Conservative and feminist groups are coming together to call for an end to surrogacy, seeing it as harmful to women. A UN expert suggested this at a UN meeting, stating surrogacy causes various forms of violence against women. This proposal, aiming to abolish surrogacy completely, received mixed reactions from different advocacy groups.
Key Facts
Conservative and feminist groups agree that surrogacy should stop.
A UN expert proposed ending all forms of surrogacy in April.
The expert argued surrogacy reduces pregnancy to a business transaction.
The proposal includes criminalizing those who commission surrogates and banning surrogacy advertising.
Critics say the proposal ignores ethical practices in countries with strong surrogacy laws.
Surrogacy is a growing global industry generating significant revenue.
Critics argue the proposal is ideologically motivated and disconnected from current practices.
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A woman from Birmingham, England adopted a rescue dog from Hungary named Priscilla. Despite Priscilla's difficult past, she quickly adapted to her new home and became an affectionate, trusting pet. The article highlights the benefits of fostering programs for rescue animals.
Key Facts
A woman in Birmingham, England adopted a black poodle mix named Priscilla from a rescue charity.
Priscilla traveled over 1,460 miles from Hungary to her new home.
The charity that rescued Priscilla found her in poor condition, and she was initially scared of people.
Priscilla was placed with a foster carer who helped her gain confidence and adapt to a home environment.
Research shows fostering can improve adoption rates and reduce euthanasia in dogs.
Priscilla quickly adjusted to her new home, playing fetch and enjoying belly rubs on her first day.
The woman describes her bond with Priscilla as strong, with Priscilla now easily fitting into her new life.
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On November 16, 2023, Ukraine reported striking a Russian oil refinery near Moscow and retreating from a village in Zaporizhia. Russia claimed control of another village in the region. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine agreed on a prisoner exchange for about 1,200 Ukrainians, facilitated by discussions involving Turkiye and the UAE.
Key Facts
Ukraine said it hit an oil refinery in Ryazan, Russia, causing explosions and a fire.
Russia said it took control of Yablukove village in Zaporizhia, Ukraine.
Ukraine confirmed retreating from Novovasylivske village in Zaporizhia for strategic reasons.
A series of Russian attacks in Kyiv led to several deaths, including Nataliia Khodemchuk.
A power line to the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant was turned off as a precaution.
Ukraine reportedly launched a drone attack in Volgograd, damaging buildings.
Russia claimed it shot down eight Ukrainian drones in several regions, including Crimea.
Russia and Ukraine agreed on a prisoner exchange of about 1,200 Ukrainians after discussions with Turkiye and the UAE.
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At least four people have died after two boats carrying nearly 100 migrants sank off the coast of Libya. The boats were using the dangerous migration route from North Africa to Italy. The humanitarian group dealing with the incident has confirmed the deaths and is providing aid to survivors.
Key Facts
Two boats carrying nearly 100 migrants capsized off Libya's coast.
At least four confirmed deaths are from a boat with 26 Bangladeshi nationals.
A second boat was carrying around 70 people, mostly from Sudan.
The boats were on the central Mediterranean route, known for being very dangerous.
Hundreds die yearly crossing the Mediterranean Sea; over 1,500 have died or are missing in 2025.
The majority of people arriving in Europe via the central Mediterranean this year started from Libya.
The Libyan Red Crescent is helping survivors and provided images of the rescue efforts.
Seven migrants survived another recent boat incident, found after almost a week lost at sea.
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Thousands of people protested in North Macedonia's capital, Skopje, demanding justice for the 63 people who died in a nightclub fire in March. A trial is set to begin for 34 individuals and three companies accused of being responsible for the fire, which occurred due to safety violations at the unlicensed club. The European Union has expressed concerns about persistent corruption in North Macedonia.
Key Facts
The nightclub fire occurred on March 16 during a hip-hop concert in Kocani.
The fire killed 63 people and injured about 200 others.
Most of the victims were young, between 16 and 26 years old.
Protesters blame corruption and safety failures for the tragedy.
Authorities say the fire started with a pyrotechnic flame that set the club's roof on fire.
The venue had serious safety violations and was unlicensed.
