News from November 17, 2025

Technology

Spit hoods used every four hours by Scots cops due to fears over 'vile' attacks

Scotland's cops are using spit hood s every four hours to protect themselves from attacks from the public. Shock new figures obtained by the Daily Record show they have been deployed almost 9,000 times in the last four years since 2021. The hoods are placed over a persons head when they bite or spit at an officer or threaten to do so. Figures for April to June this year show the hoods were used on 293 occasions compared to 250 times in the same period in 2024, 257 in 2023, 214 in 2022 and 201 in 2021. Earlier this week we revealed how attacks on police officers in Scotland are at a ten year high. David Kennedy, General Secretary of the Scottish Police Federation , says the spit hood figures show a need for greater punishments from the courts to deter all types of attacks on cops. Officers have to wait up to six months for test results if they have been bitten or spat on by someone known to carry infections like HIV or Hepatitis B. Mr Kennedy added: "Spitting is vile. It is probably one of the most horrible assaults you can get. "If someone has spat on a police officer then you would put on a hood to stop them doing it again. "There are so many diseases you can get now from a bite or a spit. "Officers are then concerned if they have caught something they are then taking it into their family home." Mr Kennedy says spitting is now one of the most common ways the public will inflict violence on a police officer. He added:"Spit hoods were brought in to alleviate that. "Police officers are going to work knowing it's likely they will be assaulted. "You are seeing more and more cases of officers with PTSD . "We should be providing the best safety we can for police officers in Scotland." Cops have to fill out a form every time they uses a spit hood to justify its use. Figures for the financial year 2024/25 show there were 2554 occasions when spit hoods were used That compares to 1978 in 2022/23 and 1861 in 2021/22. Spit hoods were also used 2562 times in 2023/24 - a total of 8955 deployments in the last four years and an average of once every four hours. The figures are contained in a series of official 'Use of Force' reports by Police Scotland to oversight body the Scottish Police Authority . In August 2021 a 24 year old Jack Ferry from Stirling was jailed after police were forced to put a spit hood on him. They were called after he attacked a 27-year-old student nurse in the town earlier that year. Ferry began spitting on officers as he was taken to a police van in handcuffs When they arrived at the police station he was handcuffed, placed in leg restraints and a spit hood. At Falkirk Sheriff Court Ferry pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman, assaulting police; and breach of the peace. In October last year Kimberley Smith was jailed for six months after cops were forced to put a spit hood on her. The 25 year old had dodged a taxi fare, assaulted the driver and caused £500 damage to his car in Falkirk She was also convicted of police assault. The Scottish Police Federation have joined forces with the Association of Scottish Police Superintendents to call for prisoners convicted of assaults on police officers not to get early release. In 2024, there were 8068 attacks on police officers compared with 6344 in 2015 - a rise of almost 30 per cent. The figures for last year are also higher than the 7971 cop attacks in 2023 and 7460 in 2022. In the first eight months of this year there were 5948 assaults - a higher monthly average than 2024's record high. Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Alan Waddell said: “Spit hoods are used to keep police officers and staff safe. They are only used when someone has already taken the conscious decision to spit or to try to bite. "No one should expect to be, or tolerate being, spat on or assaulted at their work. "The Chief Constable has publicly underlined our commitment to preventing violence and abuse against officers and staff and supporting them where it occurs.” However human rights campaign group Amnesty International UK say spit hoods should only be used as a last resort. Scotland Programme Director Elizabeth Thomson added: “Spithoods can restrict breathing and have the potential to be an excessive and dangerous tool. The continued increase in their use by Police Scotland is very concerning. “Any use of spithoods should be an absolute last resort and Police Scotland must be able to demonstrate it is always proportionate and necessary. The data currently published is light on detail. "The force and Police Authority have pressing questions to answer on how they are monitoring the use of spithoods against their human rights obligations.”

Norman Silvester 7 hours ago

Business

Russell Grant's horoscopes as Libra told to avoid any arguments about cash

Sharing ideas will ease a tense relationship or legal situation. You and a partner will agree to spend more time working through the details. Although you’re uncertain about a long-term commitment, remember the choices made now can be changed in the future. Keep talks practical and set a short review date so nothing feels set in stone. Some surprising news or occurrencescould have a negative impact on your finances.By thinking outside the box, you might tradegoods or services with your friends andneighbours. Someone will be happy to help youfinancially in return for your skills. Be clearabout terms and jot down who owes what tokeep goodwill intact Think hard about how far you are willing to go in helping others before offering to do anything for them. Give some people an inch and they will take a mile and this could lead to feelings of resentment . Offer support thoughtfully with clear limits. Say what you can do and, crucially, what you can’t – and then stick to it. An opinionated relative is really testing your patience to its limits. While they might not mean to be so difficult and they certainly don’t intend to be a burden, they seem to have grown accustomed to relying on you and your kindness. A gentle but firm boundary will restore calm on both sides. You do not want things to escalate . Conversations early on could lead to you making some changes in your usual routine. Positive feedback on your ideas will clear your mind of any lingering doubts. You’re keen to get started on new projects but listen to the advice of a cautious friend who is urging you to take it easy. Count to 10 before committing, then pace yourself with purpose. You might accept a challenge you wouldn't normally tackle and although you might regret the impulse, it will lead to you feeling immensely proud of yourself. Going the extra mile is a great way to reach a level of excellence you have never experienced before .Plan a tidy follow-up so the breakthrough becomes a habit, not a one-off. Avoid getting into disagreements over financial issues. Focus instead on more positive topics. Someone in your workplace or community will ask for your help in coordinating a campaign. They recognise the inspirational leader within you. You can make positive contribution. Lead with fairness and keep the books transparent from the start. Some people are proving difficult to work with. Be patient with their moodiness and irritability . If a supervisor asks you to do something beyond your usual responsibilities,respond with a smile. If you can do it, you will.If you can’t, you might find someone else who can help you. Stay composed and let solutions,not tempers, set the tone. You’re working diligently in the background as you have been for a while, hoping your boss or a senior colleague will recognise your hard work. From your behind-the-scenes perspective, it is easy to idealise those in charge. Is someone taking advantage of your trust or goodwill? Document your wins and ask directly for the credit you deserve. A joint effort will lead to a thriving business idea. By pooling your skills and resources, you have strengths that complement one another and spark fresh inspiration. Even Though you often prefer to work on your own,this would be a great time for teamwork. Agree Roles early so momentum isn’t lost to crossed wires. You can see where and how things are going wrong but some people seem oblivious to this. Why continue with methods that aren't working? You will try to take control but not everyone wants to hear your suggestions. The More you try to help, the more friction there seems to be. Offer one clear fix and let results do the persuading. A longing for freedom which you find hard to explain is leading you to distance yourself from people you care about. Are you prepared to jeopardise a close relationship or friendship for the sake of gaining more independence ? You need to ask yourself whether the freedom you seek is worth the risk of losing the support you now have.

