At seven, algebra was an abstract concept to me and exams were certainly not my strong suit. But for seven-year-old Theodore Kwan, that's all the years he needs to ace an O-level equivalent maths exam, Lianhe Zaobao reported on Thursday (Jan 15). Kwan, who will turn eight in June, took the IGCSE Pure Mathematics examination at the Extended level in October last year — his results were released along with other O-level candidates on Thursday. The IGCSE Pure Mathematics examination is divided into two levels, Core and Extended, with the latter being the more advanced test.At seven, he is the youngest in Singapore to receive an A* grade for the exam, with the previous record holder being eight years and 11 months old, according to the Singapore Book of Records. Speaking with the Chinese publication, Kwan's mother, Dr Crystal Tang, shared that the result came as a pleasant surprise to both her and her husband. 

On 16 July 2025, the European Commission put forward a proposal for a regulation establishing the European fund for economic, social and territorial cohesion, agriculture and rural, fisheries and maritime, prosperity and security for the period 2028-2034 ('the fund') as part of the extensive package on the next EU long-term budget – the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework. The Commission argues that the proposal would bring about more flexibility, simplicity and better value for money, while strategically addressing today's priorities. This would be achieved through national and regional partnership plans: for each Member State, one single plan would regroup initiatives currently managed under separate budgetary instruments covering different policy areas such as the common agricultural policy, cohesion, social and migration. In May 2025, the European Parliament had strongly opposed the use of the 'one national plan per Member State' approach inspired by the Recovery and Resilience Facility for all shared management spending. Parliament's MFF co-rapporteurs call on Members to keep opposing that approach in their draft interim report. In addition, the proposal includes funding for an EU facility, an Interreg plan aimed at enhancing European territorial cooperation, and technical assistance. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

How value added tax (VAT) rates are levied on various goods and services has wide-ranging implications, including for the fiscal revenues of national and EU budgets and the prices consumers have to pay. This briefing examines how EU legislation shapes Member States' ability to set VAT rates. EU law establishes the framework within which Member States may apply different VAT rates, including the types of goods and services that can benefit from preferential rates. Such differentiation is used to pursue policy objectives – for example, supporting low-income households or incentivising the consumption of certain 'merit' goods. However, these policy choices can also create legal and administrative complexity and lead to sizeable revenue losses. Moreover, studies have questioned the extent to which lower VAT rates are effectively passed on to consumers by businesses, raising doubts about their efficiency as policy instruments. The European Parliament has expressed concerns about the legal uncertainty and the complexity arising from the proliferation of different VAT rates, and has called for regular reviews to assess which of the preferential VAT rates remain necessary and effective. At a time when many EU Member States face high budget deficits and competing spending priorities, a smart approach to VAT rate-setting is essential. Ensuring that VAT rate policy effectively balances social objectives, market efficiency and revenue collection is key to maintaining both fiscal sustainability and fairness within the EU. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The 13 overseas countries and territories (OCTs) of the European Union (EU) are islands associated with the EU and constitutionally linked to Denmark (Greenland), France (6 OCTs), and the Netherlands (6 OCTs), on which they depend to varying degrees as non-sovereign countries or territories. OCTs have been associated with the EU since the entry into force in 1958 of the Treaty of Rome. This association is enshrined in Articles 198 to 204 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the EU (TFEU). Its key aim is to promote the economic and social development of the OCTs and to establish close economic relations between them and the EU. According to the TFEU, this association serves primarily to further the interests and prosperity of the inhabitants of OCTs to lead them to the economic, social, and cultural development to which they aspire. On 3 September 2025, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a Council decision on the association of the OCTs with the EU, including relations between the EU and Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark. This proposal to amend the current Council Decision (EU) 2021/1764 is made in the context of the 2028-2034 multiannual financial framework (MFF). It introduces several amendments and ensures the continuation of EU funding for the OCTs. Source : © European Union, 2026 - EP

The BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a decisive victory in the Maharashtra civic elections 2026, including the BMC polls, across 27 civic bodies. Key takeaways highlight the BJP's dominance under Devendra Fadnavis, the erosion of the Thackeray legacy, and the fizzling out of Ajit Pawar's political maneuvers. The Congress showed a minor resurgence, while AIMIM made notable inroads in urban pockets.

