Russia’s economy, which experienced robust growth over the past two years driven by military spending on the war in Ukraine, is now showing signs of deceleration. Declining oil revenues, a widening budget deficit, and stabilized defense expenditures have forced the Kremlin to seek new revenue streams. President Vladimir Putin’s administration is turning to ordinary citizens and small businesses to bridge the financial gap. A proposed increase in the value-added tax (VAT) from 20% to 22%, expected to generate up to 1 trillion rubles ($12.3 billion), is already progressing through Russia’s parliament and is set to take effect from January 1, 2025. This move is part of a broader fiscal strategy that includes lowering the VAT collection threshold for businesses and introducing new taxes on alcohol, tobacco, and digital equipment. The economic slowdown, exacerbated by high central bank interest rates and Western sanctions, has pushed the budget deficit to 2.6% of GDP, up from 1.7% last year. Finance Minister Anton Siluanov emphasized that raising revenue through taxes is preferable to increasing borrowing, which could accelerate inflation. While the Kremlin has sufficient funds to sustain its current war efforts for the next 12 to 14 months, experts warn that Putin will soon face tough choices between military spending and consumer welfare.
作者： admin
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Thousands protest against government in Mexico as clashes leave 120 injured
Mexico City witnessed violent confrontations on Saturday as thousands of demonstrators clashed with police during anti-government protests. The protests, organized by Gen Z youth groups, were fueled by rising public anger over violent crime and the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, a vocal critic of drug cartels. At least 120 people, including 100 police officers, were injured in the unrest. Protesters dismantled parts of a barrier protecting the National Palace, prompting police to deploy tear gas to disperse the crowds. Authorities arrested 20 individuals for crimes such as robbery and assault. Protesters carried banners with messages like ‘We are all Carlos Manzo’ and wore cowboy hats in his honor. Manzo, who was shot dead on November 1 during a Day of the Dead festival, had been a prominent advocate for tougher action against cartel violence. President Claudia Sheinbaum, who has resisted calls for an all-out war on drugs, accused right-wing politicians of funding the protests and claimed the demonstrations were promoted by online bots. Despite her efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking and maintain a 70% approval rating, Sheinbaum faces criticism for failing to curb the country’s escalating violence. The protests also highlighted Mexico’s strained diplomatic relations, particularly with Peru, which recently declared Sheinbaum persona non grata following Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister implicated in a 2022 coup attempt.
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Look: Will Smith spotted at Dubai restaurant after Sharjah Book Fair session
Hollywood icon Will Smith recently captivated Dubai during his visit to the UAE, where he participated in the Sharjah International Book Fair. Following his engaging session on the transformative power of storytelling, Smith made a memorable stop at the renowned Greek-Mediterranean restaurant, Gaia, located in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). The 57-year-old actor, known for his roles in blockbuster films like ‘Men in Black,’ brought his signature charm and energy to the venue, spending the evening with friends and leaving a lasting impression on staff and patrons alike. Gaia’s Instagram account celebrated the visit, describing it as a moment filled with ‘energy, laughter, and a sense of celebration.’ Smith’s presence at the restaurant, where he posed for photos and interacted warmly with everyone, added to the night’s allure. Earlier at the Sharjah Book Fair, Smith shared profound insights into storytelling during a conversation with Emirati entrepreneur Anas Bukhash. He emphasized the importance of writing one’s own story, revealing that penning his own book had been a deeply transformative experience. Smith also expressed enthusiasm about the Middle East’s rich cultural heritage, stating, ‘I’m really excited about the Middle East opening up,’ and highlighting the region’s untapped wealth of stories spanning thousands of years. His visit not only underscored his global influence but also reinforced the UAE’s growing prominence as a hub for cultural and artistic exchange.