Russell Grant 7 hours ago

World

Families who lost young boys to suicide say Scotland is still failing its youth

Grieving families who were -promised change after losing their loved ones to suicide today back our Save Young Lives campaign as they fight on for life-saving support. Shannon Brown’s world was shattered when her little brother Callum Dunne took his own life in woodland aged just 16. Helen Mitchell was told her -struggling son Jack, 18, was just your “typical teenager” before he cut his life short. Both women found the courage to channel their grief into fighting for better support since the deaths but today say Scotland is still failing its young people. The Record launched its Save Young Lives campaign this month to tackle youth suicide and support kids in crisis. Helen founded the Trust Jack Foundation in the wake of her son’s death and now – along with Shannon – has backed our drive in the hope it will help reverse harrowing statistics, which show more than one in four deaths among young Scots are by probable suicide . Helen said: “It’s almost 10 years since I set up the foundation and sometimes it feels like I’m still banging my head against a brick wall. People knew Jack was struggling then, but there just wasn’t enough support. Sadly, we’re still faced with many of the same -problems today. The suicide -statistics have not come down. What we’re doing is not working. It’s time to finally make change happen.” When Jack died in 2015 she was adamant that other young people would get the support he didn’t and founded her foundation, based in Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, a year later. Jack struggled with his mental health from age 12. But Helen, 51, said she had to fight for support. She repeatedly went to a GP but was told Jack was just a “typical -teenager” or “attention seeking”. He was referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services but didn’t receive the help he needed. Jack was self-harming and self-medicating with drugs before his suicide. After his death , his mum was told it was likely he had depression and autism spectrum disorder. In 2019, Helen’s charity helped launch a petition with a plea for suicide prevention and mental health programmes to become mandatory in schools – backed by Holyrood. The move, backed by the Record at the time, called for a free programme focusing on early -intervention for teens in crisis. Helen and others said they were ready to offer their -knowledge to help save lives . But the mum added: “We thought we’d won something but we didn’t. “As time went by we went back to it and -realised it wasn’t being done and the issue really was there weren’t enough people to teach it. All these years later we’re here trying to do it again.” Helen spoke to students recently about Jack’s story . She said: “When I spoke to third year the teachers said you could hear a pin drop – because they were listening and it was real. It needs to be about education. It’s got to be in schools. It’s got to be compulsory and part of the curriculum and it’s got to be meaningful. I don’t think it needs to cost a lot.” Helen also backed our call to help teach adults how to support a young person with problems. She said: “If I’d had the support and knowledge I probably would have been able to support Jack better.” Shannon, 30, from Wishaw, helped drive the campaign before a Holyrood committee pledged to incorporate the objectives of the petition into an ongoing mental health “action plan”. At the time of Callum’s death in 2018, two other Wishaw -teens took their own lives within the space of a week. The mum-of-three, who is studying at college, said: “ Callum would have been 24 now. I’m disappointed at the fact we’re still talking about this. “I feel like all the hard work we did all those years ago just paused and never really resumed. It was a bit of a confidence knock. I was pushing hard for the campaign and was really trying to make a difference, but I’ve felt quite helpless about it. It’s perfect timing to get behind this campaign . Something drastic needs to be done.” After Callum’s death, his sister Kaylee, then nine, struggled with her mental health. Shannon said support at school turned her life around and its vital others receive the same. She said: “If classes were mandatory instead of a choice I feel like it would have a far greater impact.” The Scottish Government said: “Our aim is for anyone at risk or affected by suicide to get the help they need. While Scotland’s -curriculum isn’t mandatory, schools are expected to discuss these topics through personal and social -education lessons. “Education -Scotland has been asked to consider this matter again as it takes forward reforms to the curriculum .” Need to talk? Call Samaritans on 116 113 or visit www.samaritans.org

Sally Hind 7 hours ago

Politics

MSPs declare support for Ash Regan's legislation to criminalise Scots who buy sex from prostitutes

Two MSPs from Labour and the SNP have declared their support for radical legislation to criminalise Scots who buy sex . Rhoda Grant and Ruth Maguire have sent a joint letter to the Scottish Government calling on them to back the Prostitution (Offences and Support) Bill . The law change has been proposed by independent MSP Ash Regan, who quit the Alba Party last month, and would mean people paying for prostitution could be hit with fines of up to £10,000 and face jail time. Police Scotland has backed Regan’s plan and the national constabulary is also in favour of decriminalising the largely female sellers of sex. Sex worker charity National Ugly Mugs is firmly opposed to criminalising the buying of sex and has warned any clampdown would be unworkable. But Labour MSP Grant and Nationalist member Maguire believe the legislation "provides an excellent opportunity for Government to demonstrate commitment through action and address concerns held in some quarters about their focus on women". It's understood Regan's proposals will be discussed by John Swinney's Cabinet at its weekly meeting tomorrow. The Government is then expected to spell out its views on the legislation to members of Holyrood's Justice committee on Wednesday. In a joint letter, the MSPs said: "We are writing to urge you to throw the weight of the Scottish Government behind the bill at Stage 1 and make good, by taking legislative action, on an issue it has understood for years. "Namely, that commercial sexual exploitation – including prostitution is a form of violence against women and that Scotland will not be an equal society for as long as that violence is tolerated. "Support at Stage 1 is about agreeing to the principle of reducing the amount of prostitution in Scotland because of the clear evidence of exploitation and the harms that it causes to both the individuals directly involved and our wider communities. "This Bill provides an excellent opportunity for Government to demonstrate commitment through action and address concerns held in some quarters about their focus on women. "Failure to act will not reflect well the Scottish Governments dedication to addressing women’s equality. "We understand the Government has concerns around certain aspects of the bill, however, strongly believe these can be dealt with at Stage 2 and 3 and along with countless others stand ready to give all the assistance we can to make this legislation work. "We sincerely hope that the Scottish Government will grab this opportunity to change our wholly unjust laws and make a real difference to vulnerable women and girls." Regan said: "Prostitution is a form of violence against women. That’s not just my personal opinion, it is the view of the Scottish Government, COSLA and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls. "The public agree that stronger laws are needed. The cross party support of my colleagues is very much welcome." Last month, a poll found 67 per cent believe purchasing sexual services should be an offence while 87 per cent support decriminalisation of selling sex on the grounds of exploitation. To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here

