London's Metropolitan Police reported on X that a man was taken into custody following the vandalism of a statue of former Prime Minister Winston Churchill with red graffiti.Images reveal the monument and its plinth were marked with phrases including "NEVER AGAIN IS NOW," "ZIONIST WAR CRIMINAL" and "GLOBALISE THE INTIFADA!"In a statement on Friday, police said, "Overnight, the Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square was graffitied with red paint."They added, "Officers were on scene within two minutes of being alerted shortly after 4am. A 38-yr-old man is in custody having been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage."A Dutch activist organization has taken responsibility for the incident.An Instagram post asserts, "On the morning of 27th February, the statue of Winston Churchill at Parliament Square was defaced with red paint. This protest was organised and executed by @freethefilton24nl."The post includes a pre-recorded video where a man states, "My name is Olax Outis. I am a citizen of the Netherlands."He declares he is "part of a Dutch action group called Free the Filton 24 NL," adding, "I've come to the United Kingdom to deface statue of one of history’s most well-known war criminals, Winston Churchill."
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by: eqs
B.Duck Semk and Haers Form Strategic Partnership to Jointly Build an IP-Driven Trendy Consumer Ecosystem
EQS via SeaPRwire.com / 27/02/2026 / 19:01 UTC+8 (February 26, 2026, Hong Kong) B.Duck Semk Holdings International Limited (“B.Duck Semk”, Stock Code: 2250.HK) announced that the Company has entered into a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement with Zhejiang Haers Vacuum Containers Co., Ltd. (“Haers”, Stock Code: 002615.SZ), a global leader in the drinkware industry and an A-share listed company. The parties aim to establish a long-term, in-depth strategic alliance through equity partnership and industrial synergy, exploring a new IP-driven segment in trendy consumer markets and building a trendy consumer ecosystem covering diverse consumption scenarios. As of now, Haers holds a 2.68% equity stake in B.Duck Semk, providing a solid foundation for the strategic partnership. As a core component of this cooperation, the joint venture company co-established by the parties in mainland China will focus on the design, R&D, brand operation, and omni-channel sales of co-branded trendy drinkware products featuring the “B.Duck” family of brands and other international fashion IPs. This cooperation unites the core strengths of both parties. With over 20 years of experience in IP operation, B.Duck Semk owns China’s renowned B.Duck IP matrix and mature global licensing network. Haers, a benchmark in the global drinkware industry, brings industry-leading R&D and manufacturing capabilities, a full industry chain layout, and a global channel network. This partnership is poised to deliver mutual value and deep synergy between trending IPs and top-tier supply chain capabilities. IP co-branding in drinkware products marks merely the first step of the strategic partnership. The two parties will take the joint venture as the core platform, and drinkware and drinkware-related products as the strategic starting point. By combining B.Duck Semk’s full-matrix IP operation capabilities and insights into trendy consumers with Haers’ comprehensive, flexible manufacturing capabilities and omni-channel global network, the partnership will expand into diverse trendy consumer products, unlocking the long-term value of integrating IPs with physical manufacturing. The parties will seize this cooperation as an opportunity to jointly establish a full-chain collaborative system that integrates “fashion design, flexible manufacturing, and omni-channel marketing.” For B.Duck Semk, this partnership will facilitate the large-scale expansion of its self-operated product categories, deepen the IPs user penetration into diverse lifestyle scenarios, and establish a replicable cross-category IP operation model. For Haers, this collaboration will serve as a catalyst to upgrade and transform the company from a traditional manufacturer into a trend-driven consumer brand. By leveraging the IPs as a strategic lever, it aims to diversify into new product categories, thereby unlocking substantial new growth potential. The long-term value of this strategic cooperation lies in establishing a replicable model for cross-category and multi-IP collaboration. Looking ahead, the parties will leverage the successful collaborative experience gained in the drinkware sector and replicate this model across a wider range of consumer categories. The goal is to create a fashion ecosystem by embedding IP products into diverse lifestyle scenarios, thereby continuously unlocking the commercial value of IP-product integration. Concurrently, the parties will accelerate their global market expansion, aiming for sustained mutual profitability and ultimate industry leadership. The drinkware industry is ushering in an unprecedented golden period of development, with both market size and trendsetting attributes experiencing explosive growth. The fundamental nature of the products has evolved from being mere practical tools into socially-oriented goods that express personal aesthetics and align with trendy lifestyles. This transformation is driven by the rise of Generation Z consumers, who are profoundly reshaping market logic: “Visuals Lead Purchase Decisions” and “Products Serving as Vessels for Emotional Value” have become key purchasing factors. Taking the thermal drinkware category as an example, topics such as “thermal mug fashion styling” and “high-aesthetic thermal mug reviews” have garnered nearly 500 million views on social media platforms, reflecting young consumers’ heightened focus on product appearance and scene compatibility. In response to this trend, brands are innovating products through design strategies such as IP collaborations, dopamine color schemes, and China-chic elements. This has successfully transformed thermal mugs from traditional utilitarian items into fashion accessories for personal expression, social sharing, and emotional connection. This transformation not only precisely aligns with the consumption preferences of the younger demographic but also provides brands with sustained growth potential and market opportunities in the direction of trend-driven and personalized product innovation. This cooperation is committed to leading the drinkware industry beyond homogeneous price competition toward value creation centered on IP value and design innovation. Moreover, starting with drinkware, it will explore the deep integration of IPs and physical manufacturing across all product categories and lifestyle scenarios, charting a new path for IP-driven physical manufacturing and fashion lifestyles. Ultimately, it aims to provide a reference model for the trend-driven transformation of the entire consumer goods sector. Mr. Hui Ha Lam, Chairman of the Board of B.Duck Semk, stated, “We are immensely honored to enter into this comprehensive strategic collaboration with Haers. As a global leader in drinkware manufacturing, Haers’ top-tier supply chain and full industrial chain capabilities are strategically highly complementary to our company’s robust IP operation expertise and profound insights into trend-conscious consumers. This partnership represents not only a mutual empowerment at both the industrial and capital levels but will also enable us to jointly build a trendy consumer ecosystem spanning diverse lifestyle scenarios. Furthermore, it will significantly deepen our marketing capabilities in vertical consumer product categories. This will, in turn, continuously solidify our leadership position in the IP-driven consumer