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West Midlands Braces for Further Flooding After Storm Darragh

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Parts of the West Midlands are on high alert as flood barriers have been erected following heavy rains from Storm Darragh. The Environment Agency (EA) has deployed defences at Coleham Head in Shrewsbury, with nearby roads like Longden Road and Hereford Road closed due to rising water levels. Flood warnings have been issued for rivers including the Severn, Wye, Sow, and Trent, with levels at the River Severn in Shropshire reaching over six metres, posing a risk to properties. The EA urged commuters to check for flooding before traveling.

The storm’s powerful winds toppled hundreds of trees over the weekend, causing widespread disruption. In Erdington, Birmingham, a driver tragically died when a tree fell on his car, and another man in Leamington Spa was seriously injured by a fallen tree. Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, forcing school closures in Stourport-on-Severn and Telford. Train services are also disrupted, with damaged overhead lines and tracks causing cancellations and delays across the region.

Emergency repairs continue in affected areas, including the West Coast Main Line, while Shrub Hill station in Worcester has reopened after Sunday’s storm damage. The Severn is expected to peak in Shrewsbury by Monday afternoon, with more rain forecasted. Local authorities and the EA continue to monitor the situation, urging residents to stay cautious and prepare for further disruptions.

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Macron to Appoint New Prime Minister Amid Political Crisis After Barnier’s Ouster

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French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to name a new prime minister in the coming days following the resignation of Michel Barnier after a no-confidence vote in parliament. The unprecedented move, which saw Barnier ousted just three months into his tenure, highlights the political deadlock in France’s parliament, where left, center, and far-right blocs are deeply divided. Macron criticized opposition parties for forming an “anti-republican front” but vowed to remain in office until the end of his mandate in 2027.

Talks are underway with political leaders to form a new government, with the Socialist Party showing openness to a fixed-term administration while rejecting the continuation of “Macronism.” The no-confidence vote against Barnier was triggered by his use of special powers to push through a budget, a decision that united the far-right National Rally and the left-wing New Popular Front. Macron acknowledged public criticism over his earlier decision to call snap elections, which led to the current parliamentary impasse.

The political uncertainty looms as France prepares for the high-profile reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral this weekend, a milestone marking its reconstruction after the devastating 2019 fire. Macron cited the event, along with the successful hosting of the 2024 Olympics, as symbols of France’s resilience. Speculation is rife over who will take the reins as prime minister, with Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu and centrist François Bayrou among the potential candidates.

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Romania Faces Election Interference Allegations Amid TikTok and Cyber-Attack Controversy

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Romania’s domestic intelligence agency has revealed evidence of a coordinated attempt to interfere in the country’s presidential election, implicating state-sponsored actors. The campaign allegedly used TikTok to promote far-right NATO-skeptic candidate Calin Georgescu, who unexpectedly advanced to the second round of voting. Paid content worth $381,000 was reportedly funneled through influencers to boost Georgescu’s profile, bypassing platform regulations and electoral laws. Intelligence documents also detail cyber-attacks targeting electoral data, with access stolen and shared on Russian cyber-crime platforms, alongside 85,000 hacking attempts on election day.

Outgoing President Klaus Iohannis declassified these findings ahead of the runoff vote between Georgescu and reformist Elena Lasconi. While Georgescu denies any involvement, calling the accusations a state-orchestrated plot, critics view the campaign as a destabilizing effort by external forces, with Russia identified as a likely perpetrator. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, who placed third in the first round, has endorsed Lasconi, advocating for Romania’s continued European integration.

Protests supporting the pro-EU candidate have been announced, with concerns mounting over potential unrest. Georgescu has warned against demonstrations, referencing Ukraine’s 2014 revolution as a cautionary tale. As investigations unfold, prosecutors are assessing whether the alleged interference compromised the election’s integrity, while many await assurances that Sunday’s vote will proceed fairly.

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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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Electric Flying Taxi Industry Faces Turbulence Amid Financial and Technical Challenges

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The promise of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft transforming urban mobility has hit significant hurdles, as leading innovators struggle with funding and technical setbacks. Germany’s Volocopter, which aimed to showcase its VoloCity air taxi at the Paris Olympics, failed to launch passenger services and is now relying on a potential $95 million investment from China’s Geely, which could shift manufacturing to China. Similarly, German eVTOL pioneer Lilium has entered insolvency proceedings after failing to secure crucial loans, casting doubt on its ambitious plans to build radical electric jets.

In the UK, Vertical Aerospace has made progress with its VX4 aircraft, including recent piloted tests. However, financial instability has led to a $50 million rescue investment by US-based Mudrick Capital, leaving the creditor with a 70% stake in the company. Meanwhile, Airbus’s CityAirbus NextGen appears more stable, with its four-seater design progressing as a technology project backed by ample funding and expertise.

Despite enthusiasm for the industry’s potential, concerns remain over profitability, particularly due to operational costs like pilot wages and battery replacements. While startups like Joby and Archer in the US continue to push forward, the sector faces a long road before proving its commercial viability, with investors hoping to emulate the success of transformative companies like Tesla.

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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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