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The Man Who Hasn’t Slept in 62 Years: A Medical Mystery
Sleep is one of the most essential functions of the human body. Scientists widely agree that without it, people cannot survive for long. Yet in a remote village in Southeast Asia, a man has baffled doctors and researchers by claiming he has not slept a single night for over 62 years.
A Life Without Rest
The man, now in his late seventies, first stopped sleeping as a teenager after a sudden fever. According to his account, since that day he has been unable to close his eyes and drift into unconsciousness. While most people can barely manage a few sleepless nights before their health begins to collapse, he insists that decades have passed without even a short nap.
Despite this, he has managed to live what appears to be a normal life. Neighbours say he works on his farm every day, helps with village chores, and remains surprisingly energetic for his age. He has never been seen dozing off, even during long journeys or quiet evenings when most people naturally nod off.
Scientific Impossibility
Medical experts remain deeply sceptical of the story. The human body relies on sleep to repair tissue, consolidate memory, and regulate hormones. Studies have shown that going more than a week without rest can cause hallucinations, organ stress, and eventually death.
The longest scientifically documented period of sleeplessness was 11 days, achieved by an American teenager, Randy Gardner, in 1964 as part of a school experiment. Gardner later reported severe mental and physical side effects, but he eventually recovered once he returned to normal sleep patterns.
For someone to go 62 years without a single moment of rest would defy everything known about biology.
Possible Explanations
Doctors who have examined cases like this suggest several possibilities:
•Microsleep episodes – The man may be experiencing tiny bursts of unconsciousness lasting only seconds, so brief that he does not recognise them as sleep.
•Unique physiology – Rare neurological or genetic factors might allow his body to bypass the usual need for deep rest.
•Memory distortion – After decades, he may genuinely believe he hasn’t slept, even if his body has found ways to rest without him noticing.
•Cultural myth – In some cases, such stories grow from local folklore, mixing truth with exaggeration.
A Mystery That Endures
Researchers who have travelled to meet the man admit that his case is puzzling. Tests on his heart, lungs, and brain activity have shown no severe damage, and his appearance is that of someone much younger than his age. Still, without continuous scientific monitoring, it is impossible to prove his claim.
Whether the story is a rare medical phenomenon, a misunderstanding, or a legend passed down through the community, it continues to fascinate both locals and outsiders.
Conclusion
Sleep remains one of the greatest necessities of human life, but this man’s story challenges our understanding of biology. If true, his case could rewrite what we know about rest, health, and the human brain. For now, the man who has not slept in 62 years remains one of medicine’s strangest unsolved mysteries.
Attached is a news article regarding a man who has had no sleep for over 62 years
The Enjoyment of Cannabis and Its Potential Health Benefits
Cannabis has been enjoyed by cultures across the world for centuries, not only for its recreational value but also for its perceived therapeutic properties. In recent years, as stigma fades and research expands, many people are exploring the benefits cannabis can bring to both the mind and body when used responsibly.
The Enjoyment Factor
One of the most common reasons people use cannabis is for relaxation and enjoyment. Smoking or vaping cannabis can create feelings of euphoria, calmness, and heightened sensory awareness. For some, music feels richer, food tastes better, and conversations become more engaging. This uplifting effect can make social gatherings more enjoyable and can help ease the stresses of daily life.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
Many users report that cannabis helps reduce stress and anxiety. Certain strains high in cannabidiol (CBD) may help calm the nervous system without the intense high associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). For people dealing with racing thoughts or chronic tension, cannabis can provide a sense of mental clarity and calm.
Pain Management
One of the most widely recognized health benefits of cannabis is its ability to relieve pain. Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain, mood, and inflammation. For people with arthritis, migraines, back pain, or injuries, cannabis can act as a natural alternative to pharmaceuticals.
Better Sleep
Insomnia and poor sleep affect millions of people. Cannabis, particularly strains with higher levels of THC, can help individuals fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It may also reduce nightmares, which is why some people with PTSD turn to cannabis for relief.
