Three more bodies were recovered from Koottikkal in Kerala's Kottayam district on Sunday due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, which has pushed the death toll in the state to nine, officials said.

State ministers K Rajan, Roshy Augustine and VN Vasavan participated in a review meeting to assess the situation arising due to heavy rains in the state, at Mundakkayam in Kottayam this morning.

In view of the red alert for rainfall and possible flooding and waterlogging in several districts of Kerala, a total of 11 teams of the National Disaster Relief Teams (NDRF) have been deployed to the state in coordination with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA).

A total of 33 people including eight women and seven children have been rescued so far, according to the NDRF.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/six-people-dead-a-dozen-reported-missing-as-rains-lash-kerala-421366">Six people dead, a dozen reported missing as rains lash Kerala</a>

Early this morning a team of the NDRF conducted rescue operation in Kokkayar, Idukki where a landslide occurred yesterday.

Rescue operations were also conducted in and around Ernakulam district and in Vaipur, RanniTaluk in Pathanamthitta district.

According to the Met department there will be isolated heavy rain in parts of the state over the next 24 hours starting October 17.

The India Meterological Department today said that the low-pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Kerala has become less marked and there is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall at many places with only isolated heavy rainfall over the state during next 24 hours and further decrease thereafter.

On Saturday, four people were killed in Kottayam district while two casualties have been reported in Idukki district.

Idduki and Kottayam districts in Central and South Kerala bore the brunt of the heavy rains that have been lashing the state since Friday with many people feared missing in landslides. Several people have been injured and displaced in rain-related incidents.&nbsp;

Three more bodies were recovered from Koottikkal in Kerala's Kottayam district on Sunday due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, which has pushed the death toll in the state to nine, officials said.

Three more bodies were recovered from Koottikkal in Kerala's Kottayam district on Sunday due to landslides triggered by heavy rainfall, which has pushed the death toll in the state to nine, officials said. State ministers K Rajan, Roshy Augustine and VN Vasavan participated in a review meeting to assess the situation arising due to heavy rains in the state, at Mundakkayam in Kottayam this morning. In view of the red alert for rainfall and possible flooding and waterlogging in several districts of Kerala, a total of 11 teams of the National Disaster Relief Teams (NDRF) have been deployed to the state in coordination with the Kerala State Disaster Management Authority (KSDMA). A total of 33 people including eight women and seven children have been rescued so far, according to the NDRF. Also Read | Six people dead, a dozen reported missing as rains lash Kerala Early this morning a team of the NDRF conducted rescue operation in Kokkayar, Idukki where a landslide occurred yesterday. Rescue operations were also conducted in and around Ernakulam district and in Vaipur, RanniTaluk in Pathanamthitta district. According to the Met department there will be isolated heavy rain in parts of the state over the next 24 hours starting October 17. The India Meterological Department today said that the low-pressure area over southeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Kerala has become less marked and there is a possibility of light to moderate rainfall at many places with only isolated heavy rainfall over the state during next 24 hours and further decrease thereafter. On Saturday, four people were killed in Kottayam district while two casualties have been reported in Idukki district. Idduki and Kottayam districts in Central and South Kerala bore the brunt of the heavy rains that have been lashing the state since Friday with many people feared missing in landslides. Several people have been injured and displaced in rain-related incidents.

Kerala Rains: Death toll reaches 9

The European Union (EU) parliament published an 18-page resolution on a new EU-China strategy on September 16 whose fundamental message was that Beijing poses serious political, economic, security, and technological challenges to the group. Di Valerio Fabbri, writing in Geopolitica.info said that quite aptly, the resolution was released soon after the United States announced the creation of a new alliance with the United Kingdom and Australia (AUKUS).

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imf-cuts-chinas-growth-forecast-amid-disorderly-corporate-debt-defaults-420197">IMF cuts China's growth forecast amid 'disorderly corporate debt defaults'</a>

The fundamental message of the resolution is that "China is asserting a stronger global role both as an economic power and as a foreign-policy actor, which poses serious political, economic, security and technological challenges to the EU.&nbsp;In turn, this has significant and long-lasting consequences for the world order and poses serious threats to rules-based multilateralism and core democratic values. True to its core values, the EU also highlighted every aspect of the complicated relationship with China, including Bejing's gross violation of human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet.

In this regard, particular attention was paid to the Chinese government's 'Strike hard against violent terrorism'&nbsp;campaign launched in 2014, which has led to a rapid deterioration in the condition of the situation of Uyghur in Xinjiang, reported Geopolitica.info.

Perhaps the most recent illustration of the totalitarian nature of the Chinese state, which also finds mention in the EU document, is the departure of some foreign correspondents from the mainland, said Fabbri.

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Furthermore, the ridiculous labelling by the Chinese government of the Foreign Correspondents&nbsp;Club, the professional association of Beijing-based journalists reporting on China globally, as an 'illegal organisation'&nbsp;is the latest in a long and increasing instances of harassment and obstruction of foreign journalists. This is part of the effort to police speech about China globally and, as the EU rightly concludes, to determine what kind of speech and discussions are allowed as part of a totalitarian threat, said Fabbri.

