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Birkenstock Targets Counterfeiters in India with Court-Backed Factory Raids

German footwear giant Birkenstock has launched a major legal offensive in India to combat the growing trade in counterfeit sandals. Following an internal investigation that uncovered fake Birkenstock products being manufactured in and around Agra, the company filed an infringement lawsuit in the Delhi High Court in May. The court responded swiftly. On May 26, Judge Saurabh Banerjee authorized ten court-appointed commissioners to conduct surprise inspections of suspected factories in Agra and New Delhi. These visits, now completed, resulted in the seizure and sealing of allegedly fake products bearing Birkenstock branding. The judge noted that the counterfeit sandals were nearly indistinguishable from genuine ones, posing a serious risk of deceiving consumers. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 6. Birkenstock’s crackdown comes amid a broader wave of intellectual property enforcement in India’s footwear industry, with brands like Crocs and Prada also pursuing legal act...

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Ceasefire Deliberations Continue Amidst Tensions in Gaza

 

The latest ceasefire proposal by Israel has been met with skepticism by Hamas, stating that it falls short of the Palestinian demands. Despite this, the offer is currently under review, as confirmed by Hamas on Tuesday. The proposal, which was conveyed through Egyptian, Qatari, and American mediators, has not been publicly detailed, but it is known to address the cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

The ongoing conflict has seen a significant escalation, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing plans for a military ground offensive into Rafah, a densely populated area in Gaza. This move has raised concerns about the potential for increased civilian casualties and further devastation.

As the international community watches closely, the outcome of these ceasefire talks could be pivotal in determining the next phase of the conflict. Hamas has expressed its commitment to reaching an agreement that would end the aggression against the Palestinian people, yet it remains to be seen whether Israel’s proposal will be deemed acceptable.

The review of the ceasefire proposal comes at a critical juncture, with the United Nations committee set to review Palestine’s status as a full state member this month. Meanwhile, the region continues to grapple with the humanitarian crisis unfolding as a result of the six-month-long conflict.

Hamas’s response to the ceasefire proposal is highly anticipated, as it will signal the potential for progress or the likelihood of continued hostilities in the region.

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