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News from November 17, 2025

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Rule Breakers review – rousingly feelgood real life story of Afghan girls’ robotics team
World

Rule Breakers review – rousingly feelgood real life story of Afghan girls’ robotics team

Based on a true story, Bill Guttentag’s rousing drama attests to the resilience of women who dare to dream despite draconian social strictures. The film follows Roya Mahboob (Nikohl Boosheri), a trailblazing coach and businesswoman in Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) who assembles a robotics team of Afghan girls for international competitions. The young dreamers hail from different walks of life but they all share the same zest for engineering. They face the same dangers too; in a country where women are not encouraged or even allowed to pursue higher levels of education, their quest for medals sees opposition from their own families as well as public scorn from conservatives. Rule Breakers is at its most thrilling during the competition sequences, which splice together real-life documentary footage of the events with fictional re-enactments. (There’s even an appearance from Phoebe Waller-Bridge as a host.) A breathless enthusiasm thrums through the film, as the camera swirls around the young competitors, all energised by their love for science. These spaces are portrayed as a haven that encourages camaraderie rather than competitiveness, and in a world divided by military conflicts and war, they offer a utopiian vision of international collaboration and solidarity. When it comes to the darker aspects of the story, though, Rule Breakers is less assured. Except for minor scenes depicting the girls’ rejection for American visas, the film rarely grapples with the war in Afghanistan and its effects on women. From external funding to newspaper coverage, the film sets up a dichotomy between western support and domestic oppression, but this is a distinction that requires more political nuance considering the legacy of American interventionism in the region. While spirited in parts, the journey taken by this extraordinary robotics team deserves a more layered storytelling approach than that of a feelgood movie.

Phuong Le
'Nothing to Hide': Trump Says Republicans Should Vote to Release the Epstein Files
Politics

'Nothing to Hide': Trump Says Republicans Should Vote to Release the Epstein Files

US President Donald Trump has called on House Republicans to support the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files, dismissing the controversy as a “Democrat hoax” and accusing his political opponents of using the issue to divert attention from Republican accomplishments. In a lengthy message posted on Truth Social, Trump said the party “has nothing to hide” and should approve the vote expected this week. He recalled comments he made aboard Air Force One, urging Republicans to release the documents and “move on” from what he described as an effort by the “Radical Left” to distract from GOP successes, including the recent outcome of the dispute over the “Democrat shutdown.” The position marks a notable change. In the past, Trump had criticised demands — including those from within the Republican Party — to unveil all remaining materials related to Epstein, the convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019. Now he argues that the Justice Department has already made public “tens of thousands” of pages and claims Democrats are attempting to target Republican leaders while overlooking figures such as Bill Clinton and others he mentioned. Trump urged Republicans to shift their attention back to issues such as inflation, immigration and the economy, warning them not to fall into what he labelled the “Epstein trap.” He insisted the party should focus on its “record-setting achievements” rather than allow Democrats to dominate the narrative. The House of Representatives is expected to vote in the coming days on whether to release additional sealed files and investigative materials related to Epstein’s network, CNN reported. The process has been slowed by internal disagreements among Republicans, with some pushing for complete transparency and others cautioning against releasing potentially sensitive information. At the same time, survivors of Epstein’s abuse have made an emotional appeal to lawmakers, urging them to make the files public. A new public service announcement, produced by the advocacy group World Without Exploitation, features survivors holding photos of themselves as teenagers — the age at which they say Epstein first exploited them. “I suffered so much pain,” several women say through tears, before revealing they were 14, 16 or 17 when they encountered Epstein. “There are about a thousand of us,” one survivor says, while another adds: “It’s time to bring the secrets out of the shadows,” according to CNN. The video has amplified public pressure on House Republicans ahead of the vote, with survivors arguing that transparency is vital for genuine accountability. The battle over the Epstein files has become a partisan flashpoint in Washington. While Democrats have long advocated for full disclosure, Trump now contends that the issue is being used for political gain and insists Republicans should “move on” and focus on promoting their achievements. Source: ANI