Appetite and Digestion
Cannabis is known for increasing appetite—commonly referred to as “the munchies.” While this can be a source of humor in recreational use, it also has medical value. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, or those with conditions that reduce appetite, often rely on cannabis to help them maintain proper nutrition.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Cannabis compounds, especially CBD, have shown promise as anti-inflammatory agents. This can benefit people with autoimmune disorders, inflammatory bowel disease, or general swelling and soreness after physical activity.
A Word of Balance
While cannabis can bring enjoyment and potential health benefits, it is important to note that smoking anything—including cannabis—introduces smoke into the lungs, which can irritate respiratory health. Alternatives like edibles, tinctures, or vaporizers may offer safer methods of consumption. As with any substance, moderation and responsible use are key.
Conclusion
Cannabis is more than just a recreational indulgence—it is a plant with a rich history and a growing body of scientific support behind its potential health benefits. From relaxation and improved sleep to pain and stress relief, cannabis offers a natural way for people to enhance their well-being. With mindful use and continued research, it may play an even greater role in the future of holistic health.
Attached is a news article regarding smoking cannabis has on the human body
The egg has long been celebrated as one of nature’s most complete foods. Packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, eggs are a staple in diets worldwide. But what if you took it to the extreme and ate nothing but eggs for an entire month? Would it transform your body into a lean, muscular machine — or wreak havoc on your health.
The Nutritional Profile of Eggs
A single large egg contains about 6 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and a wide range of nutrients including vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and choline. Eggs are also one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D, and the yolk contains antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin that support eye health.
On paper, eggs look like a nutritional powerhouse. But no single food can provide every nutrient the human body needs.
What Happens to the Body After a Month of Only Eggs
1. Protein and Muscle Maintenance
Eggs are a high-quality protein source, and eating them exclusively ensures you get plenty of amino acids. This could help maintain or even increase muscle mass if combined with exercise.
2. Weight Changes
Because eggs are filling and relatively low in calories, some people may lose weight when eating only eggs. However, the lack of dietary variety can also cause fatigue, leading to reduced physical activity and potentially slower metabolism.
3. Cholesterol Levels
Eggs are naturally high in dietary cholesterol. For most people, eating them daily does not drastically raise blood cholesterol because the liver adjusts production. But eating only eggs for weeks could push LDL (“bad”) cholesterol higher in some individuals, while raising HDL (“good”) cholesterol in others. The effect depends heavily on genetics.
4. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Eggs contain many nutrients but lack key ones, including vitamin C, magnesium, and sufficient fiber. After a month, deficiencies could appear, leading to fatigue, digestive issues, and weakened immunity.
5. Gut Health
The absence of fiber-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, and grains would severely impact gut bacteria. Constipation, bloating, and long-term digestive problems could follow.
6. Energy and Mood
Eggs provide steady protein and fat, but the lack of carbohydrates may leave many people feeling sluggish, irritable, or mentally foggy. The brain runs primarily on glucose, and without carbs, energy levels often dip.
Is It Good or Bad?
•Good: Eating eggs regularly (as part of a balanced diet) can improve protein intake, support eye and brain health, and aid weight control.
•Bad: Eating only eggs deprives the body of essential nutrients, increases the risk of digestive issues, and may raise cholesterol in some people.
In short, eggs are excellent as part of a varied diet, but harmful as the sole food source. A month of “pure eggs” would likely leave your body undernourished, your gut struggling, and your health at risk.
Conclusion
Eggs may be a nutritional wonder, but they are not a complete diet. For long-term health, balance and variety remain essential. Eating only eggs for a month could serve as an experiment in discipline, but the health trade-offs far outweigh any potential benefits. The safest choice is to keep eggs on the plate — alongside fruits, vegetables, grains, and other proteins.
Attached is a news article regarding eating eggs for a month
Terror on the Streets of Manchester as Jewish Community Targeted in Attack
Manchester was plunged into shock and grief last night after a brutal attack on members of the city’s Jewish community left multiple people dead and many more injured. What began as a quiet evening in neighbourhoods with some of Britain’s largest Jewish populations quickly descended into chaos as armed assailants launched a coordinated assault.