The document also expressed regret over China's one-party system and its commitment to Marxism-Leninism, which precludes the possibility to embrace "democratic values such as individual freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of religion". The latest report makes a number of recommendations, including calls to adopt targeted sanctions against senior Chinese officials responsible for abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. It called for better coordination to counter Beijing's growing global influence and anti-rights agenda and for a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, reported Geopolitica.info.

The European Parliament also urged the EU's foreign policy branch to seek a more effective and benchmark-based human rights dialogue.Moreover, the EU perceives the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a "threat stemming from China," among other initiatives like the "dual circulation strategy, Made in China 2025, China Standards 2035" and other policies, including its military modernization and capacity build-up. For this reason, the EU welcomed the G7 leaders&nbsp;agreement to develop a partnership called Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative as an alternative to China's BRI.

The European Union (EU) parliament published an 18-page resolution on a new EU-China strategy on September 16 whose fundamental message was that Beijing poses serious political, economic, security, and technological challenges to the group.

The European Union (EU) parliament published an 18-page resolution on a new EU-China strategy on September 16 whose fundamental message was that Beijing poses serious political, economic, security, and technological challenges to the group. Di Valerio Fabbri, writing in Geopolitica.info said that quite aptly, the resolution was released soon after the United States announced the creation of a new alliance with the United Kingdom and Australia (AUKUS). Also Read | IMF cuts China's growth forecast amid 'disorderly corporate debt defaults' The fundamental message of the resolution is that "China is asserting a stronger global role both as an economic power and as a foreign-policy actor, which poses serious political, economic, security and technological challenges to the EU. In turn, this has significant and long-lasting consequences for the world order and poses serious threats to rules-based multilateralism and core democratic values. True to its core values, the EU also highlighted every aspect of the complicated relationship with China, including Bejing's gross violation of human rights in Xinjiang and Tibet. In this regard, particular attention was paid to the Chinese government's 'Strike hard against violent terrorism' campaign launched in 2014, which has led to a rapid deterioration in the condition of the situation of Uyghur in Xinjiang, reported Geopolitica.info. Perhaps the most recent illustration of the totalitarian nature of the Chinese state, which also finds mention in the EU document, is the departure of some foreign correspondents from the mainland, said Fabbri. Also Read | Dasu bus blast: China demands $38 million from Pakistan for the dead workers Furthermore, the ridiculous labelling by the Chinese government of the Foreign Correspondents Club, the professional association of Beijing-based journalists reporting on China globally, as an 'illegal organisation' is the latest in a long and increasing instances of harassment and obstruction of foreign journalists. This is part of the effort to police speech about China globally and, as the EU rightly concludes, to determine what kind of speech and discussions are allowed as part of a totalitarian threat, said Fabbri. The document also expressed regret over China's one-party system and its commitment to Marxism-Leninism, which precludes the possibility to embrace "democratic values such as individual freedom, freedom of speech and freedom of religion". The latest report makes a number of recommendations, including calls to adopt targeted sanctions against senior Chinese officials responsible for abuses in Hong Kong and Xinjiang. It called for better coordination to counter Beijing's growing global influence and anti-rights agenda and for a diplomatic boycott of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing, reported Geopolitica.info. The European Parliament also urged the EU's foreign policy branch to seek a more effective and benchmark-based human rights dialogue.Moreover, the EU perceives the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) as a "threat stemming from China," among other initiatives like the "dual circulation strategy, Made in China 2025, China Standards 2035" and other policies, including its military modernization and capacity build-up. For this reason, the EU welcomed the G7 leaders agreement to develop a partnership called Build Back Better World (B3W) initiative as an alternative to China's BRI.

China poses serious political, economic, security, technological challenges to EU

India recorded 14,146 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours pushing the country's infection caseload to 3,40,67,719, even as the number of vaccinated people went past 970 million, the Union Health Ministry said in an update on Sunday.

With 144 more fatalities, the death toll reached 4,52,124.

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The active cases declined by 5,786 to stand at 1,95,846, the lowest in 220 days, which is now 0.57 per cent of the total caseload.

In the past 24 hours, 19,788 people recovered from the highly contagious virus, taking the total recovery count to 3,34,19,749, accounting for 98.10 per cent of the case tally. The death rate stood at 1.33 per cent.

The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.29 per cent which has been below three per cent for the last 48 days. The weekly positivity rate, too, at 1.42 per cent was less than 3 per cent for the last 114 days.

Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that till now 59,09,35,381&nbsp;samples have been tested for the coronavirus. Of this, 11,00,123 were tested on Saturday.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-15823-fresh-covid-19-cases-226-fatalities-420329">&nbsp;India reports 15,823 fresh COVID-19 cases, 226 fatalities</a>

The country has so far administered 97,65,89,540 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with 41,20,772 jabs being given in the past day.

The Health Ministry said that 1,01,78,96,755&nbsp;vaccine doses have been provided to the states and union territories. It further said 10,42,45,455&nbsp;balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

India recorded 14,146 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours pushing the country's infection caseload to 3,40,67,719, even as the number of vaccinated people went past 970 million, the Union Health Ministry said in an update on Sunday.

