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THE federal judge overseeing the racketeering and sex trafficking trial of United States music mogul, Sean “Diddy” Combs, has dismissed one of the jurors. Judge Arun Subramanian said the man’s inconsistent answers to questions about where he lived, raised questions about his honesty and could taint a verdict. As the sixth week of Combs’ trial got underway in Manhattan on Monday, the judge said this suggests that he might have an agenda or want to stay on the panel for a purpose. The juror’s dismissal comes despite defence objections that his removal would reduce the racial diversity of the jury determining Combs’ fate. Juror 6 has been replaced by an alternate – a white man. The jury is anonymous, which is common for high-profile trials where jurors could face threats or harassment if their identities were known. Combs is facing five charges including sex trafficking, transportation to engage in prostitution, and racketeering conspiracy. Prosecutors say he coerced women over two decades to take part in drug-fuelled sexual performances with male sex workers. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. If convicted on the more serious racketeering charge, he faces up to life in prison.
*Gold Overtakes Euro as World’s Second-Largest Reserve Asset Amid Geopolitical Shifts* Gold has surged past the euro to become the second-largest reserve asset globally by market value, according to a new report by the European Central Bank (ECB), marking a significant shift in the global financial landscape. Driven by record central bank purchases and intensifying geopolitical tensions, gold’s rise reflects a growing preference among nations—particularly in the Global South—for diversification and protection against international instability. In its annual review of the euro’s international role, the ECB revealed that global central banks boosted their gold holdings by over 1,000 tonnes in 2024—more than double the previous decade’s annual average. This brought total official gold reserves to around 36,000 tonnes, approaching levels last seen during the 1965 Bretton Woods era. “This stockpile, together with high prices, made gold the second-largest global reserve asset at market prices in 2024—after the US dollar,” the ECB said. By year-end 2024, gold represented 20% of global reserves by market value, overtaking the euro, which stood at 16%. The surge was underpinned by a nearly 30% rise in gold prices, which hit historic highs above $3,500 per troy ounce. According to the ECB, two-thirds of central banks cited diversification as the main reason for their gold purchases, while 40% said they were driven by geopolitical risk. Much of the buying came from emerging markets, especially those increasingly distancing themselves from Western political and financial influence. While the euro’s share of reserves held steady at around 20% when measured at constant exchange rates, the rally in gold prices eclipsed the single currency in terms of market value. The ECB report also highlighted rising concerns over the resilience of traditional cross-border payment systems, with some countries actively exploring alternatives. These efforts are particularly strong among nations affected by Western sanctions, Middle East conflicts, the war in Ukraine, and escalating US-China tensions. In a related development, the ECB warned that cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, especially those pegged to US Treasuries, pose growing challenges to traditional reserve currencies. Meanwhile, the US dollar’s share of global foreign exchange reserves declined slightly to 57.8%, though it remains the dominant reserve asset. The ECB's findings underscore a deepening reordering of global finance, with gold reclaiming a prominent role not seen in decades, as a multipolar world reshapes the foundations of international reserves.
TEN people escaped unhurt after a light aircraft made a crash landing at Kanyemba airstrip in Mbire district, Wednesday evening. Mugonapanja village head, Tengo Mugonapanja said the plane was heading towards Kafuko safaris in Mozambique from Harare when it crash landed at the airstrip in their area. While the visibly shaken pilot did not shed any light on the crash, the plane sustained some damages.
