All eyes are set on the COP28 climate summit which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Nov 30 to Dec 12. The summit will be held at the Expo City, Dubai.

All eyes are set on the COP28 climate summit which will be held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Nov 30 to Dec 12. The summit will be held at the Expo City, Dubai. This year, the COP28 will face a set of controversial issues for countries that are working to find a common ground in tackling climate change. The UAE's Sultan Sultan Al Jaber, who is the president of the forthcoming summit, said that he was "cautiously optimistic" that the pivotal talks will be successful, the news agency AFP reported. "I am cautiously optimistic. You can see and feel the great momentum we have -- the transitional committee (responsible for setting up a fund to help vulnerable countries cope) has resulted in a very positive outcome," Jaber told AFP last Saturday (Nov 25). "I want a high-ambition outcome at COP28. And I do expect that we will be able to collectively agree on a tangible climate action plan," he added. What are the key issues in this year's summit? > One of the main tasks at the COP28 is the first-time assessment of countries' progress towards meeting the 2015 Paris Agreement's goal of limiting the global temperature rise to well below 2 degrees Celsius while aiming for 1.5 degrees Celsius, the news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Nov 27). > The toughest talks at the climate summit might focus on the future role of fossil fuels, and whether countries should commit to phasing out the use of CO2-emitting coal, oil and gas. The United States, the European Union (EU) and many other climate-vulnerable countries have been insisting on a final COP28 deal which commits to phase out fossil fuels. > Reuters reported that the UAE and other countries whose economies depend on fossil fuels want COP28 to include a focus on nascent technologies designed to capture and store CO2 emissions underground. While the International Energy Agency (IEA) said these technologies are crucial for meeting global climate goals, they are also expensive and not currently used on a large scale. The EU and others have expressed concerns the technologies will be used to justify continued fossil fuel use. Also read: Top UAE oil company executives working with COP28 team, show leaked documents > During the summit, countries will also consider setting goals to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy savings by 2023. This proposal has been made by the US, the EU and the UAE. Some major G20 economies including China are already supporting the renewable goals. But the EU and some climate-vulnerable countries have insisted on pairing this pledge to boost renewables with phasing out fossil fuels. > Another core issue is the financing required for tackling climate change and its consequences, which will be far more than what the world has budgeted so far. Developing countries will need at least $200 billion every year by 2030 to tackle climate change, the United Nations (UN) said. Additionally, they will also need funding to help replace polluting energy with clean sources. > There will also be costs of damage that are already being caused by climate disasters. Reuters reported that at the summit in Dubai, countries will be required to set up a "loss and damage" fund to fund these costs. Vulnerable countries demand that more money should be spent on adapting to a world that will surely become warmer over the next decades. They want wealthy countries, whose past CO2 emissions largely caused climate change, to pay up. > The US and the EU said they would provide money for the COP28's climate fund. However, they said that there is a need for private finance too. > Some side deals are also expected to take place during the summit. Reuters reported that the UAE is planning to launch a voluntary pledge from oil and gas companies to cut emissions. Some other initiatives on the sidelines of the climate summit include pledges to curb emissions of methane limit emissions from air conditioning and restrict private finance for coal plants. Trouble for host UAE ahead of summit? Days before the COP28 summit will begin, a report by the BBC citing leaked documents said that host UAE planned to exploit meetings with foreign governments arranged due to strike fossil fuel deals. The leaked documents showed that the UAE's state oil company ADNOC was "willing to jointly evaluate international LNG (liquefied natural gas) opportunities" in Mozambique, Canada and Australia. The documents also showed that the country prepared talking points for meetings with 20 countries including the US and the United Kingdom (UK) on commercial opportunities for state renewable energy company Masdar. Also read: Pope urges climate action in COP28, decries 'irresponsible' Western lifestyle COP28 president Al Jaber is the chief executive officer (CEO) of both ADNOC and Masdar. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a COP28 spokesperson said the leaked documents were inaccurate and were not used by the summit in meetings. "It is extremely disappointing to see the BBC use unverified documents in their reporting," the spokesperson said. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | What are the key issues in the upcoming COP28 summit in UAE?

