Lifestyle

The world's most powerful passports for 2024

The results of the Henley Passport Index 2024 have been published, listing this year's most powerful passports. The annual index is created by London-based global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners, using exclusive data from the International Air Transport Association. There are an incredible 34 country passports occupying the top 10 places listed in this gallery. So, where is your passport placed, and how many visa-free or visa-on-arrival destinations does it afford? Click on and travel through the index to find out!

Cannibalism and massacres: The dark history of the Oregon Trail

The Oregon Trail connected the Missouri River in the east to the Oregon valleys in the west. From 1841 to 1869, approximately 350,000 people set out on the trail, and an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 lost their lives while doing so. There would be no America as we know it today without the Oregon Trail, and in this gallery we bring you the highlights of its (quite dark) history. Click through to learn more.

Moment Jeremy Hunt leaves Downing Street with his wife and children

Jeremy Hunt has left Downing Street with his family for the final time this morning following Labour's victory in the General Election.

Jacob Rees-Mogg is mercilessly mocked for being ousted as an MP

In scenes ridiculed by the British public, Sir Jacob was filmed losing his North East Somerset and Hanham seat - while standing next to a man wearing a baked bean balaclava.

Sunak apologises for Tory electoral disaster and confirms plan to quit as leader

Sunak apologises for Tory electoral disaster and confirms plan to quit as leader - Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer will be the UK’s new prime minister.

Nobody’s home: Phoenix cop left talking to customer support after pulling over driverless taxi

Nobody’s home: Phoenix cop left talking to customer support after pulling over driverless taxi - The unmanned vehicle was pulled over after allegedly driving in ‘opposing lanes of traffic’, according to a Phoenix police officer

Woman found inside stomach of giant monster

In a village in Sulawesi, Indonesia, the community is once again living in fear after a reticulated python, known for its colossal size, devoured a 38-year-old woman. Residents of a village on the central Indonesian island of Sulawesi found the body of a woman inside a python. And this is already the second such incident in just a month in this part of the Asian archipelago. The 38-year-old victim was found by residents of Luwu province, in...

NATO chief Stoltenberg congratulates Keir Starmer on UK election win

Nato (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) secretary general Jens Stoltenberg extended his congratulations to the new UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on 5th July during a news briefing in Brussels.

History's most famous examples of parricide

Parricide is a form of murder that refers to the killing of a parent, whether it be the mother, father, or both. A study conducted in 2019 revealed that parricide is the least common type of murder. The rarity of these incidents could explain why they receive such extensive media coverage and are incredibly chilling. Typically, this unusual crime is committed by white males with no prior criminal record. Female perpetrators of parricide are exceptionally rare, but there are a few instances documented on this disturbing list. To explore more about these terrifying crimes where parents were tragically murdered by their own offspring, simply click through the gallery.

Putin’s state TV rejoices at Tories’ crushing defeat

A third of Russians back Putin nuking Ukraine with major support

Some 34 per cent of Russians would definitely or likely support use of nuclear weapons in the conflict against Ukraine, according to findings from the Levada Centre.

The most expensive ransoms ever paid

There are millions of ways to make money around the world. Holding loved ones ransom is probably one of the more corrupt jobs, but it has happened countless times across the globe. Click on to find out how much people are willing to pay, to see the people they love once more.

Victoria Starmer and Rishi Sunak's wife Akshata Murty's election looks and their hidden meanings

Sir Keir Starmer's wife Lady Victoria looked chic in red as she walked arm in arm with her husband into Downing Street following Labour's resounding General Election win

Scottish Labour changes electoral map of Scotland after destroying SNP

Scottish Labour swept the SNP aside yesterday taking a majority of Westminster seats.

An old American Cold War air defense system has proven to be a game changing weapon for Ukraine

UK election: Labour will win in a landslide, exit poll projects

The result will end a 14-year era of Conservative rule and put Keir Starmer on course to become Prime Minister.

Facts you never knew about Winston Churchill

On January 24, 1965, Britain mourned the loss of one of the greatest prime ministers of all time. An incredible writer, military leader, and politician, Winston Churchill is remembered worldwide for his wartime leadership and of course, his ubiquitous cigar. But there are many other curious facts you probably never knew about the former British prime minister. Click on to find out more!