market and ultimately create long-term, sustainable value for our shareholders.” About B.Duck Semk Holdings International Limited B.Duck Semk is China’s leading comprehensive IP operation company with capabilities across the entire value chain. It launched its core original IP character, B.Duck, in 2005. With more than twenty years of experience in the industry, B.Duck Semk has built a diversified B.Duck IP matrix covering original creation, IP agency, and brand licensing collaborations. It owns 26 original characters and the operation rights to multiple top-tier game, animation, and trendy toy IPs, and has established deep cooperation with top-tier cultural IPs both in China and abroad, such as the Palace Museum’s Court Culture. B.Duck Semk has established a strong presence across character licensing, merchandise retail, and immersive cultural tourism. As of now, the company has achieved cooperation with over 570 high-quality licensees and developed over 50,000 SKUs covering the full spectrum of consumer scenarios, including food and beverages, homeware, 3C products and trendy toys. With its outstanding performance, B.Duck Semk ranked 46th on the Top Global Licensing Agents 2025. Relying on its mature end-to-end IP operation system, the company adopts a dual-drive strategy of “brand globalization + localized operation”, and is committed to becoming a comprehensive IP operation platform with global influence, creating globally recognized symbols of joy. About Zhejiang Haers Vacuum Containers Co., Ltd. As China’s first listed company in the drinkware industry, Haers always specializes in the R&D, design, manufacturing and marketing of titanium and stainless steel vacuum insulated containers, as well as drinkware-related products made of multiple materials such as aluminum, plastic, and glass. Adhering to a customer-centered principle, Haers has created the “Five-Excellent Drinkware” criteria, focusing on both quality and appearance based on its core technologies. It has been deeply involved in this industry for many years and has formed sound R&D capabilities and production strength. By the end of 2025, Haers had obtained a total of 770 valid national patents, led and participated in the formulation of 47 national, industry and organizational standards, becoming a benchmark for high-quality development in the industry. Haers’ products have been sold to more than 80 countries and regions worldwide. It has passed the Euromonitor International certification with its strong strength. In the recent three years (2022-2024), Haers has consecutively achieved the top position in global drinkware sales. 27/02/2026 Dissemination of a Financial Press Release, transmitted by EQS News.The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.Media archive at www.todayir.com
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by: grit
NEC Strengthens Multi-Vendor Optical Network Solutions with New TIP-Certified Phoenix Hardware Lineup
TOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), in collaboration with Pegatron Corporation (Pegatron; 4938.TW) and Edgecore Networks, has obtained Bronze Badge certification from the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) for its new hardware products: Endeavor (Pegatron MPND400-2) and AMX3200 (Edgecore), components of the open and disaggregated 400G optical transponder platforms known as Phoenix, demonstrating the continued expansion of NEC's ecosystem portfolio.TIP is a global collaborative community advancing the development and deployment of open, disaggregated, and interoperable telecommunications infrastructure.The Phoenix solution is a standard specification defined by TIP's Open Optical and Packet Transport (OOPT) Project Group, that includes NTT, Telia, Telefonica, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, and MTN. OOPT is an operator-driven initiative responsible for the development of technical requirements and focused on the growth of open technologies, architectures, and interfaces in the optical and IP networking domains.NEC’s Phoenix Solution consists of the NEC Network Operating System (NOS), white box hardware, and third-party optical transceivers, enabling highly flexible and scalable network deployments. The newly added Endeavor and AMX3200 platforms are both 1U-height white boxes designed for standard 19-inch rack mounting. Each is equipped with four CFP2-DCO ports supporting 400G coherent pluggable transceivers, enabling transmission capacity of up to 1.6Tbps per device for Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) applications.The NEC NOS is universally deployed on Phoenix-certified white box platforms, providing advanced hardware management and supporting open APIs such as OpenConfig and YANG data models to ensure seamless integration and automation for network operators.The NEC NOS has previously been awarded the TIP Phoenix Gold Badge in combination with the Galileo Flex-T white box. The new Bronze Badge certifications for Endeavor and AMX3200 further strengthen the Phoenix ecosystem, enabling network operators to benefit from a truly multi-vendor environment and enhancing the reliability and flexibility of optical transport networks.Phoenix disaggregated 400G transponder solution- NEC & Partner Eco-system -"The Bronze Badge certification for the Endeavor and AMX3200 platforms further highlights the robustness of our optical networking solution ecosystem," said So Sato, Senior Director, Network Solutions Business Division, NEC Corporation. "This achievement demonstrates the value of openness, affirming our commitment to supporting operators with flexible solutions that meet diverse networking needs.""The Telecom Infra Project is excited to see the broader impact of TIP’s Phoenix open transponder design across the industry. This new hardware solution greatly enriches the open transponders ecosystem by offering operators multiple choices to deploy this solution at scale," said Arturo Mayoral, Head of Transport Technology at TIP. "We are especially proud to see how the TIP test and validation program is enabling the community to accelerate interoperability among open solutions while reinforcing market confidence in their maturity and reliability.""We are proud to achieve TIP Phoenix Bronze Badge certification for Pegatron’s Endeavor MPND400-2 muxponder in collaboration with NEC," said Dr. James Shue, SVP & CTO of Pegatron. "This certification validates our commitment to delivering high-quality, standards-based optical networking hardware for the open and disaggregated ecosystem. Pegatron remains dedicated to advancing open optical networking solutions that provide operators with greater flexibility and choice.""Edgecore Networks is proud to expand our collaboration with NEC through the Phoenix ecosystem. Achieving TIP Bronze Badge certification for the AMX3200 underscores our shared commitment to delivering open, scalable, and interoperable optical transport solutions," said Nanda Ravindran, VP of Product Management and Planning of Edgecore. "By combining Edgecore’s open hardware innovation with NEC’s proven NOS and system integration expertise, we are empowering operators worldwide to accelerate network modernization with greater flexibility, efficiency, and confidence."These research results were obtained from a grant program (No.JPJ012368G50311) by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan.About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: nicole
U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem permits departure of non-essential staff amid fears of potential strikes by Iran
The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem has granted authorization for non-essential personnel to depart amid escalating tensions and the potential for U.S. strikes against Iran.
