Israel: Residents of Judea, Samaria fear return of Palestinian labourers December 23, 2023 at 11:12PM

Palestinian workers return after Hamas war, but Israeli security organizations and municipalities are divided on the issue. Karnei Shomron security department and the army previously allowed workers with permits. However, after the October 7 massacre, it was revealed that some workers provided information to Hamas terrorists. Israeli jobs make up 30% of the general income of the West Bank. The building industry is stalled due to the lack of both Palestinian and Israeli workers. The government is considering bringing in Indian workers, but the approval is limited.

Russia short of around 4.8 million workers in 2023, crunch to persist: Report December 23, 2023 at 11:14PM

Russia faces acute labour shortages due to a depleted workforce, with a shortage of around 4.8 million workers in 2023. The problem is expected to persist in 2024. Labour shortages have sharply increased, particularly in the manufacturing, construction, and transportation sectors. Companies are raising wages to attract more employees. Experts believe that the shortages will continue next year, affecting professions such as factory workers, engineers, doctors, and teachers. Poor demographics and population migration are among the reasons for the labour shortages.

In pics: Madrid Metro marks 104 years: A legacy built amid WWI December 23, 2023 at 08:54PM

Madrid Metro, constructed during the turbulent era of the First World War and the Spanish Flu, has completed 104 years of its eventful journey. When opened in 1919, it was seen as an engineering feat and as a "miracle" because Spain's first line of metro had been built in just two to three years, said a top official of Madrid Metro.