Babies take at least one month to appreciate humour, according to a new study. In a global study of about 700 children, researchers at the University of Bristol found that the earliest reported age that children appreciate humour was about four weeks, and that about half of babies find things funny by the age of two months. Dr Elena Hoicka, associate professor at the university, said: “Our results highlight that humour is a complex, developing process.”
Human-sized dog needs forever home
A dog the size of a human who has been in a rescue centre for most of his life is looking for a home this Christmas. Basher, a two-year-old mastiff, weighs in at 9st 4lbs and measures almost 6ft tall when standing up. He is facing his second Christmas in kennels. Helen Jones, the animal centre manager at RSPCA Cornwall, said: “Basher was rescued in January 2020, so has spent almost two years waiting to find his forever home.” The RSPCA said Basher would be best suited to an adult-only home, where there are no cats or any other dogs.
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Man builds Taj Mahal replica for his wife
A 52-year-old businessman in India has built a scaled-down replica of the Taj Mahal as a home for his wife of 27 years. Anand Prakash Chouksey constructed what he called his “monument of love” in the city of Burhanpur in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. He told the BBC it was “a gift for my wife but also for the town and its people”. Back in 2013, a retired government official in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh also built a replica of the Taj Mahal, in memory of his wife.
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Critics’ choice: Watering holes for gourmandsFeature An endless selection of Mexican spirits, a Dublin-inspired bar, and an upscale Baltimore pub
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Argentinian beef is at the center of American farmers’ woesThe Explainer ‘It feels like a slap in the face to rural America,’ said one farmer
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‘Businesses that lose money and are uncompetitive won’t survive’Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
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Sanae Takaichi: Japan’s Iron Lady set to be the country’s first woman prime ministerIn the Spotlight Takaichi is a member of Japan’s conservative, nationalist Liberal Democratic Party
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Will Starmer’s India visit herald blossoming new relations?Today's Big Question Despite a few ‘awkward undertones’, the prime minister’s trip shows signs of solidifying trade relations
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Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of TaiwanIn the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
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Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdownIN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
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'Axis of upheaval': will China summit cement new world order?Today's Big Question Xi calls on anti-US alliance to cooperate in new China-led global system – but fault lines remain
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A private zoo run by Asia's richest family is facing criticism and investigationsUnder the radar The zoo is owned by Anant Ambani, the son of Asia's richest person
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China is silently expanding its influence in American citiesUnder the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
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Delhi's dogs earn Supreme Court reprieveIN THE SPOTLIGHT After an outcry from the public and animal rights activists, India's Supreme Court walks back a controversial plan to round the city's stray dog population into shelters