Chris McCall,Paul Hutcheon 7 hours ago

World

Scottish Government continues to fail youngsters despite years of promises

Despite years of promises, the Scottish Government is still failing youngsters across the country. Two grieving families who both lost loved ones to suicide have today spoken out of support of the Record’s Save Young Lives campaign. A mum and a sister of victims have a clear message to the SNP Government: Suicide statistics are not coming down, proving that what is already being done is not working. Helen Mitchell is demanding action ten years on from the loss of her son Jack to suicide. She says, despite starting her own foundation a decade ago to fight teen suicide rates, nothing has changed. She and other campaigners said they were ready to offer their own knowledge and experience to help save lives. But the mum said promise of change failed to deliver. Shannon Brown tells a similar story, her brother committed suicide in 2018 but despite campaigning hard and getting assurances, nothing has changed. The Record launched its Save Young Lives campaign earlier this month in a bid to tackle the issue. Our campaign makes three key demands. Firstly, every school in Scotland should provide suicide prevention education . Secondly, all political parties should be committed to reducing waiting times for kids’ mental health. And all adults in Scotland should play a part in arming themselves with the key facts around youth suicide - and knowledge of where to get help. These are basic asks. Helen and Shannon’s experiences prove why they must be answered as a priority. It’s no secret that Scotland remains the drugs deaths capital of Europe . The annual number of fatalities may have dropped to its lowest level since 2017, but the total remains far ahead of what it was 20 years ago. Due to its illegal nature, the drugs market is constantly evolving thanks to a complete lack of formal oversight. Health workers like ambulance crews and addiction charities are the frontline in identifying worrying new trends that could cost lives. It’s with this in mind that Labour has warned Scotland is undergoing a rise in synthetic opioid use that “could resemble America’s fentanyl crisis” if it is not acted upon urgently. The Record last week revealed fears from experts that a so-called National Mission to reduce drug deaths achieved little other than spending £250million for some positive headlines. And when it starts to slip away on your watch, there’s really only one thing to do: follow it out of the door.

Record View 7 hours ago

Technology

Amazon bins Scots paedo's kids book he wrote under a fake name

A kids book by a Scots child sex abuser has been binned by Amazon . Twisted Simon Carroll, 46, wrote Mini Monster Mystery: An Andrew Aims Adventure under a fake name. The beast – jailed for four years for abusing two boys – used the pseudonym SD Lang. Victim Ross Thompson suffered severe trauma into adulthood which led to him losing his life after battling drugs . His sister, Kirsty Astbury, said: “I feel relieved how quickly Amazon acted. “I’m hopefully protecting others and stopping someone with that history profiting from children through their writing. “But I still feel angry the book was even available in the first place. It’s shocking it got that far. This is the problem with using different names. We don’t always know who it really is.” Carroll chose to use Lang as it’s his wife’s maiden name with the SD initials coming from his own forenames Simon David. He also set up a Facebook profile to promote the book on literary platforms. In one, he said: “I’ve just published my first Children’s novel – an adventure story featuring an augmented reality video game, AI and a transforming gadget wheelchair. Buy as a gift for your child, nephew, niece or grandchild.” In his Amazon bio, the married dad-of-four wrote: “Hi. I am an Edinburgh-born -Scottish author. I started writing stories almost as soon as I learned to read and write. “At 40, I have spent my life working in various settings, none of which fully allowed me to exercise my creative muscles. “So now I have returned to university as a mature student to study media, film, creative writing and screenwriting. “I am also a photographer and AFOL (Adult Fan of Lego).” The following year he boasted about trips to family favourites Thorpe Park, Chessington World of Adventures and Legoland. All three venues state in their regulations that convicted child sex offenders are banned from visiting. In 2016, Carroll – a former director of a community centre and nursery in Penicuik, Midlothian – was convicted of sexually abusing Ross and another young boy when he was a teenager. Last year, he was charged with changing his name but the case was dropped. In May, a picture showed him as part of a student movie at Queen Margaret University. An Amazon spokesman said: “We have content guidelines governing which books can be listed for sale. We invest significant time and resources to ensure our guidelines are followed and remove books that do not adhere.” A Queen Margaret University spokesperson said: “To protect the privacy and safety of our student population, we are unable to confirm whether an individual is studying with us.”

