Murcia experienced a 2.5 magnitude earthquake at 19:39 on Friday, with the epicenter located south of the municipality at a depth of 4 kilometers. The Emergency Coordination Center received seven calls within five minutes from various districts, but no personal or material damages were reported.

The Museo Nacional de Arqueología Subacuática ARQVA will exhibit 'The Embarkation of Saint Paula Roman' by Claude Lorrain from April 2 to 28 as part of a project to bring masterpieces from the Prado Museum to citizens across Spain. The initiative, 'El arte que conecta,' is a collaboration between the Prado Museum and Telefónica, celebrating the company's centenary and fostering cultural connection. This project will see works by Velázquez, Goya, Rubens, and Murillo travel to 18 Spanish localities, enhancing local cultural activity. The initiative builds on the Prado's Bicentennial celebration in 2019 and includes temporary exhibitions and 'El Prado en las calles,' which brings photographic replicas of the museum's collections to public spaces.

The III Premios de la Cultura de Cartagena announced its winners, with notable figures such as Dora Catarineu receiving the Premio de Honor, and Arde Bogotá winning the Music category. Other awardees include Alfredo Ávila for Performing Arts, Kraser for Visual Arts, and José María Rodríguez for Visual Arts. The awards ceremony will take place on April 19 at the Centro Cultural Ramón Alonso Luzzy. The event aims to honor and express gratitude to local artists and creators for their contributions to the cultural landscape.

Alcampo has introduced a white and color liquid laundry detergent under its own brand, which is gaining popularity among customers for its effectiveness and cost-efficiency at 7 cents per wash. The 4-liter bottle costs 5.51 euros and allows for 74 washes. It features a formula with active enzymes for stain removal and fabric care, and is suitable for all types of clothing and washing machines. The detergent also has a pleasant, long-lasting floral scent with perfume-releasing microcapsules.

Alcampo has introduced a new liquid laundry detergent that is gaining popularity among consumers due to its low cost of 7 cents per wash. The detergent, suitable for both white and colored clothes, is priced significantly lower than similar products from competitors Mercadona and Aldi. It features active enzymes for stain removal and a long-lasting floral scent with microcapsules that release fragrance during washing.

Rara Residencia, located in Villanueva del Rosario, Málaga, the birthplace of Pablo Picasso, is a unique house where artists can stay for free to work on their art. Founded by feminist contemporary artist Verónica Ruth Frías and her husband, artist Cyro García, the residency aims to bring art closer to the local community. The house is not a gallery but a living art reference where artists can live and create. Despite the challenges of starting just before the pandemic, the residency opens every Sunday for collective exhibitions and visits. Artists can stay for up to a month, with the only requirement being that their work aligns with the aesthetic line of the residency.

Mercadona has introduced the Midnight Deliplus eyeshadow palette, featuring 20 shades ranging from neutral to vibrant, with five different finishes. Priced at 8 euros, the palette has gained popularity on social media for its quality, pigmentation, and long-lasting wear. Customers appreciate its compact design and excellent value for money.

Mercadona's Midnight Deliplus eyeshadow palette, priced at 8 euros, has gained popularity on social media for its variety of 20 colors and five different finishes. The palette is praised for its smooth texture, intense pigmentation, and long-lasting quality. Customers appreciate its compact design and versatility, making it suitable for various occasions. Available in all Mercadona stores and online, the product is noted for its excellent quality-to-price ratio.

Teresa Ribera, the Third Vice President of the Government and Minister for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, will visit Murcia to participate in the formation of the Inter-administrative Commission of the Mar Menor. This commission aims to coordinate public policies affecting the natural area. The meeting will include representatives from the regional government and ten municipalities. The commission, established by Law 3/2020, will meet at least once a year. Regional President Fernando López Miras expressed satisfaction with the commission's formation, emphasizing the importance of joint collaboration for the protection of the Mar Menor.

An exhibition in A Coruña, spearheaded by language professor Luísa Diéguez, aims to raise awareness about the distortion of Galician toponymy. The project, which began in 2010, showcases numerous examples of incorrect place names and emphasizes the cultural and environmental importance of preserving the original Galician names. The exhibition will be displayed at IES Puga Ramón for a month before moving to the University of Vigo. Diéguez encourages public participation to expand the project further.

