Sri Lanka, Japan agree to resume stalled projects such as light rail
The two nations announced the agreement during a visit to the South Asian island nation by Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa
Arsenal v Bournemouth: Premier League live
Updates from the 12.30pm BST kick-off at the Emirates Want to share your thoughts? Send Tim an email Arsenal (4-3-3) Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Tomiyasu; Partey, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Trossard. Subs: Ramsdale, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Jorginho, Vieira, Smith Rowe, Jesus, Nketiah, Martinelli. Continue reading...
2 students drown in Uttara lake
Two schoolboys drowned in a lake in Diabari area of Dhakas Uttara sector-18 this afternoon
Ipswich v Huddersfield, Plymouth v Hull and more: Championship final day live
Updates from the 12.30pm BST kick-offs across the country Live scoreboard | And feel free to mail Scott Ipswich Town are going to be the story today, one way or another, and heres their boss Kieran McKenna talking to Sky as anticipation crackles around Portman Road. Weve followed a process now weve got to play a football match we know weve got a competitive match ahead of us its great to be in this position theyve come a long way individually and as a team and its about trying to take that next step today. A dramatic denouement to a wonderful season of the Championship awaits! A few things we know about already, but so many other questions are still searching for an answer. Birmingham City v Norwich City Coventry City v Queens Park Rangers Ipswich Town v Huddersfield Town Leeds United v Southampton Leicester City v Blackburn Rovers Middlesbrough v Watford Plymouth Argyle v Hull City Rotherham United v Cardiff City Stoke City v Bristol City Sunderland v Sheffied Wednesday Swansea City v Millwall West Bromwich Albion v Preston North End Continue reading...
Explained: All You Need To Know About Pro-Palestine Protests By Students At US Universities
Protests in support of Palestine have seen participation from students, faculty members, as well as external activists from Jewish and Muslim communities. Here's all you need to know about them...
Pakistan Records Wettest April In Over 60 Years: Report
Pakistan experienced its wettest April since 1961, receiving more than twice as much rain as usual for the month, the country's weather agency said in a report.
Boris Johnson pays tribute to polling staff who refused to let him vote without ID
Ex-PM turned away from South Oxfordshire police commissioner vote for not having valid ID a rule he introduced Local and mayoral election results live updates Boris Johnson has thanked three villagers who turned him away from a polling station on Thursday for trying to vote without a valid ID. The former prime minister was told by polling station staff that he would not be allowed to vote in the police and crime commissioner election for South Oxfordshire without proving his identity. Continue reading...
Exceptional: rare book of illustrations from Darwins bird man on sale for 2m
The full set of folios published by John Gould will be presented at Firsts book fair in London in mid-May John Gould was one of the most sought-after taxidermists in 19th-century London, commissioned by King George IV to stuff the first giraffe to arrive in England. But Goulds lasting legacy is birds. He travelled the world documenting and cataloguing as many avian species as he could find, many of them never seen before, earning him the nickname the Bird Man and the appointment as official bird stuffer to the Zoological Society. Continue reading...
I havent had sex in 3,089 days: comedian Sofie Hagen on being celibate for more than eight years
I love intercourse so why has it been so long since I actually had any? I first had sex when I was 16; I have since had quite a few people inside my body. Some were more welcome than others like the surgeon who removed my inflamed appendix, and that incredibly hot Dutch photographer in a Utrecht Airbnb, to whom I would have given my appendix, had he asked. Others have only penetrated me with their words or in my fantasies. Some of the experiences feel unreal, like the guy who referred to himself as Big Mike and claimed that he was moving to Finland the next day, despite there being no packed moving boxes or suitcases in his house. Iwouldnt be able to pick him out of a lineup today. I am torn between two different versions of that story. In one, I was twentysomething, wild, confident and single. I met a hot guy in a bar and we went back to his place. He read me some of his poems, I elegantly undressed and we had sex. Twice. The next day, when I was deliciously hungover, I revelled in the fact that we didnt even exchange phone numbers, as if I was in Sex and the City. Continue reading...
There are so many benefits: why more and more Britons are building a home sauna
What was once a niche product is being embraced by more people. We examine the options at a range of prices They are de rigueur in Scandinavian and Nordic countries, with as many as one for every household in Finland, where the old saying goes: First build the sauna, then the house, and it appears Britons are now following suit. Google UK searches for home sauna rose by 84% between January and March 2024 and the same period in 2020, according to the marketing company Semrush. Hampson Architects based in Brighton and working across the south-east of England has seen a large uptick in demand. On the larger houses (3,000 sq ft-plus) its increased from 30% wanting saunas to as high as 80-90% now, says the managing director, Andy Parsons. I think it will stay at that level now as theres a market expectation to have them. Continue reading...
Should the Bank of England cut interest rates with Britains economy in bloom?
