The European Commission launches infringement proceedings against Italy over its use of the golden power rule in blocking UniCredit’s attempted acquisition of Banco BPM.The Commission questions the regulation, which grants the Italian government broad authority to review, halt, or condition banking-sector transactions.Officials argue that the rule, though designed to protect national security, enables unjustified interference that restricts the freedom of establishment and the free movement of capital in the single market. Concerns Over EU Competences and Government Powers The Commission warns that Italy’s legislation overlaps with the European Central Bank’s exclusive supervisory powers under the Single Supervisory Mechanism.Italy now faces…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in Beijing, China, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She holds a degree in Communication and Journalism from Stanford University. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to leading outlets such as The New York Times, BBC, and CNN. Recognized for her insightful analysis and engaging reporting style, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on key national and international developments.
A widespread power outage struck parts of Paris and Hauts-de-Seine on Thursday morning.The blackout cut electricity to 55,000 homes and disrupted daily activity across the region.Traffic lights and streetlights went dark, creating hazards for drivers and pedestrians.Several metro and suburban train lines stopped running because the outage disabled key systems.Enedis said the main blackout lasted about five minutes, though thousands of homes stayed affected. Operators Identify the Cause Enedis reported that a technical incident at the RTE substation in Issy-les-Moulineaux triggered the outage.RTE oversees France’s high-voltage transmission network and manages major electricity flows nationwide.The incident interrupted supply across multiple districts…
Various anti-capitalist, climate, women’s rights and anti-migrant groups plan demonstrations that highlight South Africa’s poverty and inequality.Police and army units staged a Wednesday parade with helicopters, K-9 teams and motorcycle officers to display readiness for weekend G20 protests in Johannesburg.Security leaders deployed 3,500 additional officers and placed army units on standby under the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure.Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili informed reporters that authorities anticipate protests in Johannesburg and other major cities.She affirmed that authorities will respect the right to protest within lawful guidelines.Police assigned designated protest zones near the summit venue next to the nation’s largest soccer…
Czechia aims to produce up to 60 per cent of its electricity from nuclear power by 2050. The eight massive cooling towers at the Dukovany plant rise over an active construction zone where crews prepare for two new reactors. Mobile drilling teams extract samples 140 metres below ground to confirm the site’s suitability for the $19-billion expansion. The project will at least double national nuclear output and anchor Czechia among Europe’s most nuclear-reliant states. South Korea’s KHNP won the bid over France’s EDF to build the new facility. The plant will host two reactors generating more than 1,000 megawatts each.…
At COP30, China held a high-level side event called “China Corner” to showcase its progress on carbon peak and carbon neutrality. Officials highlighted the country’s roadmap for achieving long-term climate goals and accelerating energy transition. The event focused on China’s “Carbon Peak, Carbon Neutrality” (双碳) initiatives, including reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and improvements in clean energy infrastructure. Officials emphasized measurable progress across multiple sectors. China is building a “new-type energy system” designed to support sustainable growth while reducing carbon emissions. The system includes renewable energy integration, smart grids, and energy efficiency improvements to balance supply and demand effectively. Delegates…
Thousands of young people marched through Mexico City on Saturday in a nationwide demonstration against violence and corruption. Protesters filled major avenues and reached the Zócalo, where riots erupted and injured 20 civilians and more than 100 police officers, with around 20 arrests reported. Generation Z activists organized simultaneous marches in 52 Mexican cities and in countries such as the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, and Germany. They framed the protest as a civic awakening driven by frustration and fear. What began as a peaceful gathering at the Angel of Independence shifted into violent clashes in the nation’s most symbolic…
Activists described climate impacts in their home countries and urged the UN to include youth in negotiations. Thousands of protesters returned to the gates of the COP30 climate conference in Belem, Brazil, forming a peaceful blockade outside the venue. Brazilian youth groups, indigenous communities, and international activists marched together to push for stronger commitments during the critical UN meeting. Fridays for Future speakers demanded that negotiators give young people a meaningful role. Rachelle Junsay from Climate Action Philippines said young people feel deep frustration because they will inherit the planet. She said leaders discuss vulnerable communities from comfortable rooms while…
Russia unleashed a massive combined assault on Kyiv early Friday, killing four and injuring 27. The attack ignited fires and tore through apartment blocks across multiple districts, Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed. Rescue workers struggled to retrieve two bodies from the debris as emergency crews fought to control the flames. Explosions echoed throughout the capital as air defenses attempted to intercept the incoming missiles and drones. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike, calling it “a deliberate act of terror against civilians and infrastructure.” He reported that Russian forces used 430 drones and 18 missiles, including ballistic and aeroballistic types, in the…
Amid worsening drought conditions, Cyprus’s Audit Office urged immediate reforms in water resource management. The report warned that climate change and poor oversight threaten national water security. Officials stressed that the Water Development Department (WDD), which supervises the nation’s reserves, must act decisively to protect supplies and improve accountability. System Failures and Unchecked Consumption Auditors discovered major flaws in water monitoring, billing, and meter verification. Two major supply points in Nicosia, representing 64 percent of the district’s usage, went unchecked for long periods. The WDD lacked access to Limassol’s water meters and Larnaca’s telemetry systems, raising doubts about billing accuracy.…
China’s rural areas saw a significant rise in cultural and sports activities in 2024, reshaping community life and local culture. A report published on November 11, 2025, revealed that over 2.2 million events were organized nationwide in rural regions. The initiatives reached more than 70% of farmers, providing opportunities for engagement in sports competitions, artistic performances, and cultural festivals. Officials noted that these events strengthened social cohesion and promoted active participation in community life. Activities included traditional music and dance, local sports tournaments, and educational workshops, highlighting both cultural heritage and contemporary recreational trends. The programs also fostered intergenerational connections…