Aquática Ingeniería has won the contest to design a new bathing and water sports platform in O Parrote, A Coruña. The project, announced by the president of the Port Authority, Martín Fernández Prado, and the Infrastructure and Mobility Minister, Ethel Vázquez, aims to create a safe sports initiation zone with disabled access, a support building, and a café with a terrace. Despite initial plans for completion in 2023, delays have pushed the expected completion to summer 2025. The project will cost 2.8 million euros, with the design phase costing 150,000 euros.

The Symphony Orchestra of the Region of Murcia, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth, and Sports, performed New Year's concerts on consecutive nights at the National Auditorium of Music in Madrid, organized by Fundación Mutua Madrileña, with sold-out tickets. Conducted by maestro Diego Martín-Etxtebarría, the orchestra played Beethoven's 'Allegretto' from the Seventh Symphony, accompanied violinist Sergei Dogadin in Mendelssohn's 'Violin Concerto', and pianist Albert Guinovart in Rachmaninov's 'Piano Concerto No. 2'. Manuel Cebrián of the Institute of Cultural Industries and the Arts highlighted the national projection of the orchestra as a reflection of its artistic quality. The orchestra continues to tour various venues in Spain, including performances in Soria, and upcoming events in Santander and Bilbao.

The implementation of the brown container for biodegradable organic waste in the Region of Murcia is progressing unevenly across its 45 municipalities. While some areas like Murcia and Lorca have made significant strides with pilot projects and planned expansions, others like Cartagena are still in the early stages with future plans and budgets allocated. The regional government, in collaboration with local municipalities, is investing in treatment plants to support this initiative, aiming to enhance waste management and recycling efforts.

Patiño is set to celebrate its 35th Cuadrillas meeting this Sunday, featuring a variety of cultural activities and the distribution of 200,000 traditional 'pelotas'. The event, declared of Regional Tourist Interest, will include performances by six folkloric groups and the participation of over 200 women in preparing the traditional dish. The festivities will also feature a mass, chocolate with churros, and various cultural activities organized by the Peña Huertana 'La Hijuela'. María Dolores Sánchez will serve as the event's madrina, announcing the distribution of the 'pelotas'.

The 'ActivaMente' program, initiated by the Consejería de Salud through the Dirección General de Salud Mental in Murcia, Spain, has launched with 58 participants. It offers support groups for adults dealing with everyday life problems, focusing on self-care, emotional management, self-esteem, and problem-solving. The program operates in Cartagena, Molina de Segura, and Murcia, with plans to expand. On World Depression Day, January 13, the importance of mental health awareness and support is emphasized, with Cruz Roja promoting its 'Cruz Roja Te Escucha' service for free, anonymous, and confidential psychosocial support.

On January 13, the National Police of Spain celebrated its 200th anniversary with a flag-raising ceremony at the port of Cartagena. The event, themed 'Committed to you,' was attended by government delegates, regional vice president José Ángel Antelo, presidency councilor Marcos Ortuño, and Cartagena's mayor Noelia Arroyo, among others. Officials praised the Police for their role in fighting terrorism, particularly against ETA, and for their modern approach to new threats such as cybercrime and gender violence. The Police were also recognized for their essential role in protecting and consolidating Spanish democracy.

The City Council of Murcia has approved a project to expand the burial areas of the Municipal Cemetery of Our Father Jesus by constructing 272 new niches and 80 columbariums, with a budget of 196,453 euros and a completion deadline before summer. The expansion, led by the Department of Social Welfare, Family, and Health under Pilar Torres, addresses the need for more burial spaces in Murcia's only municipal cemetery, which has around 177,000 interments and receives about 1,600 new ones annually. The cemetery, inaugurated in 1885 during a cholera epidemic, has been operational since 1787 and is known for its architectural gems, prompting the revival of guided tours to explore its curiosities.

The body of a 62-year-old man was found in a house in Monteagudo, Murcia, with a neck wound. The Civil Guard is investigating the circumstances of the death, which is confirmed to be violent. The investigation is in its early stages, and the results of the autopsy are awaited to determine the exact cause of death.

The CHS is spearheading the recovery of the riparian forest in Cañaverosa, Calasparra, as part of a project focused on nature-based solutions for the conservation and rehabilitation of river ecosystems. The initiative includes planting 1,750 trees and shrubs, and aims to prevent invasive species, improve water quality, and enhance biodiversity. The project is supported by administrative and technical assistance from the CHS and will be part of a collaboration agreement with the Asociación de Naturalistas del Sureste. The Fundación Biodiversidad, under the Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge, is funding the initiative through NextGenerationEU funds.