India recorded 14,146 new cases of COVID-19 during the past 24 hours pushing the country's infection caseload to 3,40,67,719, even as the number of vaccinated people went past 970 million, the Union Health Ministry said in an update on Sunday. With 144 more fatalities, the death toll reached 4,52,124. Also Read | US Development Finance Corporation chief to visit India to boost vaccine manufacturing The active cases declined by 5,786 to stand at 1,95,846, the lowest in 220 days, which is now 0.57 per cent of the total caseload. In the past 24 hours, 19,788 people recovered from the highly contagious virus, taking the total recovery count to 3,34,19,749, accounting for 98.10 per cent of the case tally. The death rate stood at 1.33 per cent. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 1.29 per cent which has been below three per cent for the last 48 days. The weekly positivity rate, too, at 1.42 per cent was less than 3 per cent for the last 114 days. Meanwhile, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said that till now 59,09,35,381 samples have been tested for the coronavirus. Of this, 11,00,123 were tested on Saturday. Also Read | India reports 15,823 fresh COVID-19 cases, 226 fatalities The country has so far administered 97,65,89,540 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine with 41,20,772 jabs being given in the past day. The Health Ministry said that 1,01,78,96,755 vaccine doses have been provided to the states and union territories. It further said 10,42,45,455 balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered.

India adds 14,146 new Covid cases, over 970 million vax doses given

Aggrieved Chinese office workers have recently initiated a 'worker lives matter'&nbsp;campaign over gruelling work hours in the country.

The campaign is against the '996 work culture'&nbsp;in the country. According to this culture, people are scheduled to work from 9 am to 9 pm for six days in a week, Taiwan News reported.

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The campaign asks employees to share their work schedules on an open-access spreadsheet that is being circulated over the internet.

As per the updates on Thursday, the sheet had entries from over 4,000 people working in tech giants including Tencent, Alibaba and ByteDance.

Meanwhile, China has witnessed a huge backlash from the people against the dreaded work schedule in recent years, Taiwan News reported.

This 996 culture has also been publically praised by founders of China's tech unicorns, including Jack Ma, who once reportedly said that "To be able to work 996 is a huge bliss.

"But Chinese population, particularly youth emphasis on healthy life and a balance work trend with phrases such as "laying flat" and "feeling fish" being used as terms for slacking off among exhausted employees, Taiwan News reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dasu-bus-blast-china-demands-38-million-from-pakistan-for-the-dead-workers-420930">Dasu bus blast: China demands $38 million from Pakistan for the dead workers​</a>​​​​​​

Besides, Chinese tech companies are also attempting to bring productivity-enhancing tools into everyday office life, worker's efficiency is being channelized into squeezing more value from employees by using software-driven surveillance management and monitoring into their professional lives.

Despite fierce criticism over such aggressive practices and complaints from employees, they have had little impact on investor sentiment, reported Nikkei Asia.

Companies are running even more brutal working hours - ByteDance allows its employees a full weekend only every other week, while employees at Pinduoduo's newer units are required to work at least 300 hours a month.&nbsp;

Aggrieved Chinese office workers have recently initiated a 'worker lives matter' campaign over gruelling work hours in the country. The campaign is against the '996 work culture' in the country.

Aggrieved Chinese office workers have recently initiated a 'worker lives matter' campaign over gruelling work hours in the country. The campaign is against the '996 work culture' in the country. According to this culture, people are scheduled to work from 9 am to 9 pm for six days in a week, Taiwan News reported. Also Read | IMF cuts China's growth forecast amid 'disorderly corporate debt defaults' The campaign asks employees to share their work schedules on an open-access spreadsheet that is being circulated over the internet. As per the updates on Thursday, the sheet had entries from over 4,000 people working in tech giants including Tencent, Alibaba and ByteDance. Meanwhile, China has witnessed a huge backlash from the people against the dreaded work schedule in recent years, Taiwan News reported. This 996 culture has also been publically praised by founders of China's tech unicorns, including Jack Ma, who once reportedly said that "To be able to work 996 is a huge bliss. "But Chinese population, particularly youth emphasis on healthy life and a balance work trend with phrases such as "laying flat" and "feeling fish" being used as terms for slacking off among exhausted employees, Taiwan News reported. Also Read | Dasu bus blast: China demands $38 million from Pakistan for the dead workers Besides, Chinese tech companies are also attempting to bring productivity-enhancing tools into everyday office life, worker's efficiency is being channelized into squeezing more value from employees by using software-driven surveillance management and monitoring into their professional lives. Despite fierce criticism over such aggressive practices and complaints from employees, they have had little impact on investor sentiment, reported Nikkei Asia. Companies are running even more brutal working hours - ByteDance allows its employees a full weekend only every other week, while employees at Pinduoduo's newer units are required to work at least 300 hours a month.

Exhausted Chinese employees start 'worker lives matter' campaign over grueling work hours

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday encouraged a change in actions toward sustainable food systems on the occasion of World Food Day, which falls on October 16.

In a video message, Guterres said World Food Day is not only a reminder of the importance of food to every person on the planet but also a call to action to achieve food security around the world.

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Today, almost 40 per cent of humanity -- 3 billion people -- cannot afford a healthy diet, he said.

Hunger is on the rise, so too are undernourishment and obesity. The economic impacts of COVID-19 have made a bad situation even worse.

The pandemic has left an additional 140 million people unable to access the food they need, he noted.

"At the same time, the way we produce, consume and waste food is taking a heavy toll on our planet. It is putting historic pressure on our natural resources, climate and natural environment -- and costing us trillions of dollars a year," said Guterres. "As this year's theme makes clear, the power to change is in our hands. "The theme for this year's World Food Day is "Our actions are our future."

