China, Russia push UN to ease sanctions on North Korea

Published

4 years ago

November 2, 2021

Costa Haritos

China and Russia are pushing the U-N Security Council to ease sanctions on North Korea

The news follows a 2019 attempt to remove a ban on North Korea’s Pyongyang exports of statues, seafood and textiles.

In a reworked draft resolution, China and Russia want the 15-member council to remove those sanctions.

Their aim is to enhance “the livelihood of the civilian population” in the isolated state.

It also includes other measures including lifting a ban on North Koreans working abroad and exemptions for inter-Korean rail and road co-operation projects.

North Korea has been subject to UN sanctions since 2006 over its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

The country has long suffered from food insecurity, with the COVID-19 pandemic prompting unprecedented border lockdowns.

Grok continues generating sexualised images despite new safeguards

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok faces scrutiny for generating non-consensual sexualized images despite new safety restrictions.

Published

11 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok faces scrutiny for generating non-consensual sexualized images despite new safety restrictions.

Elon Musk’s AI chatbot Grok is still producing sexualised images of real people without their consent, even after new restrictions were introduced by X following public backlash.

A Reuters investigation found the chatbot continued generating explicit imagery despite warnings about the vulnerability of the subjects involved, raising fresh concerns over the effectiveness of the safeguards.

While officials have cautiously welcomed recent changes, the findings have reignited debate around AI accountability and user safety on social media platforms.

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News

Peter Mandelson investigated by police over alleged Epstein information leaks

Scotland Yard investigates Lord Mandelson for allegedly leaking information to Epstein; PM Starmer vows to revoke his peerage if guilty.

Published

12 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Scotland Yard investigates Lord Mandelson for allegedly leaking information to Epstein; PM Starmer vows to revoke his peerage if guilty.

Scotland Yard has confirmed it is conducting a full criminal investigation into allegations that Lord Peter Mandelson leaked sensitive government information to Jeffrey Epstein while in public office. The probe centres on potential misconduct and whether any information was deliberately shared.

Police say a successful prosecution would require clear evidence that Mandelson intentionally passed confidential material to Epstein. Investigators are currently assessing whether the claims meet the criminal threshold required to proceed with charges.

Officials are also reviewing the full scope of Mandelson’s interactions with Epstein during his time in government, as pressure mounts for answers and accountability at the highest levels of power.

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News

U.S. downs Iranian drone near USS Abraham Lincoln as Gulf tensions rise

U.S. jet downed Iranian drone by USS Abraham Lincoln amid rising tensions; Iranian boats threatened U.S. tanker, risking misjudgment.

Published

12 hours ago

February 4, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. jet downed Iranian drone by USS Abraham Lincoln amid rising tensions; Iranian boats threatened U.S. tanker, risking misjudgment.

The United States has shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Persian Gulf, marking a sharp escalation in regional tensions. The carrier was operating roughly 500 miles from Iran when the drone moved closer, despite efforts by US forces to de-escalate the situation.

A US Navy F-35C fighter jet launched from the Lincoln intercepted and destroyed the drone mid-air, with officials confirming no damage or casualties. The incident highlights growing concerns over military brinkmanship in one of the world’s most volatile waterways.

With an increased US military presence in the region, analysts warn that even small miscalculations could trigger a wider conflict as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to intensify.

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