The UK is expected to come out of recession, but it would be wise not to expect a reduction any time soon It would come as a shock to most economists if the Bank of England opted to cut interest rates at its policy meeting this week. Financial markets, which were baying for a cut last May, are these days betting that August or possibly September will be the point at which the Bank starts to lower interest rates from their current level of 5.25% . Continue reading...
Should plants be given rights? What new botanical breakthroughs could mean
They can communicate with each other about threats, summon help from predatory killers and some can even count but does this mean plants are conscious? Last month, at a gathering at New York University, agroup of prominent biologists and philosophers widened theperimeter of a very exclusive club. They declared that there is a realistic possibility thatinsects, crustaceans and fish experience consciousness. This was anexpansion of an earlier declaration , made in 2012, in which researchers asserted that mammals and birds werecapable of intentional behaviour and had all the physical markers of conscious states: Consequently, the weight of evidence indicates that humans are not unique in possessing the neurological substrates that generate consciousness, they concluded. The official consciousness list or realistic possibility of consciousness list now includes allvertebrates (including all reptiles, amphibians and fishes) and many invertebrates (including, at minimum, cephalopod mollusks, decapod crustaceans and insects). Lizards have been shown to learn how to navigate mazes , suggesting behavioural flexibility, an often-used marker of intelligence. Bees are able to distinguish between styles of art ; engage in play ; and perform an elaborate, symbolically rich waggle dance that tells their hive mates precisely how far and at what angle to the sun to fly to find food. Scientists suggest bees may have the capacity to feel , perhaps denoting consciousness. Continue reading...
10 of the best beach towns in Europe, with places to stay
From the Turkish Riviera to the le de R, we select quiet and unspoilt places to stay for sun, sand, snorkelling or just snoozing Theres something quite particular about small but perfectly formed Assos butterscotch and rose-pink houses line a horseshoe bay, with Venetian ruins scattered between the narrow alleys. There are two small beaches, but the real joy is to rent a motor boat and discover the small bays and coves that fringe this part of the Cephalonian coast. Walkers can follow the path out on to the headland to the ruins of Assoss 16th-century castle; theres not a huge amount to see, but the views make the walk worth it. Roi Suites is a bougainvillaea-clad cluster of well-equipped studio flats in a waterfront neoclassical building, with gorgeous sea views from the pool terrace. Doubles from 117 (minimum seven nights), roisuites.com Continue reading...
in 2012, SRK was involved in a heated altercation with the security personnel of the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) while attending a game with his children at the stadium. This clash resulted in MCA imposing a five-year ban on the actor from their premises. However, the ban was revoked five years later, allowing Shah Rukh Khan to return to the stadium.
Somerset v Essex, Yorkshire v Glamorgan and more: County cricket day two live
Day two action updates from the 11am BST start Get in touch! Email Tanya or have your say in the comments Delayed start at Old Trafford , whilst Middlesex have won the toss at Lords, and will field. A snippet from Leeds courtesy of Graham Hardcastle. Yesterday was the first time since 2013 that Yorkshire have played two spinners in the same Championship match at Headingley Bess and Moriarty. Adil Rashid and Azeem Rafiq were the 2013 pair, playing in an August draw against Warwickshire that season, striking once between them. Continue reading...
Heavy Rain In Brazil Claims 39 Lives; Toll Rising
Torrential rainfall in Brazils Rio Grande do Sul state has claimed 39 lives, with authorities anticipating a rise in casualties as numerous individuals remain unaccounted for. Civil defence reported 68 missing persons and over 24,000 displaced, impacting over half of the states cities. Governor Eduardo Leite emphasized potential fluctuations in... The post Heavy Rain In Brazil Claims 39 Lives; Toll Rising appeared first on HW News English .
Taiwan, US hold trade talks in Taipei for agricultural products
Ecuadorian beauty queen shot dead, Instagram post gave away location
Ecuadorian beauty queen shot dead, Instagram post gave away location
An incredible journey: Fran Kirby to leave Chelsea at end of the season
Forward, 30, is clubs all-time top scorer in womens football It has been one of the biggest privileges of my life Fran Kirby has announced she will end her incredible journey at Chelsea at the end of the current season. The 30-year-old England midfielder has helped the club to six WSL titles, five FA Cups and two League Cups since signing from Reading in 2015. In an emotional interview on the clubs website , she said: To leave with the trophies that I have won, with the teammates Ive played with some of the worlds best players it has been one of the biggest privileges of my life. Continue reading...
Gynecologist Anjali Nimbalkar on mission to 'deliver' Uttara Kannada LS seat to Congress
Gynecologist Anjali Nimbalkar on mission to 'deliver' Uttara Kannada LS seat to Congress naeem Sat, 05/04/2024 - 15:10
'Bloodbath': WHO chief cautions Israeli military against Rafah attack
WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned of 'bloodbath' in Rafah due to the Israeli invasion in Rafah on Gaza border, emphasizing strain on health system and problems for the 1.2 million people seeking shelter there. Contingency plans in place. Urgent call for ceasefire in Gaza war to prevent further devastation and loss of life.