Douglas Walker 7 hours ago

Business

Scots can end Keir Starmer's time in Downing Street by voting for the SNP in May

The UK Government has descended into complete chaos . I could have said that at any point in the last decade. Chaos is a permanent feature of Westminster government these days. This time it is Keir Starmer at the centre of it – and what a mess he is making. Labour has turned against itself, u-turning on u-turns and creating uncertainty every time they open their mouths. You might think I would be enjoying watching Labour falling apart. But there is a serious point here. At a time when people are really struggling, we have a UK Government focussed on itself, rather than on what matters to you. At a time when the Prime Minister should be working to bring your bills down, he is only working to protect himself against his colleagues. This is no time for political games. We thought we had left this type of nonsense behind when we got rid of the Tories – but Labour are just as bad. The Labour Government are focused on fighting each other – the SNP Government’s focus will always be on fighting for you. We need the UK Budget to provide action on the cost of living and to provide some hope for the future. I am heading to London on Wednesday ahead of the Budget – and I asked to meet Keir Starmer to be clear on what people in Scotland expect him to deliver. I was told he was not available to meet with me. When you think about that, bear in mind that recently, I was able to travel to Washington DC and meet with Donald Trump to discuss a trade deal on whisky – which so far the UK Government have not been able to get over the line. But we are now in the position where it is apparently easier for the First Minister of Scotland to meet with the President of the United States, than with the UK Prime Minister. That is not the actions of a UK Government with any interest in Scotland – to Labour, Scotland will always be an afterthought. We are all fed up with this incompetent Labour government. But ultimately, I do not think it will be Wes Streeting or any other Labour minister that will end Keir Starmer’s time in Downing Street. Next May, Scotland can end Keir Starmer’s time as Prime Minister by voting for an SNP majority. And by taking Scotland’s future into our own hands, we will have the chance to leave Westminster chaos behind for good. Last week, we marked a big moment for Scotland. We confirmed plans for our first international bonds which allow us to attract new sources of investment for our future. And we received the best credit rating we could realistically achieve. It puts us on a par with the UK and better than major economies like Japan, Italy and Spain. I know most people do not spend much time thinking about the bonds markets – at least not as much as I do. But this is a landmark moment. It shows the rest of the world that we are a great place to do business – and that we have got what it takes to be a success in the global economy. It highlights the strong management of the economy and our public finances from the Scottish Government and it is the next step in building the institutions we need for the future. And crucially, it demolishes so many of the arguments put forward against independence in 2014. If Labour, the Tories or Nigel Farage try to tell you again that Scotland is too wee or too poor to be independent - we now have conclusive proof that they are just plain wrong. To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here

John Swinney 7 hours ago

Politics

Rise in synthetic opioid use across Scotland equivalent to 'America's fentanyl crisis'

Scotland faces a rise in synthetic opioid use that "could resemble America’s fentanyl crisis" if it is not acted upon urgently, Labour has warned. Figures provided by the Scottish Ambulance Service showed more than one dose of naloxone has been administered to a patient by paramedics across the country on 6,156 occasions since 2022. Evidence shows that synthetic opioids are more resistant to naloxone - meaning that more than one dose is needed to reverse an overdose. Official statistics published in September this year show that Scotland remains the drugs death capital of Europe, with 1,017 drug misuse deaths in 2024. The latest Rapid Action Drug Alerts and Response (Radar) quarterly report, issued in October by Public Health Scotland, said that drug-related harms were higher between June and August 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, but lower than in 2023. It said that “contamination of drugs with toxic substances was both common and widespread – over half of Scottish samples submitted for testing did not solely contain the intended purchase”, including a new animal anaesthetic. Methadone is commonly prescribed to heroin addicts, while fentanyl was the main cause of death in America for people between the ages of 18 to 45, according to a statement given to the US Congress in 2023 citing Drug Enforcement Administration statistics. Scottish Labour health spokesperson Jackie Baillie said: "Six years ago, the SNP declared a drug deaths emergency. But six years on lives are still being lost, with families left to grieve and a generation failed. "SNP ministers must wake up to the new danger of synthetic opioids in our communities – drugs that don’t response to typical doses of naloxone. You need only look at the scale of the problem in America to see what is coming. "John Swinney’s approach is failing both victims and communities. Dealers are slipping through the cracks and people are dying waiting for help. "The brutal truth is that we will never get to grips with Scotland’s drugs crisis while the SNP are in charge. "They must act urgently, by providing routes out of addiction with improved access to rehabilitation services and they must abandon their wrongheaded policy of decriminalising all drugs. "The Scottish Government must also work closely with Police Scotland, local authorities and health boards to ensure that those making money out of the vile drugs trade are held to account.” Drugs and alcohol policy minister Maree Todd said: "The increased prevalence of new synthetic substances has been an issue of real concern, not only in Scotland, but the whole of the UK for many years. "That is why action has been taken and is being taken to respond to the growing threat. I would urge anyone who carries naloxone to have extra life-saving kits with them. "Drug deaths in Scotland are down 13% and at the lowest level since 2017. But we all want to do more and will continue to work hard to save lives. "That includes providing record levels of funding for drugs and alcohol programmes, widening access to treatment, residential rehabilitation and life-saving naloxone.” To sign up to the Daily Record Politics newsletter, click here

Chris McCall 7 hours ago

Politics

Japan's economy shrinks on hit to exports — and US tariffs are at the center of it

Japan’s economy contracted at an annualised rate of 1.8% in the July-September period, government data showed on Monday. The downturn was driven largely by a steep decline in exports, which have been spiralling under the weight of President Donald Trump's tariffs.On a quarter-by-quarter basis, Japan’s gross domestic product (GDP), which is the total value goods and services produced in the country, slipped 0.4%, marking the first contraction in six quarters, the Cabinet Office told news agency Associated Press (AP).The annualised rate is a figure that shows what the economy would have done if the same rate were to continue for a year. Even though Japan's economy faced a contraction for the first time in six quarters, the decline was still smaller than the 0.6% drop the market had initially expected.Decline in exportsA major decline during the July-September quarter could be witnessed in Japan's exports of goods and services, which shrank 1.2% compared to the second quarter, when they had risen by 2.3%. Net exports contributed to a 0.2 percentage point drop in GDP, news channel CNBC reported.Some businesses had sped up exports when they could, attempting to beat the Trump tariffs kicking in, and inflating some of the previously recorded data for exports.Japan’s shipments had seen a decline for four consecutive months since May as US tariffs hurt exports, although September saw a rebound to growth, CNBC reported.On an annualised basis, exports dropped 4.5% in the three months through September. Imports for the third quarter fell 0.1%.The key factor that helped to slow the economic contraction is domestic consumption. In this quarter, government and private consumption were up by 0.5% and 0.1%, respectively, compared to the previous quarter.Public demand grew 0.5% quarter-over-quarter and contributed 0.1 percentage point to the Japanese economy, CNBC reported.Tariff blow on JapanTariffs proved to be a major blow to Japan’s export-reliant economy, led by powerful automakers such as Toyota Motor Corp. However over the years, these manufacturers have moved their production to foreign countries in order to offset the blunt of tariffs.Japan in July finalised a trade deal with the United States, bringing down tariffs on Tokyo's exports to Washington from 25% to 15%. The new tariffs were put into effect on 7 August, 2025.Japan has also faced political uncertainty recently, until Sanae Takaichi became prime minister in October.