Families of dozens of Chinese passengers who died when Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014, on Monday (Nov 27) called for a new investigation after a court in Beijing began hearing their fresh appeal for compensation.

Families of dozens of Chinese passengers who died when Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 disappeared in March 2014, on Monday (Nov 27) called for a new investigation after a court in Beijing began hearing their fresh appeal for compensation. According to a report by state broadcaster CCTV, over 40 families filed lawsuits against Malaysia Airlines, aircraft manufacturer Boeing, engine maker Rolls Royce and Allianz insurance group. Speaking to CCTV, a lawyer said the families' litigation requests focused on compensation and finding the truth behind the flight's disappearance. The families also wrote to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, calling for a new search for the missing aircraft on a "No find, No fee" basis. "Our family members hope to search for flight MH370 on our own," the letter said, adding that family members were willing to invest their own money or cooperate with capable individuals and companies. They also asked for effective communication with the Malaysian government to kick off a new hunt. 'Don't care about compensation' Outside the Beijing court, several relatives of the victims were about to cry as they recounted stories of their loved ones, the news agency AFP reported. They held pieces of paper saying "restart the search" and open a fair, impartial investigation. Also read: Did MH370 crash in Cambodian jungle as viral reports claim? Seventy-one-year-old Bao Lanfang, who lost her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter in the disaster, told reporters, "Personally, I do not care about the monetary compensation. What I want is that Malaysia Airlines to give me the truth. What happened to our loved ones?" "What I want now is for them to resume the search and the investigation," she added. Jiang Hui, whose mother was on flight MH370, said the opening of the hearing was "very comforting, and it is a turning point". "The survival of the relatives during these 10 years, the deterioration of their living conditions... This really makes us very sad. So I hope that the legal relief can be realised as soon as possible. It is not difficult," he said. Some kin already reached settlement with defendants CCTV reported that each family filed for civil compensation of between $1.4 million and $11.2 million, as well as moral damages of $4.2 million to $5.6 million. The state broadcaster said that families of over 110 other passengers already reached a settlement with the defendants and received between $352,232 and $422,600. The MH370 flight vanished on March 8, 2014, carrying 239 people -- mostly from China -- en route from Kuala Lumpur to Beijing. The disappearance of the aircraft has been the subject of a host of theories. A final report into the tragedy, released in 2018, pointed to failings by air traffic control and said the course of the plane was changed manually. (With inputs from agencies)

MH370 incident: Families of Chinese passengers of disappeared Malaysia Airlines flight call for new probe

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that a spike in respiratory illnesses in China was not as high as before the Covid pandemic, news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Nov 27).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has said that a spike in respiratory illnesses in China was not as high as before the Covid pandemic, news agency Reuters reported on Monday (Nov 27). Maria Van Kerkhove, acting director of the WHO's Department of Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness and Prevention, told a news outlet last Friday that the spike appeared to be driven by a rise in the number of children contracting pathogens that they avoided during two years of Covid-related curbs imposed by Chinese authorities. "We asked about comparisons prior to the pandemic. And the waves that they’re seeing now, the peak is not as high as what they saw in 2018-2019," Van Kerkhove said, adding, "This is not an indication of a novel pathogen. This is expected. This is what most countries dealt with a year or two ago." The spike in respiratory illnesses in China made headlines last week when the WHO asked Beijing for more information, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. China urges local authorities to increase number of fever clinics On Sunday, the Chinese health ministry urged local authorities to increase the number of fever clinics amid the health crisis which has caused overcrowding in hospitals in Beijing and the Liaoning province. Addressing a press conference, health ministry spokesperson Mi Feng said the surge in acute respiratory illnesses was linked to the simultaneous circulation of several kinds of pathogens, most prominently influenza. Also read: Amid surge in respiratory illnesses, China urges local authorities to have more fever clinics Feng also urged that service hours of clinics should be extended appropriately and guarantees of drug supplies should be strengthened. "Surveillance shows that recent respiratory infectious diseases are dominated by influenza, in addition to those caused by rhinovirus, mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus," he told reporters. The health crisis has also raised concerns about a rebound in Covid cases in China as the winter season has started. The State Council said that apart from a risk of rebound in infections, influenza would peak this winter and spring and mycoplasma pneumonia infection would continue to be high in some areas in the future. Speaking to the Global Times newspaper, Dr Li Tongzeng from the Beijing You'an Hospital said new cases of respiratory illnesses could peak in the next couple of weeks and also warned that the elderly could become more at risk during family gatherings during New Year holidays. (With inputs from agencies)

WHO: Spike in respiratory illnesses in China not as high as pre-Covid pandemic

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday (Nov 26) that a total of 17 hostages were released by Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross. In a post on X, the IDF said, "Based on information that was received from the Red Cross, 14 Israeli hostages and three foreign national hostages have been transferred to the Red Cross."

