Independent News & People Network Desk of News

Wednesday briefing: From missing billions to nonexistent datacentres, inside Britain’s AI drive

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:51:13+00:00

In today’s newsletter: Enormous investments in artificial intelligence promised to transform Labour’s growth problems. The reality is much murkierGood morning. For the last few years artificial intelligence has been heralded as the technology that will transform economies. Governments have promised billions in investment, datacentres and supercomputers, and a wave of new jobs as AI is “mainlined” into the economy. But what happens when the numbers behind those promises are examined more closely?That question sits at the centre of a series of recent investigations by the Guardian. The findings

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Skye Air Mobility raises $9 million in Series B to expand drone delivery network

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-03-11T06:50:15+00:00

With the new investment, the company intends to expand its drone delivery operations beyond Delhi-NCR into major cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad and Kolkata as demand for drone logistics continues to grow rapidly in India.

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IndiGo shares flat after 3% rise despite CEO exit

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-03-11T06:49:14+00:00

Despite the leadership change, market sentiment remained resilient, suggesting investor confidence in the airline’s operational stability and long-term growth prospects

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Palm oil export demand cools as West Asia conflict lifts freight, insurance costs

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-03-11T06:42:44+00:00

ndonesia is the ​world's largest exporter of palm oil, used in ⁠foods, cosmetics and cleaning products. The oil accounts for more than half of global vegetable oil shipments and is widely consumed in ‌emerging markets such as India

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Supreme Court allows passive euthanasia for man in coma for 12 years

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-03-11T06:42:24+00:00

The decision follows the Supreme Court’s 2018 Common Cause judgment, which recognised passive euthanasia and the right to die with dignity as part of the fundamental right to life under Article 21.

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ONGC shares slips on board reshuffle as crude oil headwinds & global tensions

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-03-11T06:40:39+00:00

A fresh Axis Securities research note flagged that rising crude oil prices — driven partly by geopolitical tensions stemming from the Russia-Ukraine conflict and wider West Asian instability — create a complex trade-off for ONGC

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Middle East crisis live: Regime issues threat against protesters; Iran launches wave of strikes on Gulf as Israel pounds Lebanon

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:34:45+00:00

How have you been affected by the latest Middle East events?Over in Senate question time, the foreign affairs minister, Penny Wong, has confirmed embassies in Abu Dhabi and Tel Aviv and the consulate in Dubai all physically closed in the last week. Wong said the government’s number one priority is to “keep Australians safe at home and abroad”. She continued: “The dangerous and destabilising attacks by Iran put civilian lives at risk, including Australian lives.” More than 3,200 Australians over 23 commercial flights have returned to Australia since the US and Israel attacked Iran, setting

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ACCC calls emergency meeting with fuel suppliers – as it happened

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:34:07+00:00

This blog is now closedMember of Iranian football squad changes mind on asylum claim in Australia, minister confirmsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast‘There are developments this morning’: Chalmers on Iranian football teamWe’re getting a slightly bigger forward sizzle from the treasurer on how many people from the Iranian women’s football team have sought asylum in Australia.There are developments this morning that I’m reluctant to go into because Tony Burke, the minister, will be up later this morning to give people a proper sense of that … It is a tribute to their br

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Яке молоко краще брати - пастеризоване чи ультрапастеризоване: пояснення експертки

Source: UNIAN (General) · Published: 2026-03-11T06:20:00+00:00

Вона розповіла, чим відрізняються методи обробки молока, чи втрачаються вітаміни при нагріванні та чи правда, що в магазинах продають "порошковий" продукт.

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Яке молоко краще брати - пастеризоване чи ультрапастеризоване: пояснення експертки

Source: UNIAN (General) · Published: 2026-03-11T06:20:00+00:00

Анастасія Пухляк розповіла, чим відрізняються методи обробки молока, чи втрачаються вітаміни при нагріванні та чи правда, що в магазинах продають "порошковий" продукт.

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IndiGo shares rise after CEO quits; analysts see smooth transition

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-03-11T06:18:43+00:00

IndiGo, which commands about 65% market share in India - the world’s ⁠fastest-growing aviation market, had to cancel 4,500 flights in December after failing to plan ‌adequately for pilot rest and duty rules, stranding tens of thousands of passengers

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Copper futures: Retain the short trade

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-03-11T06:15:43+00:00

The contract can see a decline to ₹1,150

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Australia news live: ACCC calls emergency meeting with fuel suppliers; embassies and consulate in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Tel Aviv closed

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:10:20+00:00

Follow updates liveMember of Iranian football squad changes mind on asylum claim in Australia, minister confirmsGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast‘There are developments this morning’: Chalmers on Iranian football teamWe’re getting a slightly bigger forward sizzle from the treasurer on how many people from the Iranian women’s football team have sought asylum in Australia.There are developments this morning that I’m reluctant to go into because Tony Burke, the minister, will be up later this morning to give people a proper sense of that … It is a tribute to their braver

