World News: 02 February 2023

Crypto theft: North Korea-linked hackers stole $1.7b in 2022
DeFi protocols are by far the biggest victims of hacks accounting for more than 82% of all digital assets stolen by hackers.
March and October saw huge spikes, with $732.4 million and $775.7 million, respectively. The latter went on to become the biggest single month ever for crypto hacking with 32 separate attacks.

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Shell reports highest profits in 115 years
Profits hit $39.9bn in 2022, double last year's total and the highest in its 115-year history.
Energy firms have seen record earnings since oil and gas prices jumped following the invasion of Ukraine.
It has heaped pressure on firms to pay more tax as households struggle with rising bills.

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US black history syllabus changed after Florida 'woke' claims
A revised curriculum for a new Advanced Placement course on African American studies downplays some components that drew criticism from conservatives including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, who had threatened to ban the class in his state.
In the official framework made public on Wednesday, topics such as Black Lives Matter, slavery reparations and queer theory are no longer subjects to be taught. They are included only on a list of topics that states and school systems could suggest to students for end-of-the-year projects.

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Beyoncé announces Renaissance world tour, as fans brace for ticket rush
Her 2022 album Renaissance is a celebration of dance music and is nominated for album of the year. Her tour will make stops in London, Paris, Barcelona and Toronto before ending September 27 in New Orleans. The tour announcement is only for Europe and US shows at this stage.

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World Cup co-hosts Australia & New Zealand ask FIFA to clarify Saudi deal
Saudi Arabia has invested heavily in sporting events in recent years but has been accused of using events to 'sportswash' its reputation.
There are concerns over human rights in the country, women's rights and the use of the death penalty.
Women's rights campaigners have been imprisoned, despite some reform under crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, such as an end to the ban on women driving.

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Two MEPs lose immunity in Qatargate corruption case
The European Parliament’s legal affairs committee voted unanimously to lift the immunity of Andrea Cozzolino and Marc Tarabella, two European lawmakers caught up in the Qatargate corruption scandal, paving the way for a final vote by all MEPs on Thursday.
Adrián Vázquez Lázara, the Spanish Renew lawmaker who chairs the committee, tweeted that the committee had voted on the fate of both MEPs with 23 lawmakers in favor and none against in each case. The Parliament must revoke the legal privilege MEPs enjoy in order for Belgium to investigate and potentially charge the lawmakers.

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