Trump congratulates pal Nigel Farage for his 'big win'

Donald Trump led the the congratulations to his friend Nigel Farage on becoming a member of the British Parliament for the first time.

Nottingham joins other universities in asking courts to help end protest camps

Nottingham joins other universities in asking courts to help end protest camps - A number of educational institutions have taken legal action over Pro-Palestinian protests on campus.

The largest land mammal migration in the world

Three killed after ‘drunk driver’ slams into July 4 revellers at NYC park

Three killed after ‘drunk driver’ slams into July 4 revellers at NYC park - A 59-year-old woman, a 38-year-old man and an unidentified woman were the three people who have been pronounced dead

Reform wins FIFTH seat as final election result in England is declared

James McMurdock won the Basildon South and East Thurrock constituency in Essex this afternoon with a majority of just 98 votes from Labour candidate Jack Ferguson.

Hungary's Orban talks Ukraine peace with Putin, drawing EU censure

By Vladimir Soldatkin and Anita Komuves MOSCOW/BUDAPEST (Reuters) -Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban met Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday to discuss peace in Ukraine, drawing censure from other European Union leaders who warned against appeasing Moscow and insisted he did not speak for the EU. Hungary assumed the six-month rotating presidency of the bloc on Monday. Five days in and

Strange facts about psilocybin mushrooms

Psilocybin mushrooms, or magic mushrooms, have long been looked at with suspicion. Their psychedelic properties have led to their classification as an illegal substance in many countries. However, research into the capabilities and therapeutic uses of psilocybin mushrooms has shown incredibly promising results and unprecedented benefits. Pioneering doctors believe they can help with a wide range of mental illnesses, and even ease the struggles of those coming to terms with a terminal diagnosis. Magic mushrooms are a growing field of interest. Nature, on the other hand, has always known of their capabilities, with some animals regularly partaking! Don't believe it? Click through the gallery to discover more surprising facts about psilocybin.

Jailed Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza transferred to Siberian prison hospital, wife says

Jailed Putin critic Vladimir Kara-Murza transferred to Siberian prison hospital, wife says - The opposition leader is serving longest sentence handed to a Kremlin critic since fall of Soviet Union

Meet Britain's first MP born in the 21st century who's just 22

Fresh-faced Sam Carling clinched a narrow victory over veteran Conservative MP Shailesh Vara last night, claiming the North West Cambridgeshire for Labour by just 39 votes.

Letby receives a further whole-life order for baby murder bid

Child serial killer nurse Lucy Letby has been sentenced to another whole-life order for the attempted murder of a baby girl. Earlier this week, Letby, 34, was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court of the attack on the newborn infant during a night shift at the Countess of Chester Hospital's neonatal unit in February 2016.

Crying children betray kidnapping at airport

An Iranian living in the Netherlands tried to kidnap his three children. He picked them up at their school on Tuesday and drove straight to the Cologne airport with his 13-year-old son and two little daughters. He had bought tickets in advance for a one-way flight to Tehran, with stopover in Istanbul. However, thanks to alert police officers and security guards, this parental abduction could be prevented. The children kept crying as they lined...

Missing body parts, wrong ashes and hundreds of decomposing bodies: The murky truth behind several Colorado funeral homes

Missing body parts, wrong ashes and hundreds of decomposing bodies: The murky truth behind several Colorado funeral homes - Colorado’s funeral homes went nearly unregulated for four decades before high-profile scandals – from body brokering to remains left to decompose for years – helped prompt new legislation. Even legislators ‘don’t want to talk about death or dying,’ one lawmaker who helped spearhead reform says – but the pain and grief lax...

General Election 2024: After Labour landslide, what happens next?

Sir Keir Starmer will take the keys to Downing Street after voters handed Labour a landslide victory in the General Election - and here is a look at how the handover of power will unfold in the coming days.

‘Low-life scumbag’ jailed for life after killing footballer in van attack

Sam Wilson was killed when Zac Newman drove a van into a crowd of pedestrians in Ilkeston, Derbyshire.

Pictured: Woman who fell to her death from a cable car in Italian alps

Teacher Margherita Lega had been hiking with her husband Rocco Meloni, and their two young children during a holiday when the freak tragedy happened.