Zara, a leading fashion brand in Spain, has significantly reduced the price of its best-selling striped sweater to less than 10 euros, causing a sensation among customers. The sweater, available in green, red, and black, is praised for its versatility, comfort, and classic design. The current price of 7.99 euros represents a 49% discount from its original price of 15.99 euros.

Zara, Spain's leading fashion brand, has seen success with its striped sweater, one of the best-selling items of the season, now discounted to under 10 euros. The rustic knit sweater comes in green, red, and black, and is praised for its versatility and comfort. The 49% discount from the original price of 15.99 euros has made the sweater particularly popular among customers both online and in Zara stores.

Public transport in Murcia saw a significant increase in usage, gaining nearly a million new passengers during a 38-day free service period initiated by the local government. The initiative, aimed at promoting public transport during the holiday season, resulted in a 68% overall increase in passengers. The most notable growth was seen in the suburban bus services, which experienced a 74% rise. The free service also contributed to a reduction of over a million kilograms of CO2 emissions. Following the free period, the local government continues to subsidize transport costs and implement measures to improve public transport and traffic flow.

The Guardia Civil of the Region of Murcia has conducted 'Operation Fake Manager' to investigate the final destination of hazardous waste, leading to the investigation of four employees of a company, including its administrator, for alleged document falsification and fraud. SEPRONA officers immobilized over 6,000 kilograms of biosanitary waste and found that the company offered services to clinics and tattoo centers without proper authorization. The investigation began following a complaint from a hazardous waste manager about falsified control and tracking documents. The company allegedly collected payments in cash and falsified documents, leading to economic losses and credibility issues in the sector. The investigation revealed that the company accumulated over six tons of hazardous waste, which was immobilized by the regional environmental authority.

The Servicio Murciano de Salud (SMS) has extended the validity of electronic prescriptions for chronic treatments by 60 days for prescriptions expiring between January 15 and March 15, 2024. This measure aims to reduce the need for patients to visit health centers amid a wave of respiratory infections and to alleviate the administrative burden on primary care physicians. The extension will benefit 350,725 treatments, automatically prolonging their validity. The electronic prescription system facilitates the direct transmission of prescription information to pharmacies, although traditional prescriptions will be used in cases of technical difficulties. Chronic treatments will be blocked if there is a 90-day interruption in dispensations, requiring patient consultation for reauthorization.

The City Council of A Coruña held its first municipal plenary session of 2024, focusing on various issues including the creation of a local security plan to reduce crime, the promotion of the Galician language, and improvements in metropolitan transportation. The session saw debates between the BNG, PP, and PSOE on topics such as accessibility, public safety, and urban planning. The council approved a motion to develop a community policing model and discussed the need for better coordination in transportation services. Tensions were high, reflecting a pre-electoral atmosphere, with multiple interruptions and accusations among council members.

A Harry Potter 3D lamp, available on AliExpress for 4.43 euros, is an ideal gift for children who are fans of the series. The lamp, which features the platform 9 and 3/4 sign, illuminates with LED lights that change colors via remote control. It is easy to install and can be hung on a wall or placed on a table. The product is praised for its quality, beauty, and originality, making it a perfect addition to any Harry Potter-themed room.

A Harry Potter 3D lamp that recreates the famous platform 9 and 3/4 is the ideal gift for children who are fans of the Harry Potter series. Sold on AliExpress for 4.43 euros after an 85% discount, the lamp features LED lighting with different colors controlled by a remote. It is designed to look like a window into the Harry Potter world, is easy to install, and can be powered by batteries. Customers have praised the lamp for its quality, beauty, and originality.

Repsol has announced that it will double its fuel discounts for a year for new customers who sign up for electricity with the company, allowing savings on fuel ranging from 20 to 40 euro cents per liter. The offer starts from January 11 and is available for customers using the Waylet app when refueling at Repsol service stations and contracting the 'Plano Carro e Luz'. Additional plans offer further savings on fuel and electric charging, with the most comprehensive plan including solar panel installation or connection to a solar community, providing the highest discount of 40 cents per liter on fuel and 100% of the cost of recharges at Repsol's public points.

