The destruction wreaked by Spain's deadliest floods in a generation in one of the country's economic motors will leave a huge bill for the state and the insurance sector. Last week's catastrophe that has killed more than 210 people nationwide gutted buildings, swept away cars, inundated fields, and wrecked transport and power infrastructure in the wealthy eastern Valencia region. The European country now faces its «biggest disaster for a climate event», said Mirenchu del Valle Schaan, president of the Spanish insurers' federation UNESPA. It is too early to estimate the total costs but they will undoubtedly be «extremely high», Celedonio Villamayor, director of the CCS consortium responsible for paying out compensation after natural disasters, told public broadcaster TVE. The head of the Valencia Chamber of Commerce, Jose Vicente Morata, told the same channel the final bill would be well north of 10 billion euros. For comparison, the devastating July 2021 floods that claimed more than 200 lives in Germany, Belgium, France, Austria and the Netherlands cost almost $43 billion, according to reinsurer Swiss Re. The public finances of the Spanish state -- already straining to bring its deficit down in line with EU spending rules -- and the Valencia region will be stretched. The regional government has proposed an aid package of 250 million euros ($272 million), tax breaks and compensation for businesses. Clearing debris and reconstructing obliterated infrastructure will also be financed with the central government, which has estimated those works at 2.6 billion euros. - 'Incalculable consequences' - An estimated 4,500 businesses located on the ground floors of buildings submerged by mud and water were affected, according to the Valencia Chamber of Commerce. Dozens of shopping centres and industrial estates home to small and medium-sized businesses were damaged and transport companies lost their lorries. Among the smaller firms counting the cost was BassMotor, a cleaning equipment company in the Valencia region whose stock was devoured by the floods. After clearing the mud, the firm is anxiously waiting for the government's response, «which at the moment doesn't seem to be moving forward much», spokesman Diego Navarro Rodriguez told AFP. If immediate help does not arrive, «there will be redundancies and closures», warned Morata. The flooding of fields dealt a heavy blow to agriculture in the Valencia region, one of Spain's breadbaskets and a major citrus fruit exporter. Regional agricultural trade union La Unio estimates 50,000 hectares (123,500 acres) of crops were affected. Agroseguro, which manages Spanish agriculture insurance, believes the cost could rise to 150 million euros in the sector. Trade union Asaja described the losses as «catastrophic» with «incalculable consequences». Spanish insurers rely on a common fund managed by the CCS that shares the cost across the sector in the event of a natural disaster. The CCS therefore covers most of the compensation and insurers only directly pay out for peripheral damage in areas unaffected by the floods. The system is «perfectly prepared to deal with this type of situation», said UNESPA head del Valle Schaan. Some 46,000 claims were submitted in just five days, said Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo, who hopes for the first payouts this week. © Agence France-Presse

A new UK-wide law aimed at creating the first «smoke-free generation» will on Tuesday be introduced in parliament, as part of a world-leading ban. The proposals come after New Zealand revoked plans to introduce a so-called «generational smoking ban» that would have stopped sales of tobacco to anyone born after 2008. «This is a groundbreaking piece of public health legislation. It will mean that we are creating the first ever smoke-free generation in our country. So children growing up in our country today will never, never legally be able to buy cigarettes,» said Health Secretary Wes Streeting. The UK's Tobacco and Vapes Bill will prevent anyone born after January 1 2009 from legally smoking by gradually raising the age at which tobacco can be bought. The legislation is similar to a bill proposed by the last Conservative administration, which was shelved earlier this year when prime minister Rishi Sunak called a general election. Sunak's successor Keir Starmer's new Labour government, however, has revived the proposals, which are part of a drive to increase preventative health measures and ease long-term pressure on the UK's state-funded National Health Service (NHS). The bill will introduce restrictions on vape advertising and sponsorship, as well as restricting flavours, displays and the packaging of e-cigarettes to reduce their appeal to children and young people. Last month the government announced that disposable vapes will be banned next year under separate legislation. - Outdoor spaces - New Zealand last November announced it would bin its own proposed anti-smoking legislation. Under a law that had been due to come into force later that year anyone born after 2008 would have been prevented from buying tobacco. The back pedalling came after new premier Christopher Luxon took the helm as head of a new coalition government and said he would prioritise tackling inflation and lowering interest rates. The new UK bill also proposes extending existing smoking bans to outdoor spaces such as children's playgrounds and outside hospitals. But Streeting said there would be no ban on smoking in pub gardens in England. Pub and restaurant industry figures criticised the idea after it was leaked in August, arguing it could deter customers in a market already struggling with the long-term fallout from the pandemic and cost-of-living pressures. «The UK hospitality sector has taken a battering in recent years, and we don't want to add to their pressure so we're not proposing to go ahead with an outdoor hospitality ban at this time,» Streeting added. England, Wales and Northern Ireland outlawed smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces in 2007 following a similar ban in Scotland in 2006. The Action on Smoking and Health charity has said there was a 2.4-percent reduction in hospital admissions for heart attacks in England a year after the ban, saving the state-funded National Health Service (NHS) millions of pounds. © Agence France-Presse

Jharkhand's chief electoral officer is demanding an explanation from Ranchi Airport after Hemant Soren's helicopter was delayed for 90 minutes. The delay was attributed to security protocols for PM Modi, who was also in the state for campaigning. The JMM has complained to the President, alleging an uneven playing field for campaigning.