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Minister to outline Ireland’s CAP position at EU council
Politics

Minister to outline Ireland’s CAP position at EU council

Ireland's priorities for the next Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) beyond 2027 will be highlighted in Brussels today (Monday, November 17). Minister for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne will be representing Ireland at a meeting of the General Affairs Council (GAC). Along with EU member states preparing for the December meeting of the European Council, the meeting will discuss EU-UK relations and continue negotiations on the long-term EU budget or Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). The EU multi-annual budget (2028-34) will fund the next CAP and Common Fisheries Policy (CFP). Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Byrne outlined his position on the negotiations. "A ring-fenced and robust CAP and Common Fisheries Policy, with adequate funding, will be the foundation of European food security, competitiveness, and the EU’s climate and environmental commitments," he said. Earlier this year, the European Commission proposed a significant change in how the future CAP will operate. The traditional two pillar structure would be replaced by a single framework under a National and Regional Partnership Plan (NRPP), with CAP measures to be delivered as part of that. Concerns have also been raised about a potential cut of around 20% in the CAP funding for Ireland. Minister Byrne also highlighted EU-UK relations, which will feature on today's agenda. "The EU-UK Summit in May gave us renewed cooperation and ambition from both sides, now we need to keep up this momentum in other areas. "While we must remain clear regarding the need for progress on implementing all commitments under the Windsor Framework agreement for Northern Ireland, a close, mutually-beneficial partnership with the UK is in the interest of the union and all of our citizens," he said. Minister Byrne will remain in Brussels tomorrow for a series of engagements including a speech at the Centre for European Reform, a panel discussion at the EU Enlargement Forum and consultations with Irish stakeholders on Ireland’s upcoming 2026 Presidency of the Council of the EU. Meanwhile, Minister Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon will be in Brussels today to attend the November meeting of the European Agriculture and Fisheries Council (AGRIFISH). The council is set to debate the European Commission's post 2027 CAP proposal with a focus on food security and targeting supports. Speaking ahead of the meeting, Minister Heydon said: "It must remain a distinct, fully funded policy with clear governance, capable of sustaining farm incomes, food security, and rural resilience".

Aisling O,Aisling O'Brien
1996, 2000, 2007, 2019, 2021, now 2025? Will this IPO boom also end in tears?
Technology

1996, 2000, 2007, 2019, 2021, now 2025? Will this IPO boom also end in tears?

Two of India’s buzziest startups — Lenskart and Groww — hit the markets this week, but their debuts couldn’t have been more different. For Lenskart, the much-hyped listing turned out to be more of a blur. Despite strong institutional appetite ahead of the IPO, its shares opened below the issue price — a sobering moment for a brand that’s been synonymous with swagger. As soon as the IPO opened for subscription, social media lit up — investors on X and Instagram slammed the pricing and the promoter’s handsome exit.But not everyone saw red. Veteran investor Shankar Sharma argued that the valuation wasn’t outrageous — “on a price-to-sales basis, all these issues were coming at the same price tag of around 10x to sales, he said, comparing it with the high numbers of Paytm and Nykaa.

Varsha Santosh
Widow of Chornobyl’s First Victim Killed in Russian Strike on Kyiv
World