Defendants in the trial include the club owner, security guards, and former local officials.
North Macedonia ranks poorly on the Corruption Perception Index and faces EU concerns over corruption.
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In a London neighborhood, bin bags are piling up on the streets due to changes in rubbish collection practices. Residents, like Loïc Frémond, are unhappy with this situation, as it attracts vermin and creates unpleasant conditions. The local council had closed the bin room in Frémond's building, making residents leave their waste on the pavement for collection.
Key Facts
Residents in Tower Hamlets, London, must leave bin bags on the pavement for twice-daily collection.
The local council closed the bin room in Frémond's building, changing waste collection practices.
The bin bags often attract animals like foxes and rats and can obstruct walkways.
Collections are sometimes missed, leaving trash on the streets overnight.
Other areas in London follow similar collection practices due to space constraints.
Business waste adds to the problem, as companies hire various firms for rubbish pick-up.
This issue affects not just homes but also businesses and historic town centers without space for large bins.
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The UK's Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has announced a change to asylum rules that will extend the waiting time for refugees to gain settled status from five to ten years. There is also discussion of political dynamics within the Labour Party and various claims about media and business matters in the UK.
Key Facts
The UK plans to change asylum rules, extending the wait for refugees to claim settled status from five to ten years.
The government will soon release details about shorter waiting periods for legal arrivals.
Angela Rayner, previously deputy prime minister, commented on Labour Party leadership talks and denied planning her own leadership bid.
There are concerns about potential political interference at the BBC following resignations of key leaders.
Rutger Bregman, an author critical of President Trump, will give lectures on the BBC.
Calls have been made for the UK government to lower taxes on high street businesses.
Edward Putman, involved in a past lottery fraud, is featured in recent news stories.
Model Kelly Brook is participating in the show "I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here" and addressed comments on her body image.
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Nine people were hurt when a car crashed into a crowd at a demolition derby in Walcha, Australia. The car broke through a fence and hit spectators during the event. Police are looking into what caused the accident.
Key Facts
Nine people sustained injuries, with one person in critical condition.
The accident happened at a demolition derby, part of the Walcha Motorcycle Rally.
Demolition derbies involve vehicles intentionally crashing into each other.
The injured people were between the ages of 20 and 75.
The 54-year-old man is the critically injured person.
The driver, age 27, had a collision on the track just before the crash.
Investigations by police and local authorities are ongoing.
Local officials expressed sympathy and support for those affected.
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At least four people died when two boats carrying migrants capsized off the coast of Libya near Al-Khums. The Libyan Red Crescent reported that one boat carried 26 people from Bangladesh, and another carried 69 people, including Egyptians and Sudanese. The coastguards and port security participated in the rescue operations.
Key Facts
Two boats capsized off Libya’s coast near the city of Al-Khums.
The boats were carrying migrants and asylum seekers.
At least four people from the first boat carrying 26 Bangladeshis died.
The second boat carried 69 people, including eight children.
The rescue operations involved the Libyan coastguards and Al-Khums Port Security.
Libya has been a common route for migrants heading to Europe since 2011.
Recent similar incidents include a boat sinking near the Al Buri oilfield and another catching fire in September.
International groups have urged Libya to close detention centers for migrants due to reports of abuse.
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A woman named Mariona Roca Tort shared with her family that as a teenager in Spain during the dictatorship of Francisco Franco, she was sent to a reformatory. These institutions detained young women who did not fit the regime's strict Catholic values. Now, decades after Franco's death, survivors are seeking answers and calling for an investigation.
Key Facts
Mariona Roca Tort was detained in a reformatory at age 17 during Spain's Franco dictatorship.
Reformatories were used to hold young women who did not conform to the regime's values.
Mariona's detainment was arranged by her own conservative and religious parents.
The detention and "treatment" she received have blurred some of Mariona's memories.
Spain's dictatorship under Francisco Franco ended in 1975.
Survivors of the Women's Protection Board's practices are now demanding an inquiry for answers about their past treatment.
Mariona shared her story with her daughter Marina, who made a documentary about it.