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Cargo ship hit by projectile in Strait of Hormuz

Source: The Hindu Business Line – Markets · Published: 2026-03-11T06:07:40+00:00

Fire breaks out onboard as crew evacuates and requests assistance, UK maritime authorities say

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Prison sentences for pair who attacked gay men hailed as sign of hope for Kenya’s LGBTQ+ community

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:00:12+00:00

The perpetrators were jailed for 15 years for robbery with violence in the east African country, where homophobic attacks are increasingThe sentencing of two people who attacked and robbed two gay men in Kenya has been hailed by LGBTQ+ rights advocates as a breakthrough and a sign of hope for the country’s queer community. “Abel Meli & Another” were sentenced to 15 years in prison for robbery with violence on 3 March at Milimani law courts in Nairobi.The ruling is a rare example of justice being served for the queer community in Kenya. Njeri Gateru, the executive director of the National G

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Why Iran’s vital Kharg Island oil hub is still untouched by US-Israel bombers

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:00:12+00:00

While some argue for destroying the terminal though which 90% of Iran’s oil exports flow, others caution of a global market ‘tailspin’Kharg Island – through which 90% of Iran’s oil exports flow – is arguably the country’s most sensitive economic target but the export terminal has so far remained untouched throughout the US-Israel bombing campaign.Experts say bombing or capturing the site with US forces would be likely to cause a sustained increase to already surging oil prices, as it would amount to taking the entirety of Iran’s daily crude exports offline. Continue reading...

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Reaching net zero by 2050 ‘cheaper for UK than one fossil fuel crisis’

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:00:11+00:00

Climate change committee finds move to renewable energy would also bring health, economic and security benefitsAchieving the UK’s net zero target by 2050 will cost less than a single oil shock and bring health and economic benefits while insulating the country against future costs, the government’s climate advisers have forecast.Eliminating the UK’s reliance on fossil fuels by adopting renewable energy and green technologies, such as electric vehicles and heat pumps, would be the best and most cost-effective option for the future economy, the Climate Change Committee (CCC) found. Continue read

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‘We can’t go back’: mother of six-year-old cancer survivor fears UK visa changes

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:00:11+00:00

Woman, from Togo, faces uncertain wait for indefinite leave to remain because of changes coming into force next monthThe mother of a six-year-old cancer survivor has spoken of her “overwhelming” fear her daughter will be denied crucial treatment because of the government’s immigration crackdown.The girl, from London, underwent two rounds of life-saving chemotherapy after being diagnosed at two with neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that mostly affects children. Continue reading...

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Time Out names Melbourne the best city in the world – but is it more ‘vibes’ than hard data?

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:00:10+00:00

About 24,000 people surveyed about food, nightlife, affordability, culture and happinessAn annual global ranking has named Melbourne the best city in the world for the first time. But it may be more to do with “vibes” than thorough analysis.Time Out’s 50 Best Cities list for 2026, released on Wednesday, crowned an Australian city as No 1 for the first time in its 10-year history, showering Melbourne with acclaim for its food, culture and arts scenes. Continue reading...

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Ultrasound repellers could keep hedgehogs off roads, scientists hope

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:00:10+00:00

Study shows animals hear very high frequencies, making it possible to design a deterrent to cut deathsHedgehogs have been discovered to hear high-frequency ultrasound, raising hopes that they could be deterred from dangerous roads with ultrasound repellers.Vehicles are estimated to kill up to one in three hedgehogs, a big factor in the much-loved mammal’s drastic decline across Europe over recent decades. Continue reading...

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Iran’s regional proxies hold back from all-out war with US and Israel

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T06:00:09+00:00

Observers wait to see if Yemen-based Houthis will reopen hostilities as US warships approach Red Sea chokepointIranian-backed militias around the Middle East are continuing attacks against Israel, the US and their allies in retaliation for the US-Israeli offensive against Tehran, but have so far held back from all-out confrontation, analysts and regional officials say.The relative restraint suggests that Tehran sees such forces as a strategic reserve to be deployed if the 12-day war continues to intensify – though it may also be a sign that Iranian command and control systems are breaking down

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Sale of rat poisons could be restricted to protect Australian wildlife

Source: The Guardian - World · Published: 2026-03-11T05:55:02+00:00

Regulator recommends rodenticides be removed from Bunnings and supermarkets shelves and sold only to licensed professionalsFollow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastWidely available rat poisons could be removed from shelves at Australian supermarkets and other retailers after a federal regulator recommended they be declared a restricted product.It is a win for conservationists and scientists who for years have called for rodenticides to be banned or highly restricted due to their impact on wildlife. Native animals including

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