The hostages released are 13 Israeli women and children, one man with Russian-Israeli citizenship and three Thai nationals, according to statements from different governments involved.

According to a list issued by the Israeli prime minister's office, there were nine children and four women among the released Israelis, including a four-year-old girl called Abigail whose case had been highlighted by US President Joe Biden.

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Based on information that was received from the Red Cross, 14 Israeli hostages and three foreign national hostages have been transferred to the Red Cross.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1728801171765145943?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This is the third round of hostages being released from Hamas' captivity as the shaky four-day truce deal between the Palestinian militant group and Israel entered the third day.

In a statement, the Israeli Army said that&nbsp;13 of the 14 hostages released by Hamas were back in Israeli territory, and the remaining four were headed to Egypt.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-13-israelis-4-thai-hostages-freed-from-gaza-39-palestinians-released-under-temporary-truce-662904">Click here to follow top updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a>

<h2>39 Palestinian prisoners to be released: Qatar</h2>

Qatar, meanwhile, announced that 39 Palestinian&nbsp;prisoners will be released from Israeli prisons.

"In implementation of the commitments of the third day of the humanitarian truce agreement, 39 Palestinian civilians will be released in exchange for the release of 13 Israeli civilians from Gaza, in addition to a Russian national and 3 Thais who have already been handed over to the ICRC," Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson&nbsp;Majed Al-Ansari said in a post on X.

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All those released from Israeli prisons are minors, while those released from Gaza include 9 children and 4 women. Including 2 people holding American citizenships &amp; 2 Hungarians.
— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) <a href="https://twitter.com/majedalansari/status/1728820732933910673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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On Saturday night,&nbsp;Hamas freed 13 Israelis and four Thai hostages in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners who were in Israeli jails.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-linked-to-israel-seized-off-yemeni-coast-in-3rd-such-attack-during-israel-hamas-war-663116">Tanker linked to Israel seized off Yemeni coast in 3rd such attack amid Hamas war</a>

Under the four-day truce which started on Friday,&nbsp;50 of the roughly 240&nbsp;hostages&nbsp;held by Hamas will be freed over four days in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, with a built-in extension mechanism to prolong the process as long as at least 10 Israeli captives are released each day.

<h2>Netanyahu makes first visit to Gaza since start of conflict</h2>

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first visit to the Gaza Strip since the start of the conflict on Oct 7. Prime Minister Netanyahu met troops in the war-torn region and said that Israel has the power, will, strength, and determination to achieve all goals of the conflict.