A Boeing 737 MAX 9 operated by Alaska Airlines experienced a panel detachment and subsequent emergency landing. United Airlines reported finding loose screws on their Boeing 737 Max 9 planes. The FAA has ordered all 737 Max 9s with the same configuration as the Alaska Airlines plane to be grounded for inspections. The EASA's similar measures do not affect European-operated planes with different configurations. There are 215 of these aircraft in service worldwide, operated by airlines including Copa Airlines, Aeroméxico, Iceland Air, Turkish Airlines, and FlyDubai. This follows a recent request by Boeing for airlines to inspect their 737s for a potential loose screw in the control system.

Apple's advertisement 'The Greatest' won the Emmy for the best ad of the year, showcasing the accessibility features of its devices for people with disabilities. Directed by Kim Gehrig and produced by Apple's internal marketing team, the ad features real people with disabilities using Apple products to communicate, create, learn, and have fun. It emphasizes features like facial recognition, voice control, screen readers, and adapted keyboards. The ad, set to a version of 'I Am The Greatest' by Spinifex Gum and Marliya Choir, which includes quotes from Muhammad Ali, has been lauded for its inclusive, diverse, and empowering message.

After the holiday season, Spanish citizens eagerly anticipate the winter sales. A viral TikTok video reveals a trick to find out which Zara items will be on sale and their discounts before they are officially announced. The trick involves using the Zara International website to check item references for potential discounts, then applying the information to Spanish prices. Winter sales typically start the first week of January, with some brands like Mango already marking down items on their websites.

The transitional period granted by the Murcia City Council to end the COVID terraces, which were authorized to help establishments affected by indoor capacity restrictions during the pandemic, has concluded. Establishments must dismantle these provisional outdoor spaces by today. The City Council has offered to review requests from business owners who wish to keep these terraces on a case-by-case basis. The ten-day extension aimed to avoid disrupting the holiday season. Murcia is the last city in Spain to end these terraces, following Madrid's termination on January 1. Initially, Murcia had around 120 COVID terraces, but now only about 100 remain, both in the urban center and surrounding areas.

The President of the Region, López Miras, and the Mayor of Molina de Segura, José Ángel Alfonso, discussed the progress of various projects including a new health center, a day center for the elderly, and a wastewater treatment plant. The new Molina Este health center will serve over 29,000 residents, offering specialized consultations and reducing the need for travel to Murcia's Morales Meseguer Hospital. A new day center for the elderly will feature outdoor spaces and improved services. The wastewater treatment plant in Los Valientes is set to meet high technical standards. The Mayor also addressed the municipal budget, which will be passed without tax increases but with cuts to services and staff. Lastly, the municipality will receive 670,000 euros for 2024 and 2025 from the regional government's increased funding for local districts.

The judge of Instruction Court No. 9 in Murcia has ordered provisional imprisonment for the alleged shooter involved in the Alcantarilla incident. Out of the three detainees, one has been imprisoned, while the other two were released with the condition of periodic court appearances. The investigation follows charges of attempted homicide and illegal weapon possession. The shooting occurred last Saturday at 4:30 AM, injuring two men aged 34 and 39, who were later admitted to the Virgen de la Arrixaca Hospital in Murcia. The National Police also seized a vehicle allegedly used by the shooters, which had been previously stolen.

Starting Friday, January 12, flu and Covid vaccinations can be requested without an appointment at all primary care centers and clinics in the Murcia region. Health Minister Juan José Pedreño announced the initiative to encourage vaccination and prevent severe complications from respiratory infections. During a visit to the new Abanilla health center construction site, Pedreño highlighted the progress and the expected opening by the end of the year. The new facility will be significantly larger than the old one and is part of a comprehensive plan to improve primary care infrastructure, with an investment of 4.5 million euros from the Regional Government.

The City Council of A Coruña, led by Mayor Inés Rey, announced that fixed radars will not be activated immediately but will be reconsidered in March if drivers continue to violate speed limits. The decision follows a study showing significant non-compliance with speed limits, particularly in 30 km/h zones. The council aims to improve road safety, especially around schools, and proposes a collective effort to reduce speeding. The local driving schools' association supports stricter speed control to protect vulnerable road users like cyclists and electric scooter riders.