Striker Kirby to leave Chelsea at end of season
England striker Fran Kirby is to leave Chelsea after a trophy-laden nine years with the club.
Bangladesh Bank has to provide info that people have right to know: Arafat
Bangladesh Bank will have to provide all information that public has a right to know, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, said today
Suzie Lees easy crispy chilli, egg and noodle bowl recipe
What could be quicker and tastier than a bowl of instant noodles topped with a frankfurter octopus and a crisp fried egg? This makes a feast of a meal for one or many. Ive given quantities for a solo dinner, but its very easy to scale up according to how many youre feeding. Its also easily adaptable, because you can top the noodles with all manner of things. Its a bowl of midweek home comfort for me, and something I eat with my own family all the time. This recipe is an edited extract from Simply Chinese Feasts: Tasty Recipes for Friends and Family, by Suzie Lee, published by Hardie Grant at 24. To order a copy for 21.12, go to guardianbookshop.com . Delivery charges may apply Discover this recipe and many more from your favourite cooks in the new Guardian Feast app , with smart features to make everyday cooking easier and more fun Continue reading...
'Prajwal enjoyed absolute immunity with blessings of Modi-Shah': Rahul writes to Karnataka CM, urges support for victims naeem Sat, 05/04/2024 - 15:00
Canadian Sikh MP Alleges Indian Involvement In Nijjar Killing
Canadian politician Jagmeet Singh accused the Indian government of orchestrating the assassination of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, as three individuals of Indian origin were detained in connection with the crime. However, Canadian authorities havent presented any proof linking the suspects to the Indian government. The post Canadian Sikh MP Alleges Indian Involvement In Nijjar Killing appeared first on HW News English .
I couldnt stop crying: Co-op Live workers tell BBC of behind-the-scenes chaos
One worker says there were wires hanging down inside the venue just a day before it was due to open.
Pakistan records 'wettest April' in more than 60 years: weather agency
Pakistan experienced its wettest April since 1961, receiving more than twice as much rain as usual for the month, the country's weather agency said in a report. There were at least 144 deaths in thunderstorms and house collapses due to heavy rains in what the report said was the wettest April since 1961.
ICC T20 World Cup 2024: All squads so far
Teams will be allowed to make changes to their 15-man squad till May 24, the day the squads will be finalised.
Schedule of trains bound for western districts, Mymensingh disrupted
Schedule of trains bound for the country's western destinations has almost collapsed today following yesterday's collision, causing immense sufferings to the passengers
Hamas negotiators arrive in Egypt for Gaza truce talks: media
A Hamas delegation arrived Saturday in Egypt for the latest round of talks on a proposed truce and hostage release in Gaza, Egyptian state-linked media Al-Qahera News reported
Brazil's Lula invites Japan's prime minister to eat his country's meat, and become a believer
Brazil's president Luiz Incio Lula da Silva on Friday welcomed Japan's prime minister Fumio Kishida on his first visit to the country, with the two meeting in the capital of Brasilia and the South American leader pushing his counterpart to buy his country's beef. Brazil had wished to seize on the bilateral meeting to push forward an agreement to open Japanese markets to Brazilian beef.
Jeffrey Epstein's 'black book' with 221 additional high-profile names auctioned
An alleged lack book believed to have belonged to the late financier and convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein, will be auctioned on May 15.
Thousands in Sussex still without water supplies
More than 30,000 properties in Sussex remain without water after burst pipe on Thursday.
The Bleak Life in Captivity of Nigers Deposed President, Mohamed Bazoum
Nine months after a coup in Niger, Mohamed Bazoum, an ally of France and the U.S., remains locked in the presidential residence, cut off from contact with anyone but his doctor.
Danger and opportunity for news industry as AI woos it for vital human-written copy
With large language models needing quality data, some publishers are offering theirs at a price while others are blocking access OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, knows that high-quality data matters in the artificial intelligence business and news publishers have vast amounts of it. It would be impossible to train todays leading AI models without using copyrighted materials, the company said this year in a submission to the UKs House of Lords, adding that limiting its options to books and drawings in the public domain would create underwhelming products. Continue reading...
The photographer on an ambiguous image inspired by Greek, Roman and Egyptian art A former mentor, Elinor Carucci, recommends taking pictures daily as a sort of gym for the photographic mind, Esteban Kuriel says. On this day, Kuriel was staying at St Ermins hotel in London and had visited the Sir John Soanes Museum, which houses a collection of Greek, Roman and Egyptian figurative sculptures. The fragmented, contorted bodies inspired me, and I returned to my room to make this image. Photographing daily trains my eye, just as one trains their body at the gym, so I must play with what is available. In this case, it was this space and its furniture. Continue reading...
