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Ramgarh: A voter shows her ink marked finger after casting her vote during the second and final phase of Jharkhand Assembly Elections – #Gallery

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У США пояснили, чому Україна так стрімко втрачає території

Україна повинна мобілізувати більше людей, оскільки нинішні проблеми на фронті зумовлені не браком зброї, а дефіцитом особового складу. Про це заявив радник президента США з національної безпеки Джейк Салліван в інтерв’ю PBS. Салліван заперечив твердження про те, що перемога України залежить лише від озброєння. «Ми вважаємо, що не одна система озброєнь має вирішальне значення у […]

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Bitcoin price surges, you can earn $20,000 a day through ION cloud mining

ION mining, the world’s top Bitcoin mining platform, has launched cloud mining contracts. Designed to enable existing and potential cryptocurrency enthusiasts to profit from rising Bitcoin prices, the contract promises to disrupt the investment market and provide users with incredible opportunities. ION Mining is a powerful cryptocurrency mining platform that allows you to passively earn […]

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All under 16s face social media BAN over ‘grotesque impacts’ on kids’ wellbeing

A SOCIAL media ban for under-16s is being considered by ministers because of the possible “grotesque impacts” on their wellbeing.

Tech Secretary Peter Kyle said he was keeping “all options open” when pressed on Britain copying an Australia-style crackdown.

a man in a suit and tie looks at the camera
Getty
Tech Secretary Peter Kyle said he was keeping ‘all options open’[/caption]

He has commissioned government research on the impact of online platforms on youngsters and warned companies were not doing enough to protect them.

The Cabinet Minister told Sky News: “I’m keeping all options open. The problem is, at the moment, there’s very little evidence.”

Warning of how the harms kids are exposed to online can “lead to loss of life in certain circumstances”, he said he was “frustrated” tech giants are not doing enough.

He said: “So I’m trying to do what I can do to find out what the where the evidence is behind the impact that social media has on children, young people and people with vulnerabilities so that I can build I can build policies that sometimes might be strident policies.

“But they need to be built on firm evidence, because the evidence just simply isn’t there at the moment.

“And I’m open minded as to what that means going forward.”

Teenager Molly Russell took her own life aged 14 in 2017 after viewing harmful content on social media.

Her death sparked campaigning to clean up the internet, leading to the Online Safety Act that will force firms to take down damaging posts from their platforms.

Ofcom will be able to fine firms up to £18million for failing to remove harmful content from their sites.

Mr Kyle said he had been speaking to politicians from Australia, which recently imposed a social media ban for under-16s.

a little girl is sitting at a table looking at a cell phone
Children under-16 face a social media ban under plans being considered by the government

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Santander poised to pay £1,100 compensation to ‘thousands of customers’ – will you get it?

SANTANDER is poised to compensate “thousands of customers” after a landmark ruling.

The banking giant announced this morning that it had allocated £295 million to cover potential payouts for those who were missold car finance.

a woman withdraws money from a santander atm
Getty
Santander’s third-quarter profits have plummeted following the bank’s decision to allocate substantial funds for customer compensation[/caption]

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) began an investigation earlier this year into whether motorists were unknowingly overcharged when they took out car loans.

The investigation focuses on past practices where banks allowed car dealerships and brokers to set their own interest rates on loans.

Under this discretionary commission arrangement (DCA), the higher the interest rate charged, the more commission the dealer or broker earned.

However, many customers were unaware of this practice.

As a result, people who financed the purchase of a car, motorbike, or van before January 28, 2021 (when DCA was banned), may be owed significant sums of money.

Santander had already decided to allocate funds for compensation despite disagreeing with a pivotal Court of Appeal ruling last month.

The judgment set a precedent for the wider motor finance industry by ruling that any dealers receiving commission from lenders must ensure their customers are fully informed about the arrangement.

Santander said the ruling “set a higher bar for the disclosure of and consent to the existence, nature, and amount of commission paid to dealers than that required by current FCA rules, or regulatory requirements in force at the time of the cases in question”.

Santander’s third-quarter profits have plummeted following the bank’s decision to allocate substantial funds for customer compensation.

The high street lender reported pre-tax profits of £143 million for the three months ending in September.

This is a nearly 75% decrease from the £558 million earned during the same period last year and a significant drop from the £413 million posted in the previous three months.

