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The UK government has announced an indefinite ban on prescribing puberty blockers to minors for gender dysphoria, citing safety concerns. This decision follows a review by the Commission on Human Medicines, which deemed the current prescribing practices an unacceptable risk. A clinical trial is set to begin next year to evaluate the long-term effects of these treatments.
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Recent developments highlight the potential economic fallout from President Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese goods, which could reach up to 60%. Analysts warn of significant impacts on both the US and Chinese economies, with businesses preparing for a new wave of trade tensions. The situation remains fluid as companies assess their strategies.
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Ireland's national football team heads into a crucial Nations League match against England after a 1-0 victory over Finland. Evan Ferguson's goal and Caoimhin Kelleher's penalty save have boosted team morale, despite ongoing criticism of Irish football. The match at Wembley on Sunday is highly anticipated.
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Recent studies reveal alarming insights into microplastics, highlighting their pervasive presence from ocean depths to urban environments. Research indicates that synthetic textiles and tyre wear are significant contributors, raising concerns about their health impacts, including potential cancer risks and fertility issues. Investigations into mysterious substances in Canadian waters further complicate the pollution narrative.
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Ireland's national football team achieved a crucial 1-0 victory against Finland, thanks to a late first-half header from 20-year-old striker Evan Ferguson. The win marks a step forward under head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson, despite ongoing challenges in their competitive performance.
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In response to escalating security threats, Sweden, Finland, and Norway have updated their crisis preparedness guides. These changes reflect concerns over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other geopolitical tensions, urging citizens to stockpile supplies and prepare for potential military conflict. The guides emphasize individual responsibility in national defense.
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Two undersea internet cables connecting Finland to Germany and Lithuania to Sweden were severed, raising suspicions of sabotage. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that the incidents are likely hybrid actions linked to Russia's ongoing threats in the region. Investigations are underway to determine the cause.
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Apple has officially declared the second-generation Apple Watch Series 2 obsolete and has sold out its Lightning to 3.5mm headphone adapter. This marks a significant shift as the company phases out older products in favor of USB-C technology, impacting users of legacy devices.
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Two undersea cables linking Finland to Germany and Sweden to Lithuania were severed in mid-November, raising suspicions of sabotage involving the Chinese vessel Yi Peng 3. Investigations by Swedish, Finnish, and German authorities are ongoing amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Baltic Sea region.
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Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra activist arrested in Finland, has been denied bail due to the nature of his charges, which include terrorism financing and incitement to violence. He is set to face trial in May 2025, following accusations of contributing to violence in southeastern Nigeria.
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Recent investments in nuclear fusion technology are rising, driven by demand for carbon-free energy solutions from tech giants like Microsoft and Google. Startups like Tokamak Energy are leading the charge, aiming for commercial viability by the 2030s while addressing safety and waste concerns.
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The fifth UN meeting on a global plastics treaty in Busan, South Korea, ended without agreement on key issues like production caps and chemical regulations. Delegates will reconvene next year amid ongoing divisions, particularly influenced by oil-producing nations resisting limits on plastic production.
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Elon Musk has criticized the F-35 fighter jet, calling it obsolete in the age of drones. His comments come as he prepares to influence defense spending through Trump's new Department of Government Efficiency, raising questions about the future of manned aircraft in military operations.
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In response to rising tensions from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Finland and Sweden are enhancing crisis preparedness. Finland's government has launched a website for emergency readiness, while Sweden distributes pamphlets urging citizens to prepare for potential war. These actions reflect a shift in security policy among Nordic nations now aligned with NATO.