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by: grit
NEC Demonstrates Agentic AI-Driven Autonomous Network Operations in Collaboration with AWS
TOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has successfully demonstrated a technology in which Agentic AI autonomously manages the entire lifecycle of the User Plane Function (UPF)*, a primary function of 6G/5G core networks, from design, construction, and deployment through to operational monitoring. This research achievement was realized in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).Based on NEC’s expertise and experience in communications service provider networks, this demonstration was achieved by leveraging "Kiro," an AWS agentic AI with an integrated development environment (IDE) and command-line interface (CLI). As a result, NEC confirmed that the time required from network design to initial service launch, which previously required several weeks with manual configuration by network operators, can be significantly reduced to just a few hours. In addition, automated anomaly detection and self-healing operations without human intervention were also verified using an AWS AI tool. These results demonstrate that automated orchestration of UPF utilizing an AWS AI tool contributes to reducing deployment burden for communications service providers (CSPs), improving operational efficiency, and accelerating service rollout.Traditionally, building and deploying network functions required extensive manual configuration and advanced technical expertise, placing a heavy burden on network operators at CSPs. These manual processes also increased the risk of human error, which complicated fault isolation and recovery during network incidents. These issues contributed to longer service rollout timelines and rising operational costs.Key Features1. Autonomous UPF Deployment and Operation Enabled by AIDrawing on expertise gained through designing, building, and operating commercial carrier networks, NEC embedded this knowledge into AI models capable of automatically generating and executing UPF deployment procedures. This enables not only automation of operational tasks but also supports truly autonomous network operations suitable for production environments.2. Flexible Deployment Enabled by Cloud-Based Operational ModelsBy leveraging AWS, NEC can apply cloud-native operational models directly to CSP environments, enabling flexible deployment across networks, including edge locations and on premises systems.Benefits / ValueReduces network function deployment time from weeks to hours—from network design to initial service launch (compared to traditional manual deployment methods at NEC)Minimizes human error and improves operational quality through automationAllows personnel without deep technical expertise to deploy and operate network functions, helping address labor shortagesSupports CSPs with rapid service launches and maximizes revenue opportunitiesThis initiative represents an important achievement as a foundational technology for realizing autonomous network operations required in the future 6G era. Looking ahead, NEC will continue to take on new technological challenges based on its vision of being "AI Native," addressing the challenges that communications service providers may face both today and in the future as networks become increasingly complex.A demonstration based on the verified environment will be showcased at the AWS booth during MWC Barcelona 2026 (March 2–5, 2026), the world’s largest mobile industry event."The telecommunications industry is at an inflection point where AI-driven automation is becoming essential to build a competitive advantage by serving the end-customers faster and reducing the operating costs. NEC's breakthrough in autonomous UPF orchestration demonstrates how AWS AI services can fundamentally transform network operations, enabling communications service providers to deploy complex 5G infrastructure in hours rather than weeks. This level of automation democratizes advanced network deployment capabilities, allowing operators to serve the ever-increasing capacity needs and focus their innovation efforts on service differentiation rather than manual configuration and operational tasks. This collaboration with NEC exemplifies the intelligent automation that will define the next generation of telecommunications infrastructure."-Amir Rao, Global Director, GTM and Telco Solutions at Amazon Web Services"Validating the automation of UPF deployment and operations using AI and GitOps in an AWS environment is an important accomplishment for NEC. This technology does more than just improve operational efficiency. By embedding the design and operational expertise that NEC has cultivated through commercial networks into AI, we aim to enable autonomous operations and achieve a significant improvement in end-to-end efficiency across UPF deployment and operations, including on-site activities. NEC will continue to contribute to the realization of autonomously operable mobile networks that are required for the 6G era, providing environments that allow communications service providers to focus on creating service value."- Takashi Sato, Corporate Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Network Solutions Business Division of NEC CorporationA portion of the technologies used in this project were obtained from a grant program (No. JPJ012368G50701) by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan.(*) User Plane Function: The processing of user data traffic in the 5G Core Network (5GC).About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society. For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: grit
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Acquires Swiss Rotating Equipment Maintenance Company AST Turbo AG
CompressorTOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation (MCO), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has acquired all shares of AST Turbo AG (AST), a Swiss company specializing in rotating equipment maintenance services, as of February 27.AST is engaged in maintenance, inspection, and field services for rotating equipment such as compressors and steam turbines that drive compressors, used in resource and energy development sites, including in the oil and gas sectors. The company has highly experienced technical supervisors and advanced engineering capabilities, such as virtual assembly technology utilizing 3D laser measurement(*1). AST has a proven track record of projects in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and other regions worldwide. Through this acquisition, MCO aims to strengthen its field service system in international markets.Turbo machinery such as compressors requires indispensable after-sales services, including replacement of consumable parts, repairs, and inspections following installation. In recent years, customers have increasingly requested shorter inspection intervals to improve equipment uptime, along with greater use of virtual assembly technology and deployment of experienced supervisors. MCO and AST have a long established and collaborative relationship and have jointly provided field service on several projects to date. Following the acquisition, under the leadership of AST's current management team, the company will leverage its existing customer and business base, while integrating MCO's and the MHI Group's technological expertise and know-how to further enhance service quality and expand business operations.With this acquisition, MCO is committed to better meeting customer expectations and delivering high-quality services to customers worldwide.This acquisition is an example of the partnering initiatives promoted by the MHI Group. The Company will continue to build strategic partnerships globally to incorporate external expertise through partnering efforts and deliver its technologies, products, and services to a wider range of customers.(*1) Virtual assembly technology refers to a technique that uses 3D data to simulate the product assembly process on a computer. This enables the omission of certain on-site assembly steps, resulting in shorter inspection periods, maintaining plant high availability.About AST Turbo AGCompany Name: AST Turbo AGHeadquarters: Altendorf, SwitzerlandFounded: 2012Core Business: Maintenance and field services including installation for rotating equipment such as compressors and steam turbines that drive compressorsFor more information, please visit https://www.ast-turbo.com/About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: jenn
After 36 Years, Mortal Kombat 2 May Offer Fans the Most Diverse Roster Yet
Warner Bros.While may have sparked America's fascination with exaggerated brutality in fighting games, Mortal Kombat 2 arguably catapulted the franchise to true video game stardom. By expanding the narrative, introducing memorable stages and fatalities, and nearly doubling the character roster, MK2 achieved not only a monumental success worthy of Raiden but also established many essential characters and lore for the franchise. Now, 23 years later, the film adaptation appears to be following suit.On February 25, Warner Bros. debuted the official second trailer for Mortal Kombat 2, prominently featuring Karl Urban as Johnny Cage. However, amid the intense martial arts action, one notable character is missing: Cole Young, the original protagonist from the first film portrayed by Lewis Tan. Fans criticized Young's prominent role for overshadowing the series' main characters, and the new trailer suggests the sequel is correcting this by emphasizing the ensemble cast.While the first film was set before the Mortal Kombat tournament, Mortal Kombat 2 appears to dive directly into the action by centering on the actual competition for the realms' fate, featuring Shao Kahn (Martyn Ford) in his second cinematic attempt to conquer Earthrealm (following 1997's widely criticized Mortal Kombat: Annihilation). The inclusion of the franchise's most iconic final boss raises the stakes considerably, and with Cole Young's absence from marketing materials, many fans speculate the character may die early to allow more screen time for Johnny Cage, Liu Kang (Ludi Lin), Sonya Blade (Jessica McNamee), and other members of Raiden's warrior group. Whatever the execution, Young's reduced role provides an ideal opportunity for the film to showcase Mortal Kombat's extensive supporting cast.Since this film loosely adapts MK2's events, certain characters and plot elements can be reasonably anticipated. Shao Kahn's presence likely means we'll witness his conquest of the peaceful, Earth-resembling kingdom of Edenia and his enchantment of Queen Sindel (Ana Thu Nguyen) into marriage. Princess Kitana (Adeline Rudolph) will probably be central as Kahn's adopted daughter, with the trailer suggesting she may be instigating rebellion against the tyrant. Beyond the Edenian storyline, Mortal Kombat 2 seems set to intensify the rivalry between Hanzo Hasashi/Scorpion (Hiroyuki Sanada) and Bi-Han (Joe Taslim), as the former Sub-Zero appears in the trailer fully transformed into the undead revenant Noob Saibot, indicating his necromancer master Quan Chi (Damon Herriman) will be orchestrating his own dark schemes.As long as Shao Kahn takes a full minute to taunt our heroes like in the games, Earthrealm should be fine. | Warner Bros.In addition to these key figures, several other fan favorites are joining the cast, including Tati Gabrielle as Jade and CJ Bloomfield as Baraka. The returning heroes also promise greater development, as Liu Kang, Sonya Blade, Jax (Mehcad Brooks), and Kung Lao (Max Huang) were all sidelined in the first film to accommodate Cole Young. With all signs indicating the character's retirement in Mortal Kombat 2, the franchise's massive roster can finally receive its due screen time.Mortal Kombat 2 will hit theaters on May 8th, 2026.
