Latest news with #BRIT
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Musician calls out 'appalling' artist pay as new label-led deal for artists announced
The Government announced label-led measures to raise the earning of songwriters and session musicians in the UK, but veteran violinist Jennifer Maslin and the Musicians' Union say the changes fall flat After the UK government announced new measures to boost the earnings of songwriters, session musicians and legacy artists, one veteran session violinist says she's not impressed. While the new deal is being touted by the Government as the 'best deal' for artists, Jennifer Maslin says the meagre increase is still far from a living wage. On July 22, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced a 'major boost for UK music creators' backed by major record labels including Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment and Warner Music Group. The plans were put forward by the Creator Remuneration Working Group (CRWG) which is chaired by Sir Chris Bryant. The changes estimated by labels are expected to 'deliver tens of millions of pounds in new investment to support musicians by 2030'. The new measures also include a framework for legacy artists to renegotiate their contracts to increase their streaming earnings for existing work. Inside the AI music controversy clouding The Beatles' historic BRIT nomination Support for songwriters and composers includes a commitment to the payment of per diems and expenses for recording sessions, to ensure they are not left out of pocket. The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) and Musicians' Union have also agreed to raise session fees of up to 40 percent for pop sessions and 15 percent for classical sessions. Speaking to NME about the new measures, Sir Chris said: 'I honestly feel that this deal that we've struck here in the UK is the best deal there is in the world '. However session artists like Jennifer are unconvinced. Jennifer is a solo and session violinist in the UK with over three decades of experience. Speak to The Mirror she says the new deal is a step in the right direction but falls short, especially for classical musicians. "It's a great step forward that some recognition is finally being given to the appalling pay musicians are expected to live off.' Referencing Grammy-winning artist Raye and her infamous Ivor Novello Awards speech, Jennifer says: 'Raye was right that it's an insult songwriters are expected to work for free.' While she applauds Sir Chris' efforts to address the situation, Jennifer says that the £75 for songwriters in a gig economy 'with no pension or sick pay benefits' is still 'well under the living wage for a full working day'. She acknowledges that when it comes to recording session fees, 'things look brighter for pop session musicians though'. 'Let's hope we're now on the path to not being asked 'Is this your only job?' - and respecting being a musician for the training, artistry and dedication it requires,' she concludes. The Musicians' Union (MU) - the UK trade union which represents musicians in negotiations with employers, including major industry players - is also unimpressed by the new deal. MU General Secretary Naomi Pohl met repeatedly with the CRWG, however the union and Council of Music Makers as a whole 'remain disappointed that the labels have not addressed the key issues with music streaming economics '. For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror's Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox. Musicians' Union General Secretary Naomi Pohl told The Mirror: "We are grateful to Minister Chris Bryant for the pressure he has put on record labels, and the majors in particular, to improve terms for artists on older contracts.' However, she says that while session rates were increased: 'this doesn't address a lack of royalties for session musicians and we also want to see modern royalty rates for all signed artists. The fundamental problems with music streaming economics remain.' MU says it will soon launch a petition calling for copyright reform. According to Naomi: 'We have also secured an additional meeting with the Minister in September to discuss session musician remuneration specifically." The Council of Music Makers, which includes the MU, is seeking: a minimum digital royalty rate for all new and legacy artists; a rolling commitment to write-off unrecouped balances of signed artists after 20 years; rights reversion so artists and songwriters can reclaim their rights after a set period of time; streaming royalties for session musicians; and a right to contract adjustment. Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We'd love to hear from you!
