Top World News

Jul 27, 2024 - World

Officials insist China-based owner ByteDance must separate from its short video app in the US because it is a threat to national security and citizens’ dataThe US justice department has asked an appeals court to reject legal challenges to a law requiring China-based ByteDance to divest itself of TikTok’s US assets by 19 January or face a ban.TikTok, parent company ByteDance and a group of TikTok creators have filed suits seeking to block the law, which could ban the app used by 170 million Americans. Continue reading...

Jul 27, 2024 - World

Stories from ‘ripped off’ customers lead Which? to call for ‘meaningful action’ against firms that fall shortInsurance costs are soaring – here’s how my family cut themThe consumer group Which? this week called on the regulator to clamp down on insurers that have been “ripping off” consumers with “abysmal” claims handling.Having surveyed how customers have fared at the hands of insurers over the past three years – and unearthed some shocking stories – the consumer body has demanded that the Financial Conduct Authority take tough action against companies that fall short of the regulator’s required standards. Continue reading...

Jul 27, 2024 - World

An academic paper says the show creates ideal conditions for ‘cognitive overload’ and demonstrates how to avoid itBBC Radio 4’s Just a Minute may be wonderfully entertaining for listeners but it is often excruciating for players as they attempt to speak for 60 seconds without repetition, hesitation or deviation.An academic paper jointly produced by a university linguist and one of the greatest exponents of Just a Minute has suggested the game is so devious that the best way to succeed is to let go of any ambition to win. Continue reading...

Jul 27, 2024 - World

With Bank of England meeting on 1 August, people are advised to take advantage of top-paying accounts nowExperts are split on whether there will be a UK interest rate cut on Thursday but most agree on one thing: savers should “act now” to lock into the best rates while they are still available.All eyes will be on the Bank of England’s monetary policy committee when it meets on 1 August, although while some believe we could see it announce the first base rate cut in more than four years, others reckon we will have to wait until at least September. Continue reading...

Jul 27, 2024 - World

MPs and candidates who faced abuse discuss polling station buffer zones and action to tackle social media‘Constant abuse’: three UK candidates on their election experienceMPs and candidates who faced abuse on the campaign trail have pressed ministers to act over intimidation around polling stations and via social media algorithms that push incendiary material.Half a dozen MPs and candidates attended a roundtable meeting with Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, Dan Jarvis, the security minister, and Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, on Wednesday. Continue reading...