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Last month, the world gathered for the UN Food Systems Summit. Countries made bold commitments to transform food systems: to make healthy diets more affordable and accessible, and to make food systems more efficient, resilient and sustainable at every step, from production and processing to marketing, transportation and delivery, he said.

"We can all change how we consume food, and make healthier choices -- for ourselves, and our planet. In our food systems, there is hope. On this World Food Day, join us as we commit to take transformative action to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals through food systems that deliver better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for every person," he said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday encouraged a change in actions toward sustainable food systems on the occasion of World Food Day, which falls on October 16.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Saturday encouraged a change in actions toward sustainable food systems on the occasion of World Food Day, which falls on October 16. In a video message, Guterres said World Food Day is not only a reminder of the importance of food to every person on the planet but also a call to action to achieve food security around the world. Also Read | Biden says he's open to shortening length of new programmes Today, almost 40 per cent of humanity -- 3 billion people -- cannot afford a healthy diet, he said. Hunger is on the rise, so too are undernourishment and obesity. The economic impacts of COVID-19 have made a bad situation even worse. The pandemic has left an additional 140 million people unable to access the food they need, he noted. "At the same time, the way we produce, consume and waste food is taking a heavy toll on our planet. It is putting historic pressure on our natural resources, climate and natural environment -- and costing us trillions of dollars a year," said Guterres. "As this year's theme makes clear, the power to change is in our hands. "The theme for this year's World Food Day is "Our actions are our future." Also Read | India re-elected to UN Human Rights Council for the sixth time with overwhelming majority Last month, the world gathered for the UN Food Systems Summit. Countries made bold commitments to transform food systems: to make healthy diets more affordable and accessible, and to make food systems more efficient, resilient and sustainable at every step, from production and processing to marketing, transportation and delivery, he said. "We can all change how we consume food, and make healthier choices -- for ourselves, and our planet. In our food systems, there is hope. On this World Food Day, join us as we commit to take transformative action to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals through food systems that deliver better nutrition, a better environment and a better life for every person," he said.

UN chief encourages change in actions towards sustainable food systems

About 15 American missionaries and family members were kidnapped on Saturday by a gang outside the Haitian capital, a local security source told AFP.

The group of between 15 and 17 people, including children, were being held by an armed gang which for months has been engaged in theft and kidnappings in the area between Port-au-Prince and the border with the Dominican Republic, the source said.

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A spokesman for the US government declined to provide any information.

"The welfare and safety of US citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the Department of State," the official said. "We are aware of these reports and have nothing additional to offer at this time."

Armed gangs, which for years have controlled the poorest districts of the Haitian capital, have extended their hold to other parts of Port-au-Prince and its surroundings, sowing terror with kidnappings.

More than 600 kidnappings were recorded in the first three quarters of 2021, compared with 231 over the same period last year, according to the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, a civil society group based in the Haitian capital.

For years, Haiti has been paralysed by a deep political and economic crisis, and the July assassination of President Jovenel Moise plunged the Caribbean country even further turmoil.

About 15 American missionaries and family members were kidnapped on Saturday by a gang outside the Haitian capital, a local security source told AFP. The group of between 15 and 17 people, including children, were being held by an armed gang which for months has been engaged in theft and kidnappings in the area between Port-au-Prince and the border with the Dominican Republic, the source said.

About 15 American missionaries and family members were kidnapped on Saturday by a gang outside the Haitian capital, a local security source told AFP. The group of between 15 and 17 people, including children, were being held by an armed gang which for months has been engaged in theft and kidnappings in the area between Port-au-Prince and the border with the Dominican Republic, the source said. Also Read | Top US naval commander hosts senior Indian Navy officers aboard USS Carl Vinson A spokesman for the US government declined to provide any information. "The welfare and safety of US citizens abroad is one of the highest priorities of the Department of State," the official said. "We are aware of these reports and have nothing additional to offer at this time." Armed gangs, which for years have controlled the poorest districts of the Haitian capital, have extended their hold to other parts of Port-au-Prince and its surroundings, sowing terror with kidnappings. More than 600 kidnappings were recorded in the first three quarters of 2021, compared with 231 over the same period last year, according to the Center for Analysis and Research in Human Rights, a civil society group based in the Haitian capital. For years, Haiti has been paralysed by a deep political and economic crisis, and the July assassination of President Jovenel Moise plunged the Caribbean country even further turmoil.

15 US missionaries and family kidnapped in Haiti: security source

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that Islamic State (IS) terror group was present in the north of the country, saying it was "baseless", the media reported.

Addressing a virtual summit of the Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) on Friday, Putin said that Russian data has revealed that 2,000 IS fighters are in the north of Afghanistan, TOLO News reported.

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The Russian leader added that the IS "terrorists seek to enter the territory of the Commonwealth under the guise of refugees".

Responding to Putin's claim, the Cultural Commission under the Taliban's Ministry of Information and Culture said on Saturday: "Concerns expressed in this regard are, to some extent, baseless. Daesh has no support from the people in any part of Afghanistan."

The development comes as Moscow is slated to host two meetings on Afghanistan this week.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-urge-us-eu-to-end-existing-sanctions-to-avoid-refugee-crisis-420503">Taliban urge US, EU to 'end existing sanctions' to avoid refugee crisis</a>

The first meeting on Tuesday will be attended by officials from the US, Russia, China and Pakistan.

