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Scotland’s Finance Secretary Faces Tough Choices in Upcoming Budget

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Scotland’s Finance Secretary, Shona Robison, is under intense pressure to implement wide-reaching reforms ahead of her draft Budget for 2025/26, as key public sectors face mounting challenges. Audit Scotland has warned that the NHS is unsustainable in its current state, local authorities are demanding more funding and autonomy, and unions highlight an education system threatened by a shortage of teachers. With calls to replace the council tax and limit state-funded benefits like university tuition, Robison is tasked with navigating a tight budget amid increased financial constraints.

The Scottish government’s block grant for 2025/26 is set at £47.7bn, with an additional £3.4bn from the UK government. However, much of this increase has already been absorbed by public sector wage hikes and other commitments, leaving Robison with limited fiscal flexibility. The budget will also need to address pressing issues such as funding business rate relief, providing further support for public services, and meeting the SNP’s climate and child poverty goals.

As Robison prepares for heated debates in the Scottish Parliament, political parties are already voicing their positions. Labour and Conservatives have criticized the SNP’s fiscal management, while the Scottish Greens are pushing for a budget focused on climate action and poverty alleviation. With the future of key services and tax policies at stake, Robison’s ability to balance competing demands will be critical in securing cross-party support for her proposals.

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French Government Teeters on Brink as No-Confidence Vote Looms

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French Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s government faces collapse after he invoked Article 49.3 of the constitution to push through a controversial budget without parliamentary approval. The €60 billion bill, aimed at curbing France’s growing deficit with tax hikes and spending cuts, sparked fierce opposition from both left- and right-wing parties. Left-wing alliance France Unbowed (LFI) and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) have tabled no-confidence motions, with a decisive vote expected on Wednesday.

Barnier, a former Brexit negotiator appointed by President Macron to stabilize the government after summer’s hung parliament, defended his use of executive powers, stating, “I have assumed my responsibility.” Despite making concessions like scrapping an electricity tax hike, his efforts failed to appease critics. LFI leader Mathilde Panot called the move a “political chaos” borne of both Barnier’s administration and Macron’s leadership, while Le Pen declared that “the French have had enough.”

If the government is ousted, Barnier would remain as caretaker until Macron forms a new administration or calls for new elections. The turmoil threatens months of political instability, with the fractured parliament making the formation of a stable government challenging. Some parties have also called for early presidential elections, though Macron’s term is set to run until 2027.

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Protests Erupt in Georgia Over EU Negotiation Suspension, Dozens Hospitalized

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Tbilisi witnessed a third consecutive night of protests as tens of thousands of demonstrators clashed with police outside the Georgian Parliament over the government’s decision to suspend EU accession talks. The unrest left 44 people hospitalized, including protesters, police officers, and a journalist. Protesters hurled stones, set off fireworks, and burned an effigy of Georgian Dream party founder Bidzina Ivanishvili, while police responded with tear gas and water cannons.

Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze dismissed claims that Georgia’s European integration had been halted, stating that the government rejected “shameful blackmail” that hindered the process. However, the EU criticized Georgia for democratic backsliding and urged authorities to respect peaceful assembly rights. The announcement of the suspension followed a disputed parliamentary election in October, which opposition leaders claim was rigged with Russian interference to maintain Georgia’s alignment with Moscow.

Pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili condemned the ruling party’s grip on power, calling Georgia a “quasi-Russian” state. The EU, which had granted Georgia candidate status last year, suspended financial support over concerns about the passage of a controversial “foreign influence” law. The protests have intensified political tensions, with opposition parties demanding new elections under conditions guaranteeing transparency and fairness.

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Rare Harry Potter First Edition Bought for £10 in 1997 Sells for £45,000 at Auction

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A rare first edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, originally purchased for just £10 (around ₹1,068) in 1997, has fetched a remarkable £36,000 (₹38 lakh) at an auction in Lichfield, Staffordshire. Including the buyer’s premium, the final bid for the book reached £45,000 (approximately ₹50 lakh), as reported by BBC News. This first edition is one of only 500 hardback copies from the initial print run, making it an exceptionally coveted item among collectors.