Doctors at the Cornwall Regional Hospital (CRH) have joined nurses in protest action at the Accident and Emergency (A...

Kemi Badenoch dismissed the prospect of any more of her shadow cabinet switching sides as she mocked Nigel Farage for 'doing my Spring cleaning'.

Michal Berkner is said to be a powerful driver of his political career, with former Conservative colleagues describing her as a 'force of nature'.

The BJP-led Mahayuti has achieved a significant victory in Maharashtra's municipal elections. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis credited the win to the party's development agenda. The alliance secured a majority in numerous municipal corporations, including the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation. This outcome reflects public trust in Prime Minister Modi's leadership and the alliance's focus on governance and infrastructure projects.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated BJP workers and thanked Maharashtra's people for the NDA and Mahayuti's sweeping victory in municipal corporation elections. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis attributed the success to a development-focused agenda, highlighting the alliance's strong performance, particularly in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Maharashtra's civic elections saw a significant political shift as the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance secured a dominant victory, particularly in Mumbai's BMC. Devendra Fadnavis and the BJP celebrated substantial gains, ending Shiv Sena's long-held control. Uddhav Thackeray's Sena and the Congress faced major setbacks, while Raj Thackeray's MNS and Sharad Pawar's NCP also saw diminished influence.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is said to have delivered the stark message to colleagues at an 'emotional' meeting this week.

Karen Stephensen Halldórsdóttir, a small-boat fisher, suggests that draft regulations on coastal fishing, published in the government consultation portal, are sexist.

The Venezuelan opposition leader said she handed her 2025 award to the president, an extraordinary move to regain his favor as he warms to the remnants of the Maduro regime.

President Trump said it was “wonderful gesture of mutual respect.” The Nobel Committee said the medal can change hands, but “the title of a Nobel Peace Prize laureate cannot.”

Republicans are still clear favorites to retain control of the chamber in the midterms. But Democrats say they are more hopeful about the odds of a big upset. 

One thousand RCMP employees, past and present, allege as part of a class-action lawsuit headed to Federal Court this month, that they were subjected to «improper and invasive» breast, genital and rectal exams during mandatory medical screening, CBC News has learned.

Residents of a picturesque Cornish village were left fuming after Ross Cheal built four holiday pods in his back yard, that he has since been rented out to tourists.

The growth in December comes amid sharp US tariffs and warming ties between India and China Read Full Article at RT.com

Hamas will have to honor its commitments “the easy way, or the hard way,” US President Donald Trump has warned Read Full Article at RT.com

Donald Trump’s ambassador nominee Billy Long has apologized for joking that Iceland could become the 52nd US state Read Full Article at RT.com

Ukrainian MP Yulia Timoshenko declared the government in Kiev a “fascist regime” after being charged with vote-buying Read Full Article at RT.com

(AP) — Torrential rains and flooding have killed more than 100 people in South Africa, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Authorities warned Friday that more severe weather was expected across several countries in southern Africa. South Africa has reported...

Dramatic footage taken on Mount Elbrus, in southern Russia, shows a torrent of snow tearing down the mountainside on Thursday.

There was an unmistakable frisson at the Carlton Club, the inner sanctum of the Conservative Party, last week.

The nurses sued an NHS trust claiming sexual discrimination and sexual harassment because transgender nurse Rose Henderson was able to share female changing rooms.

US startup Galactic Resources Utilization Space is planning to build a resort on the Moon, ready to receive guests in six years - and hopes it will lead to human colonisation of the lunar surface.

Foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas made the remark during a private meeting with leaders of the European Parliament on Wednesday, according to Politico.