Primary forests are large, self-regulating ecosystems of exceptional ecological importance. In Europe, they are rare, fragmented, and pressured by infrastructure, and intensive forestry. Their strict protection is urgent for biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and other ecosystem services. Novel Primary Forests (NPFs) are large, self-regulating forests with minimal human intervention under development that offer a strategic way to restore ecological integrity and enhance climate and socio-economic benefits. This study evaluates the feasibility, ecological foundations, and socio-economic conditions for establishing NPFs in western Europe, where only small relics of original primary forests remain. Building on earlier studies, it focuses on areas supporting a contiguous core zone of more than 10 000 hectares unmanaged reserve, forming – together with a buffer zone of low-intensity managed forest – a protected area of more than 70 000 hectares, and embedded in a large socio-economic transition zone. Key criteria were selected and applied to promising regions and National Parks. The study combines literature review, policy analysis, and field assessments to create an evidence-based framework for strategic planning. Examples from Bayerischer Wald-Šumava, Canigou-Canigó, Gerês-Xurés and Hohes Venn-Eifel show feasibility across contexts. Finally, seven policy options are proposed, focusing on innovation, finance, and legal permanence for NPFs. Together, they translate the biodiversity-climate goals of the European Green Deal into an operational framework enabling NPFs to deliver long term benefits for nature conservation, climate mitigation, and adaptation across the EU. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

A software engineer's viral social media post criticizing large gated communities sparked a debate on resident welfare associations (RWAs) and housing society rules. He argued that elderly RWA members often become overbearing, imposing unreasonable rules on younger residents. His experience with a security lapse and subsequent reprimand highlighted concerns about RWA control and resident welfare.

An IndiGo flight from Bengaluru to Chennai experienced a smoke scare while taxiing, prompting an emergency evacuation of passengers via slides. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is investigating the incident, which marks the second such evacuation for IndiGo this month. All passengers and crew were reported safe.

Wiping away tears, James Heron told Winchester Coroners' Court that when he woke up at around 7.30am, Phineas was 'on the side where my wife would sleep, face down, not breathing'.

[Capital FM] Nairobi -- The Consumers Federation of Kenya (COFEK) has warned that several proposals in the Finance Bill 2026 could significantly raise the cost of living, weaken consumer protections and expose Kenya to regional trade disputes, as Parliament continues scrutiny of the tax measures ahead of the Third Reading.

[The Conversation Africa] Bullying is a widespread global problem, with extensive research across countries showing that no school is immune. In South Africa, the scale is particularly concerning, with studies indicating that between a fifth and over half of learners have experienced or witnessed school violence.

[RFI] Senegal's National Assembly has elected ousted prime minister Ousmane Sonko as its speaker, handing the firebrand politician a powerful new platform just days after President Bassirou Diomaye Faye dismissed him from government.

Michael Thompson, 55, from Northampton, snooped on, recorded and tracked wife Kimberley, who had taken a new boyfriend and was 'moving on' with her life.

Patches of countryside in West Sussex, Kent and Lincolnshire were the latest areas to be targeted by unscrupulous developers over the three-day break - much to the dismay of locals.

The hottest Bank Holiday on record yesterday saw chaos unfold in Hackney where someone was allegedly shot at an unofficial 'day party', while panic unfolded in Brighton after an apparent stabbing.

Figures quietly published by HMRC suggest the Chancellor will clobber drivers with a 3p a litre fuel duty hike in one go on 1 January.

The Kremlin sent the chilling message through one of Trump's most senior officials, and the clock is already ticking.

For decades, airports across Canada conducted firefighter training exercises that included the use of foams containing PFAS, often dubbed «forever chemicals.» The impact of that contamination has people living near the Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., airport fearing for future generations.

When Dina Van Dommelen-Samson and Nico Peltenburg met for the first time earlier this month, it felt like a family reunion instead of two strangers getting acquainted. Peltenburg was in Nova Scotia to visit, but he also hoped to meet the family of the man who hid his father during the German occupation of the Netherlands during the Second World War.

Bethan Littlewood, 29, raced back to Britain through the night after being told she was required to attend a meeting with managers at Nuffield Health.

After spending the entire winter longing for the summer's warmth, Britons usually end up complaining that it's too hot - particularly when they're trying to sleep. 

