Explore the Secret World of Elephants With the American Museum of Natural History’s New Exhibition
A new exhibit coming to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City examines elephants’ past, present, and future.
2023-11-12 21:55
What’s the Kennection? #88
All five answers to the questions below have something in common. Can you figure it out?
2023-11-12 21:46
Ugandan army officers sacked for cowardice in attack on Somalia's Bulo Marer Atmis base
More than 50 soldiers were killed in the attack by al-Shabab fighters in May.
2023-11-12 20:20
South Africa’s ‘Too White’ Farms May Lose EU, UK Access
South African farms deemed “too white” will no longer be able to export their produce to the UK
2023-11-12 19:18
Violence at London March Puts Spotlight on Sunak’s Leadership
Clashes between police and mainly far-right counter-protesters at a pro-Palestinian march in London have put the spotlight back
2023-11-12 18:54
Imo state won by Nigeria's APC, election results expected in Bayelsa and Kogi
Saturday's elections in three states were marred by reports of low turnout, violence and rigging.
2023-11-12 18:23
Turkish Air Order Splash Pushes Dubai Show Into Record Territory
Dubai has long lived by the adage that more is more, and this year’s edition of the biennial
2023-11-12 17:49
Iceland earthquakes: What are your rights if you are on holiday or are planning to go?
The earth is at its most restless in Iceland right now. The Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik, is seething with seismic activity sparking hundreds of small earthquakes. The town of Grindavík, just 10 miles south of Keflavik International Airport, has been evacuated as a precaution. Yet flights are continuing to arrive and depart as normal. These are the key questions and answers on consumer rights. I am in Iceland. Will I be able to leave? Yes, assuming the international airport remains open. So far operations have been normal. There are 14 arrivals and departures planned for Saturday from and to the UK, with no signs of disruption to flights. You may be keen to leave earlier than booked, in order to guarantee your getaway, but at present you will not be able to switch flights without paying a penalty. A spokesperson for British Airways told The Independent: “Our flights are operating as planned and we continue to monitor the situation closely. “We will be in touch with customers directly should the situation change.” The easyJet statement is very similar: “Our flying schedule is currently operating as normal however we are monitoring the situation closely and should this change we will contact customers directly to advise on their flights.” But didn’t an Icelandic volcano shut down European aviation for a week? Yes. Travellers may remember where they were March 2010, when the Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajökull erupted. The skies of northern Europe completely closed to passenger aviation for almost a week because of fears that volcanic ash spreading southeast from Iceland could damage aircraft engines and endanger travellers. More than 50,000 flights, with eight million passengers booked to travel, were cancelled. So far in 2023, though, ash has not been an issue in the current geological outburst. What if I am booked on a package holiday? Foreign Office advice stops well short of advising against travel to Iceland, meaning holiday companies can continue to operate as normal – with no automatic right to cancel. The Foreign Office advice to British travellers is that it is “increasingly possible” that a volcanic eruption could occur. The official warning on “volcanic eruption and earthquakes” reads: “Earthquakes and indications of volcanic activity have increased above normal levels on the Reykjanes peninsula, southwest of Reykjavik. “The Icelandic authorities continue to monitor the area closely, particularly the area northwest of Mt Thorbjörn near the Svartsengi power plant and the Blue Lagoon. On 10 November, a Civil Protection Alert was declared after an intense swarm of earthquakes. “The town of Grindavík was evacuated as a precaution. Some roads have been closed and visitors are advised to stay away from the area. “Keflavik International Airport is operating as normal. While there is no current eruption, it is increasingly possible that one could occur.” Until and unless the Foreign Office warns against travel, the assumption is that everything will go ahead as normal. The one exception is for holidaymakers who had planned to stay at the Blue Lagoon – an increasingly popular “wellness” destination, with an upmarket hotel on the site. The Blue Lagoon is currently closed. Only those booked for a stay have the chance to cancel; if you were hoping to pop in as a day visitor for a steamy stop in the volcanic rock pools, you will need to return at some time in the future. Can I claim on insurance? No, unless it is one of the vanishingly rare “cancel for any reason” policies. On standard travel insurance, “disinclination to travel” is not an acceptable reason for a claim. Would you go to Iceland at the moment? Yes, I would relish the opportunity. Late November is an excellent time to visit Iceland for good value. Conditions right now are also excellent for the prospect of a good show to the Northern Lights, which are at a peak of the usual 11-year cosmic cycle. I also know that the Icelandic authorities are expert at handling seismic events, with extremely good monitoring and emergency systems in place. I would book a package holiday, though, knowing that if the earth gets too restless for comfort in the vicinity, I would be able to cancel for a full refund. Read More Iceland earthquakes: Your rights if you are on holiday there or are planning to go Iceland earthquakes: Are flights still running amid fears over volcano eruption? In the Superloop: London’s southbound express bus In the Superloop: London’s southbound express bus Airbnb rules go ‘step too far’ with guidance on how to clean up blood Passenger claims tequila in his luggage came back with ‘shot’ missing after flight
2023-11-12 17:28
Afghanistan's first female orchestra 'inspiring'
Sisters follows musician Dan Blackwell who travels Kabul to meet the Zohra orchestra.
2023-11-12 16:59
Ukraine Recap: Officer Linked in Reports to Nord Stream Sabotage
A senior Ukrainian military officer with deep ties to the country’s intelligence services played a central role in
2023-11-12 16:54
DP World Sees Significant Progress in Australia Port Resumption
DP World Australia said it made “significant progress” in re-establishing freight operations at its ports, after a cyberattack
2023-11-12 12:49
French march against antisemitism shakes up far right and far left
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen plans to rally alongside major political parties but the far left refuses.
2023-11-12 09:56