King Charles appoints Keir Starmer as prime minister after general election - all the photos

The King met with outgoing prime minister Rishi Sunak, before welcoming new leader, Keir Starmer, after Labour won a landslide victory in the UK General Election

Dad pleaded for daughter’s ex-boyfriend not to be freed from jail. Days later, her mutilated body was found in a car

Dad pleaded for daughter’s ex-boyfriend not to be freed from jail. Days later, her mutilated body was found in a car - ‘If they let him out, he was going to kill her,’ Lauren Johansen’s father said he warned a judge just days before his daughter’s death

'My neighbours have been secretly using my pool for years without permission'

A woman has been left horrified after discovering her neighbours have been sneaking into her garden to use her pool when she isn't home - and it took her years to catch them

Shocking moment fireworks malfunction and fly into crowd during July 4 event in Utah stadium

Shocking moment fireworks malfunction and fly into crowd during July 4 event in Utah stadium - One attendee was severely injured after being struck in the face and was taken to hospital in an ambulance, police say

General election result WON'T be finalised today

SNP candidate Drew Hendry will be made to wait to see if he has managed to hold on to Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire for the with a recount scheduled for 10.30am tomorrow.

Emily Maitlis mistakes BBC gardens for graveyard during SNP interview

Krishnan Guru-Murthy, who regularly anchors Channel 4 News coverage, started laughing at the remark.

Mother throws newborn daughter out of a window

Katarina Jovanovic, 28, was found guilty of manslaughter after her newborn daughter was dropped out of an apartment window.

The surprising hidden talents of American presidents

When we think of American presidents, we often think of them as serious political leaders. But what we don't often see are the talents they possessed beyond the requirements of commander in chief. Sure, in recent decades we've gotten glimpses of their personalities and hobbies, but we've been largely unaware of certain surprising abilities of presidents throughout history. From painting to dancing, click on to discover the surprising hidden talents of US presidents.

French election campaign rocked by violence as minister says more than 50 attacks made ahead of crunch vote

French election campaign rocked by violence as minister says more than 50 attacks made ahead of crunch vote - France ‘on edge’ as politicians begrudgingly unite in bid to hold off unprecedented far-right threat

Court says social media influencer Andrew Tate can leave Romania but remain in EU as he awaits trial

Court says social media influencer Andrew Tate can leave Romania but remain in EU as he awaits trial - A court in Romania’s capital has ruled that social media influencer Andrew Tate can leave Romania but must remain within the European Union as he awaits trial on charges of human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal gang to sexually exploit women

Hockey star is charged with murdering his wife at their £250,000 home

Mohammed Samak, 42, is to appear before magistrates today after his wife Joanne, 49, was found seriously injured at their home.

The deadliest disaster to ever happen in each state

The United States has been hit by natural disasters of all kinds and struck by countless deadly events, including accidents and terrorist attacks. But have you ever wondered what the most devastating disaster was in each state? In this gallery, we delve into American history and bring you the deadliest disasters from each state. Click on to find out all about them.

Giant queues at Heathrow Airport after Terminal 2 evacuated

It follows reports of a 'suspicious item'.

E. coli update issued with more new cases confirmed and half in hospital

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there have now been 288 confirmed cases in the UK - but stressed in a new statement that cases "continue to decline"

Keir Starmer's children have one request before they all move into Downing Street

Prime Minister Keir Starmer's teenage children have one request if they are all to move into Downing Street's residence - and they've been 'campaigning' for a little while

Video: Company showcases hidden machine gun in SUV ready to fire in seconds

The concealable weapon turret, a member of the KORALP family, developed by Sarsılmaz Silah Sanayi A.Ş in collaboration with Best Defence, is ready to fire in seconds.

Allies of Donald Trump are pushing for the first nuclear tests in three decades

Allies of Donald Trump are pushing for the first nuclear tests in three decades - Trump advisers and Project 2025 are calling for a dramatic expansion of the nation’s nuclear stockpile

Nigel Farage faces down FIVE hecklers at Reform UK press conference

Nigel Farage 's speech was interrupted by five hecklers today after he won a UK parliamentary seat at his eighth attempt and the Reform UK party gained four MPs in the General Election .