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The 25th series of the reality TV show "I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!" begins on Sunday night. Celebrities like Alex Scott, Jack Osbourne, and Ruby Wax will participate, with the hosts Ant and Dec returning. A new rule limits how many consecutive trials a contestant can do.
Key Facts
The show starts on Sunday, 16 November at 21:00 GMT on ITV1 and ITVX.
Celebrities such as Alex Scott, Jack Osbourne, and Ruby Wax are participating.
Ant and Dec, also known as Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, are the hosts.
A new rule allows a contestant to be voted for a maximum of two trials in a row.
Trials often involve eating unusual foods or being surrounded by creatures like snakes.
Politicians are not on this year's celebrity lineup.
The show typically runs for about three weeks, ending in early December.
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India's official air quality index (AQI) caps at 500, which may not accurately reflect the air's toxicity. Private and international monitors often report higher numbers, sometimes exceeding 1,000, due to different measurement methods and criteria. The cap was set to avoid public panic, but experts point out that it leads to incomplete data representation.
Key Facts
India's AQI scale tops out at 500, even if the air is more polluted.
Government apps like SAFAR and SAMEER use this cap, while private monitors can show much higher numbers.
PM2.5 and other pollutants are converted into a single AQI number, with anything above 400 considered "severe."
The 500 cap was put in place to prevent public panic about high pollution levels.
Other countries like the US and organizations like WHO use different threshold guidelines for pollution.
Private monitors use different methods, like sensor-based technology, which the Indian government hasn't approved.
India's pollution metrics haven't been updated since 2009.
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The UK government plans to change its asylum process, making people wait 20 years before they can apply to live permanently in the country. These changes aim to reduce the number of asylum claims and small boat crossings. Refugee status will be initially granted for 2.5 years, with regular reviews, instead of the current five-year period.
Key Facts
The UK plans to introduce reforms requiring a 20-year wait for refugees to apply for permanent settlement.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood will announce these changes to the asylum system.
Initially, refugees will have a temporary stay with their status reviewed every 2.5 years.
The current period for applying for indefinite leave to remain is five years.
The reforms aim to decrease illegal migration into the UK via small boats.
The policy takes inspiration from Denmark's asylum system.
Some opposition is expected within the UK government, including from Labour MPs.
Criticism includes concerns that the changes won't stop people fleeing persecution and conflicts.
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Thousands of people in Mexico City and other places protested against violent crime and the government led by President Claudia Sheinbaum. The protests were partly fueled by the recent killing of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who had been outspoken about cartel violence. Despite efforts to tackle drug trafficking, President Sheinbaum faces criticism for not stopping the violence.
Key Facts
Thousands marched in Mexico City to protest violent crime.
The rally was organized by Gen Z youth groups and supported by citizens angry over high-profile killings.
Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo was shot during a festival and had called for action against cartels.
President Sheinbaum claims the protests were backed by opposing politicians and online bots.
Demonstrators dismantled parts of a barrier near the National Palace, and police used tear gas.
President Sheinbaum has addressed drug trafficking but resisted an all-out war on drugs.
She has high approval ratings but faces criticism for the ongoing violence.
Peru's Congress declared Sheinbaum 'persona non grata' after diplomatic issues with Mexico.
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The United States and South Korea have reached an agreement for South Korea to build nuclear-powered attack submarines with help from the US. The US will assist in sourcing fuel for these submarines. This agreement comes during heightened tensions with North Korea and China.
Key Facts
South Korea and the US have agreed on a plan to build nuclear-powered submarines in partnership.
The agreement includes US assistance in sourcing fuel for the submarines.
This decision follows a trade deal between the countries that reduced tariffs.
President Trump approved the project, emphasizing the advantages over older diesel submarines.
South Korea aims to counter North Korea's growing nuclear submarine program.
South Korea previously ended a nuclear weapons program due to US pressure.
Only a few countries currently operate nuclear-powered submarines.
North Korea is believed to be developing its own nuclear submarines, possibly with Russia's assistance.
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Thousands rallied in Mexico City against issues like crime and corruption. The protest, started by Gen Z but largely joined by older people, faced violence from security forces. Prominent figures supported the march, but some Gen Z influencers pulled their backing.