*International News Roundup* _June 18, 2025 | A balanced look at global events._ *Israel-Iran Tensions Escalate* Israel and Iran are engaged in tit-for-tat airstrikes, with Israel targeting Iran’s nuclear and military sites, citing fears of a nuclear-armed Iran. Iran retaliated with missile barrages, reporting 224 deaths, while Israel reported 24. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called Israel’s actions the West’s “dirty work,” a statement criticized by some as inflammatory. Oil prices rose 4.4% to $76.45/barrel due to concerns over the Strait of Hormuz. G7 leaders urged de-escalation, but no ceasefire was proposed. Russia condemned the strikes, warning of a “nuclear catastrophe.” Both sides accuse each other of hitting civilian areas. *EU Proposes Russian Gas Phaseout by 2027* The European Commission plans to end Russian gas imports by 2027 to enhance energy security. The proposal, backed by Ursula von der Leyen, faces opposition from Hungary, Austria, and Slovakia, who warn of economic impacts. Russia, a key LNG supplier to the EU, called the move illegal. The plan requires majority approval, not unanimity, but critics argue it overlooks energy affordability. *Trump Extends TikTok Deadline* US President Donald Trump will extend TikTok’s sale-or-ban deadline by 90 days, citing its popularity and potential for a secure deal. The move contradicts Congress’s push for a ban over data security concerns tied to TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance. Supporters see it as pragmatic, while critics argue it undermines national security. Potential buyers include Oracle and MrBeast. *Air India Crash Probe Underway* Investigators are examining the crash of Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787 that crashed 40 seconds after takeoff in Ahmedabad, killing 242. Possible causes include engine failure, bird strikes, or crew error. The “black box” and wreckage are under scrutiny, with no fault yet assigned. India’s aviation ministry found no major safety issues in recent fleet checks. *Belgian Diplomat Faces Lumumba Trial* Belgian prosecutors seek to try 92-year-old Etienne Davignon for his alleged role in the 1961 killing of Congolese leader Patrice Lumumba. Lumumba’s family welcomed the case, seeking truth, while Belgium’s historical role in Congo remains contentious. A hearing is set for January 2026. *US Military Movements Amid Middle East Tensions* The US redeployed 30 tanker aircraft to Europe and fighter jets to the Middle East, raising speculation of support for Israel. The USS Nimitz was redirected toward the region. Some experts see this as contingency planning, others as “strategic ambiguity” to pressure Iran. No direct US involvement in strikes has been confirmed. *G7 Summit Overshadowed by Middle East* The G7 summit in Canada, hosted by PM Mark Carney, was disrupted by Trump’s early exit and the Israel-Iran conflict. Leaders issued statements on AI, migration, and trade, with the UK securing a US tariff deal. No strong Ukraine support statement emerged, drawing criticism. Trade talks with Canada and Japan progressed but remain unresolved. *Iranians Grapple with Evacuation Fears* Trump’s call to evacuate Tehran sparked fear, with many fleeing amid traffic jams and fuel shortages. Social media shows emotional posts of homes left behind. Others, including families and the elderly, stay due to logistical challenges or lack of options. Both sides’ strikes have hit civilian areas, deepening anxiety. Stay informed! Share this balanced roundup and join the discussion: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaDPqsZ5fM5TIAxYww1U
*Zvishavane Businesswoman Alice Pote Dies* ZVISHAVANE – Alice Pote, sister to prominent Zvishavane businessman Anthony Clever Pote, has died. Alice was one of the directors of the Pote business empire, which operates in the hospitality, mining, and retail sectors. Her death occurred early today. Makanaka Investments general manager Alfred Mabasa confirmed her passing but declined to provide further details. Alice was the second-last born in the Pote family. Sources say she was reportedly well yesterday and had attended a function. News of her death began circulating around 6am today. Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
*High Court Shuts Down Chrome Mining in Zaka Over Land, Cultural Rights* June 18, 2025 – Zaka, Zimbabwe The High Court has ordered Bailzone Mining (Pvt) Ltd to halt chrome mining operations in Chiromo Village, Zaka, after villagers successfully argued the activities violated their land, livelihoods, and sacred sites. The court ruled in favour of Gideon, John, and Million Rushinga, and Pride Garauzive, who claimed the mining encroached on homes, fields, grazing land, and graveyards without community consent or proper legal approvals. Bailzone, which held 60 mining claims, failed to prove it had authority from the Zaka Rural District Council or a valid Environmental Impact Assessment. The court also dismissed the company’s earlier attempt to block villagers from interfering with operations. The ruling is seen as a landmark victory for rural communities, emphasizing the importance of community consultation, land rights, and cultural respect amid Zimbabwe’s mining expansion drive.
