Iran escalates threats as US-Israel tensions peak
Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz and destroy regional energy infrastructure if the US attacks Iranian power plants. The threat marks a dangerous escalation in rhetoric between Tehran and Washington, with both sides now openly menacing critical civilian infrastructure. Trump's administration had previously threatened to target Iranian energy facilities, prompting the hardline response.
Iran conflict triggers food and fuel crisis fears
The Strait of Hormuz tensions threaten global food security as fertiliser and fuel costs surge for agricultural producers. Beyond immediate energy shocks, the conflict is disrupting shipping routes crucial for agricultural supplies, with fertiliser and fuel costs climbing rapidly. This compounds existing cost-of-living pressures in Western nations already grappling with inflation.
US firm Palantir deepens roots in British state
AI analytics company Palantir has secured access to sensitive UK Financial Conduct Authority data, expanding its influence across British government institutions. The expansion comes despite growing campaign group opposition and raises fresh privacy concerns among civil society watchdogs. The firm has become increasingly influential in Whitehall decision-making.
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Trump embraces Orbán ahead of Hungarian election
Donald Trump publicly backed Viktor Orbán as Europe's far-right leaders gathered in Budapest, signalling US support for the controversial Hungarian PM.
Armed group raids Congo wildlife sanctuary, kills staff
Rangers and staff at Upemba national park in the Democratic Republic of Congo were targeted in an armed attack that killed several people protecting the wildlife reserve.
Slovenia votes amid anti-Romany rhetoric controversy
Slovenian voters went to the polls in an election marked by polarising campaigns, with centre-left and right-wing populist frontrunners competing.
French local elections reach climactic final round
Voting opened in France's last round of municipal elections with major contests in Paris and Marseille expected to hinge on electoral alliances.
Kaiser's AI screening system delays patient care
Striking Kaiser Permanente workers claim the healthcare system's new AI screening tool is putting patients at higher risk by delaying access to therapists.
Western carmakers risk irrelevance abandoning EVs
Experts warn that Western automakers retreating from electric vehicles while Chinese competitors go all-in risks dooming traditional manufacturers to irrelevance.
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Humble hummus earns spot in British inflation basket
Chickpea dip has officially joined the UK's inflation measurement basket, marking its transition from niche specialty food to mainstream British staple. The inclusion reflects how immigrant cuisines have reshaped everyday British eating habits over recent decades.
Last updated Sun 22 Mar, 9:15 pm