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‘We’re just going to go through this again’: Americans fear second government shutdown
Beth Johnson, a military wife and mother of two, is no stranger to the challenges of frequent relocations due to her husband’s service. However, the recent 43-day U.S. government shutdown brought a new level of anxiety she wasn’t prepared for. As one of millions of Americans affected, she breathed a sigh of relief when Congress reached a temporary funding agreement earlier this week. Yet, with the deal set to expire in January, the specter of another shutdown looms large. ‘The uncertainty is crippling,’ Johnson said, emphasizing the strain on families reliant on federal income. The shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, left 1.3 million active-duty military personnel and over 1.4 million federal employees without pay, forcing families to make difficult financial decisions. Johnson’s son even offered to forgo Christmas gifts, saying, ‘It’s okay, we don’t need them.’ The temporary funding agreement ensures federal workers will be paid for the shutdown period and extends the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) until September 2024. However, health-insurance subsidies, a key sticking point for Democrats, were excluded, leaving many families like Sierra Bird’s in Florida to navigate ongoing stress. Bird, a mother of four dependent on SNAP, survived the shutdown but now plans to stockpile food in anticipation of another. Meanwhile, Sarah, an archaeologist furloughed during the shutdown, returned to work but remains cautious, delaying expenses and preparing for potential January disruptions. As the countdown to the next funding deadline begins, families like Johnson’s are tightening their belts, saving diligently, and hoping for stability in an increasingly uncertain political climate.
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Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League: TUM retains title after Unimore collision halts final
The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) witnessed a thrilling yet chaotic finale at Yas Marina Circuit, as TUM secured its second consecutive championship title. The race, marked by a dramatic mid-race collision, reshuffled the leaderboard and left spectators on the edge of their seats. Team Unimore from Italy, which had been leading the race, saw its dream run end in heartbreak after a collision with the Constructor car. The incident occurred on Lap 10 when the Constructor car unexpectedly slowed and stopped mid-track, forcing Unimore’s AI-driven vehicle to make evasive maneuvers. Despite its efforts, Unimore’s car collided with the barrier, sustaining significant damage and dropping from first to fifth place. Constructor, last season’s runner-up, also saw its championship hopes dashed as it finished last. The race was temporarily halted to clear the wreckage, with three humanoid robots standing silently in the pitlane, adding a surreal touch to the event. When racing resumed, TUM reclaimed the lead and held it to the chequered flag, solidifying its dominance in the league. TII from the UAE finished second, while Polimove from Italy secured third place. The event concluded with a futuristic drone show and fireworks, leaving spectators in awe of the advancements in autonomous racing. The race not only showcased cutting-edge technology but also highlighted the unpredictable nature of motorsport, signaling a new chapter in its evolution.
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At least four dead after migrant boats sink in Mediterranean
In a devastating incident off the coast of Libya, at least four individuals lost their lives after two overcrowded migrant boats capsized on Saturday. The Libyan Red Crescent confirmed that the deceased were among 26 Bangladeshi nationals aboard one of the vessels. The fate of passengers on the second boat, which carried approximately 70 mostly Sudanese migrants, remains unclear as rescue efforts continue. The boats were traversing the central Mediterranean route, a perilous path between North Africa and Italy, which the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM) has labeled as the ‘deadliest known migration route in the world.’ The vessels had departed from Al Khums, a port city in northwestern Libya. Disturbing images shared by the Libyan Red Crescent show rescue workers providing aid to survivors and black body bags lined up on the shore. This tragedy underscores the ongoing migrant crisis in the Mediterranean, where hundreds perish annually in unsafe and overcrowded boats. According to IOM data, more than 1,500 people have died or gone missing in the Mediterranean in 2025 alone, with a significant portion of these incidents occurring off Libya’s coast. Libya remains a primary departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe, with nearly 59,000 individuals arriving via this route this year, as reported by Frontex, the EU’s border security agency. Earlier this week, another boat carrying migrants from Libya capsized, leaving dozens missing and presumed dead. Seven survivors from Sudan, Somalia, Cameroon, and Nigeria were rescued after enduring nearly a week adrift at sea.