"I am not here to say to my friends here, to the fighters here, who tell me the same things, and I repeat this to you, citizens of Israel: we continue until the end - until victory. Nothing will stop us," Netanyahu added.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday (Nov 26) that a total of 17 hostages were released by Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross. In a post on X, the IDF said, "Based on information that was received from the Red Cross, 14 Israeli hostages and three foreign national hostages have been transferred to the Red Cross.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday (Nov 26) that a total of 17 hostages were released by Hamas and handed over to the Red Cross. In a post on X, the IDF said, "Based on information that was received from the Red Cross, 14 Israeli hostages and three foreign national hostages have been transferred to the Red Cross." The hostages released are 13 Israeli women and children, one man with Russian-Israeli citizenship and three Thai nationals, according to statements from different governments involved. According to a list issued by the Israeli prime minister's office, there were nine children and four women among the released Israelis, including a four-year-old girl called Abigail whose case had been highlighted by US President Joe Biden. Based on information that was received from the Red Cross, 14 Israeli hostages and three foreign national hostages have been transferred to the Red Cross. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 26, 2023 × This is the third round of hostages being released from Hamas' captivity as the shaky four-day truce deal between the Palestinian militant group and Israel entered the third day. In a statement, the Israeli Army said that 13 of the 14 hostages released by Hamas were back in Israeli territory, and the remaining four were headed to Egypt. Click here to follow top updates on the Israel-Hamas war 39 Palestinian prisoners to be released: Qatar Qatar, meanwhile, announced that 39 Palestinian prisoners will be released from Israeli prisons. "In implementation of the commitments of the third day of the humanitarian truce agreement, 39 Palestinian civilians will be released in exchange for the release of 13 Israeli civilians from Gaza, in addition to a Russian national and 3 Thais who have already been handed over to the ICRC," Qatar foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said in a post on X. All those released from Israeli prisons are minors, while those released from Gaza include 9 children and 4 women. Including 2 people holding American citizenships & 2 Hungarians. — د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) November 26, 2023 × On Saturday night, Hamas freed 13 Israelis and four Thai hostages in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners who were in Israeli jails. Also read: Tanker linked to Israel seized off Yemeni coast in 3rd such attack amid Hamas war Under the four-day truce which started on Friday, 50 of the roughly 240 hostages held by Hamas will be freed over four days in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, with a built-in extension mechanism to prolong the process as long as at least 10 Israeli captives are released each day. Netanyahu makes first visit to Gaza since start of conflict On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made his first visit to the Gaza Strip since the start of the conflict on Oct 7. Prime Minister Netanyahu met troops in the war-torn region and said that Israel has the power, will, strength, and determination to achieve all goals of the conflict. "I am not here to say to my friends here, to the fighters here, who tell me the same things, and I repeat this to you, citizens of Israel: we continue until the end - until victory. Nothing will stop us," Netanyahu added.

Israel-Hamas war: 17 hostages including Israelis and Americans freed

Eight people were killed in lightning strikes in Gujarat's Mehsana, Dahod, Sabarkantha, Tapi, Botad, Amreli and Ahmedabad as the west Indian state has been hit by unseasonal rainfall.

Police said a 22-year-old biker died in Botad taluka after being struck by lightning, while a 29-year-old man died after a tree fell on an autorickshaw in Mehsana district, PTI reported.

Two farmers died in Tapi district, and one each in Sabarkantha, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Dahod districts in lightning strikes that accompanied the rains, the police said, adding that lightning strikes killed cattle and sheep in some places as well.&nbsp;

Gujarat received widespread unseasonal rain accompanied by thunderstorms on Sunday. Citing data from the State Emergency Operation Centre, PTI reported that 220 of 251 talukas of Gujarat received up to 50 mm of rainfall in 10 hours since 6 am. Ahmedabad received 15 mm of rainfall for two hours in the morning.

Earlier on Sunday, Manorama Mohanty, the director of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) centre in Ahmedabad, said the rain forecast was only for Sunday.

"It will abate by tomorrow and remain concentrated in some parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra districts," Mohanty told reporters.

Earlier, the IMD said that rain was being caused due to a cyclonic circulation lying over the northeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Saurashtra and Kutch regions.

The weather bureau added that apart from light rainfall forecast for Monday in some parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra districts, the state would experience dry weather from Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Eight people were killed in lightning strikes in Gujarat's Mehsana, Dahod, Sabarkantha, Tapi, Botad, Amreli and Ahmedabad as the west Indian state has been hit by unseasonal rainfall.

Eight people were killed in lightning strikes in Gujarat's Mehsana, Dahod, Sabarkantha, Tapi, Botad, Amreli and Ahmedabad as the west Indian state has been hit by unseasonal rainfall. Police said a 22-year-old biker died in Botad taluka after being struck by lightning, while a 29-year-old man died after a tree fell on an autorickshaw in Mehsana district, PTI reported. Two farmers died in Tapi district, and one each in Sabarkantha, Ahmedabad, Mehsana, and Dahod districts in lightning strikes that accompanied the rains, the police said, adding that lightning strikes killed cattle and sheep in some places as well. Gujarat received widespread unseasonal rain accompanied by thunderstorms on Sunday. Citing data from the State Emergency Operation Centre, PTI reported that 220 of 251 talukas of Gujarat received up to 50 mm of rainfall in 10 hours since 6 am. Ahmedabad received 15 mm of rainfall for two hours in the morning. Earlier on Sunday, Manorama Mohanty, the director of the India Meteorological Department's (IMD) centre in Ahmedabad, said the rain forecast was only for Sunday. "It will abate by tomorrow and remain concentrated in some parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra districts," Mohanty told reporters. Earlier, the IMD said that rain was being caused due to a cyclonic circulation lying over the northeast Arabian Sea and adjoining Saurashtra and Kutch regions. The weather bureau added that apart from light rainfall forecast for Monday in some parts of south Gujarat and Saurashtra districts, the state would experience dry weather from Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Eight killed in lightning strikes as unseasonal rainfall hits Gujarat

