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A cryptocurrency entrepreneur has kept his promise and eaten a banana he bought for $6.2m (£4.9m). Justin Sun snapped up viral art piece Comedian - consisting of a single banana duct-taped to a white wall - in an auction at Sotheby's in New York last week. The Chinese-born businessman immediately revealed his plan to destroy the artwork by enjoying the fruit as a snack and at a news conference today, he delivered on his word.At a Hong Kong hotel, the 34-year-old took a bite and told reporters: "It's much better than other bananas. It's really quite good."After purchasing Comedian, Mr Sun previously said the piece "represents a cultural phenomenon that bridges the worlds of art, memes, and the cryptocurrency community". "Additionally, in the coming days, I will personally eat the banana as ...

A small number of young Israelis are refusing national service, and being jailed as a result.In Israel, young people are conscripted into the army for at least 24 months but a small number are objecting due to Israel's actions in Gaza and the West Bank.They are supported by Mesarvot, a small group supporting conscientious objectors whose name means 'we refuse'.Three of Israel's young objectors spoke to Sky News ahead of refusing to sign up to serve on Wednesday.They followed in the footsteps of Tal Mitnick who became the first person since the 7 October attack to be jailed for refusing to enlist.He spent 185 days in jail in total, before receiving an exemption in June. Image: Tal Mitnick previously spoke to Sky News about objecting to joining ...

As the world-famous Notre-Dame cathedral burned in a devastating 2019 fire, Parisians watched on in tears.Now, after more than five years of frenetic reconstruction work, the world has been given a first glimpse inside the revived 12th-century landmark. Today, President Emmanuel Macron is visiting the site to see the restored interiors for himself before the Gothic cathedral reopens for its first worship next month.The televised visit is set to usher a series of events leading up to the reopening of the cathedral - the reconstruction of which has been hailed as a symbol of national unity and French can-do spirit. Image: Brigitte Macron (2R) greets Paris' archbishop Laurent Ulrich, (C) next to Paris' mayor Anne Hidalgo (L), Ile-de-France's Pres...

Violent protests have erupted in Georgia over its ruling party's decision to put talks on the country's longstanding bid to join the EU back until 2028. Police in riot gear used a water cannon, tear gas and pepper spray as they ordered crowds of protesters on the streets of Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, to disperse. Pictures show masked protesters clashing with police and being dragged away, while some of the demonstrators tossed fireworks at officers shouting "Russians" and "Slaves!".Three police officers were injured, the country's interior ministry said. It comes after tens of thousands protested last month against the results of parliamentary elections which they claimed had been rigged with the help of Russia. Image: Police try to push out ...

The election in Ireland offers a great opportunity for observers of elections, parties and public opinion.Members of the Irish Dail are selected using the Single Transferable Vote (STV). Invented in the mid-19th century it requires voters to make an ordered choice across candidates, marking 1 against the most preferred, 2 against the next, and so on.It is a voting system that actively avoids wasting votes and in the process offers amazing insight into voting choices and competition both within and between parties.Counting votes won't be quick but watching that process unfold might bring its own rewards. Image: Ballot papers in Cork in the 2020 election. Pic: Yui Mok/PA Wire Ireland, which votes on Friday to elect a new par...