Housing plans not war on rural England, says minister

The UK government has ordered Apple to grant access to users' encrypted files under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016, sparking concerns about privacy rights. The Home Office requested a broad ability to view encrypted material, rather than access to specific accounts, but has not confirmed the existence of the order. Apple has emphasized privacy as a fundamental human right and stated that its current setup prevents anyone, including Apple, from accessing user data, with the...

Grenfell Tower, site of Britain's worst residential fire post-World War II, will be demolished due to a lethal combination of negligence and cost-cutting. Families of the victims are divided on the decision, with some wanting justice before demolition and others acknowledging the necessity. The government plans to preserve parts of the building for a future memorial, while facing debate over the significance of the tower as a crime scene and the need for closure in...

Air Force warrant officer Manjunath tragically lost his life during a parachute training exercise in Agra on Friday morning. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the Air Force Hospital. The necessary legal procedures have been completed following the incident. Full Article

Hamas announced the names of three Israeli hostages for release in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, following a tense cease-fire deal with Israel. The hostages were abducted during a Hamas-led attack in 2023, sparking a deadly war. The truce has seen several crises, with both sides accusing each other of violations, as efforts continue to release remaining hostages and reach a lasting peace agreement. Full Article

In a move supported by President Trump through an executive order, plastic straws are being promoted for use again. The decision comes amidst a pushback against environmental efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. Critics argue that this decision could have negative impacts on the environment and wildlife. Full Article

Hamas has named the next hostages to be released in Gaza on Saturday as Eli Sharabi, Ohad Ben Ami, and Or Levy, as part of the exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Since the ceasefire began, 18 hostages have been freed, with a total of 33 hostages and 1,900 prisoners set to be released by the end of the first stage of the ceasefire in three weeks. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum Headquarters...