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath fiercely criticized the ruling JMM-led coalition in Jharkhand, alleging corruption and mafia involvement. He urged voters to elect the BJP for a crackdown on illegal activities and promised development similar to Uttar Pradesh. Adityanath also accused the Congress of obstructing temple construction and praised PM Modi's leadership.

Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district engaged in a fierce firefight with terrorists hiding in the forest area. Acting on credible intelligence, the forces launched a search operation, leading to a confrontation when terrorists opened fire. In a separate incident near Sopore, a suspected terrorist associate, Ashiq Hussain Wani, was apprehended with a pistol and ammunition.

A Delhi court extended AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan's judicial custody till November 16 in the Delhi Waqf Board money laundering case. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) claimed Khan might hamper the ongoing investigation if released. The ED filed a supplementary charge sheet against Khan on October 29, alleging money laundering. Khan's bail plea will be heard on November 7.

Both parties in the US have a consensus on their “Russophobic” policy, Russian Minister Sergey Lavrov has said Read Full Article at RT.com

Meta has announced that it will let the American government use its AI models for military purposes Read Full Article at RT.com

US celebrities are facing strong industry pressure to back Kamala Harris for president, Elon Musk has claimed Read Full Article at RT.com

Dmitry Peskov has ridiculed reports of an alleged plot by Moscow to cause fires on flights to North America Read Full Article at RT.com

The US election for Africa is not a choice between the two candidates, but a choice between dependency and self-determination Read Full Article at RT.com

Les ressortissants du canton sud, dans le département du Haut Ntem (Minvoul) étaient réunis le week-end dernier dans un restaurant de la commune de Libreville. L' objectif visé est la mise en place des stratégies qui vont leur permettre de bien passer le message qui consiste à voter le «Oui» le16 novembre prochain en faveur de la nouvelle Constitution. Les Gabonais iront bientôt aux urnes en toute citoyenneté et esprit démocratique. Il ne reste plus que quelques jours pour confronter (...) - POLITIQUE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

HEATHER DEWAR: What we all have to remember here, is that this isn't just about Hogg, or indeed, any other perpetrator of domestic abuse. It's about a much bigger picture.

Tens of millions of voters will stream to the polls after the two candidates made their closing pitches in a final frenzied whirlwind of campaigning.

Prince William wore a friendship bracelet bearing the word 'Papa' - the name his children call him - in Cape Town while carrying out engagements yesterday during his trip for the Earthshot Awards.

As voters decide who will take over the White House, there's a feeling the person who becomes U.S. president will bring in policies that could shift Canada's role in the automotive industry. There are «two completely different visions for the future of the industry» as pitched by the two candidates, says Patrick Anderson, who runs a consultant firm in Michigan that works with manufacturers on both sides of the border.

The launch of a new Avalon East Senior Hockey League season has been marred by an off-ice altercation between a player and fan in Harbour Grace, with the town council promising consequences.

The days of oil companies being compared to broken cash machines are likely over.

As Americans head to the polls for a presidential election Tuesday, their compatriots and Canadian neighbours north of the border will be watching the results with hope and anxiety.

SINGAPORE — Train services will not run between Tanah Merah and Tampines stations from Dec 7 to 10, to facilitate the connection of tracks from the existing East-West Line (EWL) to the new East Coast Integrated Depot. Affected passengers can take a shuttle bus service, Shuttle 7, for travel between Tampines, Simei and Tanah Merah stations, said the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and rail operator SMRT on Nov 5. The shuttle service will run at a frequency of three to five minutes, with 55 double-decker buses to be deployed for all four days. Fares for the shuttle will be the same as that for an MRT journey along the same stretch. Alternatively, passengers can switch from the EWL to the Downtown Line (DTL) at Tampines and Expo stations before continuing their journeys. The closure between Tanah Merah and Tampines will affect adjacent sections of the EWL. Shuttle trains will run every five minutes between Tampines and Pasir Ris stations, every eight minutes between Tanah Merah and Expo stations, and every 11 minutes between Expo and Changi Airport.