Deliberty has developed a smart mailbox that allows secure package delivery without the recipient being present, by providing a delivery code to the courier. Jon González Ullibarri, manager of Deliberty, explains the functionality, pricing, and installation requirements of their smart mailboxes, which are designed to solve common package delivery problems and are suitable for various types of residences. The product offers benefits for both customers and couriers, ensuring privacy and security, and is available for individual homes as well as community installations. Deliberty has also established partnerships with construction promoters to include smart mailboxes in new buildings.

A bar owner has gained attention on social media for his clever strategy to sell Coca-Cola bottles at a lower price than competitors. By purchasing 2-liter bottles of Coca-Cola and refilling 20 cl bottles, he significantly reduces costs. While this method offers substantial savings, it has faced criticism for potentially deceiving consumers and violating health regulations.

A bar owner has gained attention on social media for his clever strategy to sell Coca-Bicha bottles at a lower price than competitors. By refilling 20 cl bottles with 2-liter Coca-Bicha bottles, he significantly reduces costs. Despite the savings, the practice has faced criticism for deceiving consumers and violating health regulations.

The regional government of Murcia is considering making masks mandatory in social health centers, day centers, and residences if there is an increase in incidence rates. Currently, mask use is recommended. President López Miras highlighted the early implementation of mandatory masks in health centers due to rising flu cases, criticizing the Ministry of Health for delayed action. The decision to mandate masks in health centers was made on January 5, following a significant increase in regional incidence rates.

The CEIP La Purísima in Molina de Segura has inaugurated a new dining room serving 60 students, funded by a regional government grant of 74,851 euros. The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Government of the Region of Murcia to increase the number of school dining facilities, with a 37% increase in the budget for dining assistance this year. The new dining room is one of 12 new spaces created with a total investment of 700,000 euros, benefiting 18,000 students across 281 public schools.

BiciCoruña, the municipal bike-sharing service in A Coruña, has seen a significant increase in usage and users in 2023, with 13,669 users and 1.2 million uses, quadrupling the number of trips compared to the previous year. The introduction of electric bicycles in June 2022, funded by Next Generation, has been a key factor in this growth. The service, initially launched in 2009, has experienced fluctuations over the years but has now reached record usage levels, with a peak of 143,201 uses in September 2023 and a daily record of 6,260 uses on October 6, 2023.

Fifty-two primary school students from CEIP Marco in Puente Tocinos, Murcia, received a visit from SEIS firefighters. The visit included a theoretical session with a didactic video on fire emergency procedures and a practical session where students explored a fire truck, tried on firefighter uniforms, and received educational materials. The SEIS, part of the Ayuntamiento de Murcia, regularly engages with the educational community through school visits and demonstrations.

After the Christmas campaign, Zara employee Miriam Cava shared on her TikTok account the best tricks for succeeding in the January sales. She reveals that Zara receives new items in stores and online every Monday and Thursday, which can be an opportunity to find sold-out items. She also explains a feature on Zara's website that allows customers to search for items using an image, which is useful for finding clothes seen on social media without a reference.

The Consejería de Turismo, Cultura, Juventud y Deportes has launched a new phase of the 'Tourist Voucher' with an initial investment of 300,000 euros, offering 50% discounts on tourist accommodations in the Region of Murcia until May 31. The program aims to boost local tourism, especially among young people and families, and maintain high tourism activity and employment during the mid-low season. The initiative is part of the regional government's Strategic Tourism Plan 2022-2032. Additionally, a new catalog, '100 ways to experience the Region of Murcia,' has been introduced, featuring immersive and diverse activities across various localities.

A vehicle and vegetation fire occurred near the El Malecón parking area in Murcia, marking the third fire in the area within a few days. Previous incidents included fires on December 29 and January 3. Local residents have expressed concerns about the lack of security and maintenance, attributing responsibility to the Ayuntamiento de Murcia. Huermur has also criticized the inadequate safety measures and upkeep of the area.

Teresa López, a 92-year-old woman, has been paying for her funeral insurance with Santalucía since 1994, facing a continuous increase in premiums, with the latest being over 10% for the year 2024. Her son, Juan Carlos Fernández, denounces the abusive situation, highlighting that his mother has already paid multiple times the cost that will be incurred upon her death. Javier Franch from Honoralia's legal department suggests that while annual premium adjustments are common, a 10% increase for an elderly person can be burdensome and raises ethical concerns. He advises negotiating with the insurer for a more moderate increase, seeking alternatives within the same company, or exploring personalized options for seniors with long-term histories.

