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The UK is close to finalising an agreement to rejoin the EU's Erasmus student mobility scheme by January 2026, aiming for participation from 2027. The move signals a shift towards closer EU relations after Brexit setbacks, amid ongoing negotiations on defense and trade agreements.
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Travelers are warned about unlicensed parking operators at airports, following reports of damaged, stolen vehicles and unpaid fines. Incidents include meet-and-greet services failing to return cars or being involved in theft, with authorities working to address these illegal practices amid rising complaints.
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The UK stock market closed at a record high, outperforming US markets amid strong earnings from companies like Howden Joinery and LSEG. Meanwhile, US tech stocks declined, with Nvidia's results failing to sustain investor enthusiasm. The FTSE 100 rose 0.4%, driven by industrials and financials, while Wall Street saw mixed results.
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Rolls-Royce reported a 40% increase in 2025 profits to £3.5bn, driven by military aircraft orders and data centre power demand. The company expects profits to reach up to £5.2bn by 2028, with significant share buybacks and growth plans.
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As of mid-January 2026, the FTSE 100 has surpassed 10,000 for the first time, capping a 21.5% gain in 2025 driven by mining, defence, and financial sectors. This milestone coincides with heightened geopolitical tensions following the US capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, which has spurred investor interest in Venezuelan debt and defence stocks, while oil prices face downward pressure.