*Kombi Crashes Into Bakery While Fleeing Police in Harare CBD* A commuter omnibus (kombi) veered off the road and crashed into a bakery shop at the corner of Robert Mugabe Road and Harare Street in the Harare CBD this morning, allegedly while trying to evade traffic police. Eyewitnesses say the kombi driver lost control as he attempted to speed away from law enforcement officers, ploughing into the storefront and sending shocked pedestrians scrambling for safety. Video footage captured by Nicholas Bakili and Trust Freddy shows the aftermath of the crash, with shattered glass and debris scattered across the pavement. No fatalities were reported at the time of reporting, but several people sustained injuries and were rushed to hospital. Authorities are investigating the incident.
*President Mnangagwa Inspects RBZ Gold Reserves, Zimbabwe Now 6th in Africa* President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa this morning visited the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) to inspect the country’s gold holdings—now exceeding three tonnes, following a directive he issued two years ago to build strategic gold reserves as a foundation for national currency stability. The gold accumulation milestone positions Zimbabwe as the sixth-highest gold reserve holder in Africa, trailing behind Algeria, which tops the continental rankings. The inspection comes at a time of growing global economic uncertainty, with many nations reverting to gold as a secure store of value. Zimbabwe, already recognized as a leading gold producer, has taken deliberate steps to use its mineral wealth to bolster monetary sovereignty. Government sources say the reserve build-up is part of broader efforts to anchor the Zimbabwean dollar on tangible assets and increase investor confidence in the local currency. With geopolitical tensions and currency volatility reshaping global financial systems, President Mnangagwa’s strategy is being viewed as a bold step to protect national wealth and insulate Zimbabwe from external shocks. Experts say the development enhances Zimbabwe’s reputation as a country taking proactive measures in economic resilience and value preservation, especially in the face of shifting global financial dynamics.
*Netanyahu refuses to rule out Khamenei assassination* _Killing the Iranian supreme leader would end the conflict, the Israeli prime minister has claimed_ Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to rule out trying to kill Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as the clash between the two nations continues to escalate. Israel and Iran have been exchanging strikes since West Jerusalem bombed Iranian nuclear and military facilities last Friday in what it described as an effort to preempt Tehran’s acquisition of nuclear weapons. Israel has also targeted civilian areas, causing casualties, as well as the state broadcaster on Monday. The US, which had been engaged in Oman-mediated nuclear talks with Iran prior to the attack, has endorsed the Israeli operation. In an interview with ABC News on Monday, Netanyahu was asked to comment on recent media reports claiming that US President Donald Trump rejected an Israeli plan to assassinate the Iranian leader out of concern over further escalation. “It’s not going to escalate the conflict, it’s going to end the conflict,” the Israeli prime minister replied. “The ‘forever war’ is what Iran wants, and they’re bringing us to the brink of nuclear war. In fact, what Israel is doing is preventing this, bringing an end to this aggression,” he claimed. When asked whether he would really target Khamenei, Netanyahu replied, “Look, we’re doing what we need to do. I’m not going to get into the details, but we’ve targeted their top nuclear scientists.” Israel has claimed it killed at least ten Iranian nuclear scientists using targeted bombings since last week. Iran has repeatedly accused West Jerusalem of carrying out clandestine assassinations of top Iranian minds in the field for more than a decade prior to the current hostilities. Netayahu has positioned the Israeli attack as a “service” to protect both the US and the wider world from Iran. “Today, it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York. Look, I understand ‘America First’. I don’t understand ‘America Dead’,” he said, adding that West Jerusalem would need Washington’s help to totally eliminate Tehran’s nuclear program. US aerial tankers headed to Middle East – mediaREAD MORE: US aerial tankers headed to Middle East – media Israel has reportedly asked the US to take a direct part in strikes on Iran. The Israeli Air Force lacks the bunker-buster bombs capable of taking out Iran’s deep underground nuclear facilities, but Washington could provide them, Axios wrote on Saturday, citing Israeli officials. Tehran has repeatedly insisted that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful, and has accused Israel of torpedoing its talks with the US. “Iran did NOT begin this war and has no interest in perpetuating bloodshed. But we will proudly fight to the last drop of blood to protect our land,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X on Monday. He warned that “getting the US mired in the Mother of Forever Wars” would destroy any chance of a diplomatic solution. - RT
"Uchida usingade, tichakutonga kusvika madhongi amera nyanga, ndazvitaura izvozvo nekuti andisisi kumauto," said the Minister of Sports Anselem Sanyatwe.