Author: OMN AI

US pharmaceutical giant Merck has cancelled a £1bn expansion in the UK. The company said the government is not giving enough backing to the life sciences sector. The multinational, known as MSD in Europe, will move research to the US and cut jobs in Britain. Executives accused successive governments of undervaluing vaccines and innovative medicines. Industry experts warned that the move could trigger further investment withdrawals from the UK. Government defends record but admits gaps A government spokesperson defended spending on science and research but admitted more work is needed. Officials highlighted recent initiatives but acknowledged tough global competition. Drug…

WARSAW, Poland — Polish military officials reported Wednesday that their fighter jets successfully intercepted several Russian drones that violated national airspace during overnight attacks targeting Ukraine. Authorities said 19 drones entered Polish skies between late Tuesday and early Wednesday. F-16s, with support from NATO allies, destroyed at least eight. Wreckage was found in multiple locations, including Wyryki-Kolonia, where one drone struck a home. No injuries were reported. Prime Minister Donald Tusk described the incursion as a hostile act and requested urgent NATO consultations under Article 4. Flights at major airports, including Warsaw, Rzeszów, and Lublin, were temporarily suspended while the…

Eyewitnesses saw Charlie Kirk take a bullet to the neck before aides rushed him from the stage. US President Donald Trump confirmed Kirk’s death on Wednesday, calling him “great and legendary” and praising his connection with youth. Trump offered condolences to Kirk’s wife Erika and his family, highlighting Kirk’s widespread admiration. Campus Debate Turns Deadly Videos show Kirk speaking under a tent labeled “The American Comeback” when a single shot struck him. Turning Point USA spokesperson Aubrey Laitsch confirmed the shooting and asked supporters to pray for Kirk. Police detained a suspect immediately, then released the individual as investigators opened…

Donald Trump is pressing the European Union to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on China and India. He hopes to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin and bring the war in Ukraine closer to an end. Trump demands tougher action on Russia The US president issued his demand during a meeting with EU officials on Tuesday. Both sides discussed new ways to tighten the squeeze on Russia’s economy. According to a source, Trump pushed for maximum tariffs targeting China and India. He had vowed to end the conflict on the “first day” of his presidency. But negotiations…

France has strongly condemned the recent Israeli strikes on Doha and expressed its firm support for Qatar. Officials in Paris described the strikes as alarming and voiced deep concern over the growing instability in the region. The government made clear that Qatar remains a trusted partner and plays a key role in ongoing mediation efforts in the Middle East. The statement from France highlighted solidarity with Qatar, stressing that the Gulf nation’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must be fully respected. By reaffirming this position, France underlined its dedication to international law and its opposition to actions that undermine peace and…

ASML, a leading Dutch company in chipmaking technology, has announced a major investment of 1.3 billion euros ($1.5 billion) in Mistral AI, a fast-growing French artificial intelligence startup. The deal was revealed on Tuesday and marks a significant partnership between two of Europe’s most advanced technology players. The investment gives ASML an 11% ownership stake in Mistral. The agreement also values the Paris-based startup at about 11.7 billion euros. This funding is part of a larger round worth 1.7 billion euros, which includes contributions from global investors such as chipmaker Nvidia and several venture capital firms. ASML, headquartered in Veldhoven…

Protesters across France staged large demonstrations on Wednesday under the banner of the Block Everything movement. The protests disrupted traffic, blocked roads, and led to clashes with police. Demonstrators expressed anger at planned budget cuts and frustration with the political elite. Authorities deployed thousands of police officers and security forces nationwide to respond quickly to the blockades. Officials confirmed dozens of arrests in different cities. Despite widespread unrest, the government said France was not entirely paralyzed, as blockades were removed soon after they were set up. The protests come during a tense political week. Only two days earlier, lawmakers voted…

Paris faced a tense atmosphere on Wednesday morning as protesters clashed with police in the capital. Fires broke out in the streets, with garbage bins set ablaze while officers tried to push back crowds. Authorities deployed an extraordinary 80,000 police officers across the country to prevent violence as the so-called Block Everything movement called for a day of nationwide disruption. By 9 a.m., police confirmed that at least 75 people had been detained in Paris. Despite the early crackdown, demonstrators promised to continue their protests throughout the day. The unrest comes just two days after François Bayrou lost a parliamentary…

Western allies unite to tighten economic pressure on Moscow WASHINGTON, Sept 9 — U.S. and European Union officials met in Washington this week to coordinate an expanded sanctions strategy targeting Russia, following a surge in military strikes across Ukraine. The talks focused on limiting Moscow’s financial and energy resources to reduce its capacity to sustain the war effort. The session, held at the U.S. Treasury Department, included Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and EU Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan. Delegates explored measures to broaden restrictions on Russian oil exports and refining operations, essential to Kremlin revenue, while stressing the need for a…

Israeli military targeted senior Hamas officials in Doha on Tuesday, expanding their campaign under “Summit of Fire.” Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office confirmed Israel planned and executed the strike independently, taking full responsibility. Eyewitnesses reported multiple explosions and saw smoke rising over the Katara district. Casualties Remain Unclear Initial reports suggest four Hamas Political Bureau members may have died or remain missing, though unconfirmed. Qatari officials reported no confirmed deaths but acknowledged residential buildings housing Hamas leaders sustained damage. The Qatari Foreign Ministry condemned the strike as reckless and launched high-level investigations. Regional Reactions and Security Measures The US Embassy ordered…