Widow of Chornobyl’s First Victim Killed in Russian Strike on Kyiv

Nataliia Khodemchuk, widow of Valerii Khodemchuk - the first person to die in the 1986 Chornobyl catastrophe - has been confirmed as one of the victims of the large-scale Russian attack on Kyiv during the night of November 14–15. The State Agency for Exclusion Zone Management reported that the 73-year-old suffered critical injuries after a drone slammed into a residential block in the Troieshchyna neighborhood, igniting her apartment and destroying it completely. She was urgently transported to the Burn Center near the Chernihivska metro station, but despite medical efforts, doctors were unable to save her. With her death, the number of confirmed fatalities from the November 14 strike on Ukraine’s capital has risen to seven. At least 36 more people were injured, and damage was recorded across nine districts of Kyiv after a barrage of missiles and drones hit the city. President Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the news on November 15, describing Khodemchuk’s death on social media as yet another tragedy inflicted by Russia. He noted that Ukrainians who lived through Chornobyl and contributed to the country’s recovery are now again exposed to danger because of ongoing attacks. Zelensky stressed that Ukraine urgently needs more air defense systems, stronger protective measures, and firm support from international partners. He said these are the only tools that can halt Russian strikes and secure the basic right to safety for Ukrainian families. The Chornobyl accident, which took place on April 26, 1986, when Ukraine was still part of the Soviet Union, remains the deadliest nuclear disaster in terms of civilian casualties. Valerii Khodemchuk was killed instantly in the explosion at Reactor No. 4. His remains were never recovered, and a memorial to him is incorporated into the sarcophagus that encloses the reactor. For decades, Nataliia Khodemchuk played an active role in preserving her husband’s memory. She frequently visited the Chornobyl plant site, the memorial dedicated to him, and his symbolic grave at Mytyn Cemetery. She and her husband raised two children, and she leaves behind grandchildren who inherited her photographs, personal stories, and recollections related not only to the disaster but also to the anniversary events she helped sustain. According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 4,000 people have died as a result of the Chornobyl tragedy from acute radiation exposure, thyroid cancer, or radiation-induced leukemia.

Unknown
SEAG-bound Rondina, Pons rule PNVF Invitational | ABS-CBN Sports
Technology

SEAG-bound Rondina, Pons rule PNVF Invitational | ABS-CBN Sports

Your Opt Out Preference Signal is Honored Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Data When you visit our website, we store cookies on your browser to collect information. The information collected might relate to you, your preferences or your device, and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to and to provide a more personalized web experience. However, you can choose not to allow certain types of cookies, which may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings according to your preference. You cannot opt-out of our First Party Strictly Necessary Cookies as they are deployed in order to ensure the proper functioning of our website (such as prompting the cookie banner and remembering your settings, to log into your account, to redirect you when you log out, etc.). For more information about the First and Third Party Cookies used please follow this link. More information

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Sofia’s Reduta Neighborhood on Edge After Series of Shootings
Technology

Sofia’s Reduta Neighborhood on Edge After Series of Shootings

Residents of Sofia’s "Reduta" district are increasingly unsettled after a string of shooting incidents in the area around Pogledec and Petar Mitov streets. According to reports from Nova, an unidentified individual has repeatedly fired at trees, a security camera and stray cats in the neighbourhood. Locals say the attacks take place in a small garden where families frequently gather, heightening concerns for their children and pets. Tensions rose further after a second injured cat was discovered on November 11. A resident recalls finding the animal lying helpless in the open space near their building’s entrance. The case mirrors an earlier incident from October 12, when another cat was found wounded by gunfire. Both animals were taken to a veterinary clinic for treatment. Residents say the veterinarian who inspected the first animal immediately suspected a shot from an air rifle, citing a clear entry wound. X-rays taken afterwards confirmed the presence of pellets lodged inside the cats’ bodies. The shooter has also targeted property in the neighbourhood. A security camera mounted on a nearby building was struck multiple times, residents say, with at least five or six visible impacts. The incident occurred in mid-September, damaging the device’s memory card and preventing access to any footage that might have captured the attack. A formal report has been filed with the First District Directorate, and the Sofia Metropolitan Police have confirmed that a case has been opened. For now, however, investigators have not identified the perpetrator. People in the neighbourhood fear the situation could escalate if the suspect is not found quickly. Several residents say their greatest concern is that a person could be harmed next. They stress that such behaviour must not be tolerated and urge anyone with information, even anonymously, to contact the authorities so the attacker can be located before a more serious incident occurs.