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Huge fire sparked by explosions near Argentine capital; 5 factories hit
A catastrophic fire triggered by multiple explosions at an industrial park near Buenos Aires, Argentina, has been successfully contained, according to local authorities. The incident, which occurred late Friday, sent towering plumes of black and orange smoke into the night sky, visible from miles away. The explosions and ensuing blaze caused widespread panic, shattered windows in nearby homes, and inflicted minor structural damage on surrounding buildings.
Fabian Garcia, the Civil Defense director for Buenos Aires province, confirmed that while the fire has not yet been fully extinguished, it is under control and poses no further risk of spreading. Garcia emphasized that the situation, though violent, was never out of hand to the extent of endangering the local population. Air quality in the affected area is being closely monitored, with detected smoke particles raising concerns, though not to the level of an extreme hazard.
Ezeiza mayor Gaston Granados described the explosions and fire as ‘huge,’ noting that efforts to control and extinguish the blaze were ongoing. Granados also mentioned that his own residence had sustained damage, and families in the vicinity were being evacuated as a precaution. Hospital director Carlos Santoro reported that 22 individuals were treated for minor injuries, including a heart attack patient and a pregnant woman with respiratory issues.
The industrial park housed several companies specializing in tire manufacturing, chemical products, and other goods. Local media indicated that five factories were impacted by the disaster, with at least one building completely reduced to ashes. Firefighters continued their battle against the flames into early Saturday, working tirelessly to bring the situation under full control.
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Nine injured after car rams into crowd at Australia demolition derby
A tragic incident unfolded during the annual Walcha Motorcycle Rally in southeastern Australia, leaving nine people injured, one critically, after a car veered off the track and crashed into a crowd. The accident occurred on Saturday night in the town of Walcha, New South Wales, during a demolition derby—a motorsport event where drivers intentionally collide with each other. According to police, the car breached a fence and struck the grandstand, causing injuries to bystanders aged between 20 and 75. The critically injured individual is a 54-year-old man. Authorities revealed that the 27-year-old driver had been involved in a collision on the track moments before the crash. An investigation is currently underway to determine the exact circumstances of the incident. The Walcha Council expressed shock and sadness in a statement on the rally’s Facebook page, pledging to collaborate with authorities to examine the causes of the accident. Local politicians, including Brendan Moylan, Member of Parliament for Northern Tablelands, and Barnaby Joyce, former deputy prime minister, extended their thoughts and prayers to the victims, praising the emergency responders for their swift and professional actions. The Walcha Motorcycle Rally, described as a grassroots event for motorcycle enthusiasts, ended on a somber note as the community grappled with the aftermath of the tragedy.
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Thieves in France steal jewellery worth up to $1.2 mn: Police
In a daring robbery, thieves in northern France have stolen jewelry valued at up to $1.2 million, according to police reports on Saturday. The burglars targeted a jewelry boutique in central Roubaix, near Lille, on Wednesday. During the heist, they briefly held the jeweler and his wife hostage before escaping with the valuable items. The stolen jewels are estimated to be worth between 500,000 and one million euros ($580,000 to $1.2 million). Authorities have initiated an investigation into charges of kidnapping, organized crime, and armed extortion. This incident follows another high-profile theft earlier on Wednesday, where individuals blew up a cash transfer safe at Roubaix’s main post office. However, the stolen bag contained only empty bags, leading to the arrest of six suspects that evening. These heists come in the wake of a recent raid on the Louvre museum in Paris, where a gang stole jewelry worth an estimated $102 million in broad daylight last month.
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My mum was a 17-year-old free spirit – so she was locked up and put in a coma
Marina Freixa grew up sensing a dark secret in her family’s history. Her mother, Mariona Roca Tort, had lived through Spain’s Franco dictatorship, but the details of her past remained shrouded in mystery. A decade ago, during a Christmas gathering, Mariona finally broke her silence, revealing a harrowing chapter of her life that would forever change Marina’s understanding of her family and her country’s history.