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  • UN Warns of Lawless Seabed Plunder, Calls for Ocean Protection

    UN Warns of Lawless Seabed Plunder, Calls for Ocean Protection

    UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres speaks at the opening session of the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France on June 9, 2025.

    NICE: United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres emphasized on Monday that we must not allow the deep oceans to become the “wild west” during the global summit focused on marine issues taking place in France.

    Leaders from around the world are gathering at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, where heated discussions are occurring over regulations for seabed mining to extract essential minerals and a global treaty aimed at tackling plastic pollution.

    Former President Donald Trump has intensified the conversation surrounding deep-sea mining by accelerating U.S. exploration in international waters, while avoiding international efforts to set regulations for this emerging industry.

    The International Seabed Authority, which oversees ocean floor activities beyond national jurisdiction, plans to meet in July to create a global mining code for deep-sea extraction.

    Guterres expressed his support for these discussions and called for careful consideration as nations explore these “new territories” of seabed mining. “The deep sea cannot become the wild west,” he stated, receiving applause from attendees.

    Many nations are against seabed mining, and France hopes to gain more supporters for a moratorium until its ecological effects are better understood.

    French President Emmanuel Macron declared a moratorium on deep-sea mining as “an international necessity.” He remarked, “It’s madness to initiate exploitative economic activities that could devastate the deep seabed and its biodiversity—especially when we know so little about it.” He emphasized that regions like the deep sea, Greenland, and Antarctica are “not for sale,” garnering loud applause.

    Surge of Commitments

    Macron mentioned that a global accord designed to safeguard marine life in international waters had garnered sufficient support to be enacted and is “a done deal.” He did not provide a timeline for its implementation.

    This agreement, finalized in 2023, needed the ratification of 60 signatory countries to become effective. Macron announced that this goal has been achieved, allowing for the high seas treaty to take effect.

    Additional commitments for ocean conservation are anticipated on Monday in Nice, where approximately 60 heads of state, alongside thousands of business leaders, scientists, and civil society representatives, will participate.

    On Monday, the United Kingdom is expected to unveil a partial ban on bottom trawling in its marine protected areas, placing this destructive fishing practice squarely in the spotlight of the summit.

    Bottom trawling involves dragging enormous fishing nets across the ocean floor, indiscriminately capturing everything in their path—a procedure vividly depicted in a recent documentary by British naturalist David Attenborough.

    Greenpeace welcomed the UK’s announcement regarding bottom trawling but criticized it as “long overdue.”

    Turning Words into Action

    Macron stated that a global pact to protect marine ecosystems in international waters has received enough backing to become law, confirming it as “a done deal.”

    The High Seas Treaty of 2023 requires 60 ratifications from signatory nations before it can be enforced—a target France aimed to meet prior to the Nice conference.

    Macron noted that around 50 nations have ratified the treaty, with 15 more committed to joining, indicating that “the high seas treaty will now be implemented.”

    Expectations for additional commitments to emerge on Monday will include organizations like small island states that will advocate for financial and political support to address concerns such as rising sea levels, marine debris, and overfishing.

    While the summit may not lead to binding agreements like those often reached at climate conferences, observers suggest that it could serve as a critical moment for advancing global ocean conservation efforts if world leaders step up.

    “We urge you, if you’re serious about ocean protection, show us,” said Palau’s President Surangel Whipps Jr., representing a vulnerable Pacific island nation.

  • Bangladesh Supreme Court Clears JI Leader Sentenced to Death

    Bangladesh Supreme Court Clears JI Leader Sentenced to Death

    A.T.M. Azharul Islam. — Xinhua/File

    • Islam’s attorney, Shishir Monir, expresses that Islam is “fortunate.”
    • Five other leaders convicted during Hasina’s administration have been executed.
    • Islam received justice because he is alive, Monir states.

    On Tuesday, Bangladesh’s highest court cleared a pivotal leader of the nation’s primary right-wing party, who had been facing the death penalty since a conviction handed down under the regime that was ousted last year.

    A.T.M. Azharul Islam, a member of the Jamaat-e-Islami party, had been in detention since 2012 but was exonerated of crimes against humanity by the Supreme Court, which ordered his release.

    Born in 1952, Islam was one of six top political figures convicted during the rule of Sheikh Hasina, whose lengthy 15-year regime as prime minister ended in August 2024 following a student-led uprising that forced her to flee.