According to eyewitnesses, groups of worshippers had been leaving synagogues and community centres in north Manchester when they were suddenly ambushed. Panic spread as attackers armed with knives and firearms indiscriminately targeted civilians in the streets. Within minutes, scenes of terror unfolded as families fled, and emergency services rushed to the area.
Police declared a major incident, cordoning off several streets and urging residents to remain indoors. The North West Ambulance Service confirmed multiple casualties, with hospitals across the city placed on high alert. While the exact number of fatalities has not yet been officially confirmed, local leaders described the scale of the slaughter as “the darkest day Manchester has faced in a generation.”
The attack has sparked outrage and fear across the UK. The Chief Rabbi condemned the violence as “an unspeakable act of hatred,” while community leaders appealed for calm and solidarity. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak also issued a statement, pledging that “those responsible will be hunted down and brought to justice.”
Security around synagogues, schools, and Jewish-owned businesses has been dramatically increased, with armed patrols now a visible presence on Manchester’s streets. Counter-terrorism officers are investigating whether the attackers acted alone or were part of a wider extremist network.
For Manchester’s Jewish community—one of the largest in Europe—the massacre has reopened deep scars. Survivors spoke of hiding in homes, shielding children, and hearing screams echo through the night. One shaken resident told reporters: “We thought we were safe here in Britain. Tonight, it feels like we’re not.”
The coming days are expected to see vigils held across the city in memory of the victims. Faith groups and civic leaders have called for unity in the face of terror, stressing that hatred must not be allowed to divide communities.
As Manchester mourns, questions remain about how such an atrocity could happen and whether more could have been done to prevent it. For now, the city grieves together, standing in defiance of those who sought to bring it to its knees.
Attached is a news article regarding attack on Jewish people in Manchester
The Brutal End of Nazi Collaborator & France’s Car King Louis Renault
Louis Renault was once hailed as the genius of French industry. The founder of Renault, one of France’s most iconic car manufacturers, he built an empire that transformed mobility in the early 20th century. By the 1930s, Renault was not only a household name in France but also a cornerstone of the nation’s economic power. Yet, in the chaos of World War II, Renault’s legacy took a dark turn. Accusations of collaboration with Nazi Germany sealed his fate, leading to one of the most brutal downfalls in French business history.
From Industrial Giant to Suspected Traitor
Born in 1877, Louis Renault was a mechanical prodigy, designing his first car at just 21. His company flourished, producing both civilian cars and military vehicles, and by the interwar years, Renault was at the peak of his wealth and influence.
But the German invasion of France in 1940 transformed Renault from a national hero into a deeply divisive figure. Unlike some industrialists who sabotaged their factories or fled, Renault’s plants continued to operate under German occupation. His factories churned out lorries, tanks, and other equipment that directly supported the Nazi war machine.
While Renault claimed he was merely trying to preserve his factories and protect French workers from deportation to Germany, many in post-liberation France saw his actions as betrayal. In the patriotic fever of the Resistance, he was branded a profiteer who had sold out France to Hitler.
The Arrest and Brutal Detention
In September 1944, just weeks after the liberation of Paris, Louis Renault was arrested by the new French authorities on charges of collaboration. The once-celebrated tycoon was paraded as a symbol of treachery.
Renault was taken to Fresnes Prison, where many accused collaborators awaited trial. Accounts from the time suggest that he was badly beaten while in custody. His health, already fragile, deteriorated rapidly. On October 24, 1944, Louis Renault died in prison under suspicious circumstances. The official cause was listed as uraemia, a kidney condition, but widespread rumors circulated that he had been fatally mistreated by guards or fellow inmates.
Posthumous Punishment
Renault’s death meant he never stood trial. But punishment came swiftly for his empire. Charles de Gaulle’s provisional government nationalized Renault in January 1945, stripping his family of ownership. Unlike other car companies such as Peugeot or Citroën, which survived the purges of postwar France, Renault was seized outright.
Today, Louis Renault remains a controversial figure in French history. Some argue he was a pragmatic industrialist forced to work with the occupiers under duress, while others see him as an opportunist who willingly collaborated with the Nazis.