Unknown
Plovdiv Taxi Prices Jump as Fares Nearly Double
Technology

Plovdiv Taxi Prices Jump as Fares Nearly Double

Taxi services in Plovdiv have become more expensive as of today, with both the kilometer rates and the initial charge updated. The new daytime tariff is now 1.37 leva (about 0.70 euro) per kilometer, while the nighttime rate rises to 1.56 leva (around 0.80 euro). Depending on the tariff, the increase ranges from 18 to 27 stotinki. The starting fee also changes significantly: instead of the previous 0.25 leva (approximately 0.13 euro), it now stands at 0.49 leva (about 0.25 euro), effectively doubling the initial charge. According to Diyan Stanev, chairman of the Taxi Drivers Association in Plovdiv, the adjustment is driven by inflationary pressures rather than the upcoming adoption of the euro. He noted that the conversion itself would only result in a difference of roughly one leva across the overall price, which he does not consider substantial. Stanev added that with the new prices, taxi drivers expect their turnover to rise by around 10%. However, he stressed that turnover should not be confused with net profit, as drivers face numerous operating expenses before any earnings can be considered actual income. The Municipal Council will not need to review or vote on the updated rates, since the new tariffs remain within the maximum thresholds allowed by the local ordinance. Meanwhile, roughly 80 percent of Plovdiv’s taxi fleet already has meters configured to display prices in euros.

Unknown
From pariah to power player: Saudi’s MBS reclaims world stage in U.S. visit
World

From pariah to power player: Saudi’s MBS reclaims world stage in U.S. visit

DUBAI - On his first White House visit since the killing of Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi sparked global outrage, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is on a mission to reclaim his place on the world stage and prove to President Donald Trump that backing his forceful leadership was worth the gamble.Tuesday’s meeting between Trump and Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler — widely known as MBS — underscores a relationship built on strategic interests that have endured even as the uproar around the 2018 killing of Khashoggi, an insider-turned-critic, recedes into history. Seven years on, MBS now casts himself as a broker of peace, repairing ties with Iran, pushing for a Gaza ceasefire and welcoming Syria back into the Arab fold, a striking pivot from a prince once branded reckless for plunging into Yemen’s war.Both reformist and autocrat, MBS has emerged as the most momentous and audacious leader in the kingdom’s modern history — driving its transformation and shaping its future.

Samia Nakhoul,Web Master
Bulgaria Rises to Fifth Place in CEE for Number of Large Companies
Business

Bulgaria Rises to Fifth Place in CEE for Number of Large Companies

Bulgaria has advanced to fifth place in Central and Eastern Europe in terms of the number of large companies, according to the latest COFACE CEE Top 500 ranking compiled by global credit insurer Coface. The country now counts 27 companies among the region’s largest, one more than last year, surpassing Slovakia. The analysis highlights the resilience and growth of Bulgaria’s private sector, despite ongoing political instability. Key drivers behind the positive performance include flexible cost management, operational improvements, and favorable market conditions, which have allowed local businesses to adapt effectively to the region’s dynamic economic environment. Across Central and Eastern Europe, average GDP growth has stabilized at around 2%, though the total turnover of the 500 largest companies fell by 3.7%, mainly due to declines in the petrochemical sector. Meanwhile, average revenue per company rose by 3.1%, signaling a degree of stability and resilience in corporate activity despite broader challenges. Profitability, however, remains under pressure. Average profit margins decreased from 4% to 3.2%, largely because of rising labor and financing costs. Strong domestic consumption and continued inflows of European funds provide support to regional economies, but external risks - including potential stagnation in Germany and global trade tensions - continue to create uncertainty. Poland remains the clear leader, with 178 companies in the ranking employing over 1.2 million people, though its share is gradually shrinking and revenue growth is slowing, influenced by a strong zloty and labor shortages. The Czech Republic is improving its position thanks to recovering domestic demand and monetary easing. Romania, despite being the second-largest economy in the region, remains underrepresented in the Top 500 due to structural constraints. Bulgaria, in contrast, continues to make steady progress, establishing itself as a reliable player in the region. Coface analysts note that this trend reflects the growing maturity and competitiveness of Bulgaria’s corporate sector compared with recent years.