Eshita Gain 7 hours ago

World

China warns Japan over potential military involvement in Taiwan

BEIJING (AP) — Less than a month into her term, Japan’s conservative leader has stirred tensions with China by suggesting a Chinese move against Taiwan could prompt a Japanese military response. China objects to the involvement of other countries in Taiwan, notably the United States, which is the main supplier of weapons to the self-governing island. Beijing claims it as its own and says it must come under its control. It says it’s a domestic issue and “a red line” that others should not cross. Takaichi went beyond past Japanese statements Speaking to a parliamentary committee, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said on Nov. 7. that a Chinese naval blockade or other action against Taiwan could be grounds for a Japanese military response. Her comments were stronger than those of her predecessors. Previous prime ministers have expressed concern about China’s threat to Taiwan but haven’t publicly said how Japan would respond. Takaichi later refused to retract her remarks but told the same parliamentary committee three days later that she would avoid talking about specific scenarios in the future. Japan’s new leader is a longtime supporter of Taiwan. She views China as a growing threat and has ordered an acceleration of plans to boost Japan’s military spending. Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said Friday that Japan’s position on Taiwan has not changed. China responds with stern warnings Takaichi’s comments caused an uproar in China, with the foreign and defense ministries, the Taiwan Affairs Office and state media all weighing in. Her remarks came as a surprise because tensions over Taiwan were not particularly high, said Wang Huiyao, the president of the Center for China and Globalization, a think tank in Beijing. “We can’t just let the prime minister speak so openly at parliament,” he said. One of the first to speak out was China’s consul general in Osaka, who said in a now-deleted social media post that China has no choice but to cut off an intruding “dirty neck.” Motegi called the post “extremely inappropriate.” China’s Foreign Ministry called in Japan’s ambassador on Thursday to warn against any interference in Taiwan. The next day, Japan’s Foreign Ministry summoned China’s ambassador in Tokyo to complain about the social media post. Beijing is upping the ante On Friday night, China took aim at Japan’s tourism economy. It issued a notification advising against travel to Japan. About 7.5 million Chinese tourists visited in the first nine months of this year, the largest number from any country and about one-fourth of the total. China’s Education Ministry followed up with a warning to students on Sunday about recent crimes against Chinese in Japan, though it didn’t advise them not to go. Also on Sunday, China’s coast guard announced that it was patrolling the waters around a group of uninhabited islands that both countries claim. A bigger concern for Japan would be if China were to restrict the export of rare earth magnets, vital components in auto manufacturing and other industries. There was no immediate indication China was considering it. Japanese officials are trying to calm the waters. Motegi said he planned to ask China to make “an appropriate response” to prevent a major impact on relations. The U.S.-Japan alliance looms in the background Japan’s position is complicated by its post-World War II constitution, which bans its use of force except for defending its territory — the military is called the Self-Defense Force. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe succeeded in expanding the military’s mandate by winning parliamentary approval in 2015 of a law that allows Japan to come to the aid of an ally — most likely the U.S. — in a conflict that is determined to be an existential threat to Japan. Takaichi, who rose in politics as a protégé of Abe, said that a Chinese move against Taiwan could qualify as a threat, setting off the ensuing firestorm. Another possible threat would be a conflict with North Korea that draws in the U.S., analysts say. Japan has previously not specified what would constitute an existential threat under the provision, which is called collective self-defense. Now, Tokyo doesn’t want to withdraw Takaichi’s remark, because it could narrow its options in a Taiwan crisis. Backpedaling could also hurt the new prime minister’s high public support ratings and her image as a hawk on China. Yamaguchi reported from Tokyo.

Ken Moritsugu,Mari Yamaguchi 7 hours ago

Politics

Hundreds charged with DV offences in four-day blitz across NSW

More than 750 people have been charged with domestic violence offences, as support services say they are desperate for funding to match the strong police response. Under Operation Amarok XII, NSW Police laid more than 1,600 charges and executed more than 270 arrest warrants between November 12 and 15. The operation was led by the Domestic and Family Violence Command alongside specialist officers. Woman rescued from river In one case, Auburn Police Area Command officers rescued a woman from the Parramatta River at Sydney's Wentworth Point. Police said the woman had allegedly jumped into the river to escape physical assault. Officers attended the scene following reports of people arguing, before locating the 44-year-old in the water unable to swim to shore. One of the officers managed to bring the woman to safety, where she was treated by paramedics and taken to hospital. A 33-year-old man, known to the woman, was arrested and taken to Auburn Police Station, charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm, intentionally choking a person with recklessness and stalk/intimidate intending fear or physical harm. In another case, a 23-year-old man was arrested on a public bus, which police pulled over on the Hume Highway at Bass Hill in Sydney's south-west. He was wanted on two outstanding arrest warrants for domestic violence offences, which were executed at Bankstown Police Station. Services 'brace for the influx in referrals' Domestic Violence NSW senior policy and advocacy officer Livia Stanton said while police operations were important, it triggered "additional demand that underfunded services struggle to absorb". "Don't get me wrong, it's really important that we have this response because it signals not only to victim-survivors but also to perpetrators the seriousness of this and how serious law enforcement takes domestic and family violence," she said. Ms Stanton said when police enforcement ramped up, specialist domestic violence services braced for the "influx of referrals". "After police intervene, it's the domestic and family violence workers who manage the ongoing risk, safety, planning and support," she said. Ms Stanton said in the last few pre-budget submissions, the sector has called for a 50 per cent core funding increase. She said frontline services were operating at above 150 per cent of their funded capacity, particularly regional services. "A stronger police response must be matched with a properly funded specialist, domestic and family violence sector," she said. Full Stop Australia chief executive Karen Bevan said services across the sector were struggling to keep up with demand. "We've certainly seen an increase and we can only manage so much because we don't receive any government funding," she said. "In NSW right now, what we need is to make sure that every time someone reaches out, the system is there to catch them to say, 'We believe you, we support you and you're not alone'."