What is undeniable is the brutality of his downfall: a man who once embodied French innovation and industry ended his days in a prison cell, broken and reviled by the country he helped modernize.
His company survived, but the name Renault remains forever tied to both industrial brilliance and the moral compromises of war.
Attached is a news article regarding Nazi collaborator car king Louis Renault
Misogyny and Racism Inside the Met: How Middle-Class Communities Are Now Feeling the Impact
The Metropolitan Police has once again come under scrutiny amid mounting claims of entrenched misogyny and racism within its ranks. For years, reports have highlighted discrimination directed at ethnic minorities and women, but a new layer of concern is emerging: the targeting of middle-class communities in a pattern critics describe as selective and biased policing.
A Culture of Discrimination
Investigations into the Met have repeatedly uncovered evidence of a toxic culture. From the damning 2021 report into institutional racism to recent findings of officers exchanging misogynistic messages in private chat groups, the force has struggled to shake its reputation for discrimination. Women officers themselves have spoken out about harassment from colleagues, while ethnic minority communities have long voiced concerns about disproportionate stop-and-search practices.
Now, critics say middle-class citizens are increasingly being caught in the crossfire of this culture. Once seen as relatively insulated from police excess, middle-class men and women are now experiencing a more aggressive style of policing previously associated with working-class and minority neighbourhoods.
Selective Policing
Campaigners argue that the shift reflects the Met’s deep-rooted prejudices. Women of all backgrounds report being dismissed or ridiculed when reporting harassment or assault, while men of colour—even those from affluent areas—still face heightened suspicion. In some cases, middle-class women have reported being treated as offenders when calling for help in domestic incidents, raising serious questions about misogyny within response units.
Lawyers have also flagged patterns in arrests linked to shoplifting and fraud, where suspects from middle-class backgrounds are increasingly being targeted while systemic issues of organised crime go under-addressed. Critics suggest this is less about justice and more about optics—demonstrating toughness without confronting deeper problems inside the force itself.
Broken Trust
The impact on public confidence is significant. Communities that once placed great trust in the police now report growing scepticism. Parents in suburban areas say their teenage children face unfair treatment, with female students subjected to invasive searches and young men of colour disproportionately questioned.
For women, the damage is compounded by the memory of the Sarah Everard case, which revealed horrifying abuses of power by a serving Met officer. The fear that reporting crimes could lead to further victimisation has left many reluctant to seek police help at all.
Calls for Reform
Campaign groups, MPs, and community leaders are demanding sweeping reforms, not just new leadership or training programmes. Critics say the Met must overhaul its recruitment, disciplinary structures, and internal culture to address the toxic mix of misogyny, racism, and class prejudice. Without that, they warn, Britain’s largest police force risks losing legitimacy across every layer of society.
As one activist put it: “The Met has always had a problem with race and women. What’s new is that middle-class communities are beginning to feel what working-class and ethnic minority communities have endured for decades.”
Attached is news article regarding misogyny and racism inside London met police
Police Targeting Middle-Class Shoplifters in Nationwide Crackdown
Police forces across the UK have launched a new wave of operations aimed at tackling shoplifting, with a surprising focus emerging: middle-class offenders.
Traditionally associated with organised gangs or individuals struggling with poverty, shoplifting is increasingly being carried out by those who are financially comfortable. Officers say they are seeing a rise in well-dressed, professional-looking individuals stealing luxury goods, groceries, and even household items from high street stores.
Retailers have reported a sharp increase in thefts involving people who “do not fit the stereotype” of shoplifters. Some offenders are described as parents in expensive cars, business professionals on lunch breaks, or shoppers who otherwise appear affluent.
According to police, many of these thefts are not driven by necessity but by opportunism, thrill-seeking, or a belief they can get away with it. A senior officer told reporters:
“There’s a growing perception among some middle-class individuals that shoplifting is a victimless crime, or that busy security guards won’t stop them. We want to send a clear message – theft is theft, regardless of your background.”
The crackdown involves undercover officers, increased CCTV monitoring, and stronger collaboration with retail security teams. Some forces are even trialling facial recognition cameras in shopping centres to identify repeat offenders.