The Garrick Club needs women. But try telling that to the members with the locker-room bants
Only women can rid the club of the guardians of the Y-chromosomes weve always done it this way misogyny Heres a surprise: the Garrick Club is a really lovely place. Its full of lively and fascinating people. The staff are superb, the food is great, the wine list divine. The library is to die for (or in), we have the finest theatrical portraiture in the world, sumptuous sitting rooms and chic bedrooms a wallets throw from the Royal Opera House. Continue reading...
Indian Navy provides medical assistance to Pak crew onboard Iranian vessel
Responding swiftly to a distress call, INS Sumedha came to the rescue of an Iranian Fishing Vessel Al Rahmani, with 20 Pakistani crew onboard, and provided medical assistance to one of the crew members in the Arabian Sea.
Russia says shot down four US-made missiles launched by Ukraine
Russia says shot down four USmade missiles launched by Ukraine
Security heightened at Mangaluru Airport after bomb threat mail
Security heightened at Mangaluru Airport after bomb threat mail naeem Sat, 05/04/2024 - 14:25
Germany Wants To Give Away Hitler Aide Joseph Goebbels' Villa For Free
Berlin's government has decided to give away a villa once owned by a major Nazi figure for free in view of its expensive upkeep, reported The Telegraph (UK).
Flood and landslide hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island; at least 14 dead
Flood and landslide hit Indonesia's Sulawesi island; at least 14 dead
Media bodies flag concern over dire state of 'free media' in Pakistan
The Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has committed to continue the constitutional and legal struggle for freedom of expression in Pakistan and face unfavourable circumstances head on.
Gyles Brandreth says he blames himself for Rod Hulls death
This Morning presenter told his friend not to moan and gave him advice that ultimately proved fatal Gyles Brandreth has said he blames himself for the death of Rod Hull , the entertainer who fell to his death as he was trying to adjust the TV aerial on the roof of his home. Hull, 63, famous for his antics with his puppet Emu , fell from a ladder outside his bungalow in Winchelsea, East Sussex, in 1999. Continue reading...
1 Dead, Several Injured In Drug-Related Shooting In Paris
One person was killed and six injured overnight in a gritty northern Paris suburb in a shooting likely linked to drug trafficking, prosecutors and the mayor said Saturday.
Indian-American groups oppose separatist Kashmiri flag on Rutgers campus
Indian-American groups oppose separatist Kashmiri flag on Rutgers campus
The Japanese gown uniting Freddie Mercury, the Jedi and Bjork
A collection of Kimono from some of the most charismatic entertainers has gone on display in Dundee.
What are the key mayoral and local election results still to come?
Majority of councils in England and Wales declared on Friday, but other contests will conclude on Saturday afternoon Local elections 2024: full council results for England Rishi Sunak is braced for the result of key mayoral elections in London and the West Midlands, after the Conservatives were trounced in the first day of local election results . The Conservatives are facing one of their worst local election results in 40 years , with striking Labour gains across England and Wales in key battlegrounds they need to win to secure victory at the general election. TBC Epping Forest 4pm North Tyneside, Stroud, Warrington 12pm Liverpool City Region 1.30pm London* 2pm South Yorkshire 3pm West Midlands 3.15pm West Yorkshire 4pm Greater Manchester 5pm Salford 12pm Hertfordshire 2pm Thames Valley 2.30pm Warwickshire, West Midlands 3pm Cheshire, Dorset 3.30pm Merseyside 4pm Wiltshire Continue reading...
India opposition social media chief arrested over doctored video
Congress partys Arun Reddy held over fake video of interior minister Amit Shah Indian police have said they have arrested the social media chief of the countrys main opposition party over a doctored video widely shared during the ongoing national election. Arun Reddy of the Congress party was detained late on Friday in connection with the edited footage, which falsely shows Indias powerful interior minister, Amit Shah, vowing in a campaign speech to end affirmative action policies for millions of poor and low-caste Indians. Continue reading...
Sharleen Spiteri: I love getting old I love the freedom it allows you
The Texas singer on her crush on Emma Stone, a faux pas in France, and why the news makes her cry Born in Scotland, Sharleen Spiteri, 56, worked as a hairdresser before forming Texas with Johnny McElhone aged 17. They went on to have hits I Dont Want a Lover, Say What You Want and Inner Smile. Last year they released The Very Bestof 1989-2023 and played Glastonbury. This March, Texas released The Muscle Shoals Sessions with Spooner Oldham, and in September there will be a UK arena tour. Spiteri has adaughter and is married to the chef Bryn Williams. Shelives in London and Wales. What is your greatest fear? When I was little, a couple of rapes took place in Glasgow. I remember my mum saying to walk in the middle of the pavement, and to this day I am very conscious of where I am. Continue reading...
