at a training facility in Maryland, aimed at better bracing for future cyberwarfare, according to South Korea's defense ministry.The training will involve swiftly sharing intelligence on a potential cybersecurity threat under a simulated cyberattack scenario.It marks the second such drills since it was conducted in South Korea's Cyber Operation Command last year, according to Yonhap News Agency.Seoul and Washington will continue to expand cooperation in not only cyber alliance training, but also intelligence sharing for cyberthreats, joint participation in multinational cybersecurity drills and more, the ministry said. (QNA)

Unknown
Israeli Military Vehicles Stage Incursion into Syria's Quneitra Countryside
World

Israeli Military Vehicles Stage Incursion into Syria's Quneitra Countryside

Damascus, November 17 (QNA) - Three Israeli military vehicles entered the village of Abu Madrah in the countryside of Quneitra province in southern Syria on Monday, where they set up a temporary checkpoint before withdrawing, according to local reports.The forces inspected passersby and searched parts of nearby agricultural land during the brief incursion.The move is part of a series of repeated violations reported in the area over the past year. Syria considers such incursions a breach of its sovereignty and a threat to civilian safety, and has repeatedly urged the international community to assume its responsibilities and work to halt these violations. (QNA)

Unknown
3 Killed, 10 Injured in Russian Attack Targeting Eastern Ukraine
Technology

3 Killed, 10 Injured in Russian Attack Targeting Eastern Ukraine

Kyiv, November 17 (QNA) - Three people were killed and 10 others, including three children, were injured in a Russian missile attack targeting eastern Ukraine.Head of Military Administration in Kharkiv, Vitali Karabanov, said that a Russian missile attack on the city resulted in the deaths of three people and injuries to others, including children. He added that the attack occurred at night and targeted the city center.According to Karabanov, rescue workers, medical personnel, and emergency services are continuing their work at the scene.Reports from Ukraine and Russia regarding the situation on the ground are conflicting, given situation and the ongoing fighting since Feb. 2022. (QNA)

Unknown
Gold Rate Today: Gold becomes cheaper by Rs 9,000, know the price in your city today
World

Gold Rate Today: Gold becomes cheaper by Rs 9,000, know the price in your city today

Gold prices have fallen to ₹1,25,350 per 10 grams. Gold prices have declined by ₹9,000 in the past few days. Prices are expected to fall further in the coming months… Gold Rate Today India: If you’re thinking of buying gold this wedding season, here’s good news. Gold is available for ₹9,000 less today. If you’re looking to buy gold for yourself or to give to someone, you might want to consider buying gold. What’s the Gold Rate Today? Gold rates have been fluctuating for the past few days. After declining in the past few days, gold prices rose 4% last week. Today, the price of 24-carat gold is hovering around ₹1,22,720 per 10 grams, while silver is selling for around ₹1,68,900 per kg. Gold Prices Fall by More Than ₹7,000 On October 17, the price of gold in the Indian domestic market was ₹1,32,294 per 10 grams. Since then, the price of gold has fallen sharply. Today, the price of gold is hovering around ₹1,22,720 per 10 grams. In such a situation, gold is being sold for about Rs 10 thousand cheaper than its all-time high. What are the prices of gold and silver in India today? Where will gold go in one year? Experts predict that gold and silver have already reached their peaks. Both metals performed strongly in October, but now a market decline is expected. Analysts say that gold has formed a lower top, while silver recorded a higher top in November. Their prices may see pressure in the coming months. It is estimated that within the next one year, i.e., by October 2026, the price of gold in the international market could drop below 3000 in dollar terms. This signals to investors that they may have to change their strategies in the future. Read More: Union Budget 2026: PHDCCI demands 20% tax on income up to Rs 30 lakh, know what will be the benefit

Shyamu Maurya
Artificial Intelligence changes bank transactions
Technology

Artificial Intelligence changes bank transactions

The banking sector is increasingly incorporating digital solutions and preparing the ground for implementing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for customers as the technological revolution advances. Bank of Cyprus chief executive Panicos Nicolaou gave a taste of what lies ahead when he presented the group’s nine-month 2025 results last week, outlining the challenges facing tomorrow. His response about how young people’s relationship with the banking network is shaping up was characteristic. Our children, he pointed out, will not need to enter bank branches, and this is not very far away. The reason is the use of digital technology, which naturally distances the customer from the branch, whilst at the same time the banking network is being modernised. Artificial intelligence in turn is affecting the banking system and those dealing with it, with developments expected to fundamentally change the way it operates. The bank is expected to implement artificial intelligence for customer service in the first quarter of the year, providing the ability to submit questions and receive answers through virtual assistants. Subsequently, using algorithms, banks will be able to recognise and interpret their customers’ needs, offering them personalised financial solutions and advice. As for the present and what applies now, use of the group’s digital channels continues to increase. According to figures Bank of Cyprus announced in last week’s nine-month results, on 30 September 2025 the group’s digital community grew to 499,000 active subscribers to digital channels, Internet Banking and the BOC Mobile App, recording annual growth of 5%. Similarly, on 30 September 2025, the BoC Mobile App counted a total of 469,000 active subscribers, recording growth of 6% year-on-year. During the third quarter of 2025, the group continued to expand and improve its digital portfolio by adding new innovative services for its customers. The banking app for children and teenagers, Joey, aimed at ages 9-17, was further enhanced with two new features: Joey Extras, which launched in July and offers a wide range of exclusive privileges, such as discounts at local merchants and on the Jinius platform, cash back for purchases on online gaming platforms and much more. Greek groups moving ahead Banking groups in Cyprus and Greece have grasped the significant advantages of digital transition and artificial intelligence. Eurobank has elevated digital innovation to a key pillar of its development, constantly incorporating cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to upgrade customer experience, including virtual assistants and financial management tools. Alpha Bank since September 2024 has integrated Microsoft Copilot into the work of over 300 employees, aiming for employees with their own AI assistant to exceed 1,000 by the end of 2025. According to research, global adoption of artificial intelligence reached 78% across all businesses in 2024, significantly increased from just 20% in 2017. McKinsey, the consulting firm, estimates that artificial intelligence is capable of offering between $200 billion and $340 billion annually in value across the entire banking sector.

Theano Thiopoulou
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