While the second on Wednesday will see the participation of representatives from a number of countries.

The Taliban Foreign ministry has said a delegation will attend the first meeting.

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that Islamic State (IS) terror group was present in the north of the country, saying it was "baseless", the media reported.

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan has rejected Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that Islamic State (IS) terror group was present in the north of the country, saying it was "baseless", the media reported. Addressing a virtual summit of the Commonwealth Independent States (CIS) on Friday, Putin said that Russian data has revealed that 2,000 IS fighters are in the north of Afghanistan, TOLO News reported. Also Read | Avoid public executions unless ordered by top court, Taliban regime tells local officials in Afghanistan The Russian leader added that the IS "terrorists seek to enter the territory of the Commonwealth under the guise of refugees". Responding to Putin's claim, the Cultural Commission under the Taliban's Ministry of Information and Culture said on Saturday: "Concerns expressed in this regard are, to some extent, baseless. Daesh has no support from the people in any part of Afghanistan." The development comes as Moscow is slated to host two meetings on Afghanistan this week. Also Read | Taliban urge US, EU to 'end existing sanctions' to avoid refugee crisis The first meeting on Tuesday will be attended by officials from the US, Russia, China and Pakistan. While the second on Wednesday will see the participation of representatives from a number of countries. The Taliban Foreign ministry has said a delegation will attend the first meeting.

Taliban rejects Putin's claim of IS presence in northern Afghanistan

With the pandemic grimly persisting, American homes could face a meager holiday season, forced to do without some of their favorite items missing from store shelves.

Even as demand surges as the world's largest economy reopens, US retailers are working hard to avoid putting a damper on festivities, taking unprecedented actions to try to navigate around myriad supply chain obstacles.

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The most dramatic steps have included moves by Walmart and other big box chains to charter their own ships and bypass messy delays at West Coast ports.

Other workarounds have included bringing imports in earlier in the season, launching holiday promotions sooner and shifting to air cargo from ships.

"A lot of companies have made the decision over the last 30 days that 'we have to change modes,'" said Neel Jones Shah, global head of air freight at Flexport, a freight forwarding company.&nbsp;

"They're having to pivot to air or they're going to miss their sale season all-together."

But even with these measures, Scott Case, a logistics industry veteran and founder of Chicago-based Position: Global, predicted "there are going to be noticeable gaps in what is available to people this holiday season."

Retailers are trying to plan for that as well, working up strategies to mollify or cushion the disappointment when choice items run out.

'Monumental shortages'&nbsp;

On the positive side, consumer activity remains robust, a dynamic apparent in US retail sales data released Friday, which showed another surprising gain in September.

"It will be a good holiday season from a demand perspective," said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, who expects companies to offer fewer promotions to entice buyers than they have in the past due to the tight supply.

On top of the backlog at ports, that has seen ships lining up waiting to offload their containers, retailers are contending with manufacturing outages at key plants in Asia where local governments have imposed lockdowns due to COVID-19.

They also face shortages of front-line workers, which could make it challenging to hire enough seasonal employees.

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These supply chain bottlenecks were a key focus of attention of finance ministers gathered last week in Washington.

And at the White House President Joe Biden announced a commitment by the Los Angeles Port to work 24 hours a day.

Piggybacking on the publicity surrounding the issue, trade groups like the National Retail Federation have been urging consumers to shop early this season.&nbsp;

But even so "There's going to be some monumental shortages," said Terry Esper, a professor of logistics at Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business.

Retailers are going to need to resort to &nbsp;"demand shaping," where they steer consumers to products that are in stock, or substitution, sometimes with a higher-value option. For example, a customer who wants a wool sweater, might be offered one made of cashmere instead.

Companies are diversifying suppliers and shifting from a "just in time" to a "just in case" inventory management, said Esper, who also expects greater use of automation in light of the labor crunch.

"The projections is this is going to be a tight squeeze until 2023," Esper said. "This is not a holiday issue. This is a transition to a different business model."

Higher prices ahead

The squeeze in capacity on everything from warehouse space to cargo planes also adds cost, which are already trending higher because of higher wages. Estimates vary, but industry officials have complained about ocean freight prices as much as 10 times their pre-pandemic level.&nbsp;

And surging oil prices led Delta Air Lines to warn this week that increased jet fuel costs could result in an unprofitable fourth quarter.

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Saunders of GlobalData expects some inflation, but said in the "extremely competitive" retail sector "companies have to be careful about passing it on for fear of losing market share."

At Rickenbacker International Airport in Ohio, Bryan Schreiber, manager of air cargo business development, said he is surprised not to have seen a bigger hike in prices.

"Maybe the companies are trying to hold down those costs that they pass on to consumers," he told AFP. "But I do think ultimately for a lot of stuff -- if you can get it -- it's going to become a lot more expensive."

With the pandemic grimly persisting, American homes could face a meager holiday season, forced to do without some of their favorite items missing from store shelves.

