In this issue

October 09, 2021

Journalists awarded the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to journalists Dmitry Muratov and Maria Ressa. The pair, whose work has angered the rulers of Russia and the Philippines, were commended for “their courageous fight for freedom of expression”.

4 mins

Johnson risks amplifying his rival's suitability for the job

Rishi Sunak impressed business figures as he worked the room at a £4,000-per-table gala dinner on Monday during the Conservative Party’s Manchester conference.

4 mins

Global cases of depression and anxiety increased by a quarter in 2020, study says

Global cases of depression and anxiety increased by more than a quarter throughout 2020 due to the pandemic, with countries hardest hit by Covid-19 and lockdown restrictions most affected, according to new research.

2 mins

Home news in brief

BBC pays out to designer over Bashir scandal

3 mins

India's scientists battle red tape in the fight to prevent the next deadly pandemic

Researchers say it is only a matter of time before one of the zoonotic diseases they study sparks another pandemic, and proactive surveillance is critical, writes Vishwam Sankaran

7 mins

Our prime minister is better suited to the comedy circuit

It is sometimes said that “politics is showbusiness for ugly people”. Well, I am not about to start rating people in order of their perceived physical beauty – some of the most attractive and charismatic people I have ever met will not be troubling the catwalks of Paris any time soon – however, the idea that politics is the cousin of showbiz has always interested me.

4 mins

The growing calls to legalise cannabis ignore its dangers

The singer Justin Bieber is promoting pre-rolled cannabis joints that he calls “Peaches”, the name of a song from an album. He is doing so in association with a Los Angeles-based company, Palms Partners, that specialises in selling seven-joint packs for $32 (£24) in California and Nevada.

5 mins

Over 130 countries agree to 15% minimum corporate tax

Deal aimed at deterring companies from using tax havens

2 mins

Economists fearful as just 194,000 US jobs are added during a lacklustre month

Only 194,000 jobs were created in the US economy in September, badly missing expectations and adding further gloom and uncertainty to the economic outlook.

3 mins

ENIGMA OF THE SEA

We were all once obsessed with the mystery of the Bermuda Triangle, and then it disappeared. David Barnett looks closer

10+ mins

‘People are not as afraid of the Taliban... the problem now is our empty stomachs'

Just weeks after the jihadist takeover, the Afghan economy is at an abrupt and perilous standstill, writes Pamela Constable

7 mins

What's the latest on the US opening up to travellers?

Q Any rumours of exactly when the US will open up in November? Do you know when an announcement is likely?

1 min

Read all stories from The Independent

The Independent Newspaper Description:

The Independent has been at the frontline of journalism since 1986, with its mission to challenge and debate always ahead of its time. The Independent is free-thinking and free of bias in an increasingly fragmented world where communities locally, regionally and across continents are disenfranchised with traditional establishments. They want real facts and frank opinions delivered first-hand from a news source that is ready to stand for something, not everything.