Author: France 24

Iran is facing a severe wave of air pollution, forcing authorities to close schools and kindergartens as smog levels rise. The hazardous conditions are affecting daily life, with residents advised to limit outdoor activities and take precautions against the health risks posed by the toxic air, as FRANCE 24’s Saeed Azimi explains.

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UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves announced a new budget that includes more taxes for ordinary workers but higher government spending on social welfare programmes.  The new plan will raise the government’s tax take to a post-war high of 38% of GDP by 2031, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR).  It will give the government greater room to meet its deficit-reduction targets – prompting investors to buy long-dated government bonds, sending yields sharply lower. 

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The Israeli military said Wednesday it had launched a broad operation in northern parts of the occupied West Bank, where deadly violence has soared since the start of the war in Gaza. The army said the operation was separate from the “Iron Wall” operation launched earlier this year that has displaced tens of thousands of residents in the Palestinian territory.

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The Digital Era has devolved into a veritable Information Crisis. As we become overwhelmed by misinformation and facts void of any context or perspective, fear, anger and nativism rise to the surface. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective of a world marked by conflict and angry populism, Eve Irvine is pleased to welcome Naomi Alderman, award-winning author, radio producer, Professor of Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. Her new book: “Don’t Burn Anyone at the Stake Today (and Other Lessons from History About Living Through an Information Crisis)” offers much-needed historical…

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German auto giant Volkswagen has announced the completion of a new R&D centre in its hub in Hebei, eastern China, saying that for the first time in the company’s history, new cars can be developed from start to finish outside Germany.  The company is hoping to win back its share in the world’s largest auto market. Also in the segment, the UK government has backed a plan for a third runway at London’s Heathrow airport, moving the long-running project forward. 

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