Users are spending an increasing amount of time on online platforms. In its preliminary findings published on 6 February 2026, the European Commission found TikTok in breach of the Digital Services Act (DSA) for its addictive design. It is the first time enforcement action has not focused on illegal content, data protection or competition, but on the harmful architecture of the platform itself, especially for minors and vulnerable adults. In March 2026, both Meta and YouTube were also found liable by a US jury for addictive design on their platforms. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a regulation establishing a budget expenditure tracking and performance framework and other horizontal rules for the Union programmes and activities ('performance regulation'), as part of a wide-ranging package on the next EU long-term budget – the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). The proposal aims to simplify and harmonise how EU spending is tracked and its performance measured, moving towards a single system with standardised indicators. It defines horizontal spending principles with a view to streamlining their application across the EU budget: climate and biodiversity, 'do no significant harm' to the environment, social policies, and gender equality. Although competitiveness and preparedness play a major role in the next long-term budget, and the European Parliament had requested to include them as horizontal spending principles, the Commission did not include them. Ahead of the proposal, Parliament had called for further improvements in performance reporting under the EU budget, while underlining that the 'implementation of horizontal principles should not lead to an excessive administrative burden on beneficiaries'. A stronger performance framework can improve Parliament's decision-making on EU spending through more transparency. However, increased transparency from a proposed single portal to access EU budgetary data will depend on what information is made available. A briefing requested by Parliament's Committee on Budgetary Control underlined that improved access to information – such as exchanges between the Commission and Member States, or to information about suspended milestones – was essential for public accountability. According to the European Court of Auditors, the proposal can improve processes for performance reporting and integration of EU horizontal policy priorities, but has design weaknesses to be addressed, including vague indicators, lack of clear results-based linkages, and risks of measuring implementation rather than achievements. The Court estimates that the proposal may achieve simplification between the Commission and the Member States, but that the administrative burden at national, regional and beneficiary levels may remain unchanged or even worsen. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Ukrainian troops shelled Miratorg’s territory using Grad systems and wounded seven employees

Vladimir Zelensky said that it is an important contribution

Alexander Stepanov emphasized that Cuba has the capability to respond to US military aggression

«Building on Ukraine’s drone expertise, the group also discussed opportunities to accelerate defense industrial cooperation to provide new technologies to enhance long-term security in Europe,» the statement reads

Emergency service specialists are working at the debris fall site

[New Times] The government has established a national centre to support women-owned and women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (WMSMEs), in a move aimed at improving financial advisory services and expanding access to funding, the National Bank of Rwanda (BNR) has said.

[New Times] Rwanda's sugar imports declined in 2025, dropping by 36.5 per cent in volume and 39.1 per cent in value, reflecting increased domestic production and shifting consumption patterns, according to figures from the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

[Daily News] Trade, investment, logistics, security and energy at centre

The Discovery 4x4 was submerged at around 10am on Main Beach in Absersoch, North Wales, a resort dubbed 'Chesire-on-Sea' for its wealthy visitors.

Keir Starmer is in Armenia for a meeting of the European Political Community, meeting counterparts including Emmanuel Macron.

Lucy Powell, a close ally of Andy Burnham, appeared to stop short of giving the PM full-throated backing amid rising questions over his future.

More than 400 arrivals on Sunday brought the running tally to 199,828, with additional migrants reaching Dover today.

Princess Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are 'very pleased' to be expecting their third child to be born this summer, Buckingham Palace said today - with the King 'delighted' by the news.

In a historic electoral upset, the BJP has secured its first-ever assembly election victory in West Bengal, unseating Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee after 15 years. The results, reflecting a record 92.47% voter turnout, saw the BJP's «Bhoy out, Bharosa in» slogan resonate strongly, surpassing the TMC's «Maa maati manush» narrative.

In West Bengal's Kalimpong, BJP's Bharat Chettri secured a decisive victory in the 2026 assembly elections, defeating BGPM's Ruden Sada Lepcha by 21,464 votes. Chettri garnered 84,290 votes, while Lepcha received 62,826. This outcome contrasts with the 2021 elections where Lepcha, supported by TMC, narrowly won against the BJP.

Mega movie star «Thalapathy» Vijay's party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), has emerged as a significant force in Tamil Nadu politics, disrupting the DMK and AIADMK's dominance. While TVK secured triple-digit leads in early trends, it fell short of a majority, prompting debate on structural shifts versus celebrity appeal and raising questions about Vijay's solo political path.

After decades of backing a “war on drugs,” the GOP has warmed to psychedelics for mental health treatment as high-profile backers and veterans tout the drugs.

Purshotam Dhillon, a long-serving magistrate in west London, has admitted being a heroin addict but denied he was part of a drugs supply gang.

US President Donald Trump has called Iran’s counterproposal for ending the conflict unacceptable Read Full Article at RT.com

At least 18 dead in Kenya floods and landslides as extreme rains persist Read Full Article at RT.com

Wholesale and retail traders across key commercial centres in Malawi remained closed on Monday, extending a silent but powerful resistance against the Malawi Revenue Authority’s (MRA) new Electronic Invoicing System (EIS), a development that has left thousands of customers stranded and daily commerce severely disrupted. A spot check in Lilongwe revealed that most shops in […] The post Shops Remain Closed in Lilongwe and Blantyre as Traders Resist New Electronic Invoicing System, Leaving Economy Under Strain appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

The United Democratic Front (UDF) has declared confidence that it is ready to win the upcoming by-elections scheduled for June 30 in Mikoko Constituency and Kanjuli Ward in Machinga District, in what is expected to be a closely watched political contest. UDF Secretary General, Generalino Lemani, says the party has already completed key internal processes […] The post UDF Says It Is Ready for Victory in June 30 By-Elections in Mikoko and Kanjuli Ward, Machinga appeared first on Malawi Nyasa Times - News from Malawi about Malawi.

This month I'm celebrating a very special anniversary, marking a milestone I never thought I'd reach.

Britain might be in the doldrums, but people from around the world still flock to these shores - around 45million a year, in fact. The trouble is that most of them end up in the same places.

The first impact came two weeks in. After a year of suffering from painful acid reflux in the mornings, it just disappeared.

Kate and Gerry, accompanied by their twins, were warmly welcomed by supporters and well wishers for the informal outdoor gathering in their home village of Rothley, Leicestershire.

AFRICOM and the Moroccan Army have launched search and rescue operations after two US soldiers went missing during an African Lion drill Read Full Article at RT.com

The West is erecting a new Iron Curtain against Russia, cutting centuries of cultural and economic ties, a senior diplomat has said Read Full Article at RT.com