The FCA estimates that on a typical £10,000 motor finance agreement, higher broker commissions DCA could result in customers paying an additional £1,100 in interest charges over the four-year term of their loan.

Martin Lewis suggests payouts of around this figure could be given to customers if it is decided that they are due compensation.

Lloyds Banking Group has already set aside £450million to cover the cost of potential fines.

Meanwhile, Close Brothers decided not to pay investors dividends and took action to “shore up” its balance sheet by up to £ 400 million.

What is the FCA investigating and who is eligible for compensation?

What is being investigated?

The FCA announced in January that it would investigate allegations of “widespread misconduct” related to discretionary commission agreements (DCAs) on car loans.

When you buy a car on finance, you are effectively loaned the value of the car while you pay it off.

These loans have interest payments charged on top of them and are often organised on behalf of lenders by brokers – usually the finance arm of a dealership.

These brokers earn money in the form of commission – a percentage of the interest payments on the loan.

DCAs allowed brokers to, to a certain extent, increase the interest rate on a loan, which in turn increased the amount of commission they received.

The practice was banned by the FCA in 2021.

Who is eligible for compensation?

The FCA estimates that around 40% of car deals may have been affected before 2021.

There are two criteria you must meet to have a chance at receiving compensation.

First, you must be complaining about a finance deal on a motor vehicle (including cars, vans, motorbikes, and motorhomes) that was agreed upon before January 28, 2021.

Second, you must have bought the vehicle through a mechanism like Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) or Hire Purchase (HP), which make up the majority of finance deals and mean you own the vehicle at the end of the agreement.

Drivers who leased a car through a Personal Contract Hire, where you give the car back at the end of the lease, are not eligible.

PROGRESS OF FCA INVESTIGATION

The FCA had initially planned to publish the results of its investigation in September, but this has now been postponed to May next year.

Additionally, firms now have until December 4, 2025, to respond to customer complaints.

It’s important to note that the December 4 deadline is specifically for firms to respond to complaints.

Customers are still encouraged to file their complaints before this date, and in some cases, there are specific time limits for doing so.

You can find more information about any time limits the regulator sets by visiting fca.org.uk/consumers/car-finance-complaints.

HOW TO CLAIM

Consumer finance website MoneySavingExpert.com offers an email template to help you complain to your finance provider. 

You can download this by visiting moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/reclaim-car-finance.

Alternatively, you can complain directly without using the template.

It’s crucial for anyone who took out car finance to file a claim, even if a previous claim was denied.

In your complaint, ask whether you were overcharged due to your broker receiving a commission and request the company to rectify this if it occurred.

If you’re unsatisfied with the company’s response, you can escalate your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) at no cost.

You have until July 29, 2026, or up to 15 months from the date of the company’s final response letter, whichever is longer.

Avoid using a claims management firm, as they will take a portion of any successful claim.

USING THE FINANCIAL OMBUDSMAN SERVICE

IF your lender does not respond to your complaint within eight weeks, or if you are unhappy with their response or do not hear back, contact the Financial Ombudsman Service immediately.

It is an independent body that will consider the evidence you present and make a fair decision about the action a financial service provider should take.

The FOS can usually get involved 15 days after you’ve raised concerns with a lender.

To get in touch, you need to fill out a form, which you can find by visiting financial-ombudsman.org.uk/make-complaint.

If you’d prefer to talk it through with someone, the FOS can help you do this by calling 0800 023 4567.

When you get in touch, you need to have the following details to hand:

  • Some basic information, including your name and address
  • What the problem is, and how you want things put right
  • Details such as the policy number or account number that your complaint relates to

The FOS will then look at the evidence provided by both sides, and it may contact you for more information.

Once it’s made a decision, it’ll write to you, and if it agrees with your complaint, it’ll say what your lender must do to make things right.

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Win a Crimbo hamper on Sun Bingo’s wheels – there’s a prize with every spin

SUN BINGO players can spin the Free and Mega wheels for the chance to win Christmas hampers.

Christmas comes early at Sun Bingo thanks to the Every Spinner is a Winner Crimbo wheels.

JOIN SUN BINGO NOW AND GET A £60 BINGO BUNDLE*

Eligible players will get one spin a day for the chance to bag all of the Christmas day essentials.

As it’s the season for giving, we’ve removed the “Lose” segment from the wheels, meaning every spin ends in a win.

Ho, ho, how about that?

