Your brief - 24h (14 articles)

UK Treasury Chief Prioritizes Inflation Control Amid Potential Tax Hikes
The UK Treasury Chief, Rachel Reeves, has stated that lowering inflation will be the primary focus of the upcoming budget, set to be delivered in three weeks. Reeves has not ruled out the possibility of tax increases, which analysts suggest may be unavoidable to address a reported fiscal gap of £30bn. In a speech, she emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting the NHS, reducing national debt, and tackling the cost-of-living crisis, while acknowledging the challenging decisions ahead. Reeves’ remarks signal potential breaches of Labour's earlier manifesto promises, including a pledge not to raise income taxes significantly.

EU Ratings on Candidate Countries Awaited Amidst Rule of Law Criticism
The European Union is preparing to release its ratings for candidate countries, assessing their progress towards membership. The evaluation will also reflect on the worsening political climate in Georgia, Ukraine’s reforms amid conflict, and ongoing protests in Serbia. Meanwhile, a civil rights group, Liberties, has sharply criticized the EU’s annual rule of law report, accusing it of neglecting critical issues and showing minimal progress, particularly in Hungary, Italy, and Germany. Campaigners are urging stronger enforcement mechanisms to prevent further backsliding on governance.

Palestinian Author Recounts Harrowing Conditions in Israeli Prisons
Celebrated Palestinian author Nasser Abu Srour, recently freed after 32 years in Israeli prisons, has detailed severe torture and deprivation in his final years of incarceration. Following the outbreak of the Gaza war in 2023, prison guards reportedly escalated beatings and restricted access to food and clothing. Abu Srour, now exiled in Egypt, described the contrast between his release and the grim conditions he endured, which included hunger and harsh solitary confinement. His prison memoir, The Tale of a Wall, is tipped for a major international literary prize.

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OpenAI Partners with AWS in $38 Billion Cloud Deal
OpenAI has secured a $38bn partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to support its AI workloads, granting access to vast resources, including Nvidia GPUs. The collaboration follows OpenAI’s recent corporate restructuring and a valuation of $500bn. This deal strengthens OpenAI’s infrastructure for scaling frontier AI models, such as ChatGPT. AWS has positioned itself as a critical partner in the AI ecosystem, a move that complements OpenAI's existing partnerships with other major tech firms like Microsoft and Nvidia.

NI Biosecurity Firm Ilimex Secures €700,000 for Avian Flu Solution
Northern Ireland-based biosecurity start-up Ilimex has raised €700,000 in equity financing to develop its Flufence air sterilisation technology, aimed at tackling avian flu. The funding will support product validation and its expansion into the global agrifood sector, particularly in poultry and medicinal mushroom production. CEO Gerry Corrigan highlighted the solution’s potential in mitigating biosecurity risks, with an initial market estimated at £4bn globally for poultry air cleaning.

Google Cloud Faces Criticism Over Account Suspensions
Google Cloud has come under scrutiny after SSLMate founder Andrew Ayer reported three unjustified account suspensions. Ayer outlined the challenges of restoring access and criticized Google’s inconsistent enforcement of policies, which disrupted SSLMate’s integrations with customer accounts. He warned against relying on Google Cloud for critical workloads, citing the need for alternative, more reliable systems.

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Netflix’s Culinary Class Wars Gains Global Popularity
Netflix’s Korean culinary competition series, Culinary Class Wars, has become a global sensation. Producer Eunji Kim explained that the show’s class-based format, rooted in Korean cultural symbols such as the "white spoon" and "black spoon," resonated widely with audiences. The series has redefined reality competition storytelling by blending cultural specificity with universal themes, attracting international acclaim.

Jodie Foster and Guillermo del Toro Honored at Marrakech Film Festival
The Marrakech Film Festival will pay tribute to Jodie Foster, Guillermo del Toro, Moroccan actress Raouya, and Egyptian filmmaker Hussein Fahmi. Foster will introduce Vie Privée, while del Toro will present his film adaptation of Frankenstein. The festival, which runs from November 28 to December 6, continues to celebrate global cinema and cultural exchange.

Chess Clubs Flourish Among Young Britons
Chess is experiencing a cultural revival among young people in the UK, with social spaces like Knight Club in London attracting hundreds weekly. The club combines chess with nightlife, offering a vibrant, inclusive setting for both experienced players and newcomers. This trend reflects a growing desire for interactive, community-based activities outside traditional social norms.

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Harry Kane Redefines Bundesliga Excellence with Bayern Munich
Harry Kane has become a pivotal figure for Bayern Munich, with a record-breaking scoring rate in the Bundesliga. Kane’s prowess has revitalized Bayern’s attacking strategy, showcasing his versatility as both a goal-scorer and playmaker. Experts predict that Kane could surpass Robert Lewandowski’s 41-goal season record, solidifying his legacy in European football.

Jacoby Brissett Leads Arizona Cardinals to Victory
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett delivered an exceptional performance as the Arizona Cardinals defeated the Dallas Cowboys 27-17, ending a five-game losing streak. Brissett’s leadership and offensive contributions, including two touchdown passes, have sparked debates over his potential to permanently replace the injured Kyler Murray.

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Typhoon Kalmaegi Forces Thousands to Evacuate in the Philippines
Typhoon Kalmaegi has caused widespread flooding in the Philippines, displacing tens of thousands of residents. While many were evacuated ahead of the storm, others remain trapped in inundated areas. Rescue operations continue as authorities assess the damage and provide aid to affected communities.

North Korea’s Ceremonial Leader Kim Yong-nam Dies at 97
Kim Yong-nam, a prominent figure in North Korea’s political history, has died at the age of 97. As the ceremonial head of state, he served under three generations of the ruling dynasty, maintaining his position despite the country’s frequent political purges. His death marks the end of a unique era in North Korean governance. Source 18 Source 22