A Singaporean man was dismissed from his job after drugging allegations were made against him by a woman he had been interviewing for a role. The incident had first been brought to light by the alleged victim, a woman named Hana, who posted on social media platform X on Oct 29.  «On the evening of October 24th, I was drugged by a partner at DWF Labs at a bar in Hong Kong. I have reported this to the local police and have collected video evidence of him spiking my drink,» she wrote. DWF Labs is a crypto trading firm. Hana explained that the man had approached her with a job offer and she, being new to crypto and eager to learn, agreed to meet him. While they were at a bar together, she had stepped away to use the restroom and left her drink attended. When Hana returned and the man left to take a call, she was alerted by a waitress that he had spiked her drink, she wrote. Hana also claimed that the man repeatedly told her to drink faster and even suggested she follow him to his hotel room.

When it comes to getting our kicks, there may be nothing else Singaporeans love more than placing bets. Well, the Singapore public has spent a record $12.2 billion on lottery, sports betting and horse racing in the last financial year, according to the Singapore Pools annual report 2023/24 released on Tuesday (Nov 5). Data from the annual report shows that their revenue has increased by 7%, up from $11.4 billion in the previous financial year, reported Lianhe Zaobao.  According to the annual report, $11.87 billion was returned to Singapore and Singaporeans via $9.14 billion in prize payouts and $2.29 billion in gambling duties and taxes. This also includes some $437 million which was also channelled to the Tote Board, where the money was spent on supporting community-based projects. Singapore Pools is a fully-owned subsidiary of Tote Board, which reports to the Ministry of Finance. Out of the $12.2b, its operating expense was $332 million (3%), one of the lowest in the world for a gaming operator.

Allison Kuch, from Orange County in California, said she flew 'all the way over' to the UK to try the British delicacy for the first time.

The Dutchman's reign as United boss ended on Monday morning following crunch talks with Ineos chiefs in the wake of their controversial 2-1 defeat by West Ham.

Elon Musk’s pro-Trump super PAC can continue for now the $1 million giveaway to swing-state voters after a Philadelphia judge declined to issue an injunction.

Get live updates on Election Day 2024 including results, polls and the latest news on the presidential race between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

A trois jours des élections présidentielles américaines,je me permets de faire une petite analyse politique et sociologique du déclin progressif de la Démocratie américaine. Cette petite analyse n'est pas du tout une vérité papale car elle pourrait donner lieu à des débats contradictoires et à diverses appréciations.Ce qui est tout à fait normal sur le plan intellectuel et politique. I/ Le déclin d'un héritage démocratieque. Avec le déclin progressif de la Démocratie (...) - LIBRE PROPOS / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

L'Agence de Régulation du Secteur de l'Eau Potable et de l'Energie Electrique (ARSEE), sous le Haut patronage du président de la transition, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, a officiellement lancé les activités de la Semaine du Régulateur, ce lundi 04 novembre 2024, sous la houlette du Vice président de la transition, Joseph Owondault Berre, sous les regards de Murielle Minkoue, épouse Mintsa, ministre de la Reforme des institutions et du Directeur général de ARSEE, Emmanuel Berre. Les (...) - COOPERATION / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

Le projet de la Nouvelle Constitution à l'origine de la consultation référendaire à venir, aborde ''in extenso'' plusieurs dimensions (sociale, éducative, économique, culturelle, politique... ). À partir de ce postulat, nous voulons amener les populations à comprendre que les principes du projet Constitutionnel qui compte 173 articles sont résumés dans le Préambule. L'essentiel est là, le fondamental et le constitutionnel fusionnent pour nous donner une direction qui intègre ce qui (...) - POLITIQUE / SUJET_ECRIT_MAISON

The free flow of capital within the EU is one of the single market's four fundamental freedoms. However, despite the removal of legal barriers to capital flow, significant technical barriers persist and the EU's capital markets remain fragmented. Defragmentation of the capital markets – also referred to as capital markets union (CMU) or savings and investment union – is essential for the conduct of EU monetary policy, a level playing field among EU companies, and optimal allocation of capital within the EU. The coexistence of diverging rules across Member States creates opacity and uncertainty, deterring EU cross-border investors. This variation is due, among other factors, to differences in interpretation of EU law, inconsistency of decisions, and varying resources employed for supervision. The resulting variation in the application and enforcement of EU laws by the respective Member States' supervisory authorities is considered a major obstacle to completion of CMU. Harmonisation of supervision is one of the objectives of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). For the EU institutions, the establishment of an EU-level supervisory authority would be yet more efficient. Some suggest that, as with the single supervision mechanism for EU banking – whereby only 'significant banks' are subject to the EU banking supervisor – the powers of an EU single supervisory authority for capital markets could be limited to prominent players such as securities markets and asset managers. ESMA could fulfil this single supervisory function, subject to changes to its mission and governance. In its previous term, the European Parliament supported the shift of supervisory powers to ESMA. In a March 2024 statement, the Council invited the European Commission to examine the targeted strengthening of EU supervisory authorities' role and governance in order to enhance convergence. Source : © European Union, 2024 - EP