Meghalaya to ramp up surveillance in Shillong by installing 300 FR cameras
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya government has rolled out an ambitious plan aimed at boosting surveillance in Shillong by installing around 300 cameras equipped with facial recognition technology. Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma informed that this initiative, part of the smart city project, is aimed at deterring criminal activities and augmenting public safety measures in Shillong. An [] The post Meghalaya to ramp up surveillance in Shillong by installing 300 FR cameras appeared first on NORTHEAST NOW .
Kotak Banks Q4 net profit rises 18 pc to Rs 4,133 crore
Mumbai, May 4 (IANS) Mid-sized private sector lender Kotak Mahindra Bank on Saturday reported an 18 per cent increase in net profit to Rs 4,133 crore [] The post Kotak Banks Q4 net profit rises 18 pc to Rs 4,133 crore appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .
UNGA president invokes Mahatma Gandhi to call for protecting journalists
United Nations, May 4 (IANS) Invoking Mahatma Gandhis statement that freedom of the press is a precious privilege that no country can forego, General Assembly President [] The post UNGA president invokes Mahatma Gandhi to call for protecting journalists appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .
IN PICS | Southern Brazil hit by the worst floods in more than 80 years
A man wades through an area flooded by heavy rains, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Heavy rains in the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul killed 39 people, with another 68 still missing, the state civil defense agency said Friday, asrecord-breaking floodsdevastated cities and forced thousands to leave their homes. It was the fourth such environmental disaster in a year, following floods in July, September and November 2023 that killed 75 people in total. The flooding statewide has surpassed that seen during a historic 1941 deluge, according to the Brazilian Geological Service. In some cities, water levels were at their highest since records began nearly 150 years ago, the agency said. Streets are flooded after heavy rain in Sao Sebastiao do Cai, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Operators reported electricity, communications and water cuts across the state. More than 24,000 people had to leave their homes, according to the civil defense agency. People evacuate from an area flooded by heavy rains, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Without internet, telephone service or electricity, residents struggled to provide updates or information to their relatives living in other states. A soldier evacuates a dog from an area flooded by heavy rains, in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, Friday, May 3, 2024.
Why did bill to stem 'foreign influence' trigger protests in Georgia over country's media freedom?
Massive demonstrations have swept through Georgia following the introduction of a controversial law, which opponents argue poses a grave risk to both media autonomy and the nation's European Union accession ambitions. The proposed legislation mandates that media outlets and non-governmental organizations, as well as other non-profits, register as advocating for the interests of a foreign entity if they obtain over 20% of their funding from overseas sources.
One dead, several injured in Paris suburb shooting
A fatal shooting in a Paris suburb, near a cultural center in Sevran, resulted in one fatality and six injuries. Authorities suspect the incident may be linked to drug trafficking. Police arrived at the scene on Friday, discovering four injured individuals. Sadly, one of them passed away from their wounds, while the rest remained hospitalized in critical condition. Three more victims with gunshot wounds sought medical attention later on.
Govt lifts ban on onion exports with price rider
New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) The Government on Saturday lifted the ban on onion exports after about half a year, according to a notification from the [] The post Govt lifts ban on onion exports with price rider appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .
Kris Kim, 16, becomes youngest golfer to make PGA Tour cut in 11 years
Kim makes crucial birdie at last in CJ Cup Byron Nelson English teenager is son of former LGPA player Ji-Hyuh Suh English teenager Kris Kim became the youngest player to make the cut on the PGA Tour in 11 years after a birdie at the last saw him get through to the weekend of the CJ Cup Byron Nelson in Texas with a shot to spare. Amateur Kim, the son of former LPGA player Ji-Hyun Suh, made a second-round four-under-par 67, which included a run of five birdies and one bogey over his front nine. Continue reading...
Farmer bailed after burglary shooting death
The farmer was held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after the shooting in Whaley Bridge.
UN spokesperson declines to react to Biden's claim that India's economy stalling due to 'xenophobia'
However, reports by several international organisations and multinationals tell a different story from that of Biden, who has a record of making fact-challenged statements.
Adani Ports & SEZ eyes significant expansion into the Philippines
New Delhi, May 4 (IANS) Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone (APSEZ) is planning to invest significantly in the Philippines, and is looking at Bataan for [] The post Adani Ports & SEZ eyes significant expansion into the Philippines appeared first on Sarkaritel.com .
Family Values or Fighting Valor? Russia Grapples With Womens Wartime Role.
Russian military efforts to recruit women from prisons and civilian life have clashed with President Vladimir V. Putins conservative agenda.
In the interview, when Bhansali was asked about the setting of the series, he said, It's a piece that somehow brings us all together when all India was one, it was undivided. In an earlier interview, SLB said that he wanted to cast Pakistani actors such as Mahira Khan, Fawad Khan and Imran Abbas.
A lot of effort to get one date: Bumble app makes womens first move easier
Intentions badges also launched, as dating app sector sees drops in share prices and moves to diversify In the end it was the data that killed me, says Penny* about her decision to leave the dating app Bumble. If she opened the app she might receive 100 likes, 25% of which she might be interested in. She would look at their profiles and write individualised messages; a few would respond, perhaps one would result in a date. Thats a lot of effort to get one date, she says. Its exhausting. Continue reading...