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by: nicole
Sweden disrupts suspected Russian drone close to French aircraft carrier amid growing NATO war concerns
According to reports, the Swedish Armed Forces jammed a suspected Russian drone on February 25 as it approached a French nuclear-powered aircraft carrier while the vessel was docked in Malmö during a major ,The Charles de Gaulle, the French Navy’s flagship, was visiting the southern Swedish port as part of Mission LA FAYETTE 26.These drills brought NATO naval forces into the Baltic Sea region amid rising tensions with Moscow.The drone security breach occurred while the carrier was in port, highlighting growing concerns about Russian-linked drone activity near key Western military assets, according to .The Swedish broadcaster reported that the drone was launched from a nearby and headed toward the carrier before being detected by Swedish forces.A ship from the located the suspected drone during ongoing sea patrols in the Öresund Strait.In response, Swedish personnel deployed electronic countermeasures, disrupting the aircraft’s control systems.SVT reported that the Swedish Armed Forces said in a statement: "A Swedish Navy ship observed a suspected drone during ongoing sea patrols in the Öresund,"The statement added: "In response to the observation, the Swedish Armed Forces took countermeasures to disrupt the suspected drone. Following this, contact with the drone was lost,"To date, it remains unclear whether the drone returned to the Russian vessel or fell into the sea after being jammed.According to , Swedish Defence Minister Pål Jonson told SVT on Thursday that the drone "probably came from Russia, as there was a Russian military vessel in the immediate vicinity at the time of the facts,"French General Staff spokesman Colonel Guillaume Vernet also said: "A drone was jammed yesterday by a Swedish system at about seven nautical miles from the Charles de Gaulle. The Swedish system worked perfectly, and this did not disrupt operations on board,"According to , this incident came just hours after overnight in response to another wave of , heightening tensions between Moscow and NATO.It also comes after , who said that his "adversaries know how things could end" if they resort to using a "nuclear" response.
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by: jenn
Rumor: Lucasfilm Already Regretting Risky Star Wars Move
LucasfilmWhile it might be cliché to claim you "tune in just for the ads," for film enthusiasts who have no interest in football, that's frequently the reality. The year's largest sporting spectacle offers an ideal opportunity to maximize trailer viewership, and these previews typically contain major revelations that dominate headlines come Monday.However, during Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, Star Wars devotees found themselves as let down as Patriots supporters when a much-hyped trailer proved to be merely a . Per an industry report, this sense of letdown is reportedly shared within Lucasfilm itself.Within a comprehensive report on new Disney CEO Josh D'Amaro's ascent, referenced this advertisement with considerable caution. The piece states, "Concerns exist that an unconventional 36-second Super Bowl spot for The Mandalorian & Grogu, showing the main characters on a Tauntaun-drawn wagon, didn't produce the level of enthusiasm the marketing department had aimed to ignite."The Mandalorian & Grogu already represents a gamble. No Star Wars theatrical release has emerged since the controversial Rise of Skywalker in 2019, and this project falls somewhere between a major installment and a smaller venture like Rogue One or Solo. Rather, it's a cinematic offshoot of a television series—entirely unprecedented ground for the franchise. While The Mandalorian certainly commands a Disney+ following, its box-office appeal remains entirely uncertain.This explains the frustration surrounding the Super Bowl commercial. Enthusiasts are champing at the bit for any details about this ambitious venture, yet rather than actual film clips, they received only a brief look at Din Djarin and Grogu on Hoth, mimicking traditional beer advertisements. Whether Hoth or the Tauntauns will genuinely feature in the film appears doubtful at this stage.What might have served as a testing ground for a conventional trailer was instead utilized for an experimental gag commercial. | LucasfilmWhat makes this a genuine missed opportunity for Lucasfilm is that the commercial could have served as an ideal test balloon to gauge how a broad audience might react to a conventional trailer. Instead, any negative response cannot be distinguished as disinterest in the film itself versus dissatisfaction with the ad's unconventional approach.With merely a few months remaining until Star Wars' theatrical comeback, there's no room for second chances. This debut could either secure or jeopardize thefuture of Star Wars and determine whether the television universe can successfully transition to film or remain as disconnected as Ahsoka was from Revenge of the Sith events.The Mandalorian & Grogu arrives in cinemas on May 22, 2026.