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Atlassian: Jet-setting, job growth push Australian tech company 135 per cent over travel emissions goal
Technology

Atlassian: Jet-setting, job growth push Australian tech company 135 per cent over travel emissions goal

Business travel related carbon emissions have soared 135 per cent above target at Atlassian, the homegrown tech company co-founded by Sydneysider and climate warrior Mike Cannon-Brookes. In its 2025 Sustainability Report released on Monday, the $61 billion software giant blamed the emissions target failure on soaring staff numbers and rejected the idea it was linked to Mr Cannon-Brookes using a private jet to travel the world. The report declared the “open company, no bullshit” truth is that a larger staff count equals a larger carbon footprint, with emissions per staff member falling 38 per cent since 2019. Total emissions grew 13 per cent year-over-year between 2019 and 2025. “In other words, company growth has outpaced emissions growth. Updates to our business travel policy and travel guidance for Atlassians were a move in the right direction,” the report said. “But as travel emissions continue to rise . . . we must do more.” The report does not detail any increase in travel emissions as a result of Mr Cannon-Brookes using a private jet from its purchase believed to be at an unknown time in 2025. Mr Cannon-Brookes has previously said he needs a private jet to help run his business and be present as a dad to his Australia-based children. The tech company is also a major sponsor of British Formula 1 motor racing team Atlassian Williams, with Mr Cannon-Brookes previously suggesting the motorsport popular with jet-setters is also working towards net zero targets. Atlassian has run its office on 100 per cent renewable electricity since the 2020 financial year and said it would set new targets for business travel emissions in fiscal 2026. It’s set to move into a new Atlassian Central headquarters near Sydney’s central business district it says will run on 100 per cent renewable energy and be constructed with half the usual required carbon outputs. It says it incorporates the goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040 into all of its policies and actively prefers business partners or suppliers who it rates as climate friendly. It has also been a strong supporter of work from home policies under its “Team Anywhere” rules, which give employees significant flexibility in choosing where they want to work from almost anywhere in the world. Strong growth Over the 12 months to June 30, 2025, the software company posted an adjusted net profit up 30 per cent to $US975.9 million on sales up around 20 per cent to $US5.2 billion. It expects sales to grow another 20 per cent over the 12 months to June 30 as it invests heavily in delivering new products based on developments in artificial intelligence. Shares in the Nasdaq-listed tech business have tumbled 38 per cent over the past year as investors worry it may be a net loser from advances in AI that could reduce demand for its existing software and workflow platforms. However, Mr Cannon-Brookes has dismissed this idea as nonsense and has repeatedly argued his company can use AI to improve its products and grow profits.

Tom Richardson
Public Holiday: All Schools, colleges and offices will remain closed on November 23 and 24 due to public holiday, know the reason
Technology

Public Holiday: All Schools, colleges and offices will remain closed on November 23 and 24 due to public holiday, know the reason