They face spiralling costs and insecure work, so Im glad to help them. But I cant afford the big rise in my cost of living Thank goodness for the bank of mum and dad: now theres an expression to make me a bit sick in my mouth. I am the parent of two adult children who have moved back home in recent years because they cant afford to rent somewhere to live. And they are not alone. In January, the Office for National Statistics reported that rental prices had risen 6.2%, the highest annual increase since records began in 2016. The number of families in England and Wales with adult children living with their parents has risen by 13.6% since 2011, according to the 2021 census . Like many other parents, I didnt expect to be supporting my adult kids. In this economy, my kids arent the only ones struggling for cash. Mortgage hikes and the increase in cost of living have left me tightening my belt: donning extra jumpers instead of putting the heating on, and wondering if a hat indoors is taking things a bit too far. Sue Elliott-Nicholls is an actor and broadcaster Continue reading...
I can say things other people are afraid to: Margaret Atwood on censorship, literary feuds and Trump
At 84, The Handmaids Tale author is as outspoken as ever. She talks about aging, culture wars - and why the orange guy cant be allowed back into the White House Im the great sage on top of the mountain, Margaret Atwood says with a smile, on a video call from her home in Toronto. If youve lived to a certain age people think you know something because they havent gotthere yet. At 84, most writers could be forgiven for taking it easy, but especially Atwood, after a tumultuous few years thathave seen The Handmaids Tale become a hit TV series; the publication of its long-awaited sequel The Testaments , joint winner of the Booker prize in 2019; and the death of her partner of nearly 50 years, novelist Graeme Gibson. He died of a stroke two days after the UK launch of the novel, and Atwood, with typical grit, carried on with the tour. Continue reading...
South Sudan removes newly imposed taxes that had triggered suspension of UN food airdrops
South Sudan has removed recently imposed taxes and fees that had triggered the suspension of U.N. food airdrops
India lifts ban on onion export
Minimum Export Price would be US$ 550 per tonne
The list, exclusively accessed by CNN-News18, includes names like Arsh Dalla, Rinku Bihla, Baba Dalla , Landa, Raman Judge, Sam Abohar and Snover Singh Dhillon
According to the police investigation, the shooting incident occurred shortly after Parraga posted a photo of her meal, a plate of octopus ceviche, on her Instagram account
Israel's Military Operation In Rafah Could Lead To Bloodbath': WHO Chief
An Israeli military incursion into Gaza's southern city of Rafah could lead to a loodbath, the World Health Organization warned Friday, announcing contingency plans.
US teacher arrested for 'making out' with 5th-grader months before wedding
US teacher arrested for 'making out' with 5th-grader months before wedding
Sweden's Eurovision contest to open in shadow of Gaza war
Glitter and rhinestones or pro-Palestinian demonstrations and slogans? The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest opens in the southern Swedish city of Malmo on Tuesday overshadowed by the war in Gaza. Looming over the festivities is Israel's participation in the almost 70-year-old contest, which this year brings together 37 countries, concluding with the final on May 11. Malmo President Anders Puschel told AFP that he will be taking part in a demonstration on May 9, the same day Israel will be competing in the second semi-final. During the ongoing war, Israel's participation should be banned in the same way they banned Russia, Puschel said. In 2022, Russian broadcasters were excluded from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) -- which oversees the competition -- in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. The message was, we don't like people who are not living up to democratic standards, anthropologist and Eurovision specialist Lisanne Wilken said. Since the beginning of the year, several petitions have demanded Israel's exclusion. Direct threats have also been made against the singer representing Israel, Eden Golan, which the EBU swiftly condemned. Whilewe strongly support freedom of speech and the right to express opinions in a democratic society, we firmly oppose any form of online abuse, hate speech, or harassment directed at our artists or any individuals associated with the contest, the organisation said. Inside the Malmo Arena, the organiser has banned all flags other than those of the participating countries -- with the exception of the Pride rainbow flag -- a long-standing rule, according to the EBU. I'm sure someone will be able to smuggle in a Palestinian flag and wave it, but whether it will be seen on TV is more uncertain, Puschel said. - Pro-Palestinian rallies - Thousands are expected to attend pro-Palestinian rallies throughout the week in the city, which is decorated with multicoloured flags. I would never have thought we would become such a political event on the world stage, said Karin Karlsson, managing director of the Eurovision event for the city of Malmo. With just over 360,000 inhabitants -- and 186 nationalities -- he whole world lives in Malmo and all the conflicts come together in a very small area, which creates friction, Andreas Onnerfors, professor of the history of ideas and a Eurovision specialist, told AFP . The majority of Sweden's population of Palestinian origin also lives in the port city, which is the Scandinavian country's third largest and is preparing to welcome some 10,00,00 visitors. Security is a major concern, especially as Sweden raised its terror alert level last year following a series of protests involving desecrations of the Koran. Security checks have been stepped up, in particular for access to the various sites, where bags will mostly be prohibited. Police presence has also been strengthened, with reinforcements coming from Norway and Denmark, and officers will be more heavily armed than normal during the week. Everything feels very