Shoplifting costs UK retailers an estimated £1 billion a year, a burden that inevitably pushes prices up for law-abiding customers. Supermarkets and department stores are among those pressing police for tougher action, after staff reported being intimidated or overwhelmed by the sheer volume of thefts.
Civil liberties groups, however, have raised concerns about the policing approach. They argue that disproportionately targeting “respectable-looking” individuals risks creating a moral panic and could blur the line between evidence-based policing and profiling.
Still, police insist the new focus is based on hard data.
“We’re not interested in class or appearance,” one spokesperson said. “We are interested in behaviour – and the behaviour we’re seeing is that more and more middle-class people are shoplifting. It’s our job to stop it.”
With Christmas approaching – the busiest season for retailers – officers warn that they will be increasing patrols and zero tolerance policies in shops nationwide.
Attached is a news article regarding middle class shoplifters
Why New Apartment Flats Are Collapsing: Causes, Concerns & What Needs Fixing
In recent years, incidents have surfaced where newly built flats—sometimes just a few years old—are showing alarming problems: structural movement, ceiling collapse, mould, water infiltration, and, in worst cases, actual collapse or risk thereof. While outright collapse remains rare, the trend of serious defects in new (or relatively new) apartment blocks raises critical questions about construction quality, oversight, and safety. Below are some of the key reasons behind these issues, illustrated with examples, and followed by what needs to be done.
Examples of Failures
•In Croydon, South London, a block of new flats called The Fold (built around 2022) was found to be in a shocking state just two years later. Residents reported ceiling collapses, leaks, mould and damp, sewage leaks, and water ingress in the basement.
•More broadly, many new-build homes are found to have defects that—even if not leading to collapse—seriously reduce safety, comfort, and value. Common reports include cracks, leaks, poor insulation, mould, and foundations settling improperly.
These are not always cases of immediate collapse, but the defects point to deeper systemic issues that could lead to collapse or major hazards if not addressed.
Key Technical Causes & Contributing Factors
Here are some of the main technical reasons why new flats fail, or show dangerous structural issues:
1.Poor Ground and Foundation Work
•Soil that’s not properly surveyed or compacted. If the ground beneath a building shifts (for example in clay soil which expands/ contracts with moisture), the foundation may settle unevenly.
•Inadequate foundation design relative to the load. Sometimes extra flats are added later, increasing load, or the original load-bearing capacity is underestimated.
2.Substandard Materials and Construction Quality
•Use of inferior or inappropriate materials (low-quality concrete, poor waterproofing, bad plaster, weak steel or connections).
•Cutting corners in workmanship—builders under time pressure or cost constraints sometimes rush, omit required steps, or use shortcuts.
3.Defects in Design and Oversight
•Poor design detailing (for example, window or roof flashing or cladding not designed to properly channel water, or load paths insufficiently robust).
•Lack of proper supervision of multiple contractors or subcontractors. With complexity of building systems and multiple trades (electric, plumbing, roofing, structure), coordination failures can lead to weak points.
4.Water Ingress, Poor Waterproofing, and Moisture Damage
•When water leaks in due to poor waterproofing, failing seals or poor drainage, it can degrade structural materials, corrode support elements, cause rot or mould, damage ceilings and finishes, and in extreme cases weaken load-bearing components.
•Damp and mould not just cosmetic — over time, they can hide or exacerbate structural damage.
5.Regulatory / Quality Assurance Weaknesses
•Insufficient inspection in critical stages. If regulators, building control officers, or independent third-party inspectors do not properly test or review, flaws can go unchecked.
•Regulatory standards sometimes lag behind materials or building techniques in use, or are not enforced strictly.
•Pressure to deliver housing quickly and at scale can lead developers to focus on cost, speed, and profit rather than durability.
6.Natural / Environmental Factors
•Soil movement (subsidence, shrink-swell soil behaviour).
•Exposure to weather: wind, rain, freeze-thaw cycles that stress materials.
•Thermal movement: materials expand and contract; without the right tolerances or joints, this can lead to cracks or structural stress.