THIS WEEK IS SAFER GAMBLING WEEK – HERE’S HOW WE HELP TO KEEP OUR PLAYERS SAFE

Free Wheel

To take a spin on the Free Wheel, Sun Bingo players must first meet the eligibility criteria.

That means being a Sunbingo.co.uk registered player, UK and ROI resident and aged at least 18+ years old (registration and ID verification are required).

LEARN HOW TO PLAY POWER OF GODS: VALHALLA HERE

Players must also either have joined the site in the past 30 days or be a pre-existing player that has deposited and staked £10 on site in the past 30 days.

Once you meet those criteria, you can claim your free spin!

Sun Bingo players may spin the wheel once per day between midday and midnight.

The wheels start whirling and the prizes start being won on Monday 18th November.

THESE ARE THE TOP CITIES FOR BINGO PLAYING

We’ll be closing up this gift workshop on Wednesday 3rd January 2025.

The prizes to be won are:

  • Cash
  • Bingo tickets (three-day expiry from issue)
  • Free bingo (in the Lounge Bingo Room from 10pm on the day of the win)
  • Free spins (three-day expiry from issue)
  • Slingo bonus (three-day expiry from issue)
  • Slots bonus (three-day expiry from issue)
  • Tangible prizes (including Crimbo hampers)

None of the prizes carry wagering requirements!

To play, simply press “SPIN” on the wheel, then press “CLAIM” to get your prize.

WOULD YOU SURVIVE A SHARKNADO?

Please be aware that the Crimbo hampers with all of your Christmas day eating and drinking essentials can only be won until Wednesday 18th December, so that we can work with the elves to get your prize in time for the big day.

an advertisement for a christmas hamper and free spins

How do I get my hamper?

Our lucky winners who find a Crimbo day hamper in their stocking will be sent a code and link for the Sun Bingo prize website within seven working days.

They must enter the code and select their hamper.

YOU CAN WIN OVER £2 MILLION ON THESE SLOT GAMES

Winners will need to enter the name and address of where they’d like the hamper to be delivered.

The name and address of the winner will be shared with our 3rd party hamper company, Brand Matters.

This enables the fulfilment of the prizes won in this promotion.

To get your hamper on or before 23rd December, the prize must be claimed by midnight 20th December.

WE HAVE 25 SPONTANEOUS PLANS FOR YOU THIS WEEKEND

The hampers can still be claimed up until the 5th January 2025.

Mega Wheel

For your chance to win BIGGER prizes, but with the “Lose” segment still removed, check out our Mega Wheel.

The terms and conditions are the same for the Mega Wheel as the Free Wheel. However, the eligibility criteria differs.

CHECK OUT OUR TWO WEEKLY LIVE TRIVIA QUIZZES

For the Mega Wheel, players must be Sunbingo.co.uk registered players, UK and ROI residents, and aged 18+ years old (registration and ID verification are required).

In addition, players must have deposited and staked £10 on the previous day.

YOU GET A £20 BINGO SIDE GAME BONUS AND £40 BINGO BONUS WHEN YOU JOIN SUN BINGO

Terms and Conditions

*New customers only. Register, deposit £10 and spend £10 on bingo tickets to receive £40 bingo bonus (accept within 72 hours and wager 4x within seven days) and £20 side games bonus (accept within 72 hours and wager 20x within 30 days) on Rainbow Riches in the bingo lobby. Both bonuses must be accepted in the bingo lobby. Only completed games are credited. Debit cards only. Deposits made with Neteller/Skrill/PayPal are not valid for this promotion. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Free Wheel: Free game is open to new and existing players who have deposited and staked £10 in previous 30 days between 12pm and 12am daily from 18.11.24. Prizes include free spins, cash and bonuses with no wagering. Players may also win a Christmas hamper. One prize per player per day. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Mega Wheel: The enhanced game will replace the free game for players who have deposited and staked £10 the previous day between 12pm and 12am daily from 18.11.24. Prizes include free spins, cash and bonuses with no wagering. Players may also win a Christmas hamper. One prize per player per day. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Remember to gamble responsibly 

A responsible gambler is someone who: 

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing 
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose 
  • Never chases their losses 
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed 
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk 
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org 

For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites. 

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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Punters ‘gutted’ as ‘Britain’s Most Scenic Racecourse’ forced to abandon fixture as bad weather continues to strike

PUNTERS were ‘gutted’ after a day out at ‘Britain’s most scenic racecourse’ was ruled off the cards due to terrible weather.