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by: grit
NEC Strengthens Its Edge Portfolio for the 6G Era, Enabling Efficient Edge Deployment and Integration with Cloud Services
TOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation has expanded the capabilities of its User Plane Function (UPF, *1) for telecom operators by adding support for second-generation AWS Outposts racks (*2), further strengthening its multi deployment model. With this enhancement, NEC’s UPF can now operate consistently across on-premises environments, the cloud, edge locations, and AWS Outposts racks installed within operators’ network sites. This enables flexible deployment design that is tailored to traffic characteristics and service requirements.NEC’s UPF is designed for lightweight, high performance operation in telecom networks, achieving 200 Gbps throughput while limiting CPU usage to only 20% of total CPU cores on second generation AWS Outposts racks. This lightweight architecture enables easier coexistence with other workloads on second-generation AWS Outposts racks and supports the deployment of low-latency, edge-based services such as network slicing and service application integration. These capabilities have been achieved through close collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).Another key feature of NEC’s UPF is its unified software architecture, which delivers a consistent experience from edge sites to centralized deployments. The same software can be used when deployed on second generation AWS Outposts racks, ensuring network wide consistency in design and operations. With a cloud optimized approach that incorporates continuous updates and automated operations, NEC enables labor efficient, stable, large scale network operation. This supports telecom operators’ diverse network strategies, from leveraging existing infrastructure to adopting cloud native architectures.With edge deployments expected to accelerate in the 6G era, NEC has combined expanded cloud adoption options enabled by second-generation AWS Outposts racks with the space- and power-efficient design of its UPF to achieve efficient edge rollouts and the integration of edge environments with cloud services.The provision of this solution helps to advance NEC’s "AI Native" vision for society and contributes to solving social challenges."NEC's innovative approach to User Plane Function deployment exemplifies how AWS Outposts enables telecommunications operators to modernize their infrastructure without compromising on the application's mission-critical performance or the operational consistency delivered by the cloud. With second-generation AWS Outposts, NEC delivers the cloud-native agility that operators need while maintaining the low-latency, high-throughput performance that 5G services demand. This collaboration demonstrates AWS's commitment to helping telecommunications partners build mission critical, high-performance, flexible, and scalable networks that will power the next generation of connected experiences."- Amir Rao, Global Director, GTM and Telco Solutions at Amazon Web Services"Enabling NEC’s UPF, which is designed for multi-platform environments, to run on second-generation AWS Outposts racks will expand the range of choices that communications service providers have for network design and operations. The UPF supports both rapid service deployment and stable operations while minimizing design and operational complexity, thereby strengthening service providers’ ability to deliver reliable services. Going forward, NEC will continue to pursue the realization of network platforms that seamlessly and pragmatically integrate cloud and network technologies, contributing to value creation for communications service providers."- Takashi Sato, Corporate Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Network Solutions Business Division of NEC CorporationA portion of the technologies used in this project were obtained from a grant program (No. JPJ012368G50701) by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan.*1)User Plane Function: The processing of user data traffic in the 5G Core Network (5GC).*2)AWS Outposts is a family of fully managed solutions that brings AWS infrastructure and services to virtually any on-premises or edge location for a consistent hybrid experience. Second-generation AWS Outposts racks deliver up to 40% better compute performance than the first generation, simplify network operations, enable cost-efficient scaling of on-premises workloads, and are optimized for ultra-low-latency, high-throughput requirements.About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society. For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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by: grit
Fujitsu POS solution enhances customer experience at Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores
Kawasaki, Osaka, Japan, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and H2O Retailing Corporation today announced the successful implementation of a wireless tablet POS system utilizing Fujitsu's POS solution across all 15 Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores. This initiative marks one of the largest deployments of a tablet POS system in a department store in Japan, with approximately 5,000 tablet units introduced in non-food sales areas and about 400 dedicated POS units in food sales areas.The system enables sales associates to provide seamless, one-stop[1] service from customer engagement to payment without leaving their sales floor. This allows sales associates to dedicate more time to customers, to enhance service quality and deliver a high-value shopping experience unique to department stores.Going forward, H2O plans to integrate other business applications into these tablet units at Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores including customer relationship management tools and customer service support tools to create a higher quality one-stop customer experience.Fujitsu, under its Uvance business model to address societal challenges, is committed to solving customer and societal issues through data and AI, focusing on both the purchasing experience and supply chains. By linking the experience cycle, which supports comfortable purchasing experiences for customers and improved operational efficiency for employees involved in purchasing, with the supply chain cycle, which aims to realize sustainable and resilient purchasing supply chains, Fujitsu will integrate complex customer touchpoints and achieve centralized information management across all channels. This will enhance customer and consumer experiences and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.Overview of the SystemThe system implemented in this initiative incorporates a POS solution from Unified Commerce, an offering within Fujitsu's Uvance business model that aims to centralize customer touchpoint information. By establishing this system as a common platform, the screen displays and operability of both stationary and mobile POS systems have been unified.This achieves the following three points, leading to improved operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience:Reduced burden of learning multiple operating methods and decreased training labor hours for sales associates due to a unified operating system.Establishment of a one-stop operation within the same sales area, from customer engagement to payment, through the introduction of wireless tablets. Provides customers with a smoother and more comfortable shopping experience.Utilization of SIM-equipped tablet units to increase flexibility by expanding POS systems outside stores for special events, external sales activities, and mobile sales, while maintaining the same service quality as in-store systems.The system is built in a cloud environment and adopts a pay-per-use licensing model based on the annual number of transactions. This allows for flexible adjustment of POS system resources according to sales floor fluctuations and demand, balancing appropriate cost management with stable operation. It ensures a stable payment environment even during peak seasons, offering customers a comfortable and smooth shopping experience.[1] Not including tax-free procedures.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuAbout H2O Retailing CorporationThe H2O Retailing Group engages in a variety of retail-related business, including department stores, supermarkets, shopping centers, specialty stores and convenience stores, primarily in the Kansai region of Japan.Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores operate a total of 15 department stores, including Hankyu Department Store and Hanshin Department Store. We strive to become the No.1 fun department store to make our customers lives also fun and enriched by energizing their future. In addition to the flagship Hankyu Umeda Main Store, we have a wide variety of stores, including the Hanshin Umeda Main Store, Kobe Hankyu, and Hakata Hankyu stores in the city center, as well as suburban stores that are close to the lives of the community.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Tour guide arrested following drawing of stick figure on 4,000-year-old pyramid
An Egyptian tour guide was taken into custody after being accused of drawing a stick figure on the side of the Pyramid of Unas while leading a group of tourists.Footage of the incident, which spread widely on social media, shows the man leaning toward a lower section of the pyramid’s outer casing as tourists stand nearby and listen. He is then seen trying to wipe the markings away with his hand, though traces remain visible in the video.In a post on X, Egypt’s Interior Ministry stated that the guide "damaged an antiquity by drawing on the outer casing of " while explaining the site to tourists. The initial report had mentioned the general Giza area.The ministry said the investigation was launched after the video circulated online, prompting an antiquities inspector to file a report with the Saqqara Tourism Police Station that identified the guide. Officials noted the markings were later removed by specialists., who admitted to the act during questioning, according to the ministry." have been taken," the ministry added, noting that specialists have since erased the markings.Local media outlets, citing the Interior Ministry’s investigation, identified the site as the Pyramid of Unas in the Saqqara necropolis south of Giza.B.C. for Pharaoh Unas, the pyramid is historically significant for containing the earliest Pyramid Texts. These religious inscriptions consist of more than 200 spells carved into the pyramid's interior walls, forming what scholars consider the oldest known collection of funerary texts.The pyramid is located within the vast Saqqara necropolis, part of ancient Memphis—Egypt’s first capital and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes a sprawling complex of tombs, temples and pyramids.Egypt has and preservation efforts at archaeological sites in recent years as officials seek to protect ancient monuments that attract millions of visitors annually.Under Egypt’s Antiquities Protection Law, damaging actions such as writing on or harming archaeological sites can carry prison sentences and fines, with exact penalties varying by offense.