When Does the Problem Become Collapse? Progressive Failure
A crucial concept is progressive collapse: where a local failure (e.g. one structural component) leads to load redistribution, overload of adjacent elements, and then a chain reaction of structural failures far beyond the initial problem. Ronan Point (London, 1968) is a classic example: a gas explosion caused one outer wall to fail; because of how the building was designed (large precast concrete panels bolted together, load paths dependent on certain walls), the collapse spread.
While modern buildings are generally safer, if defects affect key load-bearing or bracing elements, or if modifications are made (extra floors, poor additions), the risk of progressive collapse grows.
Systemic / Regulatory & Financial Pressures
Beyond purely technical causes, there are higher-level pressures:
•Profit vs Quality: Developers under competitive pressure may cut corners to reduce cost or speed up delivery. Quality may be seen as secondary if inspections are lax.
•Skills Shortage: A lack of experienced tradespeople, site supervisors, engineers could mean some work isn’t done properly.
•Regulation Enforcement: Even where building codes are good, enforcement may be uneven. Some defects slip through because of insufficient oversight.
•Cost Shunting: Sometimes the cost of fixing defects gets passed to leaseholders or owners rather than developers or original builders. This can lead to inadequate remediation.
•Complexity of Modern Builds: New techniques, materials, designs (e.g. more insulation, new cladding systems, airtightness) bring with them new failure modes; if not well understood by all parties involved, new risks emerge.
Risks & Consequences
•Safety risks: collapse of ceilings, walls, or in worst cases structural failure endangering lives.
•Health and wellbeing: damp, mould, leaks lead to respiratory illnesses, stress.
•Financial: repair costs, remediation, devaluation of flats; possible legal liability.
•Habitability issues: flats becoming uncomfortable or unsafe to live in.
•Reputational damage: for builders, developers, local authorities.
What Must Be Done to Prevent Future Collapses
Based on the causes, here are measures that can help:
1.Stricter Design Accountability
•Ensure designs are robust, with safe load paths, allowance for thermal and moisture movement, correct detailing (flashing, joints etc.).
•Require independent structural review, particularly for new or novel building systems.
2.Better Material Standards & Testing
•Use only certified and tested materials; greater accountability for suppliers.
•Site testing (e.g. concrete cure, waterproofing, cladding fixings etc.) should be routine.
3.Improved Site Supervision & Quality Control
•More rigorous inspections during construction phases (foundations, structural frame, external envelope).
•Independent quality assurance rather than just internal sign-off.
4.Robust Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement
•Empower building control bodies (or equivalent) with sufficient resources.
•Ensure enforcement of penalties for poor building, so cutting corners has real cost.
•Regular audits or inspections of buildings after completion, especially medium-/ high-rise or using newer building systems.
5.Transparent Liability Chains
•Developers, contractors, subcontractors, architects all share liability; clarity helps ensure someone is held responsible when things go wrong.
6.Post-Occupancy Monitoring
•Early identification of defects: e.g. cracks, leaks, settlement.
•Residents given clear routes to report defects; owners/management responsible for addressing them.
7.Policy and Legislation Adjustments
•Update building regulations to require better robustness in design against progressive collapse.
•Possibly mandate third-party inspections and sign-offs.
•Better consumer protection (homeowners / leaseholders) so remediation costs are borne fairly.
Conclusion
While it is rare for brand new apartments to collapse outright, the number of serious defects is high enough to warrant concern. Many of these issues stem from a combination of cost pressures, poor materials/workmanship, weak oversight, and complex building systems. For safety, credibility, and livability, there must be systemic improvements: in regulation, in building practice, in design responsibility, and in accountability. Otherwise, risk remains of repeat failures—some minor, others potentially catastrophic.
Attached is a news article regarding New York high rise flat partially collapses
Nationwide Internet Blackout Plunges UK into Digital Silence
The UK was thrown into chaos yesterday after a sudden nationwide internet blackout left millions of households and businesses without access to online services for several hours. The unprecedented outage, which began mid-morning, disrupted everything from banking and shopping to communications and transport systems.
