Some commentators have also blamed the diversion of sugarcane to ethanol production for the shortage in a deficit year. Even earlier, sugar mills would set aside around 10% of their output for this, helping stabilise prices in times of excess production. But India making E20, or petrol blended with 20% ethanol, the standard fuel at […]
Continue ReadingAt 14, *Xiaomei, a high-performing student from a coastal province in China, decided to overdose on cough medication. She wanted to impress an older boy who told her it would help her relax. The tablets were usually only available with a doctor’s prescription, but she managed to buy them online. At first she found that […]
Continue ReadingSweden’s armed forces have asked the government to expropriate a Russia-owned property near a naval base on security grounds. The military requested the seizure of the beach plot near Muskö base in Stockholm archipelago, citing “the threat from Russian drones and the ownership situation of the property”. Swedish reports say a businessman with links to […]
Continue ReadingThe third stage of the Vuelta a España cycle race, which was taking place in the Aude area of south-western France, had to be cancelled when a hail storm forced the riders to take shelter about 15km from the finish line. The extreme weather has left about 2,800 homes across 10 villages without electricity, according […]
Continue ReadingPresident Donald Trump has threatened to hike US tariffs on automobiles originating in Canada, as the trade war between the two neighbours continues to heat up. Trump said on Monday that he will increase tariffs on Canadian cars and trucks, as well as auto parts, from 25% to 50% as of 1 January. It comes […]
Continue ReadingA destructive tornado has torn through villages in southern France, injuring more than 40 people. An eyewitness from the village of Verzeille recorded the tornado forming beneath a thunderstorm. Winds of more than 100km/h (62mph) ripped the roofs off homes in Pomas. Local authorities say about 2,800 households were still without electricity on Monday evening, […]
Continue ReadingNew Zealand is to introduce a bill seeking to ban under-16s from using social media. Under the latest proposals, platforms including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook, will have to take steps to check users are over 16 and platforms that fail to meet their obligations could face fines of up to 10% of their global […]
Continue ReadingFour people have been arrested in Kenya as part of an investigation into a spate of mysterious elephant deaths over the past two months, officials have said. Three Kenyans and one Tanzanian have been detained on suspicion of poisoning at least 18 elephants in the Amboseli National Park, the Kenya Wildlife Service told the BBC. […]
Continue ReadingMinimalist retractable door handles became a signature feature of electric vehicles (EVs), but the controversial designs are now at the centre of China’s biggest car recall, affecting more than 4 million vehicles. The recall, which includes 2.98 million Chinese-made Teslas, follows safety concerns that the hidden door handles are difficult to locate and open in […]
Continue ReadingAn Australian woman bitten by a shark at a popular Sydney beach earlier this year says she has been given a “second chance at life” and will be making the most of it. Leah Stewart, 35, was mauled by a shark during a morning swim at Coogee Beach in June, suffering multiple bites to her […]
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