Contingency plans are being drawn up over fears a quarter of public sector workers could be absent due to the Omicron wave of COVID infections. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told ministers to test preparations for a possible worst-case scenario as daily coronavirus numbers continue to hit record levels. All government departments are also renewing
I’ve finally done it, folks! Ever since I started this Awesomely Weird Alibaba Electric Vehicle of the Week column, where I search for crazy EVs on China’s largest shopping platform, I’ve been hunting for an electric passenger aircraft. I was hoping to find some type of ultralight plane, but it’s been pretty tough. Don’t get
In this article GOOGL MSFT AAPL FB Yves Herman | Reuters 2022 is poised to be the biggest year yet for “the metaverse,” as Facebook parent Meta, Apple, Microsoft and Google gear up to release new hardware products and software services in what so far has been a niche market for early adopters. The “metaverse”
At least 12 people have been killed and 15 injured in a stampede at a popular Hindu shrine in Indian-controlled Kashmir, officials said. The crush in the early morning at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine came as a thousands gathered to mark the start of the new year. India’s prime minister Narendra Modi offered condolences
A 14-year-old girl died after being hit by a car in a New Year’s Eve collision that led to the arrest of a suspected drug-driver. The teenager was on Station Road, near Rowley Regis railway station in Sandwell in the West Midlands, at around 4.45pm on Friday when she was struck by a grey Mercedes.
Guy Hands, the billionaire financier, is plotting the sale of the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) biggest landlord in what could be one of Britain’s biggest private equity deals of 2022. Sky News has learnt that Mr Hands’ Terra Firma Capital Partners has begun talks with investment banks about overseeing an auction of Annington Homes. City
Tributes have been paid at the state funeral in South Africa of Archbishop Desmond Tutu – described as a “giant” in the anti-apartheid struggle who “lit up the world”. Tutu, who died aged 90 on 26 December, helped spearhead the fight against white minority rule and won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 in recognition
New post-Brexit customs rules for goods arriving in Britain from the European Union have come into effect, changes that a leading food industry body has warned could cause disruption and potentially lead to food shortages. Importers must now make full customs declarations on goods entering the UK from the EU and other countries. Traders can
Tributes have been paid to veteran actress Betty White who has died less than three weeks before her 100th birthday. The Golden Girls star, whose career spanned eight decades, reportedly died at her home on New Year’s Eve. Her death was confirmed by her longtime agent and close friend, Jeff Witjas. He told Associated Press
In 2011, Scotland set a target of reaching 100% clean electricity consumption in 2020. And last year, the country almost reached its target – 98.6% of gross electricity consumption came from renewable sources, according to the Scottish government’s December energy statement. UnderstandSolar is a free service that links you to top-rated solar installers in your
In this article TSLA A solar panel is displayed on a wall near signage at the entrance of the new Tesla Inc. showroom in New York. Mark Kauzlarich | Bloomberg | Getty Images While Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said he would prefer to stay out of politics, and that he opposes all subsidies, his
A spectacular display in London has helped the UK usher in 2022, with people turning out to watch despite being encouraged to stay at home and enjoy the show on television. Details of the location of the spectacle, which involved a light show, drones and fireworks, were not revealed in advance amid the continuing spread
Veteran actress Betty White, best known for her role in The Golden Girls and whose career spanned eight decades, has died aged 99. Less than three weeks before her 100th birthday, the actress reportedly died at her home on Friday. Her agent and close friend Jeff Witjas told People magazine: “Even though Betty was about
Despite COVID curbs hindering celebrations, street parties and gatherings are still taking place across the globe as each country rings in the New Year. New Year’s Eve plans have largely been muted or cancelled for the second straight year due to a surge in coronavirus infections – this time driven by the highly contagious
The medical chiefs leading the UK’s battle against coronavirus have been recognised with top awards in the New Year Honours list. England’s chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and his deputy Professor Jonathan Van-Tam have been given knighthoods, along with the chief medical officers for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, and Scotland, Dr Gregor Smith. There
Former prime minister Tony Blair has been awarded a knighthood as a host of famous faces have been recognised in the New Year Honours list – including actress Joanna Lumley, Spice Girl Mel B and tennis star Emma Raducanu. Team GB and Paralympic heroes dominate the list, with cyclists Jason and Laura Kenny – a
In this article AAPL GOOGL FB AMZN Mark Zuckerberg, chief executive officer and founder of Facebook Inc., speaks during a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Wednesday, April 11, 2018. Andrew Harrer | Bloomberg | Getty Images The new year could be a pivotal one for tech policy — if
Tencent Holdings, the Chinese technology behemoth, is taking a stake in Monzo, the British-based digital bank which has confounded expectations by securing a $4.5bn (£3.3bn) valuation. Sky News has learnt that Tencent, which has become a prolific investor in Europe‘s burgeoning tech sector, has subscribed to shares as part of a $100m (£74m) top-up to
Did you just get a new e-bike for the holidays? Or have you already been riding all year but now find yourself met with the cold new reality of winter e-biking? Here are tips from several e-bike manufacturers to get the most out of your e-bike and your winter riding experience. Winter electric bike tips
In this article FB Meta’s Oculus Quest 2 virtual reality headset. T3 Magazine | Future | Getty Images Parents who bought their children a virtual reality headset for Christmas could be in for a nasty surprise. Oculus, the VR division of Facebook parent company Meta, likely saw surging sales over the holidays, with its main