Reports suggest the blackout affected both mobile data networks and fixed broadband lines, sparking confusion and widespread concern. Many users took to radio phone-ins to describe being cut off entirely from email, messaging apps, and streaming platforms. For some, it was the first time in decades they had been completely offline.
Businesses Left Struggling
High street shops, supermarkets, and restaurants were among the hardest hit, with card payment systems rendered useless. Many stores reverted to cash-only transactions, while others were forced to close altogether. Small businesses that rely heavily on online sales reported major losses during the downtime.
Delivery services and transport networks also experienced disruption, as GPS tracking and digital booking systems went offline. Several airports reported flight delays after check-in systems were slowed by the outage.
Hospitals and Emergency Services
While emergency services confirmed they remained operational, some hospitals admitted delays in accessing electronic records and online prescriptions. NHS Digital issued reassurances that patient safety was not compromised, but many non-urgent appointments were rescheduled.
What Caused the Blackout?
Initial investigations suggest a failure within the backbone of the UK’s digital infrastructure, with experts pointing to either a software update gone wrong or a cyber-attack on major network providers. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has been called in to determine whether hostile actors may have been involved.
Telecom giants including BT, Virgin Media, and Sky have all apologised, stating that engineers worked “around the clock” to restore connections. By late evening, most services were reported to be back online, though many users continued to experience slow speeds and patchy access.
Public Reaction
The blackout sparked frustration across the country, with many people highlighting the nation’s reliance on digital connectivity. Social media platforms were flooded with comments once services were restored, with hashtags like #InternetDown and #UKBlackout trending for hours.
Looking Ahead
This incident has reignited debates around the UK’s resilience to cyber threats and the risks of over-reliance on digital systems. Politicians from across the spectrum have called for urgent reviews into how such a large-scale failure could happen and what protections can be put in place to prevent a repeat.
For now, millions are breathing a sigh of relief that the web is back — but the outage has left a lasting reminder of just how vulnerable the nation’s digital lifeline can be.
Attached is a news article regarding internet blackout in Afghanistan
Woman Convicted After Met Police Make World’s Largest Cryptocurrency Seizure
The Case
Zhimin Qian, also known by the alias Yadi Zhang, a 47-year-old Chinese national, has pleaded guilty in a UK court to charges related to a huge multi-billion-pound Bitcoin fraud. The case culminates a long and complex investigation by the Metropolitan Police, involving international cooperation and sophisticated financial crime work.
Nature of the Fraud
•Qian is accused of orchestrating a large‐scale investment scam in China from 2014 to 2017. The scheme defrauded over 128,000 investors, many of whom were led to believe they would receive high returns through some kind of bitcoin-based investment scheme.
•Following the fraud, she converted the proceeds into bitcoin and stored them in digital wallets.
The Seizure
•In 2018, the Metropolitan Police executed a raid of a property in Hampstead, London. They seized devices containing 61,000 bitcoins, now valued at more than £5.5 billion, making this one of the largest single-seizure cryptocurrency hauls in history.
•Investigators say this seizure is “believed to be the single largest cryptocurrency seizure in the world.”
Fleeing and Laundering
•Qian allegedly fled China in 2017 using false documents (a bogus passport) and relocated to the UK.
•In the UK, she attempted to launder the stolen funds by purchasing property, using intermediaries. One of them was Jian Wen, a former takeaway worker, who was later convicted and jailed for her role in laundering part of the proceeds.
Legal Outcome
•Qian pleaded guilty on two counts under the UK’s Proceeds of Crime Act (2002):
1.Acquiring criminal property (i.e. the bitcoins)
2.Possessing criminal property
•Sentencing has not yet taken place. She remains in custody awaiting a judge’s decision on punishment.
Significance
•This case is seen as a landmark in the fight against cryptocurrency-based financial crime. It highlights how fraudsters can use crypto to hide and move large sums internationally.
•The investigation involved detailed cooperation between UK law enforcement and Chinese authorities, showing the cross-border nature of modern financial crime.
•There are ongoing legal proceedings to ensure that the assets seized remain out of reach of those convicted, and efforts to restore losses to defrauded investors.
Attached is a news article regarding a women convicted after met police make largest cryptocurrency seizure