Shannon Corvo 7 hours ago

Politics

Experts say Queensland government's position on dingoes unclear

The Queensland government says removing restrictions on keeping dingoes does not mean people will be able to have them as pets, but experts fear that could be an unintended consequence. As part of a suite of changes to biosecurity legislation, Queensland is currently considering changes that would reclassify dingoes as Canis familiaris, the same as domestic dogs, and remove the restriction on keeping dingoes. Queensland Minister for Primary Industries Tony Perrett said in a statement the laws were not changing "to make domesticating dingoes possible". "And any suggestion that dingoes could be kept as pets in the community in the same fashion as domesticated dogs is categorically wrong," he said. A spokesperson for the Department of Primary Industries said the proposal was about "aligning Queensland's biosecurity laws with the latest national scientific advice and improving the practical enforcement of existing laws, not about changing how dingoes are managed or protected". "Even if dingoes are reclassified as Canis familiaris and the rule about keeping them … is removed, it will still not be legal to keep a dingo as a pet in Queensland," the spokesperson said. "Other rules and laws still apply that make it an offence to take from the wild, sell, move or feed dingoes." But dingo geneticist Kylie Cairns said the DPI's position "makes no sense". 'Very difficult to tell the difference' Dr Cairns said she "categorically" disagreed that a dingo was the same as a dog. "They are evolutionarily distinct and should not be lumped together in policy," she said. The DPI spokesperson said the change to biosecurity was being considered because "it is very difficult to tell the difference visually between a pure dingo and a mixed wild or feral dog and some domestic dogs". Alix Livingstone from not-for-profit Defend the Wild said the Queensland government seemed to be holding contradictory positions simultaneously. "On one hand, they want to say you can't visually tell the difference between a dingo and a domestic dog and on the other hand, they're saying that their changes won't allow people to keep dingoes," she said. "How would they even know, by their logic?" Ms Livingstone suggested that a more coherent approach would remove dingoes from the invasive species list altogether and recognise the important role they played in the environment as an apex predator. "While the ACT government is working to ensure dingoes are recognised as native animals rather than pests — acknowledging their irreplaceable ecological and cultural roles — the Queensland government is attempting to justify wrongly categorising them as dogs," she said. Ms Livingstone said where there was conflict between dingoes and agriculture, she would like to see governments invest in non-lethal alternatives to support landholders to protect their livestock. "But also to retain dingoes in the natural environment so they can play that really important role," she said.

Rudi Maxwell 7 hours ago

Politics

‘Okay With Me’ – Trump Signals Support for Sweeping Sanctions on Russia’s Trading Partners

WASHINGTON DC – US President Donald Trump on Sunday signaled explicit support for sweeping bipartisan legislation that would impose severe penalties on any country continuing to conduct business with Russia – marking his most definitive endorsement yet for a months-long congressional effort to aggressively choke off funding for the Kremlin. “The Republicans are putting in legislation that is very tough sanctioning, et cetera, on any country doing business with Russia,” Trump told reporters before departing Florida for the White House. “Well, I hear they’re doing that, and that’s okay with me,” he emphasized. He added that lawmakers may expand the scope of the sanctions regime to include another major US adversary. “They may add Iran to that,” Trump said, adding, “As you know, I suggested it… any country that does business with Russia will be very severely sanctioned.” Teeth of the proposal: From talk to action At the center of this renewed pressure is the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, introduced in April by Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). The bill, if enacted, would authorize a staggering 500% tariff on US imports originating from countries that knowingly purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, or other energy-related products. The legislation has drawn remarkably bipartisan support, with 85 senators currently listed as cosponsors. On the House side, Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) has sponsored a companion bill (H.R. 2548), which similarly prohibits imports from countries trading in Russian-origin energy. Speaking to Kyiv Post late Sunday, a senior Senate aide mentioned that the fate of the Sanctioning Russia Act currently rests in the hands of one man: Republican Leader John Thune (R-SD). “This shouldn’t be a hard task,” the aide said, adding that this measure “is not simply about punishing Moscow directly – it’s about targeting its customers.” Another congressional aide characterized the bill internally as a “bunker-buster” – a mechanism designed to inflict economic damage not only on Russia but also on the nations that are propping up key components of its war economy. Trump’s shift unlocks momentum On Capitol Hill, multiple sources believe Trump’s tacit approval, barring a later reversal, could be a game-changer. While many Republicans have aggressively pushed for sanctions, some have been hesitant, waiting for a definitive signal from the White House that the President would neither veto nor undercut such a potent measure. A senior Senate Republican aide noted the political calculus: “If the [US] President truly gets behind it, this bill has a real chance not just of passing – but of being meaningful.” Trump’s acceptance – even if couched in measured terms – underscores how deeply sanctions politics has shifted in Washington. What once might have been considered fringe, hardline rhetoric is now flirting with mainstream US foreign policy. The ultimate delivery of this policy depends on several moving parts: Will the Senate advance it? Can leadership guarantee enough votes? And most importantly, will the administration ultimately use its authority aggressively – or pull its punches?

Alex Raufoglu 7 hours ago

Business

Central Bank, UCO Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, other PSU banks' stocks rally up to 4% amid reports of merger

PSU Banks merger news: Shares of PSU banks rose by up to 4% during Monday's trading session following news that the finance ministry is drafting a strategy for the next round of mergers among public sector banks, with an announcement expected in April or May. A report from Informist indicated that these mergers will occur in 2-3 phases rather than all at once.Shares of Central Bank, UCO Bank, Punjab & Sind Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, other PSU banks rose up to 4%.As per the Informist report, there are currently 12 PSU banks, and the goal is to consolidate to a maximum of 6-7 nationalized banks that are larger in scope than their present structure. The government might initially merge 1-2 smaller banks before integrating them with SBI or PNB, or possibly merge them directly with SBI or PNB.According to reports, the government's strategy to merge PSU banks into a smaller number of larger entities is also motivated by the enhanced profitability observed in public sector banks over the past three years. Previously reliant on capital support from the government, state-owned banks are now in a more stable position.As per reports, the government allocated over ₹3 trillion to public sector banks between FY17 and FY22. The most recent capital infusion occurred in FY22, when the government supplied INR 46 billion to Punjab & Sind Bank.In recent years, the Narendra Modi administration has implemented significant mergers among PSU banks. Shortly after commencing its second term, the government declared a monumental merger of ten public sector banks. As of April 1, 2020, Oriental Bank of Commerce and United Bank of India merged into PNB, Andhra Bank and Corporation Bank consolidated into Union Bank of India, Syndicate Bank joined with Canara Bank, and Allahabad Bank merged with Indian Bank. This resulted in a total of just 12 public sector banks, reduced from 20, according to reports.Before this, in 2017, five associate banks of SBI—State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, State Bank of Mysore, State Bank of Travancore, State Bank of Hyderabad, and State Bank of Patiala—were absorbed into State Bank of India, along with Bharatiya Mahila Bank. Prior to that, State Bank of Indore merged with SBI in 2010 and State Bank of Saurashtra was integrated into SBI in 2008.The smaller public sector banks that are likely candidates for mergers with larger PSU banks include Bank of Baroda, Bank of India, Central Bank of India, Indian Overseas Bank, Bank of Maharashtra, UCO Bank, and Punjab & Sind Bank.Technical views(more to come)