    Political groups, including Jamaat-e-Islami, are preparing for highly anticipated elections that the interim government has promised will occur by June 2026 at the latest.

    Islam’s lawyer, Shishir Monir, remarked that he was “fortunate,” especially since five other senior political leaders—four from Jamaat-e-Islami and one from the main opposition party, the Bangladesh National Party (BNP)—had already been executed.

    “He received justice because he is still alive,” Monir told reporters. “The appellate court did not adequately review the evidence in other similar cases involving crimes against humanity.”

    Islam had been sentenced to death in 2014 for allegations of rape, murder, and genocide that occurred during Bangladesh’s independence conflict with Pakistan in 1971.

    ‘Seek Your Forgiveness’

    Jamaat-e-Islami was the political adversary of Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who became the founding leader of Bangladesh.

    During her tenure, Hasina prohibited Jamaat-e-Islami and took strong action against its leaders.

    Islam submitted an appeal in 2015, but the court upheld the ruling in 2019, leading him to file a petition for a review in 2020.

    After fleeing to India last year as protestors stormed her residence, Hasina now lives in self-imposed exile, with her Awami League party no longer allowed to operate.

    She has defied a request from Dhaka to return and face charges of crimes against humanity linked to a crackdown that resulted in the deaths of at least 1,400 protesters during her unsuccessful bid to maintain power.

    With Hasina gone, Islam submitted another appeal on February 27. On Tuesday, the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice Syed Refaat Ahmed, cleared him of all charges.

    Supporters of Jamaat-e-Islami expressed their joy. Leader Shafiqur Rahman highlighted that the party remembers those who were executed.

    “They were victims of judicial killings,” he asserted. “Had they been alive today, they could have steered the nation in the right direction. Their contributions will be remembered by the people.”

    Amidst the political turmoil, opponents of Jamaat-e-Islami have questioned its historical role. Rahman stated, “We, whether as individuals or a party, are not above making mistakes,” without elaborating further and declined to answer questions.

    “We seek your forgiveness if we have committed any wrongs.”

  • Trump Enacts Bill to Combat AI-Generated Online Harassment

    Trump Enacts Bill to Combat AI-Generated Online Harassment

    President Trump signs the Take it Down Act in the Rose Garden of the White House on May 19, 2025. — Reuters

    • The law criminalizes sharing intimate images without consent.
    • The First Lady calls it a victory for protecting families and children.
    • Social media platforms must remove flagged content under the law.

    WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump has enacted legislation that makes it illegal to share intimate images—whether authentic or manipulated—without the subject’s consent.

    This law specifically targets “deepfakes,” which are digital media often created using artificial intelligence to harass or humiliate individuals online.

    Under the new rules, anyone who shares this type of content without permission could face up to three years in prison.

    The Take It Down Act, which received strong bipartisan support, makes the unauthorized distribution of intimate images a criminal offense and also requires their removal from online platforms.

    “As AI-generated images become more common, many women have suffered harassment from deepfakes and other explicit content shared against their will,” Trump stated during the bill signing in the White House Rose Garden.

    “Today, we are making this behavior completely illegal,” the President added. “Anyone who intentionally shares explicit images without the individual’s consent will be subject to a three-year prison sentence.”

    First Lady Melania Trump publicly backed the bill in early March and made a rare appearance at the signing ceremony.

    Since her husband took office on January 20, she has mostly been low-profile, spending limited time in Washington.

    During her remarks, the First Lady described the legislation as a “national victory for parents and families striving to protect children from online threats.”

    “This law marks a significant advancement in our mission to ensure that every American, especially young people, can feel more secure against the misuse of their images or identities,” she noted.

    Deepfakes utilize artificial intelligence to produce realistic but fake videos, which can include explicit content distributed without the consent of the individuals depicted.

    While some states like California and Florida have laws against sharing sexually explicit deepfakes, there are worries that the Take It Down Act may provide authorities with excessive censorship power.

    The Electronic Frontier Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving free speech, warns that the law could empower those in power to unduly influence platforms into censoring legitimate content they disapprove of.

    The Act mandates that social media companies and websites implement measures to promptly remove non-consensual intimate imagery once notified by a victim.

