Independent News & People Network Desk of News

EU-approved pesticide found to have potential effects on brain development

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-07-02T05:00:07+00:00

New study on fluazinam’s neurotoxicity comes up with different findings from earlier report based on manufacturer’s dataResearchers who re-ran a crucial fungicide study on neurotoxicity have come up with significantly different findings, and campaigners argue that the substance should now be withdrawn from the market.In 2005, a study conducted by Huntingdon Life Sciences on behalf of ISK, the manufacturer of fluazinam, on the development of neurotoxicity of fluazinam in pregnant rats concluded there were no statistically significant effects in relation to brain development in the rats’ offspri

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England’s mayors should be given sweeping new powers, says devolution expert

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-07-02T05:00:05+00:00

Exclusive: Burnham-aligned thinktank calls for devolution of public services including social care, childcare and skillsMayors should be given power over a wide range of public services, including social care, childcare and skills, according to a paper written by one of the people helping shape Andy Burnham’s devolution plans.JP Spencer, the head of devolution policy at the thinktank ThinkLabour, calls for mayors to take control over large parts of service provision in a paper that gives an indication of how the probable next prime minister could seek to shift power out of Whitehall. Continue

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‘Exploratory and curious animals’: mysterious rise in orca sightings off Northumberland coast

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-07-02T05:00:05+00:00

Reasons for increase not clear but experts say it could be welcome sign marine ecosystem is becoming healthierThe Farne Islands off the Northumberland coast have long drawn fans of the natural world keen to catch sight of the resident guillemots and puffins.But as recently as last week, another much bigger black-and-white animal has been delighting wildlife spotters. Orcas have been appearing more regularly than ever before. Continue reading...

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Stephen Hough to lead relaunched Leeds piano competition

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-07-02T05:00:04+00:00

Free choice of repertoire and an increased upper age limit part of the changes in a competition that will emphasise individuality and imaginationThe Leeds International Piano Competition is to be relaunched under the artistic direction of Sir Stephen Hough. The pianist is leading significant reforms to the triennial contest that first began in 1963. He will also chair an international jury that includes fellow pianists Piotr Anderszewski, Lucas Debargue, Yeol Eum Son, Kathryn Stott and Master of the King’s Music, composer Errollyn Wallen.The 2027 competition will have its upper age limit incre

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Gaza patients face agonising delays for medical evacuation

Source: BBC News - World · Published: 2026-07-02T04:59:55+00:00

An estimated 300 Palestinians referred for treatment abroad have died since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.

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Crude oil trades lower as US and Iran conclude indirect talks

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-07-02T04:50:16+00:00

At 10:02 am on Thursday, Brent oil futures were at $70.83, down 1.03%, while WTI crude oil futures were at $67.84, down 1.08%

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Australia politics live: Liberal MP kicked out of question time after shouting at PM ‘don’t you care’ about gambling victims

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-07-02T04:47:39+00:00

Follow today’s news liveGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast‘Eight weeks to shred documents’: Wells on social media law delayThe main reason for Anika Wells’ media appearances this morning is to kick the Coalition and the Greens for sending that social media bill – increasing fines for platforms and handing the eSafety commissioner more power – into an eight-week inquiry.It’s not complex, and I think Angus Taylor should explain why he is honestly giving big tech eight more weeks to prepare their case, eight more weeks to get their ducks in a row, potentially eight weeks

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Bajaj Auto total sales increase 28% in June

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-07-02T04:40:12+00:00

Total domestic sales, including commercial vehicles, reached 209,837 units last month, an 11% increase from 188,460 units in June 2025

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Rupee gains 26 paise to 94.90 against US dollar in early trade

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-07-02T04:38:16+00:00

Forex traders said the rupee opened on a positive note as crude oil prices have fallen back to levels seen before the West Asia conflict.

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La justice équatorienne désigne un homme d’affaires « instigateur » de l’assassinat de Fernando Villavicencio, candidat à la présidentielle de 2023

Source: Le Monde - International · Published: 2026-07-02T04:35:23+00:00

Selon le parquet, Xavier Jordan a « financé et planifié » le meurtre de l’ancien journaliste qui enquêtait sur des affaires de corruption entachant le gouvernement de Rafael Correa. L’homme d’affaires était également mis en cause par ces investigations.

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La justice équatorienne désigne un homme d’affaires comme l’« instigateur » de l’assassinat de Fernando Villavicencio, candidat à la présidentielle de 2023

Source: Le Monde - International · Published: 2026-07-02T04:35:21+00:00

Selon le parquet, Xavier Jordan a « financé et planifié » le meurtre de l’ancien journaliste qui enquêtait sur des affaires de corruption entachant le gouvernement de Rafael Correa. Le businessman était également mis en cause par ces investigations.

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Assam floods: Nearly 50,000 hit, Centre offers full support in dealing with crisis

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-07-02T04:21:39+00:00

Visiting flood-affected areas in Dhemaji district, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Centre will extend all assistance for relief and rehabilitation of people affected by floods in Assam.

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Maxime Audinet, politiste : « Entre Vincent Bolloré et Xenia Fedorova, il y a une coopération avantageuse, des intérêts mutuels »

Source: Le Monde - International · Published: 2026-07-02T04:01:08+00:00

Dans un entretien au « Monde », le chercheur spécialiste de la Russie estime que l’ancienne patronne de RT France sert autant les intérêts du milliardaire breton qu’elle tire profit, pour la Russie, de l’exposition qu’il lui offre dans son empire médiatique.

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Liban : la justice française à nouveau saisie pour des bombardements israéliens présumés criminels

Source: Le Monde - International · Published: 2026-07-02T04:00:43+00:00

Un Franco-Libanais a porté plainte à Paris pour crimes de guerre et crimes contre l’humanité, après la mort de quatre membres de sa famille dans un bombardement à Tyr, en avril. C’est la deuxième plainte de ce type déposée en France concernant les opérations militaires israéliennes au Liban.

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Guerre en Ukraine : « Le conflit a commencé il y a quatre ans et quatre mois, 1 582 jours. Soit plus longtemps que la première guerre mondiale »

Source: Le Monde - International · Published: 2026-07-02T04:00:35+00:00

Olga et Sasha Kurovska sont deux sœurs ukrainiennes. L’une vit à Paris, l’autre à Kiev. Face à ce conflit qui dure, Sasha trouve une raison d’espérer dans la capacité de l’identité ukrainienne à résister malgré l’adversité. Un courage que souligne aussi Olga, à travers l’exemple de son amie Kateryna, secouriste bénévole sur le front.

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