Dhanya Nagasundaram 7 hours ago

Sports

Warriors' Buddy Hield joins Steph Curry on all-time NBA list

Amid his ninth NBA season and second with the Warriors, Hield entered the day carrying a career three-point percentage of 39.6. For context, 40% is considered a benchmark for an elite shooter, and Curry is at 42.3%. Hield's historic night came alongside Curry's worst For an ironic twist, Hield's history night came during the lowest scoring output of the season. Curry, who has been on a historic tear of his own in the first two months of the 2025-26 season, only managed to register nine points, connecting on just one single three and a pair of field goals in 28 minutes. Aside from his success from beyond the arc, Hield has been mostly a role player throughout his professional career. The former first-round pick in the 2016 NBA Draft has averaged 14.9 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists in 729 NBA games. Before Sunday, Hield was averaging just 6.6 points per game so far this season. Never an All-Star, lifelong journeyman and always a role player, Hield has made a name for himself among many of the best players in history.

Mike J. Asti,Yardbarker 7 hours ago

Politics

Nullagine’s new aquatic centre

Nullagine marked a milestone on Wednesday, November 12 with the official opening of the highly-anticipated Nullagine Aquatic Centre. The event brought the local community together for a day of celebration and fun. The opening saw a fantastic turnout, with residents of all ages participating in the activities throughout the afternoon. East Pilbara shire president Anthony Middleton officially opened the centre and said it was an important new hub for the community. “The Nullagine pool is more than a new facility, it’s a proper game-changer for this town,” Cr Middleton said. “It gives families a safe place to cool off, kids somewhere to learn and grow, and it brings the community together in a way that really matters out here. “We’re incredibly proud to deliver this for the people of Nullagine, and I want to thank everyone who came along. The smiles on the kids’ faces said it all.” The event was attended by representatives from Hancock Iron Ore, local police officers, community service providers, and shire staff who helped bring the project to life. The pool was made possible with support from the Federal Government and Hancock Iron Ore.

Phoebe Solon 7 hours ago

Politics

Child poverty, homelessness hit new highs in mining-rich WA

The number of children experiencing poverty has doubled in Western Australia over the past decade, as youth homelessness in the state hits breaking point, new data has revealed. Findings from the Child Poverty in Australia report released on Monday found one in six children in WA are experiencing food insecurity, poor housing conditions and limited access to healthcare. Separately, new data from WA's frontline services and housing peak bodies show 69 teens and young adults aged under 25 in Perth are competing for one crisis bed in the Perth metropolitan area every night. The figures have prompted calls for both state and federal governments to commit to further measures to reduce child poverty and homelessness. Homeless at 13 Kaya, 23, has been homeless for the past decade. "I became homeless at 13," she told ABC Radio Perth. "My father left — he pretty much chose substance abuse over his child. From being on the streets, sleeping behind shops and couch surfing, it took over a year to finally be put into crisis housing." Kaya described being turned away from crisis accommodation due to lack of beds more times than she could remember. "I felt more like a number on a file than a human being," she said. "Sometimes it can be like a week wait while they suss the other candidates out, so it can be very daunting waiting." Crisis beds full Youth Affairs Council interim chief executive Kylie Wallace said Kaya's story was not uncommon. "This is a familiar story and the sector who provide accommodation services crisis, medium transitional and into long-term housing know that this is such a significant issue," she said. "In the metro area, 32 crisis beds are currently funded, and we know that 225 homeless young people are rough sleeping or in very temporary shelter every day at the moment, and there are no pathways out of crisis accommodation." The organisation has collaborated with seven others to put forward a pre-budget submission calling for a Housing First for Youth model, as well as three additional Youth Foyers and more crisis accommodation. Vinnies WA manager Si Lappin said those figures were "conservative" and the full extent of young people unable to find accommodation and turned away from services were much higher. He said a recent survey showed 107 unaccompanied children and young people rough sleeping on a single night. "It's heartbreaking for the youth workers and for the staff that are working with these people, seeing these young people walk out the door," he said. Kids missing school Perth-based charity 12 Buckets said it had been supporting up to 900 vulnerable young people every week. "Like Tim, who … actually stayed home from school for two days because there was no food at home for breakfast or for lunch," chief executive Larissa Muir said. "So instead of going into school, he spent the two days with his mum going around and collecting food from the local food collection points." More than 180 organisations have backed the End Child Poverty campaign, calling on the federal government to legislate a "child-centred definition of poverty" and align policy, funding and accountability mechanisms with evidence. Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre director Alan Duncan said without meaningful intervention, Australia risked having one million children in poverty within months. "The rise in child poverty is not a statistical anomaly," he said. "It's the predictable result of housing stress, inadequate income support and policy drift." Richest state Yet WA is on track for a $2.4 billion surplus in 2025-2026, cementing the state as the strongest economy in the nation on the back of its mining wealth. When quizzed about the latest youth homelessness figures, WA Premier Roger Cook pointed to WA's existing 10-year strategy. “That’s led to a range of investments, including $25 million across 24 service agreements,” he said. “We will continue to work closely with those agencies and those organisations to make sure they get the resources they need.”