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
India develops 71 radiation-bred crop varieties, generates 56,681 MUs of nuclear power in 2024-25: Govt
New Delhi: India has developed 71 crop varieties using radiation-induced technologies, generated 56,681 million units (MUs) of nuclear electricity in 2024-25, and established 28 food irradiation facilities for shelf-life extension and food preservation, the government informed the Lok Sabha. Responding to a question, Minister of State for Atomic Energy Jitendra Singh stated that atomic energy has applications across multiple sectors including agriculture, healthcare, food preservation, defence, water treatment, and electricity generation. Agriculture and food processing Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) has developed 71 new crop varieties—such as rice, wheat, pulses, oilseeds, jute, and sorghum—through radiation-induced mutagenesis and cross-breeding. These are in commercial cultivation and possess attributes such as early maturity and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress. To improve food storage and export logistics, radiation processing has been used to extend the shelf-life of agricultural produce. Mangoes can now be stored for up to 35 days for export by sea, while onion and potato shelf-life has been extended to 7.5 and 8 months, respectively. A total of 28 food irradiation facilities are operational across India, 22 of which are privately owned. In Uttar Pradesh, a facility by Solas Industries is operational in Mathura since 2021, and another is under construction in Lucknow by Q-Line Health Care. Radiation-based cold chain transportation technologies such as SHIVAY and MATSYA have been developed. SHIVAY, a patented refrigerated transport system using liquid nitrogen, has been transferred to Tata Motors and Furmech, Indore. MATSYA has been deployed on Sagar Harita, a fishing vessel, for preserving fresh catch under controlled conditions. Healthcare and radioisotopes BARC produces isotopes like Ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) for eye cancer treatment and Yttrium-90 (Y-90) derived from nuclear waste for other cancer therapies. Other radioisotopes produced include Iodine-125, Iodine-131, Lutetium-177, Samarium-153, and Strontium-89. These are supplied through the Board of Radiation and Isotope Technology (BRIT) for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. At the Fast Breeder Test Reactor (FBTR) in Kalpakkam, indigenous production of Strontium-89 has been demonstrated. The product meets quality control standards of US, European, and international pharmacopeia. The Medical Cyclotron Facility (MCF) continues production of isotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment, in collaboration with BRIT. At Indore, a 10 MeV electron beam linear accelerator (linac) facility has sterilised over 1 crore medical devices since 2021. Defence and industrial applications BARC-developed Bhabha Kavach bullet-proof jackets, qualified for BIS Level 5 protection, are in use by BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, and the Indian Army. The cargo container scanner system developed by BARC is ready for deployment after field trials. Water treatment and environment A cotton cloth-based radiation-grafted matrix has been developed to remove dye from textile effluents. The filtered water is reusable for industrial applications. The technology has been transferred to private firms for commercialization. Power generation India's nuclear power plants generated 56,681 MUs of electricity in 2024-25, contributing around 3% of the total electricity generation. This helped avoid 49 million tonnes of CO₂ equivalent emissions. The average tariff was ₹3.83 per unit. Other applications Kalpakkam Mini Reactor (KAMINI), powered by U-233, continues operations for neutron radiography and component testing in strategic sectors. It also supports neutron beam experiments and space programme pyrotechnic testing. BRIT manufactures Iridium-192 (Ir-192) radiography devices for industrial use and supports petrochemical diagnostics. Radiation is also used to develop crops resilient to different agro-climatic conditions. Gamma ray-induced Trichoderma strains help manage soil-borne crop diseases. DAE is collaborating with ICAR and state agricultural universities on research involving nuclear applications in agriculture. Till date, 39 radiation processing facilities for food and medical device sterilisation have been commissioned, with two operating in Uttar Pradesh.
The Irish Sun
19 hours ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Brit teen left fighting for her life after ear infection on idyllic Greek holiday turned into nightmare health battle
A BRIT teen holidaying on an idyllic Greek island has been left fighting for her life after an ear infection turned into a nightmare health battle. Millie Bayles, 19, now remains in intensive care at an Athens hospital after jetting out on a sunshine holiday to the island of Rhodes. 6 Millie Bayles was on her dream summer holiday in Greece when she developd an ear infection Credit: WNS 6 She was soon diagnosed with bacterial meningitis Credit: WNS 6 The Brit teen remains in intensive care at an Athens hospital Credit: WNS Her family said she first noticed symptoms of an ear infection - but it turned into something much more serious. Millie, who comes from North Wales, was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis - leaving her family with a £40,000 bill to get her home. She was moved 300 miles from the island to intensive care in the Greek capital. The Brit teen, who is said to be out of immediate danger, remains in a semi-conscious state. read more world news Mum Lauren Murphy and stepfather Pete flew out to be by her side as doctors battle to get her well. Millie unfortunately failed to take out travel insurance when she went with friends for the summer break. Her mum has now received a quote for tens of thousands of pounds to pay for her medical bills and bring her back