safe, said Ebba Adielsson, executive producer of the event for Swedish public broadcaster SVT, who is organising the event together with the EBU. Police are very, very active and have dedicated a lot of resources to securing the event, Adielsson continued. Demonstrations will be tightly controlled and, as a precaution, jail cells have been emptied and detainees sent elsewhere in Sweden to make room in case of a surge in arrests. Eurovision, you can see it around town and there is a lot of talk. Unfortunately, the focus has ended up on other things than the actual music competition and the joy, ABBA fan Anders Persson lamented. This year's competition marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic Swedish pop group's international breakthrough when they won Eurovision with the song Waterloo. In a sign of the controversy surrounding the competition, several Swedish artists who were due to take part in the festivities surrounding the event have withdrawn. - A more sombre affair - The festivities will still go ahead, though in a calmer manner. Malmo is a party city... the saddest thing is that there may be fewer Malmo residents taking part, Karlsson said. The EBU has adopted the slogan United by Music, borrowed from the 2023 edition, which was organised in the UK as the war-stricken 2022 winner Ukraine was unable to host it. Liverpool last year was a huge party, this was a celebration thrown in Putin's face, Wilken said, referring to the Russian president who invaded Ukraine in 2022. This year it is more difficult for Sweden to position itself, she continued, explaining that the event has been marked by the situation in Gaza. Another local man, Yair Elsner, is also organising a rally on May 9, but to celebrate the Israeli participation. We will be there with Swedish flags and Israeli flags, he told AFP , adding they aim to show something positive. A member of Malmo's small Jewish community, Elsner said he had not noticed any change in attitudes towards him since the start of the war, but conceded there was a widespread feeling of insecurity.
Malaysia Teams Up with MWL to Host Big Religious Conference in Asia
Get ready for an important event happening soon in Kuala Lumpur! Malaysia, along with the Muslim World League (MWL) from Mekkah, is getting set to hold the biggest conference for religious leaders across Asia. The conference, titled Promoting Harmony Among Followers of Religions, is expected to see around 2,000 religious and intellectual figures from a whopping 57 countries coming together. Dato' Seri Anwar Bin Ibrahim, the Prime Minister of Malaysia, and MWL Secretary-General Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdul Karim Al-Issa will be leading this event. The main focus of the conference will be on themes like pluralism, tolerance, moderation, education, building bridges, and finding common ground among different faiths. The goal here is to show how religion can play a crucial role in bringing about peace worldwide, uniting people, and finding ways to work together as civilizations. Plus, there will be new initiatives launched based on the Makkah Declaration and efforts to promote important religious values. During the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in discussions, share experiences, and learn from each other's perspectives. The event aims to foster understanding and cooperation among diverse religious communities, paving the way for greater harmony and mutual respect across Asia and beyond. By bringing together leaders and thinkers from different backgrounds, the conference hopes to inspire positive change and contribute to building a more inclusive and peaceful world. New Framework for Global Regulation of Generative AI Unveiled by Japan PM
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New Framework for Global Regulation of Generative AI Unveiled by Japan PM
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has put forward a new plan for managing and controlling generative AI worldwide. This move adds to the ongoing global efforts to regulate this rapidly evolving technology. Kishida shared his proposal during a speech at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris. Generative AI holds immense potential to enhance our world, Kishida stated. However, he also emphasized the need to address its potential negative impacts, such as the spread of misinformation. Last year, when Japan led the Group of Seven nations, it initiated the Hiroshima AI process. This initiative aimed to establish international guidelines and a code of conduct for developers working with AI. Kishida mentioned that 49 countries and regions have already joined the voluntary framework, known as the Hiroshima AI Process Friends Group, although he did not specify which ones. These participants will collaborate on implementing the established principles and code of conduct. Their goal is to mitigate the risks associated with generative AI and ensure global cooperation in utilizing AI that is safe, secure, and reliable. Countries like the European Union, the United States, China, and others are also actively working on regulations and oversight for AI. Additionally, international organizations like the United Nations are grappling with how best to supervise this technology. AI-Powered F-16 Completes Successful Test Flight with Air Force Secretary Aboard New AI Chatbot CLAUDE Hits iPhones: Here's How to Get Started
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Pet nat nation: UK sparkling wine made the old way hits the high street
A look at Britains answer to prosecco as M&S launches product previously more associated with hipster bars in Shoreditch Its a sunny afternoon and a crowd of twentysomethings has gathered for a reunion. They are at Tillingham, an English winery in Kent, drinking Britains answer to prosecco, a sparkling wine called pet nat. They are not the only ones. Walk into any hipster restaurant these days and there will be pet nat on the wine list. This week, Marks & Spencer became the first supermarket to stock it, with the launch of its own label version, final confirmation of pet nats place in 2024s top drink trends. Continue reading...