The former deputy prime minister, 46, was seen soaking up the sun on Bank Holiday Monday with her topless ex-MP boyfriend Sam Tarry, 43.

Emergency services scrambled to Rother Valley Park in Rotherham, Yorkshire, shortly before 7pm on Monday as temperatures soared beyond 30C.

Drug trafficking poses a growing threat to citizens' wellbeing, and to EU security and the economy. As one of the primary revenue streams for organised crime, it fuels violence, corruption and instability – with over half of the EU's most dangerous criminal networks deeply involved. The EU's affluent consumer base sustains demand, while its internal market, extensive transport networks and open borders make it an attractive destination for illicit drugs. Over the past decade, the scale and sophistication of drug trafficking operations have grown exponentially, with criminal networks exploiting global supply chains, digital platforms and socioeconomic weaknesses to expand their operations. The impact is considerable. Beyond generating massive criminal profits, drug trafficking harms public health, undermines communities and undermines the legal economy, e.g. through money-laundering or corruption. Moreover, the drugs trade incites violence and other criminal activity, causes environmental damage, erodes democratic institutions and strengthens corruption, threatening the rule of law. In response, the EU has adopted a multi-faceted strategy, combining law enforcement, judicial cooperation, prevention and global partnerships. The European Parliament has been instrumental in shaping legislation, securing funding and pushing for accountability. Recent policies – such as the EU drugs strategy and EU action plan against drug trafficking – reflect a proactive and adaptive approach, while EU Justice and Home Affairs agencies play a critical role in intelligence-sharing and cross-border operations. Drug markets are rapidly changing and are increasingly sophisticated, driven by globalisation, digitalisation, and increased violence. The EU is fighting back with a strategy and actions focused on law enforcement, international cooperation, and prevention. But the challenge is growing: globalised, digital, and more violent – and the EU is aware of the need to adopt a proactive and adaptive approach. Success in the fight against drug trafficking depends on sustained cooperation between EU institutions, law enforcement and other national authorities, civil society, businesses, and international partners to cut supply, reduce demand, and protect European citizens. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Primary forests are large, self-regulating ecosystems of exceptional ecological importance. In Europe, they are rare, fragmented, and pressured by infrastructure, and intensive forestry. Their strict protection is urgent for biodiversity conservation, climate mitigation, and other ecosystem services. Novel Primary Forests (NPFs) are large, self-regulating forests with minimal human intervention under development that offer a strategic way to restore ecological integrity and enhance climate and socio-economic benefits. This study evaluates the feasibility, ecological foundations, and socio-economic conditions for establishing NPFs in western Europe, where only small relics of original primary forests remain. Building on earlier studies, it focuses on areas supporting a contiguous core zone of more than 10 000 hectares unmanaged reserve, forming – together with a buffer zone of low-intensity managed forest – a protected area of more than 70 000 hectares, and embedded in a large socio-economic transition zone. Key criteria were selected and applied to promising regions and National Parks. The study combines literature review, policy analysis, and field assessments to create an evidence-based framework for strategic planning. Examples from Bayerischer Wald-Šumava, Canigou-Canigó, Gerês-Xurés and Hohes Venn-Eifel show feasibility across contexts. Finally, seven policy options are proposed, focusing on innovation, finance, and legal permanence for NPFs. Together, they translate the biodiversity-climate goals of the European Green Deal into an operational framework enabling NPFs to deliver long term benefits for nature conservation, climate mitigation, and adaptation across the EU. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Yury Ushakov said the construction of Kazakhstan's first nuclear power plant will be carried out with the participation of Rosatom, using the most modern Russian technology

According to Sergey Bogdan, an important feature of the Su-57D is its similarity to the single-seat version

Yury Ushakov said that he would not express any concerns about the matter

Alexander Volfovich noted that the deployment of Russian tactical nuclear weapons and Oreshnik missile systems in Belarus had contributed to strengthening strategic deterrence measures within the Union State

Yury Ushakov specified that the negotiations will be held in two formats

NIA probe into the Red Fort blast reveals the prime accused, Dr. Umer Un Nabi, used a fake identity on IndiaMART to procure chemicals and set up a makeshift lab in Faridabad. He experimented with explosive materials, including a specialized anode, learning techniques from radical literature to produce dangerous substances.