Fans were looking forward to a Wednesday afternoon spent watching and betting on the six jumps races across the card at Hexham racecourse in the heart of Northumberland.

a fenced in area with a sunset in the background
Hexham is known for being the most beautiful jumps track in the UK

But across the country weather warnings have been issued as the temperature drops to sub zero and snow and sleet fall in certain areas of the country.

Racing fans were hopeful after an initial statement was put out by the racecourse on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Tuesday.

It read: “A bright afternoon at Hexham races and direct sunlight helping.

“An INSPECTION is planned for 8am tomorrow given another night of forecast prolonged low temps. Updates in the morning.”

The notice was accompanied by optimistic screenshots of the weather forecast, which read 0 degrees and later, a shocking -1 degrees.

Alongside, there was a photograph of the straight bathed in sunlight.

However, all hopes were dashed in the morning when another statement was released on X.

THE SUN RACING MEMBERS ENCLOSURE

The only place to get Templegate’s tips first – and at the best prices – is by joining Sun Racing’s brilliant Members Enclosure.

Sign up now for just £1* to be part of racing’s best winning team and get…

  • Four free racing tickets, four times a year – worth £300
  • Templegate’s daily tips at the BEST prices before anyone else
  • Tomorrow’s copy of The Favourite at 9pm today
  • Exclusive insights from top trainer Ben Pauling
  • VIP competitions from Racing Breaks each month
  • New customer offer with Coral

Become a member today for just £1*

*For the first month then £3 per month thereafter.

SIGN UP NOW

18+ Ts and Cs apply. First month membership £1, then £3 per month unless you cancel at least 7 days before your next billing date. For more information contact help@thesun.co.uk

This one read: “Sadly given a long night of subzero temperatures at Hexham races (-1c since 6pm last night till now 8am/wind chill -6c) we are frozen in places and given that temperatures are not set to rise fast enough racing has had to be ABANDONED on 20th Nov.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience and will be contacting everyone who has pre-booked tickets or hospitality to arrange a refund or transfer to a future meeting.

One fan commented below, saying : “Gutted for everyone.”

The course then put up a fixture list which was met by an outpouring of support from fans of the racecourse.

One fan said: “Unbelieveable value from one of the better run courses in the UK. Always a pleasure to visit.”

Another added: “A fantastic course with the friendliest of staff can’t recommend a day here highly enough!”

FREE BETS – GET THE BEST SIGN UP DEALS AND RACING OFFERS

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the offers featured in this article may result in a payment to The Sun. You should be aware brands pay fees to appear in the highest placements on the page. 18+. T&Cs apply. gambleaware.org.


Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

  • Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
  • Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
  • Never chases their losses
  • Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
  • Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
  • Gamble Aware – www.gambleaware.org

Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.

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‘You couldn’t’ – Ice cold Cole Palmer shuts down Amelia Dimoldenberg in viral interview at GQ’s Men of the Year awards

COLE PALMER quickly shut down Amelia Dimoldenberg in a cheeky interview.

The pair met on the red carpet at GQ’s Men of the Year awards.

a man in a tuxedo and a woman in a black dress are on a red carpet at a men of the year event
X @BritishGQ
Cole Palmer and Amelia Dimoldenberg had an interesting exchange on the red carpet[/caption]
a man in a tuxedo is holding a microphone that says gq men of the year
X @BritishGQ
Palmer had a cheeky retort for one tricky question[/caption]

And Palmer put his interviewer on the spot with some clever retorts, comfortably dealing with Amelia’s trademark awkward style.

He was asked a string of questions from his potential to be a pundit to whether he would rather score an own goal or be substituted in the first half.

Palmer, 22, manoeuvred each question with composure before turning things back around on Amelia after she asked whether he would score a bicycle kick or a goal from his own half.

The Chelsea star replied saying: “It’s tough I don’t know. I feel a bicycle kick is harder.”

Amelia interjected, saying: “I could probably do both.”

“You couldn’t”, Palmer hit back immediately, before adding: “I can’t really do a bicycle kick though.”

Fans loved the reaction with some suggesting it is another example of ‘Cold Palmer’ in action.

One fan said: “You couldn’t”🧊🥶

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Another added: “Haha classic Cole Palmer response 🤣

A third wrote: “Did cole palmer kinda keep up with Amelia… whaaat.”

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