VW owners claim poor design left cars open to parts theft costing 1,600
Cruise control sensors taken by thieves, forcing drivers to pay to replace them or face higher insurance premiums Volkswagen owners targeted by thieves who have stolen cruise control sensors from cars across London are furious after discovering the cars poor design that makes them so easy to steal is set to cost them 1,600 each. The sensors, which cost about 700 each, are fitted behind the VW badge, and appear to be a popular target for thieves. Continue reading...
Mark Kermode on Danny Boyle, a director who defines British pop culture
As his dazzling debut, Shallow Grave, gets a 30th anniversary rerelease, heres to an extraordinary career that ranges from Trainspotting to Slumdog Millionaire and that unforgettable London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony Lancashire-born film-maker Danny Boyle holds a special place in the nations heart, having been responsible for not one but three defining moments in our recent pop-culture history. In 1996, his daringly inventive adaptation of Irvine Welshs Trainspotting changed the face of young British cinema, with star-making performances from the likes of Ewan McGregor, Kelly Macdonald and Robert Carlyle, and a magpie soundtrack (everything from Lou Reed and Iggy Pop to Pulp, Blur and Underworld) that out-hipped Pulp Fiction . I was co-hosting Radio 1s film programme when Trainspotting hit UK cinemas, and Mary Anne Hobbs and I immediately ditched our opening station jingles in favour of the thumping drum intro to Lust for Life , which remained the shows theme tune in perpetuity. A decade later, Slumdog Millionaire (2008) scooped eight Oscars, including best picture and director, prompting the kind of ecstatic responses back home that had greeted Colin Wellands famous the British are coming! speech for Chariots of Fire in 1982. Ironically, Boyles international hit had almost gone straight to DVD after its American distributors deemed it too challenging for theatrical audiences (despite being billed as the feelgood film of the decade, theres a lot of slumdog before you get to the millionaire). Continue reading...
We are disappearing: chef Fadi Kattan aims to keep Palestinian heritage alive through food
Palestinian restauranteur speaks from Bethlehem, where food stalls are sparse as farmlands are under attack Fadi Kattan looked forlornly at the stalls inside the Bethlehem vegetable market bearing small quantities of oranges, watermelons and cauliflowers. This stall should be heaped with products, he said. And over there should be piles of aubergines and courgettes. The watermelons from Jenin looked too small for the season, while he wasnt sure where the boxes of oranges were from. They would normally be from Gaza. At Um Nabil s stall in the West Bank market where Kattan is a regular customer, she told him she could no longer afford to bring in the best small local cucumbers or piles of green cherries from her village of Artas. Continue reading...
Tom Gauld watches a high-risk publisher at work cartoon
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Bumblebee nests are overheating to fatal levels, study finds
More frequent heatwaves mean bees are unable to thermoregulate their hives further endangering a species already in decline Bumblebee nests may be overheating, killing off broods and placing one of the Earths critical pollinators in decline as temperatures rise, new research has found. Around the world, many species of Bombus , or bumblebee, have suffered population declines due to global heating, the research said. Bumblebee colonies are known for their ability to thermoregulate: in hot conditions, worker bees gather to beat their wings and fan the hive, cooling it down. But as the climate crisis pushes average temperatures up and generates heatwaves, bumblebees will struggle to keep their homes habitable. Continue reading...
Italian-style sardine pie and smoked oyster pasta: Yotam Ottolenghis tinned fish recipes
Adaptability and ease is the order of the day for this tinned fish crostata with chermoula topping and conchiglie with smoked oyster sauce My cupboards are rarely without a tin or two (or three) of tinned fish. Sardines, anchovies, tuna, smoked oysters: theyre all usually on standby, and Im crazy about all of them. I find them very reassuring, too, because they mean Im never more than about two minutes from a meal, whether theyre just spread on toast, or mixed with a little Tabasco and lemon juice, perhaps, or some soured cream and herbs. I also use them to dial up all kinds of other dishes pizza and pasta, say, delight in tinned fish as much as toast does, as do potato salads and they can even be the main reason to make a particular dish. Starring role, not standby. Continue reading...
Pesticides by stealth: garden soil conditioners killing worms, experts fear
Even products marketed as organic may be toxic, say campaigners, with risks for the wider ecosystem Gardeners are inadvertently killing scores of earthworms with soil conditioners marketed as organic, experts fear, as they call for tighter regulation on products that poison the invertebrates. Earthworms may appear humble, but Charles Darwin thought their work in improving soil structure and fertility was so important he devoted his final book to them and said: It may be doubted if there are any other animals which have played such an important part in the history of the world as these lowly organised creatures. Continue reading...