The book’s owner, Adam McCulloch from Tansley, Derbyshire, discovered its value during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 after reading about similar first editions. Initially bought by his mother, Christine McCulloch, from a bookshop in Stratford-upon-Avon, the book had been stored in their family cupboard for years, oblivious to its future worth. Adam described the moment of verification as a “pinch yourself moment,” adding that the tea stains and folded corners on the book made it even more magical for collectors.

This sale underscores the enduring legacy of J.K. Rowling’s iconic Harry Potter series, which debuted in 1997 and has since become a global phenomenon. The book’s journey from a modest £10 purchase to a multi-lakh auction piece is a testament to its cultural and literary significance, captivating readers across generations.

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Russia Launches Massive Strike on Ukraine’s Power Grid, Leaving Over One Million Without Electricity

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Ukraine is reeling from a devastating Russian missile and drone assault that left more than one million people without power. The coordinated attack, which lasted for nearly nine-and-a-half hours, targeted energy infrastructure across the country, including Odesa, Kharkiv, Lutsk, and Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of using cluster munitions, making it harder for rescue teams and energy workers to address the damage. Over 100 drones and more than 90 missiles were involved in the strike, marking the second such attack this month.

Authorities have reported widespread power outages across at least 12 regions, with emergency power cuts implemented to prevent grid overloads. In cities like Lutsk and Kharkiv, explosions were heard, and public transport, including trolleybuses, came to a halt. In the Lviv region, more than half a million people are without electricity, and officials are bracing for further strain on the energy system as temperatures drop, signaling the arrival of Ukraine’s harsh winter.

This strike comes on the heels of earlier missile attacks on Ukraine’s energy sector, which have severely impacted the country’s power plants. Ukrainian officials had warned of the possibility of a broader assault aimed at depleting the national power grid as winter approaches. With the ongoing war and extreme weather conditions, Ukrainians face another challenging winter ahead, already having endured multiple severe winters since Russia’s invasion began in February 2022.

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Australian Senate Considers Landmark Social Media Ban for Under-16s Amid Industry Pushback

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Australian lawmakers are debating a groundbreaking bill to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms, with fines of up to AUD 50 million ($33 million) for non-compliance. Sunita Bose, Managing Director of Digital Industry Group Inc., representing platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), argued during a Senate committee hearing that the legislation should be delayed until the government concludes its evaluation of age-verification technologies in June 2025. She warned that rushing the bill could lead to implementation challenges, leaving both children and platforms unprepared.

Bose highlighted the broader implications of such a ban, cautioning that it could isolate children and push them toward less safe online spaces. This sparked criticism from Senator Sarah Henderson, who accused her of prioritizing corporate interests over child safety. Addressing questions about children’s exposure to harmful content, Bose stated that current algorithms already employ filters to reduce risks, though she acknowledged the industry’s shortcomings in enforcing existing age restrictions.

Research by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health revealed that major platforms earned $11 billion in advertising revenue from U.S. users under 18 in 2022. However, Bose admitted she did not know how much revenue these platforms derived from Australian children. The bill, if passed, would make Australia the first country to impose such strict regulations, with the outcome likely to set a global precedent.

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Russia Fires ICBM at Ukraine’s Dnipro in Unprecedented Escalation

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Russia launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine’s Air Force reported on Thursday. The missile, identified as the RS-26 Rubezh with a range of 5,800 kilometers, was reportedly non-nuclear and accompanied by a Kinzhal hypersonic missile and seven Kh-101 cruise missiles, six of which were intercepted. The attack injured two people and targeted critical infrastructure in Dnipro, underscoring the intensifying military hostilities.