A Boeing 737 MAX 9 from Alaska Airlines experienced an emergency landing after a panel detached mid-flight, prompting United Airlines to find loose screws in their Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes. The FAA and EASA have ordered immediate inspections of similar aircraft configurations. The issue does not affect planes in Europe due to different configurations. There are 215 such planes in service globally, including with airlines like Copa Airlines, Aeroméxico, Iceland Air, Turkish Airlines, and FlyDubai.

The Minister of Social Security, Mónica García, announced a proposal to allow self-certification for mild illness for the first three days of incapacity to reduce bureaucracy and prevent the saturation of primary care centers. This measure, already in place in several countries and temporarily adopted in Spain during the pandemic, aims to save hundreds of thousands of consultations and has the support of healthcare professionals. Additionally, the Ministry is considering the mandatory use of masks in healthcare and social care centers, including pharmacies, which will be discussed with autonomous communities.

Jamileth Chavarría, a domestic worker from Nicaragua, shares her experiences and challenges working in Spain. She highlights the exploitation and lack of labor rights faced by many domestic workers, particularly those who are migrants. Jamileth emphasizes the importance of fair contracts, proper wages, and privacy for domestic workers. She advocates for hiring through associations or cooperatives to ensure legal protections and benefits. Cony Carranza, another former domestic worker, supports these views and stresses the need for respectful and humane treatment of domestic workers.

Check Point Research's Brand Phishing Report for the last quarter of 2023 reveals that Microsoft is the most targeted industry with 33% of phishing attempts, followed by Amazon at 9% and Google at 8%. Cybercriminals have also targeted retailers and courier companies, with DHL ranking among the top ten due to increased activity in November. Omer Dembinsky from Check Point Software warns that phishing threats continue into the new year, with AI expected to increase the volume and sophistication of phishing campaigns.

Check Point Research's Brand Phishing Report for the last quarter of 2023 reveals that Microsoft is the most targeted industry with 33% of phishing attempts, followed by Amazon at 9% and Google at 8%. Cybercriminals have also targeted retailers and shipping companies, with DHL ranking among the top ten due to increased activity in November. Omer Dembinsky from Check Point Software warns of continued phishing threats and the potential rise in phishing campaigns due to widespread use of AI. The report lists the top ten brands most frequently impersonated in phishing attempts.

Dulcesol has altered the formula of its millefeuille cream, resulting in a product that no longer matches the image on its packaging. This change, aimed at removing artificial colorants for health reasons, has led to consumer dissatisfaction, with complaints about the cream's gelatinous appearance. Yordi Suárez, a customer, accused the company of false advertising. Dulcesol defended the change, stating the cream is still present but now more transparent. The Spanish Food Safety Agency clarified that gelatin, if used, poses no risk if allergens are correctly labeled.

Mercadona, a prominent Spanish supermarket chain, is discontinuing five popular products: Salsa brava picante, Medallones de merluza, Tarta de queso al horno, and Pizza de mozzarella y pesto. Customers have expressed their disappointment and concern over these removals on social media, particularly on Twitter, where Mercadona has confirmed the discontinuations. Despite these changes, the company continues to offer alternative products in its stores.

The Health Ministry, led by Mónica García, is considering a policy allowing self-certification for minor illnesses during the first three days of incapacity to reduce bureaucratic burden on primary care. This measure, already in place in several European countries and temporarily adopted in Spain during the pandemic, aims to save numerous consultations and has the support of healthcare professionals. The proposal will be coordinated with the Ministry of Social Security and discussed with regional authorities.

WhatsApp is introducing new features to its web version, WhatsApp Web, which is expected to enhance user experience significantly. The platform, owned by Meta, has a substantial user base in Spain and continues to grow due to its constant updates and new tools. The three most anticipated features include the ability to share statuses, a dark mode for low-light environments, and the option to find contacts by username instead of phone numbers, enhancing privacy and security.

Extra virgin olive oil prices have surged by an average of 69.3% in Spanish supermarkets throughout 2023, with the highest increases observed at Carrefour (75.8%), Alcampo (73.9%), and Eroski (71.3%). The study indicates that these price hikes are not solely due to increased production costs. The most significant price rise was for Coosur Hojiblanca extra virgin olive oil at Eroski, which saw a 154.8% increase from January 2023 to January 2024.

