China ends a 30-year tax exemption on contraceptives, imposing a 13% VAT from 1 January. This 'carrot-and-stick' approach aims to boost the birth rate, but experts doubt its effectiveness. Explore the policy shift and public reaction.
Doctors detail case of man in his 50s who had a stroke after consuming eight high-caffeine energy drinks daily. His blood pressure normalised only after quitting. Read the full health warning.
Japan alleges Chinese warships directed fire-control radar at its fighter jets near disputed islands, escalating tensions. Read the full details of the confrontation.
Health leaders warn a mutated flu strain could hospitalise up to 8,000 people. The virus is hitting younger patients early and hard. Learn the symptoms and risks.
The NHS is battling a record flu wave this winter, driven by the H3N2 K variant. Learn about the symptoms, vaccine effectiveness, and which groups are most at risk.
Utah Valley University appoints conservative activist Charlie Kirk as its new president, sparking debate over academic freedom and political influence in higher education.
Sang Hea Kil, a tenured professor at San José State University, is fighting her dismissal over pro-Palestinian activism, raising major concerns about academic freedom and free speech on US campuses. Read the full story.
Vladimir Putin visits India for talks with Narendra Modi, focusing on defence and energy. The summit occurs as the US pressures India to cut Russian trade. Get the latest analysis.
England's higher education regulator launches investigation into the University of Greater Manchester following serious allegations of financial misconduct and bribery. Police are also involved.
NHS England reveals over 200,000 people visited A&E for minor issues like sore throats last winter, urging the public to use alternative services. Health Secretary warns of a 'busiest ever' winter amid flu and strikes.
Haile is content single, but her best friend Whitney insists on playing matchmaker. We explore the clash of perspectives and reveal what Guardian readers decided. Cast your vote now.
NHS England reveals thousands attended A&E for minor issues like hiccups and sore throats last winter. Health chiefs urge public to use services wisely as flu cases rise and strikes loom.
The UK government has postponed its ruling on China's controversial 'super-embassy' near Tower Bridge to 20 January, aligning with Keir Starmer's planned trip to Beijing. Read the latest on the diplomatic and security implications.
Gareth Butterfield reveals five simple, no-cost checks to keep your car running in freezing conditions and avoid a winter breakdown. Essential reading for UK drivers.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer warns China poses real security threats but urges a 'sober realist' policy. He also defends his foreign approach as a post-Brexit shift. Read the latest.
London Ambulance Service urges public to call 999 only for life-threatening emergencies after receiving over 7,500 calls daily, matching typical New Year's Eve demand. Help ease the pressure.
Protests erupt in China's Guizhou province over a controversial cremation directive, highlighting a 70% surge in rural unrest. Explore the clash between policy and tradition.
Dozens of elite US universities including Harvard and Yale risk losing state department research partnerships over diversity hiring practices. Discover which institutions are affected.
On the eve of the budget, we assess the criticism facing Chancellor Rachel Reeves, her pitch to Labour MPs, and the potential for tax rises. Plus, a warning on China tariffs.
Taiwan's Prime Minister Cho Jung-tai declares a 'return' to China is not an option following a phone call between Xi Jinping and Donald Trump. Explore the escalating tensions.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that Taiwan's return remains vital to China's interests during their recent phone discussion. Read the full analysis.
New research reveals 83% of Brits have tightened their budgets, saving £1,411 annually. Discover how households are adapting to the cost of living crisis.
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi fails to secure meeting with Chinese premier at G20 summit amid Taiwan dispute. Public backing rises despite diplomatic freeze. Read the full analysis.
Keir Starmer unveils UK's critical minerals strategy with £50m funding to reduce dependency on China. Plan targets domestic lithium production and supply chain resilience by 2035.
New research reveals China's systematic poverty reduction has dramatically cut extreme poverty while US inequality widens. Discover the contrasting approaches shaping global economic futures.
Discover why modern party hosting has become a source of anxiety and how the 'leastess' phenomenon is changing social dynamics. Learn to reclaim joyful entertaining.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to approve plans for a new Chinese embassy in London, despite security concerns and parliamentary opposition. Read the full story.
Sir Keir Starmer's government prepares to greenlight China's new mega-embassy at Royal Mint Court despite security concerns. Final decision expected 10 December.
A Chinese man wins 'world's laziest' title after lying still for 33 hours in shopping mall competition. Discover the bizarre 'bed rotting' trend sweeping social media and its health impacts.
Security services indicate they can manage espionage risks from China's proposed 20,000 sq metre embassy near Tower Bridge. Decision expected by 10 December.