With the pandemic grimly persisting, American homes could face a meager holiday season, forced to do without some of their favorite items missing from store shelves. Even as demand surges as the world's largest economy reopens, US retailers are working hard to avoid putting a damper on festivities, taking unprecedented actions to try to navigate around myriad supply chain obstacles. Also Read | With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials The most dramatic steps have included moves by Walmart and other big box chains to charter their own ships and bypass messy delays at West Coast ports. Other workarounds have included bringing imports in earlier in the season, launching holiday promotions sooner and shifting to air cargo from ships. "A lot of companies have made the decision over the last 30 days that 'we have to change modes,'" said Neel Jones Shah, global head of air freight at Flexport, a freight forwarding company. "They're having to pivot to air or they're going to miss their sale season all-together." But even with these measures, Scott Case, a logistics industry veteran and founder of Chicago-based Position: Global, predicted "there are going to be noticeable gaps in what is available to people this holiday season." Retailers are trying to plan for that as well, working up strategies to mollify or cushion the disappointment when choice items run out. 'Monumental shortages' On the positive side, consumer activity remains robust, a dynamic apparent in US retail sales data released Friday, which showed another surprising gain in September. "It will be a good holiday season from a demand perspective," said Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, who expects companies to offer fewer promotions to entice buyers than they have in the past due to the tight supply. On top of the backlog at ports, that has seen ships lining up waiting to offload their containers, retailers are contending with manufacturing outages at key plants in Asia where local governments have imposed lockdowns due to COVID-19. They also face shortages of front-line workers, which could make it challenging to hire enough seasonal employees. Also Read | 10 more plaintiffs join lawsuit against Liberty University over sexual abuse These supply chain bottlenecks were a key focus of attention of finance ministers gathered last week in Washington. And at the White House President Joe Biden announced a commitment by the Los Angeles Port to work 24 hours a day. Piggybacking on the publicity surrounding the issue, trade groups like the National Retail Federation have been urging consumers to shop early this season. But even so "There's going to be some monumental shortages," said Terry Esper, a professor of logistics at Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business. Retailers are going to need to resort to "demand shaping," where they steer consumers to products that are in stock, or substitution, sometimes with a higher-value option. For example, a customer who wants a wool sweater, might be offered one made of cashmere instead. Companies are diversifying suppliers and shifting from a "just in time" to a "just in case" inventory management, said Esper, who also expects greater use of automation in light of the labor crunch. "The projections is this is going to be a tight squeeze until 2023," Esper said. "This is not a holiday issue. This is a transition to a different business model." Higher prices ahead The squeeze in capacity on everything from warehouse space to cargo planes also adds cost, which are already trending higher because of higher wages. Estimates vary, but industry officials have complained about ocean freight prices as much as 10 times their pre-pandemic level. And surging oil prices led Delta Air Lines to warn this week that increased jet fuel costs could result in an unprofitable fourth quarter. Also Read | Key to Biden’s climate agenda likely to be cut because of Manchin opposition Saunders of GlobalData expects some inflation, but said in the "extremely competitive" retail sector "companies have to be careful about passing it on for fear of losing market share." At Rickenbacker International Airport in Ohio, Bryan Schreiber, manager of air cargo business development, said he is surprised not to have seen a bigger hike in prices. "Maybe the companies are trying to hold down those costs that they pass on to consumers," he told AFP. "But I do think ultimately for a lot of stuff -- if you can get it -- it's going to become a lot more expensive."

Coal in the stocking: US retailers scramble ahead of festive season

The turmoil over allegations of sexual abuse at Liberty University seems to have worsened as around 10 people have joined an existing lawsuit by saying they were drugged, raped, sexually assaulted or abused at the varsity, according to a new filing. It also said the people in power are refusing to act. &nbsp;

Alleging the university created an unsafe environment, Jane Does 13-22 joined the first 12 anonymous plaintiffs in suing the private school for the amount to be determined during the trial, revealed a status report from the US District Court for the eastern district of New York on Thursday. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-new-hypersonic-missile-test-in-august-china-surprised-us-officials-421414" hreflang="en">With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials</a>

"Since the complaint was filed, additional plaintiffs and witnesses have come forward. It is likely that, if the case does not resolve amicably, a First Amended Complaint will be filed on behalf of Jane Does 1-through-22, including certain current students at Liberty University," the status report of plaintiffs said. &nbsp;

It also asked the court to grant counsel's motion for leave to appear pro hac vice and place the matter on standby for three months in accordance with the university's request for "an opportunity to discuss an amicable resolution prior to the filing of a First Amended Complaint." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/key-to-bidens-climate-agenda-likely-to-be-cut-because-of-manchin-opposition-421381" hreflang="en">Key to Biden’s climate agenda likely to be cut because of Manchin opposition</a>

In July 20 filing, the original 12 plaintiffs alleged that the university "intentionally created a campus environment where sexual assault and rapes are foreseeably more likely to occur than they would in the absence of Liberty's policies." &nbsp;&nbsp;

"In short, Liberty University weaponised its sexual violence reporting policies by (a) offering the victims of sexual violence a confusingly worded amnesty that (b) was often ignored altogether in practice," said the complaint. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The turmoil over allegations of sexual abuse at Liberty University seems to have worsened as around 10 people have joined an existing lawsuit by saying they were drugged, raped, sexually assaulted or abused at the varsity, according to a new filing.