    Addressing Harassment and Exploitation

    The rise in non-consensual deepfakes is currently outpacing global attempts to regulate related technologies, fueled by a surge in AI tools, including applications that can digitally strip clothing from images.

    High-profile victims of deepfake videos include celebrities like Taylor Swift, but experts caution that women who are not in the spotlight are equally at risk.

    Reports of deepfake scandals have emerged in schools across the U.S., with many teenagers targeted by their peers.

    These unauthorized images can lead to harassment, bullying, and blackmail, potentially resulting in severe mental health issues, experts warn.

    Renee Cummings, an expert in AI ethics and criminology at the University of Virginia, described the new law as a “crucial move” in combating the risks posed by AI-generated deepfakes and non-consensual content.

    “Its success hinges on prompt enforcement, harsh penalties for offenders, and adaptability to evolving digital dangers,” Cummings told AFP.

  • Top Strategies to Counter Adam Warlock in Marvel Rivals

    Top Strategies to Counter Adam Warlock in Marvel Rivals

    Marvel Rivals

    In the world of Marvel Rivals, Adam Warlock shines as one of the most formidable characters. Boasting a diverse array of skills, he excels at supporting his team from a safe distance, whether that’s healing allies or using his abilities to revive them in battle.

    Because he typically stays close to teammates, it can be challenging to take Adam Warlock down. However, if he’s isolated, he becomes vulnerable. Various heroes are well-equipped to divide enemy forces and pressure Warlock.

    Strategies to Counter Adam Warlock

    While Adam Warlock offers essential support, his effectiveness hinges on his proximity to teammates. As a character that relies on others to amplify his abilities, he is vulnerable when separated. His basic attack, Quantum Magic, along with his Cosmic Cluster, doesn’t yield substantial damage over time, making him susceptible to heroes who can withstand a few hits.

    Tanky characters can effectively challenge Warlock. However, be cautious when he’s near fallen teammates, as he can revive them using his Karmic Revival ability.

    Countering Adam Warlock as a Vanguard

    Vanguard characters are designed to absorb damage while dealing it out in return. Heroes like Thor and the Hulk fit this role perfectly. Adam Warlock often hides behind other heroes, and your team will need a strong frontline fighter to take charge and break through enemy defenses.

    Thor excels at charging toward foes with his Storm Surge ability, propelling himself and sending enemies reeling, thus creating an opening for direct attacks on Warlock. Hulk, on the other hand, embodies raw power, delivering devastating blows with his Heavy Blow attack. By activating his Indestructible Guard ability, Hulk transforms into a formidable force, capable of tanking through obstacles and targeting Adam Warlock head-on.

    Note: When playing as Hulk, remember to unleash his ultimate attack to become Monster Hulk, significantly enhancing his damage abilities.

    Doctor Strange also plays a vital role, as he can place portals strategically around the arena. Positioning a portal near Warlock allows your team to ambush him, catching him off guard before he has a chance to react. His Shield of the Seraphim further safeguards allies when they prepare to attack from these advantageous positions.

    Countering Adam Warlock as a Strategist

    Being a strategist allows you to coordinate effectively with your team. Utilizing snares is a potent tactic to immobilize enemies, making them vulnerable. Characters like Luna Snow can freeze enemies with her Absolute Zero ability, trapping Adam Warlock and temporarily preventing him from healing or attacking. Keep in mind, though, that damaging the frozen enemy will disrupt the effect, so coordination is key during these moments.

    Mantis, known for her immobilization skills, can put Adam Warlock to sleep for a short period. This creates an opening for teammates to strike decisively, combining her healing abilities to support allies during the fight.

    Countering Adam Warlock as a Duelist

    Duelists are meant to be aggressive and assertive. A character like Iron Fist, a martial arts master, can unleash a flurry of quick, powerful strikes using his Dragon’s Defense ability. If your team can isolate Adam Warlock from his allies, Iron Fist can deliver substantial damage in a very short time.

    To enhance Iron Fist’s attacks further, employing his Living Chi ability boosts his speed and damage output, ensuring that he remains lethal against Adam Warlock.

    Spider-Man is another excellent duelist; his agility allows him to close the gap quickly without requiring assistance. With his rapid combo strikes, he can significantly chip away at Warlock’s health before finishing with a devastating uppercut from the Amazing Combo.