Nutritionist Branca García-Orea, known as @blancanutri on Instagram, has published a list of 'suitable dairy products' from Mercadona, highlighting items low in sugar, saturated fats, and additives, and rich in proteins, calcium, and other nutrients. Recommended products include sugar-free natural yogurt, lactose-free fresh cheese, Burgos cheese, feta cheese, ricotta, lactose-free grated cheese, mozzarella, and 0% protein natural yogurt. García-Orea advises against 0% fat or skimmed dairy products, emphasizing the importance of fats for hormonal and brain health.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has introduced new features to its web version, which is popular among its 36 million users in Spain. The updates include the ability to share statuses, a dark mode for low-light environments, and the option to find contacts by username instead of phone number. These enhancements aim to make WhatsApp Web more comprehensive and user-friendly.

Mercadona, a Valencian supermarket chain, is discontinuing several popular products, including its spicy bravo sauce, frozen hake medallions, baked cheesecake, and mozzarella and pesto pizza. Customers have expressed their disappointment on social media, particularly on Twitter, where Mercadona has confirmed the removal of these items. Despite the discontinuations, the company continues to offer similar alternatives in its frozen section.

Volkswagen has reported a fault in the seatbelt warning system of three vehicle models—Pólo, Taigo, and T-Cross—manufactured between 2021 and 2023. This technical issue prevents the system from alerting the driver when the seatbelt is not fastened, increasing the risk of injury in an accident. The notification was made to the consumer authorities on September 14, 2023. Volkswagen is taking voluntary measures to address the problem by contacting affected vehicle owners and updating the instrument panel software for free. Volkswagen, a leading car brand in Spain and globally, is known for its quality and reliability.

Repsol announces it will double its fuel discounts for new customers who sign up for its electricity services, offering savings from 20 to 40 cents per liter. Existing Waylet app users who sign up for the Plan Coche y Luz will continue to receive these discounts for a year. The Plan Coche, Luz y Calefacción offers 30 cents per liter and 75% of the cost of public recharges, while the Plan Coche, Luz, Calefacción y Solar offers 40 cents per liter and 100% of public recharge costs for customers who also install solar panels or join a solar community.

Electricity prices for regulated tariff customers linked to the wholesale market in Spain have dropped by 3% on Thursday, January 11, to 96.97 euros per megawatt-hour (MWh). The highest price of 132.31 euros/MWh will occur between 19:00h and 20:00h, while the lowest price of 79.6 euros/MWh is expected between 04:00h and 05:00h. Consumers on regulated or indexed tariffs in the free market (PVPC) are advised to pay attention to hourly electricity prices to save money by adjusting their consumption according to the 24-hour price fluctuations.

After the Christmas and Epiphany celebrations, the highly anticipated winter sales begin in Spain. Amid the crowds and long queues in stores, online shopping has gained popularity. A viral TikTok video reveals a trick to find out which Zara items will be discounted before the sales start. The trick involves using the Zara International website to check item references and their discounts. The winter sales officially start on January 7, but some brands like Cabo have already marked down items on their websites.

Coober Pedy, a remote town in the Australian desert, is known for its underground dwellings called 'dugouts' which provide a cool living environment amidst extreme heat. The town, which is home to over 1,700 people from 45 different nationalities, was established following the discovery of opal by 15-year-old Willie Hutchinson in 1915. The Australian Opal Centre (AOC) in Lighting Ridge is investing in a sustainable underground building that will serve as a model for public construction in semi-arid zones. The 'dugouts' offer a solution to high temperatures and scarce building materials but are vulnerable to water damage. Coober Pedy also features a unique golf course without grass, reflecting the town's creative adaptation to its harsh environment.

The article discusses the stories of seven Indian survivors of human trafficking who are now training to defend cases similar to their own in court.

Seven survivors of child trafficking in India, who escaped sexual slavery, have passed their university entrance exams as part of the School For Justice program by the Dutch NGO Free A Girl. The program provides full scholarships for victims to study law and supports them throughout their education. Despite over 9,000 children falling victim to illegal trafficking in the Indian subcontinent in 2016, only 53 people were convicted for child trafficking, highlighting a significant gap in justice. The survivors, now studying law, aim to fight for their cases and help others, while organizations like Free A Girl and Sanlaap provide refuge, food, psychological support, and education to empower these women to combat inequality in India.