Australia election 2025 live: Coalition’s $21bn defence spending boost includes new F-35 squadron, as Marles calls policy a ‘pathetic whimper’ | Australia news

Learner drivers are currently facing an extensive backlog for driving tests, with the Department for Transport anticipating a resolution by summer 2026. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the waiting list, which has swelled due to Covid lockdowns, as "totally unacceptable" and outlined plans to increase test availability by securing an additional 10,000 tests monthly through overtime incentives and voluntary returns of qualified DVSA staff. A consultation on the booking system aims to combat issues caused...

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves may need to raise taxes or implement deeper public spending cuts after borrowing exceeded forecasts by nearly £15bn, totaling £151.9bn for the last financial year, primarily due to rising borrowing costs linked to Donald Trump's trade policies. Economists suggest that to adhere to fiscal rules, Reeves must consider tax increases in the upcoming autumn budget, especially after recent cuts to benefits and public spending. Meanwhile, public sector debt is at 95.8%...

Prince William and Princess Kate celebrated their son Louis's seventh birthday with a portrait featuring the young royal missing his front teeth, dressed in a green sweater and jeans. The post generated surprise among social media users at how much he has grown, with many commenting on his maturity and wishing him a fun birthday filled with family and cake. Louis, the third child of the couple and known for his cheeky antics, has become...

Cicadas, specifically Brood XIV, are set to emerge in spring 2025 across the eastern United States, with billions expected in areas like Kentucky and Tennessee. This brood, which appears every 17 years, will be the only group this spring, resulting in fewer cicadas compared to 2024. They will emerge when the soil temperature rises, typically from late April to early June, and will remain above ground for about 4 to 6 weeks, creating loud buzzing...

SINGAPORE: Shipping lawyer Gho Sze Kee, representing the People’s Action Party (PAP), will contest against independent candidate Jeremy Tan in Mountbatten SMC, aiming for a more inclusive society. Ms. Gho replaces four-term MP Lim Biow Chuan, while Mr. Tan, a retired individual living close to Mountbatten, expresses a desire to represent residents effectively. The constituency has 22,754 eligible voters, with ongoing interest from the People's Alliance for Reform to contest in the area. Full Article

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Oman's Sultan Haitham Bin Tariq Al-Said to discuss Iran's nuclear program amid ongoing negotiations between Iran and the U.S., as reported by Kremlin officials. Oman is mediating these talks, with President Trump threatening military action if a deal is not reached, while Iran denies seeking nuclear weapons. Putin emphasized Russia's commitment to supporting Iran and indicated that Russian energy companies are interested in enhancing relations with Oman, following his...