Hindus believe bathing at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati rivers will cleanse them of their sins.

Full Fact has found a widely-shared estimate that a million children have been victims is not reliable, but the true total remains unclear.

The Competition and Markets Authority said it was launching its first strategic market status designation investigation.

The announcement came as Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip overnight killed at least 18 people, including six women and four children.

Peers have warned the UK risks failing behind rivals if it does not do more to innovate in the engineering biology sector.

Dr Suzanne Lucey, 56, allegedly attended the former shadow home secretary’s offices between December 1 2022 and October 13 last year.

Dan Jarvis said the problem was ‘extensive’ and thousands could have been paid without the Government knowing.

Rachel Reeves will move to reassure turbulent financial markets amid high Government borrowing costs as she faces a grilling from MPs on Tuesday.