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A Beloved Horror Epic Just Unveiled Its Biggest Twist
AMCInterview with the Vampire is stepping into a new chapter, and along with it comes a fresh new title. Season 3 of is now named , and it will follow Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid) as he embraces a modern-day rock star lifestyle. We’ve already seen a few trailers for the series’ updated version, and even listened to a single from Lestat’s in-universe music career—but a newly released clip showcases one of the story’s most pivotal moments: the scene where Lestat realizes the title interview was with his former partner, Louis de Point du Lac (Jacob Anderson). Check out the full clip, revealed at IGN Fan Fest, below.Lestat now lives in Montreal, and we watch him FaceTiming with Louis while they chat about Louis’ new song. “Yeah, it's nice,” Louis says. “I don't see Beyoncé covering it, but it's nice.” Lestat suggests Louis come for a visit, but then an interesting alert pops up on his tablet: a new book by Daniel Molloy titled Interview with the Vampire is about to be published. Louis tries to defend himself, claiming he destroyed Molloy’s laptop and had no idea the book—written using a cloud-based copy of Molloy’s data—was coming out until a month ago. But Louis’ failure to warn him only makes Lestat more annoyed.Wearing the classic rockstar disguise of sunglasses at night, Lestat picks up a copy as booksellers gush about how wild the book is and how attractive all the characters sound. There’s even an Easter egg in this short clip: on the “staff picks” shelf behind Lestat sits a copy of Sapphire Storm by C. Travis Rice, the son of original Interview with the Vampire author Anne Rice.The new title and setting already made it clear this season would be different, but this clip proves we’ll finally see the drama escalate. At the same time, though, the show’s core essence remains unchanged. There are still jokes, awkward vampire flirtations, and endless drama. And we don’t have to wait much longer to see it all: the clip also confirmed that The Vampire Lestat will premiere in June 2026, so you can kick off your summer with a trip to vampiric French Canada.The Vampire Lestat premieres in June 2026 on AMC and AMC+.
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Taliban launches ‘extensive’ assault on Pakistan amid deadly border clashes
Significant cross-border artillery exchanges occurred on Thursday, marking an escalation of hostilities along the shared frontier, according to multiple sources.The fighting erupted after the Taliban claimed it initiated retaliatory strikes against Pakistani military posts, while Islamabad stated it was countering unprovoked attacks from the area.Reports indicated that the two forces engaged in combat for over two hours along their approximately 2,600-kilometer (1,615-mile) border, jeopardizing a ceasefire that was established in 2025 after previous conflicts.This recent surge in violence follows airstrikes conducted by Pakistani forces inside Afghanistan earlier in the week; Taliban officials reported the strikes resulted in at least 18 fatalities, according to a February 24 report.Pakistan, meanwhile, stated it was targeting militant hideouts and denied allegations that civilian areas were hit.Taliban officials subsequently characterized their actions as an "extensive" military campaign targeting Pakistani army positions in retaliation for the airstrikes."In response to repeated provocations, extensive preemptive operations have been launched against Pakistani military positions along the Durand Line," a Taliban spokesperson posted on X. In a separate communication, the spokesperson noted that "specialized laser units" were active during nighttime operations.In a video provided to Reuters, Taliban military spokesman Mawlawi Wahidullah Mohammadi also confirmed that the offensive commenced on Thursday evening.The spokesperson claimed that "numerous" Pakistani soldiers had been killed and others captured, though Reuters noted it could not independently confirm these assertions.In another post on X, the spokesperson commented on the earlier Pakistani airstrikes, saying, "The cowardly Pakistani army has bombed some places in Kabul, Kandahar, and Paktia. Praise be to God, no one was harmed."Pakistan has rejected the Taliban's version of events.On X, Pakistan's Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated that the Taliban's "unprovoked action along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border" received an "immediate and effective response."The ministry asserted that Taliban forces had "miscalculated and opened unprovoked fire on multiple locations" along the border in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.The post confirmed that this aggression was being met with an "immediate and effective response by Pakistan’s security forces.""Early reports confirm significant casualties on the Afghan side with multiple posts and equipment destroyed," the ministry stated."Pakistan will take all necessary measures to ensure its territorial integrity and the safety and security of its citizens."Pakistani security sources additionally informed Reuters that 22 Taliban fighters had been killed and several quadcopters were shot down.This conflict follows accusations from Pakistan that the Taliban is providing sanctuary to TTP militants responsible for a recent increase in violence and suicide attacks.The Afghan Taliban denies these allegations. A day prior to the February airstrikes, Pakistani officials stated they possessed "irrefutable evidence" that militants were orchestrating attacks from within Afghanistan, according to reports.
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Apple’s Bold Sci-Fi Paranoid Thriller Premieres Earlier Than Expected
Apple TVThe scale of this alternate history spaceflight series is immense. Since its 2019 debut, the series has mapped out a timeline where the USSR reached the Moon before the US in 1969, then traced the ripple effects of that pivotal event. From an alternate 1980s with a functioning Moonbase to a 1990s Mars landing, and now, with Season 5, a major development on the horizon, the show is both bold and intellectually stimulating. However, the For All Mankind universe is now expanding in a new direction: a new series will examine this timeline’s events from the Soviet viewpoint, and it will premiere shortly after its parent series’ upcoming new season.Star City is scheduled to debut this year, in 2026, immediately following the conclusion of. Here’s what you need to know about this ambitious new series, covering its cast, tone, release date, and place within the For All Mankind timeline.What is Star City?The titular location of Star City. | Apple TVStar City draws its name from a real location in the USSR where Roscosmos trains cosmonauts for space missions. For All Mankind has already featured its fictionalized version of Star City on multiple occasions, particularly in Season 2, when NASA astronaut Danielle Poole (Krys Marshall) travels there as part of a joint US-USSR mission. Star City also plays a key role in the espionage plots involving Margo (Wrenn Schmidt), Sergei (Piotr Adamczyk), and former KGB leader Irina Morozova (Svetlana Efremova), who first appeared in Season 4. The new series will revisit the 1960s to explore the Soviet perspective on the foundational events that shaped For All Mankind. Apple has described the show as a “paranoid thriller.”What is the Star City timeline? The Roscosmos mission control in Star City. | Apple TVPer Apple TV, the new series will delve into the events preceding For All Mankind Season 1. While the show was initially announced, Apple’s latest press release provides far more details, revealing that the new series “transports us back to the critical moment in this alternate-history retelling of the space race — when the Soviet Union became the first nation to land a man on the moon. This time, however, we experience the story from behind the Iron Curtain, showcasing the lives of cosmonauts, engineers, and intelligence officers embedded within the Soviet space program, along with the risks they all took to advance humanity.”This suggests Star City will be set before 1969, building up to that pivotal moment, which effectively resolves a small mystery within the For All Mankind timeline. In real history, the USSR lacked the technology to land on the Moon. But in this timeline, we’ll now see how that achievement became feasible. In other words, Star City is addressing a key sci-fi question that underpins the rest of the For All Mankind timeline: What did the hypothetical Soviet Moon mission actually entail? Who is in the cast of Star City?Rhys Ifans in Star City. | Apple TVWhile cameos from For All Mankind cast members are possible, it’s currently unclear which characters (if any) will cross over. Some characters are guaranteed to appear. In the FaMk timeline, the first man on the Moon was Alexei Leonov — a real historical figure who, in our world, was the first human to perform a spacewalk. Thus, Leonov will definitely feature in Star City. Additionally, For All Mankind Season 1 introduced Anastasia Belikova, a fictional character who was the first woman on the Moon in this timeline. We can therefore expect to see a version of her in the new series.Here’s the confirmed cast, according to Apple’s official press release. Rhys IfansAnna Maxwell MartinAgnes O’Casey Alice EnglertSolly McLeod Adam Nagaitis Ruby Ashbourne Serkis Josef Davies Priya Kansara Star City Release Date Star City will premiere on Apple TV with a two-episode launch on Friday, May 29, 2026. This means the series will debut on the same day as the For All Mankind Season 5 finale. Star City will consist of eight episodes, with the final installment streaming on July 10, 2026.For All Mankind is available to stream on Apple TV.