    Additionally, characters like Squirrel Girl can create chaos. With her bouncing acorns and ability to trap opponents, Squirrel Girl is a valuable asset in halting Warlock’s support and providing openings for teammates to capitalize on.

    By employing these tactics and choosing the right characters strategically, you can enhance your chances of taking down Adam Warlock effectively.

  • Conquering Wolverine in Marvel Rivals: A Winning Strategy

    Conquering Wolverine in Marvel Rivals: A Winning Strategy

    Wolverine is often overlooked as a fighter in Marvel Rivals. Although he may not be the most adaptable character, his skill set is incredibly effective when used properly, often catching opponents off guard. He excels at controlling crowds and eliminating enemy strategists and duelists from the backline.

    However, this doesn’t mean you can’t shift the momentum in a match when Wolverine is in play. He has several weaknesses as a melee fighter that can be exploited with the right strategy. Here are some of the best tactics to counter Wolverine in Marvel Rivals.

    Countering Wolverine

    The most effective way to counter Wolverine is to utilize his close-range nature to your advantage.

    Using a sniper against him will be ineffective, especially if he consistently dives into the backline.

    If the situation becomes too intense, it’s essential to have a plan for escaping. Characters with strong mobility can make Wolverine nearly powerless.

    Wolverine typically aims to pick off characters in the backline, so if you can create distance or escape from him, he will lose his main advantage.

    As for positioning, gaining the high ground or staying airborne is particularly effective against Wolverine.

    He often has to take a longer route up to reach high ground unless his Feral Leap skill is available. Using that ability to reach higher ground can be a misstep.

    Maintaining distance while being prepared to escape is key to effectively dealing with Wolverine. From a range, you can attack him while his melee abilities become ineffective.

    Countering Wolverine as a Strategist

    If you’re playing as a strategist, you’re likely a prime target for Wolverine, especially if you’re stationed in the backline. Thus, it’s wise to choose heroes who have escape capabilities and counterattack options.

    The Invisible Woman’s Force Physics is excellent for creating distance, preventing Wolverine from landing additional melee hits after diving.

    With ample space, you can even turn invisible to escape him entirely.

    Luna Snow’s Ice Arts and Absolute Zero are also effective against Wolverine. Even if you miss with these skills, you will start healing from any damage he dealt.

    This healing may give you enough time to make a clean getaway. If you do hit with Absolute Zero, your team can follow up and quickly force Wolverine back to respawn.

    Rocket Raccoon offers good escape options with abilities like Jetpack Dash, Wild Crawl, and his Flying Ace passive. If Wolverine closes in on you, use these skills to get away. From above, you can also take additional shots at him.

    Countering Wolverine as a Vanguard

    When playing as a vanguard, your focus should be on using close-range abilities that can control crowds or immobilize Wolverine. For example, The Hulk’s Radioactive Lockdown can halt Wolverine’s movements.

    You can also use The Hulk’s Indestructible Guard ability to shield against Wolverine’s attacks, which protects your backline while empowering yourself.

    Peni Parker’s Arachno Mines are great as traps for Wolverine, restricting his movement in the backline as long as the traps are active.

    Using a Cyber Web-Snare can also be effective for immobilizing him when he attempts to dive.

    Doctor Strange can also be useful against Wolverine with his Maelstrom of Madness ability. If Wolverine launches an attack directly at you, charge up Maelstrom of Madness and unleash your magic repeatedly during his dive.

    This strategy is also beneficial if you need to protect your strategists from being flanked by Wolverine and others looking to strike from the backline.

    Countering Wolverine as a Duelist

    As a duelist, you have two main strategies to handle Wolverine: either face him with another melee fighter and prevail through skill, or utilize a mid-range duelist to keep just out of his reach.

    Consider duelists like Magik or Iron Fist; both can match Wolverine’s melee power and have healing abilities, giving them an advantage in combat.

    Keep in mind that if you select either of these heroes, you’ll be sacrificing the chance to dive into the enemy’s backline while contesting Wolverine.

    Alternatively, you can choose duelists like Storm or Hela, who can maintain a safe distance from Wolverine with their flight abilities. Just be ready with your aim because Wolverine’s speed can make him elusive. If you manage to connect your shots, you’ll be able to take him down quickly.