to the UK. Lauren has been left no choice but to turn to the public for help to pay for her treatment - which includes a private medical emergency flight. Most read in The Sun The family have reached their £40,000 target on their appeal with more than 900 donations from family, friends and even strangers - and hope to get Millie home soon. Lauren said: "We are now at the stage where we can look to bring Millie back to the UK. I caught brain-swelling virus after snorkelling on holiday "She is out of immediate danger, but she has a long road to recovery ahead of her." "She is still only semi-conscious, and we have yet to see how badly this illness will have affected her brain in the long term. "Unfortunately, due to being an invincible young person, Millie neglected to take out any holiday insurance, and so we have to fund her medical flight home privately. "We desperately need help to get our girl back to her home country so she can continue her recovery process." Step-father Pete Murphy said: "I am so overwhelmed by the immediate generosity of all of you lovely people and plenty that are certainly not on my friend list. "Myself, Lauren and Millie are so grateful for your kind donations. Millie has got a long battle ahead but she certainly has a lot of people routing for her and we can't thank you enough for that." What is meningitis and how you can you avoid getting it? MENINGITIS is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can be very serious if not treated quickly - it can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. Symptoms include: a high temperature (fever) being sick a headache a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop) a stiff neck a dislike of bright lights drowsiness or unresponsiveness seizures (fits) Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing coughing kissing Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis. These include the: 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age Source: NHS 6 The nightmare incident happened on the popular holiday island of Rhodes in Greece Credit: Getty 6 Her family have turned to the public for help to pay for her treatment Credit: WNS 6
Scottish Sun
19 hours ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Brit teen left fighting for her life after ear infection on idyllic Greek holiday turned into nightmare health battle
Millie unfortunately failed to take out travel insurance on the summer break HOLS HORROR Brit teen left fighting for her life after ear infection on idyllic Greek holiday turned into nightmare health battle Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A BRIT teen holidaying on an idyllic Greek island has been left fighting for her life after an ear infection turned into a nightmare health battle. Millie Bayles, 19, now remains in intensive care at an Athens hospital after jetting out on a sunshine holiday to the island of Rhodes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Millie Bayles was on her dream summer holiday in Greece when she developd an ear infection Credit: WNS 6 She was soon diagnosed with bacterial meningitis Credit: WNS 6 The Brit teen remains in intensive care at an Athens hospital Credit: WNS Her family said she first noticed symptoms of an ear infection - but it turned into something much more serious. Millie, who comes from North Wales, was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis - leaving her family with a £40,000 bill to get her home. She was moved 300 miles from the island to intensive care in the Greek capital. The Brit teen, who is said to be out of immediate danger, remains in a semi-conscious state. Mum Lauren Murphy and stepfather Pete flew out to be by her side as doctors battle to get her well. Millie unfortunately failed to take out travel insurance when she went with friends for the summer break. Her mum has now received a quote for tens of thousands of pounds to pay for her medical bills and bring her back to the UK. Lauren has been left no choice but to turn to the public for help to pay for her treatment - which includes a private medical emergency flight. The family have reached their £40,000 target on their appeal with more than 900 donations from family, friends and even strangers - and hope to get Millie home soon. Lauren said: "We are now at the stage where we can look to bring Millie back to the UK. I caught brain-swelling virus after snorkelling on holiday "She is out of immediate danger, but she has a long road to recovery ahead of her." "She is still only semi-conscious, and we have yet to see how badly this illness will have affected her brain in the long term. "Unfortunately, due to being an invincible young person, Millie neglected to take out any holiday insurance, and so we have to fund her medical flight home privately. "We desperately need help to get our girl back to her home country so she can continue her recovery process." Step-father Pete Murphy said: "I am so overwhelmed by the immediate generosity of all of you lovely people and plenty that are certainly not on my friend list. "Myself, Lauren and Millie are so grateful for your kind donations. Millie has got a long battle ahead but she certainly has a lot of people routing for her and we can't thank you enough for that." What is meningitis and how you can you avoid getting it? MENINGITIS is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges). It can be very serious if not treated quickly - it can cause life-threatening sepsis and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. Symptoms include: a high temperature (fever) being sick a headache a rash that does not fade when a glass is rolled over it (but a rash will not always develop) a stiff neck a dislike of bright lights drowsiness or unresponsiveness seizures (fits) Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest A&E immediately if you think you or someone you look after could have meningitis or sepsis. Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Bacterial meningitis is rarer but more serious than viral meningitis. Infections that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing coughing kissing Vaccinations offer some protection against certain causes of meningitis. These include the: MenB vaccine – offered to babies aged 8 weeks, followed by a second dose at 16 weeks and a booster at 1 year 6-in-1 vaccine – offered to babies at 8, 12 and 16 weeks of age pneumococcal vaccine – 2 doses offered to babies at 12 weeks and 1 year, and a single dose offered to adults aged 65 or over Hib/MenC vaccine – offered to babies at 1 year of age MMR vaccine – offered to babies at 1 year and a second dose at 3 years and 4 months MenACWY vaccine – offered to teenagers, sixth formers and "fresher" students going to university for the first time Source: NHS 6 The nightmare incident happened on the popular holiday island of Rhodes in Greece Credit: Getty 6 Her family have turned to the public for help to pay for her treatment Credit: WNS
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Scottish Sun
Brit mum, 21, charged with drug trafficking in Germany after being caught ‘smuggling cannabis in luggage from Thailand'
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A young BRIT mum has been charged with drug trafficking in Germany after allegedly smuggling cannabis from Thailand. Cameron Bradford, 21, from Knebworth, Herts, was arrested at Munich Airport on April 22 as she attempted to collect her luggage. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Cameron Bradford was detained at Munich Airport on April 21 as she tried to collect her luggage 8 The 21-year-old mum has been accused of allegedly smuggling cannabis in her bags 8 Authorities became suspicious of Cameron when she changed her flight to into London Heathrow via Singapore at the last minute - flying to Munich instead. She has been charged with attempted transit of cannabis and abetting the international trafficking of cannabis, authorities said. A family friend said Cameron had travelled to Thailand on her own and posted a photo of the ocean on her Facebook account just days before her arrest. She could be held for at least four months in a German prison while authorities investigate the origins of the cannabis, sources say. Read more on World THAT'S YOUR LOTTA Wamser consoled by team-mates after red card for Suarez-style handball When Cameron, who has a young son, didn't return home on her Heathrow bound flight as expected, her family filed a missing persons report. But the next day the family was alerted to her whereabouts in Germany. Chief prosecutor Anne Leiding of the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office said: 'We can confirm that we are conducting proceedings in this matter. 'The defendant is still in custody.' A hearing will take place in Munich District Court on 6 August. Brit 'drug mule' Charlotte May Lee pictured in new mugshot along with huge £1.2m drug haul The prosecution is refusing to discuss the charges or even give a trial date, citing the ongoing investigation. A Foreign Office spokesperson said: "We are supporting a British woman who is detained in Germany and are in contact with her family and the local authorities." In 2024, Germany legalised cannabis for recreational use by adults aged 18 and over. But despite a raft of publicity around the law change two essential points were missed. The law does not extend to tourists or non-residents, including Brits. It's also interpreted differently across all of Germany's 16 federal states. And crucially the unauthorised import of cannabis, even for personal use, is strictly illegal and carries a hefty five years in prison. SPATE OF DRUG ARRESTS It comes after a British couple claiming to be tourists from Thailand were busted with more than 33kg of cannabis in their suitcases at a Spanish airport. The pair were picked out by suspicious cops at Valencia Airport after displaying a 'nervous and evasive attitude' and are now behind bars on drug trafficking charges. 8 She was detained as she tried to collect her luggage at Munich airport 8 She posted a photo of the ocean on her Facebook account just days before her arrest The man and woman, aged 33 and 34, were stopped before reaching customs, with officials later discovering vacuum-packed marijuana and no clothes or personal belongings in their luggage. Cops said the pair will not yet be named but were arrested late on May 5 and hauled to court the next day. Their court appearance, which led to their remand in prison, took place behind-closed-doors as is normal in Spain where only trials are held in public. The two British nationals are not expected to find out for several months now whether they will be formally indicted and face trial. A British OnlyFans model was also caught allegedly smuggling nearly £200,000 worth of Thai cannabis into Spain. Glamorous Clara Wilson, from Huthwaite, Notts, has been charged with a drug running offence after more than 34 kilos of cannabis was found stuffed in her two suitcases. Elsewhere, Brit Bella May Culley, 18, sparked a massive international search operation in early May after she was reported missing while holidaying in Thailand. However, it was later revealed that the teen, from Billingham, County Durham, had been arrested 4,000 miles away on drug offences in Georgia. She was allegedly carrying 30 pounds (14kg) of cannabis into the ex-Soviet nation. Around the same time, 21-year-old Charlotte Lee May, from Coulsdon, south London, was also arrested in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo after police discovered 46 kg of 'Kush' - a synthetic strain of cannabis - in her suitcase. The former flight attendant, facing up to 25 years in prison if convicted, is claiming she had 'no idea' about the drugs worth up to £1.2 million and insisted they must have been planted in her luggage without her knowledge. 8 Brit Charlotte May Lee was arrested in Sri Lanka after allegedly trying to smuggle in drugs 8 Student Bella May Culley was arrested in Georgia after allegedly carrying drugs into the country from Thailand