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Trump’s Greenland push prompts Danish prime minister to call early election
Denmark will hold parliamentary elections on March 24 after Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called a snap vote—a decision widely interpreted as an effort to solidify growing public backing linked to her management of tensions with President Trump over Greenland.Frederiksen made the early election announcement on Wednesday, contending that Denmark requires political clarity amid escalating geopolitical strain. Per Reuters, she stated the nation faces "a serious foreign policy situation" and that voters deserve input on how Denmark navigates it.Her center-left Social Democratic administration has experienced an uptick in opinion polls in recent weeks following its firm position that Greenland is not for sale and that Danish sovereignty is non-negotiable.The rift with Washington has redefined Denmark’s domestic political discourse, bringing Arctic security and national sovereignty to the top of the country’s political agenda.Frederiksen, who has led Denmark since mid-2019, has spent much of the past year addressing the repercussions from , the massive Arctic island that is an autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark. Tensions spiked sharply last month when Trump threatened to impose new tariffs on Denmark and several other European Union nations.Trump has argued that the United States requires control of the North Atlantic island for national security purposes, pointing to increased Russian and Chinese activity in the Arctic. The region has gained strategic significance as melting ice unlocks shipping lanes and access to natural resources, heightening competition among major global powers.The impasse seemed to soften after Trump revealed that a framework agreement to enhance Arctic security had been reached following discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos. After that announcement, U.S., Danish, and Greenlandic officials launched technical discussions on putting the arrangement into effect, with a focus on security coordination rather than any alteration to sovereignty.Throughout the crisis, Frederiksen and other top Danish officials repeatedly stressed that Greenland’s status is not open to negotiation. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference earlier in February, Frederiksen warned that she did not think the crisis had fully ended and implied that Washington might still harbor ambitions to annex the island.According to The Guardian, Danish analysts have labeled the prime minister’s polling increase a "Greenland bounce," mirroring growing domestic support for her resolute posture toward Washington.Frederiksen’s decision to seems intended to translate that surge into a renewed mandate. Denmark’s next general election was not set to take place until later this year, but the prime minister argued that the current security environment warrants seeking new voter endorsement.Greenland, with a population of approximately 56,000, has long held strategic importance due to its position between North America and Europe. The United States maintains a military presence there at Pituffik Space Base, previously known as Thule Air Base. Any mention of U.S. acquisition has historically been a sensitive issue in both Copenhagen and Nuuk, Greenland’s capital.Euronews reported that Frederiksen’s government has emphasized collaboration with allies while firmly refusing any negotiations over Greenland’s sovereignty. European leaders have expressed support for Denmark, underscoring the belief that is growing in importance to NATO and EU planning.Opposition parties have attacked the timing of the snap election, claiming Frederiksen is pursuing political gain during a period of heightened nationalism. However, others have largely endorsed the government’s stance on Greenland, indicating that the sovereignty issue may cross traditional party divides.The March 24 vote will determine whether Frederiksen can strengthen her coalition or if voters will alter the parliamentary balance. It will also serve as a broader gauge of how Danes believe their nation should as Arctic security emerges as a defining issue of global competition.
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Iran turns down Trump demands even as nuclear talks make ‘significant progress’
Iran-U.S. negotiations concluded in Geneva on Thursday, with officials noting "significant progress" and scheduling a subsequent meeting in Vienna in the coming days. However, even as senior U.S. officials characterized the third round as "positive," per , Iranian state media reported that Tehran intends to maintain its uranium enrichment activities and dismissed suggestions to ship the material overseas. According to , the reports indicated that Iran would additionally seek removal of international sanctions, suggesting it remains unwilling to comply with President Donald Trump's requirements. The talks were conducted mainly through indirect channels, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi serving as an intermediary between the parties. On X, al-Busaidi posted confirmation that the session had ended and stated that talks would continue shortly. "Today's negotiations between the United States and Iran have concluded with significant progress," he wrote on X. "Following consultations in our respective capitals, we will reconvene shortly. Technical discussions are scheduled for next week in Vienna. I appreciate the efforts of all involved: the negotiators, the IAEA, and our hosts, the Swiss government," al-Busaidi stated. No prompt public comments were issued by U.S. or Iranian officials following the meeting. , Steve Witkoff, participated in the three-hour talks alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi also took part, as Iranian officials submitted a draft proposal for a possible nuclear deal with the U.S., which maintains essential conditions. Iran maintains its entitlement to uranium enrichment and has seemingly declined to discuss other matters, such as its long-range missile development and backing for militant groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Trump, for his part, demands an agreement to restrict Iran's nuclear program. In his Feb. 24 address, the president expressed preference for a diplomatic resolution. "I would rather resolve this issue diplomatically, but one thing is clear: I will never permit the , which they are by far, to obtain nuclear weapons," the president declared. "We cannot allow that to occur." During Thursday's Geneva negotiations, Ali Shamkhani, a senior advisor to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah , posted on X that if America's primary concern is preventing nuclear weapons, that position "aligns" with Khamenei's religious decree and Iran's defense policy. He further noted that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi possesses "adequate support and authority" to reach a conclusive agreement in the negotiations. This occurred while the U.S. continues , including a fleet of aircraft and warships, in the Middle East. Digital has contacted the White House for a statement.
