Newsletter Nov 29, 2022

Britain U-turns over energy-saving publicity drive

The government is already partially subsidising rocketing electricity and gas bills after prices soared following the invasion of Ukraine by key fossil fuel producer Russia.

Irish privacy regulator fines Facebook 265 million euros

Ireland's data privacy regulator imposed a 265 million euro ($277 million) fine on social media giant Facebook on Monday, bringing the total it has fined parent group Meta to almost 1 billion euros.

A tale of two stock markets: How London still trumps Paris for investors

Paris' luxury-laden stock exchange is now worth more than London's. But although size matters, there are other indicators highlighting the UK capital's popularity with investors.

UK start-up behind algae-based packaging bids for Earthshot glory

A British start-up founded by two ex-students from France and Spain, crafting biodegradable packaging from marine plants, is aiming to seal royal approval this week when Prince William unveils his latest Earthshot prizes.

Oil prices erase 2022 gains as China's protests spark demand worries

Oil prices fell close to their lowest this year on Monday as street protests against strict COVID-19 curbs in China, the world's biggest crude importer, stoked concern over the outlook for fuel demand.

Crypto lender BlockFi files for bankruptcy, cites FTX exposure

Cryptocurrency lender BlockFi has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, it said on Monday, the latest crypto casualty after the firm was hurt by exposure to the spectacular collapse of the FTX exchange earlier this month.

The Yuan's the new dollar as Russia rides to the redback

Chinese entrepreneur Wang Min is delighted about Russia's embrace of the yuan.

Cyber Monday sales to touch up to $11.6 billion as shoppers go discount hunting

Spending on Cyber Monday, the biggest U.S. online shopping day, may hit a record $11.6 billion, according to a report, as discounts on everything from pajamas to AirPods drive shoppers to buy even under the strain of inflation.

COP27 climate summit missed chance for ambition on fossil fuels, critics say

Fossil fuel producers benefited from sympathetic treatment in Egypt at the COP27 climate talks, government officials said, bringing their influence to bear in rushed final negotiations and frustrating those who hoped for a more ambitious outcome.

Musk signals Twitter going to 'war' with Apple

The billionaire CEO also tweeted that Apple has "threatened to withhold Twitter from its App Store, but won't tell us why."

Ukraine warns of fresh Russian missile strikes

Ukraine said on Monday that Russia was preparing for a fresh wave of missile attacks on its energy grid that have plunged swathes of the country into the cold and dark.

Landslide kills at least seven on Italy's Ischia island

At least seven people, including a newborn baby and two children, were killed on the southern Italian holiday island of Ischia after a landslide caused by torrential rain devastated a small town, an official said on Sunday.

Europe's south offers a warm welcome to energy migrants

Software developer Victor Varlamov logs in every morning to work on a sunny Spanish island off the coast of Africa after the prospect of steep heating bills and a winter made harsher by the Ukraine war drove him to leave his adoptive home in Poland.

Austrian trains grind to halt as rail workers strike

Wage increases are usually set by collective bargaining between the Austrian Economic Chambers and unions representing different branches.

Australian government moves to censure former prime minister over secret ministries

Australia's Labor government said it will move a parliamentary censure motion against former Liberal prime minister Scott Morrison this week after an inquiry found his secret appointment to multiple ministries undermined trust in government.

Blank sheets of paper become symbol of defiance in China protests

Chinese protesters have turned to blank sheets of paper to express their anger over COVID-19 restrictions in a rare, widespread outpouring of public dissent that has gone beyond social media to some of China's streets and top universities.

Iran's World Cup team caught in dilemma over protests at home

Having to take on Iran's political nemesis, the United States, has only intensified the spotlight going into Tuesday's match.

'Neymar haters': Brazil political divide spills over to World Cup

Brazil's campaign for a record-extending sixth World Cup comes on the heels of its divisive elections last month.