Daryna Zadvirna 7 hours ago

World

Ukraine-Russia war latest: Putin’s forces advance in Zaporizhzhia as Hungary says Ukraine has ‘no chance’ of winning

Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban has said Ukraine has “no chance” of winning the war with Russia and that continued EU financial support for Kyiv is “just crazy.” Orban claimed the EU has “burned already €185 billion” on support for Ukraine and argued that continuing to fund Kyiv “kills” the bloc “economically” and “financially.” His comments came in an interview with Mathias Döpfner, CEO of Axel Springer, which owns POLITICO. Hungary has continued to block the EU sanctions against Russia and denounced financial support for Ukraine. Obran had lobbied for the exemption of US oil sanctions on Russia. He also accused European leaders of prolonging the conflict in the hope of securing a stronger position in future peace negotiations. “They would like to continue the war,” he said. “They think we have to support Ukraine more – it’s wrong, totally wrong.” Arguing that “the situation and the time is better for the Russians than for us,” Orban urged Europe to push for a ceasefire “as soon as we can.” On possible peace talks, he predicted a broader deal “between the Russians and the Americans” covering the war, trade and energy. He also said Europe should establish its own channel to Moscow: “Let the Americans negotiate with the Russians, and then the Europeans should also negotiate … and see whether we can unify the position.”

Shweta Sharma 8 hours ago

Technology

Delhi Logs Coldest November Morning in 3 Years: Is a Coldwave Coming? Check This Week's IMD Forecast

Delhi experienced its coldest November morning in over three years on Sunday (November 16), with temperatures dropping to 9 degrees Celsius, a significant 4.5 degrees Celsius below the seasonal average. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) stressed that if temperatures remain low, a cold wave could be declared as early as Monday. According to records, Delhi recorded similar low temperatures on several occasions in previous years, including 9.2 degrees Celsius on November 23, 2023, and 9.5 degrees Celsius on November 29, 2022. The lowest recorded temperature in November over the past decade was 6.3 degrees Celsius on November 23, 2020. The IMD clarified that a cold wave is defined when the minimum temperature drops below 10°C with a departure of 4.5°C or more from normal for two consecutive days. On Sunday, at least two weather stations in Delhi met these criteria. Two Delhi stations record below 10°C Safdarjung, the capital's primary weather station, recorded a minimum temperature of 9°C, while The Ridge station noted a temperature of 9.7°C, which is 5.7°C below normal. "This was the first day in which the criteria were met. A cold wave will be declared on Monday if two or more stations again record similar readings," an IMD official explained. The cold snap is attributed to clear skies and steady northwesterly winds, which have been prevalent in the region. Mahesh Palawat, vice president at Skymet, told HT. He further noted, "In the absence of clouds, heat accumulated during the day escapes into the atmosphere at night." Also Read: Delhi AQI Today: Capital Chokes in ‘Very Poor’ Air; 6 Stations Crosses 400 - Check Area-Wise List Delhi Weather Forecast for This Week The met department has forecasted that the minimum temperature will remain below normal until at least Friday, with fluctuations expected between 2 degrees Celsius and 5 degrees Celsius. Moreover, shallow fog is likely to persist across the city, particularly on Monday morning. The maximum temperature on Sunday reached 27.5 degrees Celsius, slightly below the average for this time of year. Despite the cold morning, this drop in temperature is not unprecedented for November. Delhi Air Quality Today Delhi woke up to a thick layer of smog on Monday (November 17), as the city continued to remain in the ‘very poor’ air quality category for several days. At 6:05 AM, the national capital recorded an AQI of 360, with six monitoring stations reporting ‘severe’ air quality. The capital has been breathing toxic air for over a month now, with cloud-seeding efforts failing to produce any artificial rain. Out of 38 stations, six stations recorded AQI above 400, while the remaining 32 stations recorded "very poor" air quality. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Delhi and around the world.

Mansi Arora 8 hours ago

Technology

Tamil Nadu Announces Half-Yearly Exam Timetable 2025-26 for Classes 10, 11, and 12

The Directorate of Government Examinations (DGE) has announced the examination schedule for class 10, 11, and 12 half-yearly exams. According to the official schedule, the exams will be held between December 10 and 23, 2025. While Class 10 and 12 half-yearly exams are scheduled to take place in the morning, Class 10 exams will be held in the afternoon shift. Along with these, DGE TN has also published the timetable for classes 6 to 9. How to Download TN Half-Yearly Exam Time Table 2025-26 Follow the steps below to access the examination schedule: Visit the official website: dge.tn.gov.inOn the homepage, look for Half-yearly exam time table link and click on itA PDF will be displayed on the screenDownload and save it for exam use TN 10th Half-Yearly Time Table 2025 Refer to the table below to check the class 10 examination timetable: SubjectDateTamil10-DecEnglish12-DecMathematics15-DecScience18-DecSocial Science22-DecOptional language23-DecTN 11th Half-Yearly Time Table 2025 Refer to the table below to check the class 11 examination timetable: SubjectDateTamil10-DecEnglish12-DecPhysics15-DecEconomicsEmployability SkillsMathematics17-DecZoologyCommerceMicro BiologyNutrition And DieteticsTextile & Dress DesigningFood Service ManagementAgricultural ScienceNursing (General)Chemistry19-DecAccountancyGeographyCommunicative English22-DecEthics And Indian CultureComputer ScienceComputer ApplicationsBio- ChemistryAdvanced Language(Tamil)Home SciencePolitical ScienceStatisticsNursing VocationalBasic Electrical EngineeringBiologyDecemberBotanyHistoryBusiness Mathematics And StatisticsBasic Electronics EngineeringBasic Civil EngineeringBasic Automobile EngineeringBasic Mechanical EngineeringTextile TechnologyOffice Management And SecretaryshipTN 12th Half-Yearly Time Table 2025 Refer to the table below to check the class 12 examination timetable: SubjectDateTamil10-DecEnglish12-DecMathematics15-DecZoologyCommerceMicro BiologyNutrition And DieteticsTextile and Dress DesigningFood Service ManagementAgricultural ScienceNursing (General)Chemistry17-DecAccountancyGeographyPhysics19-DecEconomicsEmployability SkillsBiology22-DecBotanyHistoryBusiness Mathematics And StatisticsBasic Electronics EngineeringBasic Civil EngineeringBasic Automobile EngineeringBasic Mechanical EngineeringTextile TechnologyOffice Management And SecretaryshipCommunicative English23-DecEthics And Indian CultureComputer ScienceComputer ApplicationsBio- ChemistryAdvanced Language(Tamil)Home SciencePolitical ScienceStatisticsNursing VocationalBasic Electrical EngineeringAlso Read | CBSE Board Exams 2026 Datesheet Released; 10th, 12th Exams From Feb 17

TN Education Desk 8 hours ago