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Eight Years After Release, Acclaimed Medieval Action RPG Is Headed to the Big Screen
Deep SilverSince the days of 1986’s Dragon Quest, high fantasy and medieval backdrops have remained a dominant theme in role-playing video games. This genre is well-established across various media, catering to players who seek either fantastical, impossible worlds or settings so deeply rooted in history that they feel alien to modern eyes. Some developers, however, push this concept to granular extremes, striving to ground the medieval experience in remarkable historical accuracy. The Kingdom Come: Deliverance series stands out as the most prominent recent example of this approach.Launched in 2018, the original Kingdom Come: Deliverance distinguished itself as a first-person action RPG through its uncompromising commitment to realism and authenticity. This dedication earned the game significant critical acclaim. Now, the franchise's creative director, Daniel Vávra, is poised to bring that same standard of historical fidelity to the silver screen.With maybe a few less hours of horseback riding. | Deep SilverRecently, Martin Frývaldský, CEO of Warhorse Studios, disclosed that Vávra is currently developing a film adaptation of the games. Frývaldský noted that a script draft is already complete and that negotiations are in progress. Given Hollywood's enduring fascination with grand historical spectacles, it is logical that such a successful franchise would attract attention. However, this raises the question of how exactly Kingdom Come will distinguish itself from other historical films and series.The first Kingdom Come: Deliverance is set in the early 15th century within the Kingdom of Bohemia, a predecessor to the modern Czech Republic that was then part of the Holy Roman Empire. The story follows Henry, a young blacksmith's apprentice, whose simple life is shattered when Cuman soldiers slaughter his family and pillage his town. This occurs amidst the real-life campaign by Sigismund of Luxembourg to overthrow his half-brother, King Wenceslaus IV of Bohemia. Henry's initial quest for vengeance against his parents' killers eventually escalates into a massive conflict that unexpectedly shapes the course of Central and Western European history.An adaptation of Kingdom Come could be one of the most honest depictions of medieval warfare we’ve seen on-screen. | Deep SilverThe success of Game of Thrones and its various spinoffs demonstrates that audiences have a strong appetite for high fantasy grounded in real-world history, as it adds a layer of tangibility to the genre. Conversely, straight historical dramas have seen more mixed results; while series like The Tudors and Vikings were undoubtedly successful, many others have failed to sustain longevity.Although it draws from a relatively niche period of medieval history, Kingdom Come: Deliverance has the potential to introduce audiences, who are used to high fantasy or pure fiction, to a cast of real historical figures engaged in complex, cut:throat political maneuvering. Imagine the struggle for the Iron Throne, but transposed to the battle for control of the Holy Roman Empire. When combined with the gritty, weighty sword combat that defined the KCD games, the film could rival the cultural dominance of the ASOIAF adaptations. It offers a narrative based on a dramatic tapestry of larger-than-life history that simultaneously deconstructs and reaffirms the chivalric fantasies often portrayed in Hollywood depictions of the era.
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Trump ally Orbán pens scathing letter demanding Zelenskyy end Ukraine’s ‘anti-Hungarian policy’
Hungary is ramping up security at its energy facilities as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán accuses Ukraine of endangering its energy supply. Orbán, a vocal ally of the president, penned a scathing open letter to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, charging Kyiv with pursuing an "anti-Hungarian policy"."Over the past few days, you blocked the Friendship oil pipeline, which is crucial for Hungary's energy supply," Orbán's statement, posted on X, stated. "Your actions go against Hungary's interests and put the secure and affordable energy supply of Hungarian households at risk. Therefore, I urge you to alter your anti-Hungarian policy!"The Associated Press reported that on Wednesday, Orbán directed heightened security at key energy infrastructure sites. The prime minister's directive followed Budapest's accusation that Ukraine blocked the Druzhba pipeline, which transports Russian oil to Hungary but runs through Kyiv's territory. Ukrainian officials refuted the claims, stating the pipeline was hit in a Russian drone strike, as per the AP.The AP reported that in a social media video, Orbán claimed Ukraine was employing an "oil blockade" to exert pressure on Hungary and that Hungarian national security services indicated Ukraine was "planning additional moves to disrupt Hungary's energy system".Orbán stated, as per the AP, "We will deploy soldiers and the required equipment to repel attacks near key energy facilities. Police will patrol in greater numbers around specified power plants, distribution stations, and control centers."The accusations directed at Ukraine coincide with Orbán's upcoming election. As the election draws near, Hungary has had billboards nationwide displaying AI-generated images of Zelenskyy extending his hand as if soliciting money, surrounded by European officials, as reported by the AP.Hungary recently threatened to block a proposed €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine (approximately $106 billion) due to the blockade of the Druzhba pipeline.Hungarian Foreign Minister stated on Friday, "Ukraine is engaging in blackmail," and that Kyiv was collaborating with Belgium and the Hungarian opposition to "raise fuel prices ahead of the elections".Szijjártó added, "By blocking oil transit to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline, Ukraine violates the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, breaking its commitments to the EU. We will not yield to this blackmail."Orbán also charged that Ukraine, the Hungarian opposition, and Belgium were working together to apply pressure on Budapest.In the letter released on Thursday, Orbán, who has a close tie to the Kremlin, also stated that Ukraine had refused "to accept the stance of the sovereign Hungarian government and the Hungarian people regarding the Russia-Ukraine war". He also accused Ukraine of attempting to "coerce Hungary" into the war with Russia.Orbán wrote, "We Hungarians are not responsible for Ukraine's situation. We sympathize with the Ukrainian people, but we do not want to be part of the war. We do not want to fund the war effort, nor do we want to pay more for energy."The Hungarian prime minister concluded his letter by demanding that Ukraine reopen the oil pipeline, "refrain from any additional attacks on Hungary's energy security," and show "greater respect for Hungary".Neither Zelenskyy's office nor the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry promptly responded to Digital's request for comment.The Associated Press and Digital's Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.
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Russia cautions against ‘provocative actions’ around Cuba after 4 die on US-registered speedboat
Russia issued a warning on Thursday, cautioning against any "provocative actions" following an incident involving the country’s coast guard and a U.S.-registered speedboat that resulted in at least four fatalities. This statement from Russia follows comments by the Secretary of State, who indicated that the U.S. would gather its "own information" regarding Wednesday's event and "respond appropriately based on what that information tells us." Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Thursday, "The situation around Cuba, as we can see, is heating up. The main thing is the humanitarian component. All humanitarian issues concerning Cuban citizens must be resolved, and no one should create obstacles." He further added, "As for security around the island, it is, of course, very important that everyone remain restrained and refrain from any provocative actions."According to the Cuban foreign ministry, Cuban officials reported that five service members approached a vessel detected within Cuban territorial waters. The occupants of this vessel then reportedly opened fire on Cuban troops, who returned fire. The ministry stated that "four aggressors on the foreign vessel were killed and six were injured," and the commander of the Cuban vessel also sustained injuries.Cuban officials additionally asserted that the ten individuals aboard the Florida-registered boat were armed Cubans residing in the U.S., allegedly attempting to infiltrate the island to instigate terrorism. The Associated Press reported that Cuba's government further claimed that most of the ten individuals on the boat "have a known history of criminal and violent activity." Data obtained by Digital indicates that the vessel, registered in Florida under the number FL7726SH, is a 24-foot Pro-Line boat.Rubio commented on Wednesday, stating, "Suffice it to say, it is highly unusual to see shootouts in the open sea like that. It's not something that happens every day. It's something, frankly, that hasn't happened with Cuba in a very long time. But we're going to find out. We're not going to base our conclusions on what they've told us. And I'm very, very confident that we will know the full story of what happened here, and we will know it soon. And then, you know, we'll respond appropriately based on what that information tells us." U.S. Attorney Jason Reding Quiñones of the Southern District of Florida stated that, "Today's reports indicate that four people aboard a Florida-registered vessel were killed, and several others wounded, during a deadly gunfire exchange off the coast of Cuba. This is a tragic and deeply concerning event. The Cuban regime asserts their forces were fired upon, but the facts remain unclear and conflicting."He further added, "We are using all available federal tools to understand exactly what happened, who was involved, and whether U.S. citizens or lawful residents were among the casualties. We are committed to a thorough, impartial, and fact-based investigation." Reporting by Digital’s Rachel Wolf, Emma Bussey and