The turmoil over allegations of sexual abuse at Liberty University seems to have worsened as around 10 people have joined an existing lawsuit by saying they were drugged, raped, sexually assaulted or abused at the varsity, according to a new filing. It also said the people in power are refusing to act. Alleging the university created an unsafe environment, Jane Does 13-22 joined the first 12 anonymous plaintiffs in suing the private school for the amount to be determined during the trial, revealed a status report from the US District Court for the eastern district of New York on Thursday. Also Read: With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials "Since the complaint was filed, additional plaintiffs and witnesses have come forward. It is likely that, if the case does not resolve amicably, a First Amended Complaint will be filed on behalf of Jane Does 1-through-22, including certain current students at Liberty University," the status report of plaintiffs said. It also asked the court to grant counsel's motion for leave to appear pro hac vice and place the matter on standby for three months in accordance with the university's request for "an opportunity to discuss an amicable resolution prior to the filing of a First Amended Complaint." Also Read: Key to Biden’s climate agenda likely to be cut because of Manchin opposition In July 20 filing, the original 12 plaintiffs alleged that the university "intentionally created a campus environment where sexual assault and rapes are foreseeably more likely to occur than they would in the absence of Liberty's policies." "In short, Liberty University weaponised its sexual violence reporting policies by (a) offering the victims of sexual violence a confusingly worded amnesty that (b) was often ignored altogether in practice," said the complaint. (With inputs from agencies)

10 more plaintiffs join lawsuit against Liberty University over sexual abuse

PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz looked to gather support of the people of Pakistan to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday. &nbsp;

The PML-N leader addressed a Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) rally at Dhobi Ghat ground in Faisalabad. &nbsp;

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Maryam said the people were fully aware of how the prime minister had "disrespected the vote's sanctity". &nbsp;She added the PM had fulfilled only one promise that he would "make everyone cry" and today, "the entire nation is crying". &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/with-hefty-fine-new-social-media-rules-give-more-teeth-to-pakistan-govt-421291" hreflang="en">With hefty fine, new social media rules give more teeth to Pakistan govt</a>

The PML-N vice-president also spoke about PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and said that he has "left everything in the hands of God". Sharif is in London and has been declared an absconder by Pakistani courts. &nbsp; &nbsp;

The leader slammed the prime minister over the power crisis and petrol price rise, and said the country is facing a shortage of electricity in the summer and a shortage of gas in the winter. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-pakistan-where-inflation-is-at-an-all-time-high-a-cup-of-tea-costs-rs-40-420964" hreflang="en">In Pakistan, where inflation is at an all-time high, a cup of tea costs Rs 40&nbsp;</a>

She claimed the PM used the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for taking revenge on political opponents, and when the time came for his own accountability, he just amended the law. &nbsp;

Nawaz Sharif’s daughter said Imran Khan's party, PTI, has been ranked "number 1" in the Pandora Papers. "The nation was told Imran Khan's name isn't included in the list [...] have you ever heard that the leader of a pack of thieves was an honest person?" Maryam asked. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz looked to gather support of the people of Pakistan to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday. The PML-N leader addressed a Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) rally at Dhobi Ghat ground in Faisalabad.

PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz looked to gather support of the people of Pakistan to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday. The PML-N leader addressed a Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) rally at Dhobi Ghat ground in Faisalabad. ایسی محبتیں کسی کسی پہ نچھاور ہوتی ہیں pic.twitter.com/UopFsSsWok — Zeeshan Malik (@ZeshanMalick) October 16, 2021 × Maryam said the people were fully aware of how the prime minister had "disrespected the vote's sanctity". She added the PM had fulfilled only one promise that he would "make everyone cry" and today, "the entire nation is crying". Also Read: With hefty fine, new social media rules give more teeth to Pakistan govt The PML-N vice-president also spoke about PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif and said that he has "left everything in the hands of God". Sharif is in London and has been declared an absconder by Pakistani courts. The leader slammed the prime minister over the power crisis and petrol price rise, and said the country is facing a shortage of electricity in the summer and a shortage of gas in the winter. Also Read: In Pakistan, where inflation is at an all-time high, a cup of tea costs Rs 40 She claimed the PM used the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for taking revenge on political opponents, and when the time came for his own accountability, he just amended the law. Nawaz Sharif’s daughter said Imran Khan's party, PTI, has been ranked "number 1" in the Pandora Papers. "The nation was told Imran Khan's name isn't included in the list [...] have you ever heard that the leader of a pack of thieves was an honest person?" Maryam asked. (With inputs from agencies)

'Entire nation is crying': Maryam Nawaz slams Pakistan PM Imran Khan

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From&nbsp;PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz looking for nation's support to oust PM Imran Khan to&nbsp;China surprising US officials&nbsp;with new hypersonic missile test in August,&nbsp;we have it all.

Please click on the headline to read the full story. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pml-n-vice-president-maryam-nawaz-looks-for-nations-support-to-oust-pak-pm-imran-khan-421413">PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz looks for nation's support to oust PM Imran Khan</a>

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PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz looked to get support of the citizens of Pakistan to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan. The leader addressed a Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) rally in Faisalabad. She slammed the prime minister over the power crisis and petrol price rise.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/with-new-hypersonic-missile-test-in-august-china-surprised-us-officials-421414">With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials</a>

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US intelligence officials were caught by surprise after China tested new space capability with a hypersonic missile in August.&nbsp;Beijing&nbsp;launched a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile that circled the Earth at low orbit before descending towards its target, a report said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-court-upholds-jail-term-for-nazanin-zaghari-ratcliffe-says-lawyer-421401">Iranian court upholds jail term for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, says lawyer</a>

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An appeals court in Iran on Saturday upheld one-year prison term for British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe as per her lawyer who was quoted by an Iranian news website.