Key Facts
Thousands protested in Mexico City against crime, corruption, and impunity.
The protest was initiated by Gen Z but had significant participation from older people.
Supporters of Carlos Manzo, a recently killed mayor, were present and wore symbolic straw hats.
Influential figures like former President Vicente Fox and billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego backed the protests.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum claimed right-wing parties tried to infiltrate the movement.
Security forces reportedly used tear gas and violence against protesters at the National Palace.
The protest is part of a wider trend of Gen Z organizing against corruption globally, with notable protests in Nepal and Madagascar.
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Many Palestinian families in Gaza are struggling due to cold weather and rain, as Israel blocks supplies of tents and other shelters. Humanitarian groups say these families need urgent help because of the ongoing hardships, including past bombardments that have left many without proper homes. The United Nations and other aid organizations are calling for Israel to remove restrictions on aid delivery.
Key Facts
Heavy rain and cold temperatures have made living conditions very difficult for many displaced Palestinians in Gaza.
Israel is not allowing tents and other shelter supplies to be sent to Gaza, making the situation worse.
Over 198,000 structures in Gaza were damaged during Israel's two-year military actions.
Around 69,000 Palestinians have died in this period, according to UN figures.
The UN and aid groups want Israel to allow more aid into Gaza, but Israel keeps restrictions in place.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees has enough supplies for 1.3 million people, but these cannot enter Gaza because of the blockade.
The current ceasefire between Israel and Hamas started on October 10, but aid delivery is still restricted.
Flares and airstrikes were reported in Gaza, highlighting ongoing tensions.
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Many people in the UK use medical cannabis to manage health conditions like anxiety. However, there is still stigma and misunderstanding about its use. The NHS is cautious about its effects, and private clinics are more involved in prescribing it.
Key Facts
Jon Leeder, a 41-year-old from Caerphilly, uses medical cannabis daily for anxiety before going to work.
Medical cannabis can be legally prescribed in the UK since 2018, but mostly through private clinics.
There is uncertainty and caution from health professionals about the risks of medical cannabis, especially for psychiatric conditions.
Patients face stigma and fear of criminalization or job loss despite having legal prescriptions.
Cannabis prescriptions are costly, with many patients paying several hundred pounds monthly.
The use of cannabis can cause concerns with activities like driving or passing through security checkpoints.
Public awareness about the legality of prescribed medical cannabis is low, leading to misconceptions.
Some patients take medical cannabis for conditions like PTSD, depression, and functional neurological disorders.
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Richard Falk, a former United Nations expert on international law, was questioned by Canadian authorities at Toronto Pearson Airport. Falk, along with his wife, was held for over four hours on national security concerns as they traveled to a tribunal in Ottawa about Canada's role in the situation in Gaza. Canadian authorities stated such interrogations are a standard part of the border process.
Key Facts
Richard Falk, a former UN special rapporteur, was questioned in Canada on national security grounds.
Falk was traveling to Ottawa to participate in a tribunal on Canada’s involvement in the Gaza conflict.
He was questioned alongside his wife, Hilal Elver, for over four hours at Toronto Pearson Airport.
The tribunal discussed the Canadian government's role in events in Gaza, described by a UN inquiry as genocide.
The Canada Border Services Agency said such questioning is a normal part of border inspections.
Canadian Senator Yuen Pau Woo expressed concern over the questioning of Falk and his wife.
The Canadian government has not commented on the specific case of Falk’s questioning.
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An 18-year-old man named Cameron Cheng has been charged with the murder of a 17-year-old girl and the attempted murder of another woman. The incident occurred in Caerphilly County, Wales, and police are asking for witnesses to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Key Facts
An 18-year-old, Cameron Cheng, was charged with murder and attempted murder.
The victim, Lainie Williams, was a 17-year-old girl from Cefn Fforest, Wales.
Another woman, aged 38, was injured but has been released from the hospital.
The charges include possessing a bladed article.
The incident happened at a property in Wheatley Place, Caerphilly County.
Police responded to the scene early Thursday morning after reports of serious injuries.
Cameron Cheng will appear in court in Newport on Monday.
Police are appealing to the public for any witnesses who can help with the investigation.
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