Final call to save the world from ‘climate catastrophe’
Climate change: How 1.5C could change the world It’s the final call, say scientists, in the most extensive warning yet on the risks of rising global temperatures. Keeping to the preferred target of 1.5C above pre-industrial levels will mean “rapid, far-reaching and unprecedented changes in all aspects of society”. It will be hugely expensive – […]
European Cross Country Championships: Ireland win four medals in Lisbon
Cotter put in a impressive performance in the women’s U23 race in Portugal, holding off the challenge of Jasmijn Bakker of the Netherlands on the final lap. Denmark’s Anna Emilie Moller comfortable won the race by 40 seconds ahead of Dutch runner Jasmijn Lau. Aided by strong performances by Omagh twins Eilish and Roisin Flanagan, […]
Tokyo 2020 Olympics organisers test snow machine to beat the heat
Japan tests spraying fake snow to tackle the summer heat ahead of the Olympics It was 25C (77F) in Tokyo, but snow fell in well-ordered flurries at a canoeing event in the Japanese capital. It wasn’t freak weather, but the latest innovation being tested by 2020 Olympics organisers hoping to keep spectators cool and comfortable […]
Gatwick Airport drone chaos: Can I get compensation?
EPA Passengers whose travel plans continue to be disrupted at Gatwick after the runway was closed for 36 hours are facing extra costs from rearranged flights, car parking and hotels. Although the circumstances that caused the disruption – drones flown around the runway – are unusual, there are still specific rights for air travellers. Will […]
Kenyan doping: Why positive tests are the start of the solution
Given Kenya’s unrivalled distance-running prowess – last year was the first time the country finished outside the top three of a World Championships medal table since 2007 – it is easy to forget what a largely recent phenomenon it is. Only one Kenyan male – Douglas Wakiihuri – triumphed in the first 23 years of […]
Hampshire Police crack down on excessive motorbike noise
Police are checking motorbikes for illegally modified exhausts which cause excessive noise levels. Hampshire Constabulary have received several complaints regarding bikes disrupting the peace, sometimes during the early hours. The legal noise limit for motorcycles is between 73 and 77 decibels but after seven roadside operations in the Meon Valley, officers issued 95 tickets. The […]
Filter out ‘unverified’ accounts, tech giants told
Getty Images Social networks should let people hide posts and messages from accounts without a verified owner, the government has proposed. If passed, the government’s online safety bill would force large social networks such as Facebook to let people filter out unverified accounts. How to verify a user’s identity would be up to the social […]
Millions struggling to pay phone and internet bills
Getty Images Many face difficult choices between essential goods and paying the bills About 4.7 million households struggled to afford their telecoms bills this year, with more than a million having to cut back on items such as food and clothes in order to pay. It comes as the coronavirus pandemic has an impact on […]
How Britain tried to ‘erase’ India’s third gender
Bridgeman Images British judges described eunuchs as cross-dressers, beggars and unnatural prostitutes In August 1852, a eunuch called Bhoorah was found brutally murdered in northern India’s Mainpuri district. She lived in what was then the North-West Provinces with two disciples and a male lover, performing and accepting gifts at “auspicious occasions” like births of children […]
Elon Musk became father of twins last year, say reports
Getty Images Elon Musk’s latest tweets appear to confirm reports he had twins in late 2021 with Shivon Zilis – an executive at his technology company Neuralink. The Tesla chief executive recently had a second child with on-off partner and electronic artist, Grimes. Reports on Wednesday claimed Mr Musk had twins with 36-year-old Ms Zilis […]