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-more-spells-wizard-of-new-zealand-asked-to-leave-post-421398">No more spells? Wizard of New Zealand asked to leave post</a>

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New Zealand’s famous wizard is about to quit from his position and responsibilities of ‘wizard-ery’ as the officials have asked him to leave.

&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Two non-local civilians killed in Jammu and Kashmir today

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We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz looking for nation's support to oust PM Imran Khan to China surprising US officials with new hypersonic missile test in August, we have it all.

We bring you the biggest stories of the day so far. From PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz looking for nation's support to oust PM Imran Khan to China surprising US officials with new hypersonic missile test in August, we have it all. Please click on the headline to read the full story. PML-N leader Maryam Nawaz looks for nation's support to oust PM Imran Khan PML-N Vice-President Maryam Nawaz looked to get support of the citizens of Pakistan to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan. The leader addressed a Pakistan Democratic Movement's (PDM) rally in Faisalabad. She slammed the prime minister over the power crisis and petrol price rise. With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials US intelligence officials were caught by surprise after China tested new space capability with a hypersonic missile in August. Beijing launched a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile that circled the Earth at low orbit before descending towards its target, a report said. Iranian court upholds jail term for Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, says lawyer An appeals court in Iran on Saturday upheld one-year prison term for British-Iranian aid worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe as per her lawyer who was quoted by an Iranian news website. No more spells? Wizard of New Zealand asked to leave post New Zealand’s famous wizard is about to quit from his position and responsibilities of ‘wizard-ery’ as the officials have asked him to leave. Watch: Two non-local civilians killed in Jammu and Kashmir today ×

Morning news brief: Maryam looks to oust PM, China surprised US after missile test and more

After the Chinese tested new space capability with a hypersonic missile, US intelligence officials were caught by surprise, a report said. &nbsp; &nbsp;

According to a Financial Times report on Saturday, China launched a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August that circled the Earth at low orbit before descending towards its target. The hypersonic glide vehicle was carried by a Long March rocket. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The report cited multiple sources familiar with the test. Sources also said it missed by over 20 miles (32 kilometers). &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-hes-open-to-shortening-length-of-new-programmes-421297" hreflang="en">Biden says he's open to shortening length of new programmes</a>

China had made "astounding progress on hypersonic weapons and was far more advanced than US officials realised," the report cited sources as saying. &nbsp;&nbsp;

John Kirby, press secretary, Department of Defense, said the United States sees China as the No. 1 "pacing challenge" as the two countries work towards developing hypersonic weapons. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"We have made clear our concerns about the military capabilities China continues to pursue, capabilities that only increase tensions in the region and beyond," Kirby added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-latest-craze-scripted-murders-with-real-tears-and-piracy-421384" hreflang="en">China’s latest craze: Scripted murders, with real tears and piracy</a>

This missile can deliver nuclear weapons and fly at more than five times the speed of sound. It is maneuverable, which makes it harder to detect and defend against. Apart from China, some other countries are also working on this technology. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for China, said the country has no global strategy or plans of military operations. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We are not at all interested in having an arms race with other countries. In contrast, the US has in recent years been fabricating excuses like 'the China threat' to justify its arms expansion and development of hypersonic weapons. This has directly intensified the arms race in this category and severely undermined global strategic stability,” Liu said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

After the Chinese tested new space capability with a hypersonic missile, US intelligence officials were caught by surprise, a report said. According to a Financial Times report on Saturday, China launched a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August that circled the Earth at low orbit before descending towards its target.

After the Chinese tested new space capability with a hypersonic missile, US intelligence officials were caught by surprise, a report said. According to a Financial Times report on Saturday, China launched a nuclear-capable hypersonic missile in August that circled the Earth at low orbit before descending towards its target. The hypersonic glide vehicle was carried by a Long March rocket. The report cited multiple sources familiar with the test. Sources also said it missed by over 20 miles (32 kilometers). Also Read: Biden says he's open to shortening length of new programmes China had made "astounding progress on hypersonic weapons and was far more advanced than US officials realised," the report cited sources as saying. John Kirby, press secretary, Department of Defense, said the United States sees China as the No. 1 "pacing challenge" as the two countries work towards developing hypersonic weapons. "We have made clear our concerns about the military capabilities China continues to pursue, capabilities that only increase tensions in the region and beyond," Kirby added. Also Read | China’s latest craze: Scripted murders, with real tears and piracy This missile can deliver nuclear weapons and fly at more than five times the speed of sound. It is maneuverable, which makes it harder to detect and defend against. Apart from China, some other countries are also working on this technology. Liu Pengyu, a spokesman for China, said the country has no global strategy or plans of military operations. "We are not at all interested in having an arms race with other countries. In contrast, the US has in recent years been fabricating excuses like 'the China threat' to justify its arms expansion and development of hypersonic weapons. This has directly intensified the arms race in this category and severely undermined global strategic stability,” Liu said. (With inputs from agencies)

With new hypersonic missile test in August, China surprised US officials

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