This marks the first reported use of an ICBM in the over 1,000-day war. The RS-26, a nuclear-capable missile tested successfully in 2012, represents a significant show of force from Moscow. The move comes days after Russia warned of retaliation following Ukraine’s use of U.S.-supplied ATACMS missiles to strike deep into Russian-held territory, signaling escalating tensions between the warring nations.

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDR) described the alleged ICBM deployment as “unprecedented.” Andrey Baklitskiy of the UNIDR noted that ICBMs, typically strategic nuclear deterrents, are rarely used in active military operations due to their high cost and precision capabilities. Russia has not officially commented on the Ukrainian Air Force’s claims.

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Suspected Sabotage: Undersea Cables Severed in the Baltic Sea

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German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius has described the severing of two undersea cables in the Baltic Sea as potential acts of sabotage or “hybrid action,” amid heightened tensions with Russia. A 1,170km telecommunications cable connecting Finland and Germany was severed on Monday, and a 218km internet link between Lithuania and Sweden’s Gotland Island failed on Sunday. Authorities from Germany, Finland, and Sweden have expressed concerns, noting that such incidents are unlikely to occur accidentally, with Finnish telecom firm Cinia suggesting “an outside force” was involved.

The cables, vital for telecommunications and internet connectivity, intersect in the Baltic Sea, but the damages are believed to have occurred in separate locations. The Finnish cable’s damage, near Sweden’s Oland Island, may take up to 15 days to repair, while Arelion, the operator of the Lithuanian link, estimates a two-week repair period. While some disruptions to internet capacity were reported, alternative routes have mitigated major impacts. Experts, however, remain cautious about ruling out accidental causes, such as fishing vessels or ships, even as the timing raises suspicions.

These incidents follow a series of suspected sabotage events in the Baltic, including the Nord Stream gas pipeline explosion in 2022 and the October 2023 damage to a natural gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia. Pistorius and other European leaders have linked the threats to broader security risks stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the need for vigilance against hybrid warfare by malicious actors. Investigations into the cable damage are ongoing.

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Miss Asia Global 2024 Opens in Kochi; Global Beauty in Focus

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Kochi is all set to host the prestigious international beauty pageant, SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts & Alcazar Watches Miss Asia Global 2024, organized by the event production experts, Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. The grand finale will take place on November 21 at the Kaloor Gokulam Convention Centre.

Miss Asia Global, chaired by its founder, Dr. Ajit Ravi, stands out by promoting a philosophy that celebrates beauty, intelligence, knowledge, and humanity. Upholding these values, the contestants started undergoing meticulous grooming at the SAJ Earth Resort, Nedumbassery. Renowned professionals from fields such as fashion and cinema led the grooming sessions, ensuring contestants were well-prepared to showcase their best.

The pageant will witness the participation of 18 contestants, carefully selected from across the globe. In a groundbreaking move, Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd. has eliminated the bikini round, a feature commonly associated with beauty pageants, thereby setting a new standard. This decision reinforces the organization’s commitment to redefining beauty standards by shifting the focus from physical attributes to a more inclusive and holistic approach.

Miss Asia Global 2024 promises to be a landmark event, celebrating diversity, talent, and the true essence of humanity on an international stage.

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Miss Glam Universe 2024: The Countdown Begins!

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SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts, in association with DQUE Watches, is setting the stage for Miss Glam Universe 2024 in Kochi. The prestigious event is being organized by Pegasus Global Pvt. Ltd., renowned for excellence in event production. The competition will unfold at the Gokulam Convention Centre, Kaloor, on November 21.

The pageant aims to showcase the country’s rich and diverse cultural heritage while promoting tourism. Dr. Ajit Ravi, the Founder-Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, is at the helm of the event.

The grooming sessions for the contestants are already underway at SAJ Earth Resort, Nedumbassery. These sessions are conducted by eminent personalities from the fields of fashion, cinema, and other industries. A total of 13 contestants, selected from around the globe, will grace the stage at this highly anticipated event.

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