Public Holiday: In view of Martyrs’ Day, government and private schools in many states have declared a holiday. The Uttar Pradesh and Delhi governments have issued orders to keep all schools closed on November 24. Learn about the situation in other states. Public Holiday: After the long Dussehra-Diwali holidays, schools, colleges, and offices reopened in November. People are now eagerly awaiting the next holiday. So, let us inform you that a holiday is coming soon. Yes, on November 24, 2025, Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day will be celebrated with reverence and respect across the country. Several states have declared a public holiday for this occasion. The governments of Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, and Uttarakhand have also issued holiday notifications. Schools, banks, and government offices will be closed on Martyrdom Day. Special religious programs will be held in Gurudwaras on this day. All government and private schools, colleges, and educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh will also be closed on this day. Two Days Off Educational institutions will have no classes or other work on Martyrdom Day. Since Monday is a holiday, students will receive two days off, adding to this Sunday’s holiday. Since November 23rd is a Sunday, schools will be closed for two consecutive days. November 24th will be a public holiday. On this day, there will be no work in the ministries, all government departments, courts, corporation offices and local bodies. Banks will also be closed This holiday is also mentioned in the RBI’s 2025 holiday calendar. According to it, banks will be closed in many states on Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day. Cash transactions, check clearance, and most offline services will not be available on November 24th in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Chandigarh, and Jammu and Kashmir. Customers are advised to complete essential banking tasks by November 22nd. However, online banking will continue. ATM withdrawals will also be available. Bank operations will resume on November 25th. Read More: IT Payment Rules: Good news! Now make your income tax payment in minutes using UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe.

Shyamu Maurya
IT Payment Rules: Good news! Now make your income tax payment in minutes using UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe.
Technology

IT Payment Rules: Good news! Now make your income tax payment in minutes using UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe.

Income Tax Payment: You can use your favorite UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay to pay your income tax. The money is deducted from your linked bank account via UPI, and the invoice is instantly generated on the portal, making the process extremely easy and fast. Income Tax Payment: The process of filing income tax has completely changed. You no longer need to visit a bank or set up net-banking. You can easily pay your advance tax, self-assessment tax, and other direct taxes on the Income Tax e-filing portal. You can use your favorite UPI apps like Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay to make payments. The money is deducted from your linked bank account via UPI, and the invoice is instantly generated on the portal, making the process extremely easy and fast. Let’s walk you through the step-by-step process of making tax payments using UPI. How to make a tax payment using UPI 1. Login and open ‘e-Pay Tax’: Go to incometax.gov.in and log in with your PAN (user ID) and password. Click on the ‘e-Pay Tax’ option on your dashboard. If you don’t want to login, there is also an option to ‘e-pay tax’ (without login) on the homepage, but logging in makes it easier to track the receipt. 2. Create your invoice correctly: Select ‘New payment’ and select the correct tax type; most individual taxpayers select ‘Advance tax’ or ‘Self-assessment tax’. Select the correct assessment year. Enter the amount you need to pay. Double-check your name and PAN before proceeding. Upon confirmation, the portal generates an invoice and shows you the amount payable and available payment modes. 3. Select UPI and pay in your app: Select UPI as the payment mode. The portal will show you a QR code (and often a UPI ID). Open Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay on your phone, tap ‘Scan & Pay,’ scan the QR code. Confirm the amount, and approve the payment with your UPI PIN. Keep the app open until you see a ‘payment successful’ message. Paying income tax through Paytm, PhonePe, or Google Pay is incredibly easy. Create a challan on the portal, select the UPI app, make the payment in your app, and then download the receipt. 4. Confirm the credit and download the receipt: Return to the e-filing tab. The payment status will usually change to ‘Paid’ within a minute or two. Download your challan receipt from ‘Payment history.’ This receipt contains the CIN (Challan Identification Number) and UTR number—these are legal proof of your payment. Save this PDF for your records and email it to yourself. What if a payment fails or is in processing? If the UPI status shows ‘Success’ but the portal still shows ‘Pending’, do not make another payment immediately. Wait 30-60 minutes and refresh your ‘Payment history’. If the status remains pending, check your bank statement to see if the amount has been deducted. If the amount has been deducted but the challan has not been generated, raise a ticket on the portal or contact your bank/UPI app support with the UTR. Most failed UPI tax payments are automatically refunded to your account within a short time. Read More: Post Office Special Scheme: This Post Office scheme will earn you ₹2 lakh from interest alone, Know all the details of the scheme

Shyamu Maurya
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