Hamas on Sunday (Nov 26) released 17 more hostages in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners who were freed from Israeli prisons. This was the third round of prisoner-hostage exchange since Israel and Hamas entered into a four-day ceasefire on Friday.

Hamas on Sunday (Nov 26) released 17 more hostages in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners who were freed from Israeli prisons. This was the third round of prisoner-hostage exchange since Israel and Hamas entered into a four-day ceasefire on Friday. A source close to Hamas told the news agency AFP that the Palestinian militant group was willing to extend the truce for two to four days beyond its initial expiry on Monday. "Hamas informed the mediators that the resistance movements were willing to extend the current truce by two to four days. The resistance believes it is possible to ensure the release of 20 to 40 Israeli prisoners," the source said. There have been international calls to extend the ceasefire which has also facilitated the delivery of humanitarian aid to the war-torn Gaza Strip. Here's a look at the top developments in the Israel-Hamas war: > A total of 17 hostages were released on Sunday which included 13 Israelis, three Thai nationals, and a Russian-Israeli dual citizen. In a statement, the Israeli Army said that 13 released hostages were back on Israeli territory and another four arrived in Egypt. > The army said that 12 were headed to a military base near the southern city of Beersheva accompanied by Israeli special forces, while one had been flown directly to hospital. Also read: Tanker linked to Israel seized off Yemeni coast in 3rd such attack amid Hamas war > Also on Sunday, a four-year-old American girl Abigail Edan was released by Hamas. US President Joe Biden said Edan witnessed her parents being killed by Hamas fighters during their Oct 7 raid into Israel and had been held since then. "What she endured is unthinkable," President Biden told reporters and hoped that the truce extends beyond Monday. > The Israeli prison service said that 39 Palestinian prisoners were freed from jails as part of the truce agreement. > Under the four-day-long truce which started on Friday, 50 of the roughly 240 hostages held by Hamas will be freed over four days in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, with a built-in extension mechanism to prolong the process as long as at least 10 Israeli captives are released each day. > The truce deal might extend, which would facilitate the release of more hostages and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. > Hamas announced on Saturday that the commander of its northern brigade Ahmed Al-Ghandour and four other senior leaders were killed in the Israeli offensive. A report by AFP said that Ghandour had been jailed in Israel twice and reportedly lost two of his sons in Israeli airstrikes during the current war. > The above development comes as the Palestinian health ministry said earlier on Sunday that Israeli troops killed eight Palestinians over 24 hours in the occupied West Bank. > Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu paid his first visit to the Gaza Strip since the conflict began. Netanyahu met troops in the war-torn region and said that Israel has the power, will, strength, and determination to achieve all the goals of the conflict. "I am not here to say to my friends here, to the fighters here, who tell me the same things, and I repeat this to you, citizens of Israel: we continue until the end - until victory. Nothing will stop us," Netanyahu added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: 17 more hostages released, Hamas willing to extend truce

The assembly election in the Indian state of Rajasthan took place on Saturday (Nov 25). Voting began for 199 assembly seats at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Rajasthan recorded a voter turnout of 72.

The assembly election in the Indian state of Rajasthan took place on Saturday (Nov 25). Voting began for 199 assembly seats at 7 am and concluded at 6 pm. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Rajasthan recorded a voter turnout of 72.73 per cent. The top contenders in this election are the ruling Congress party and the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Voting took place on Saturday after days of hectic campaigning by political parties which ended on Thursday. The counting of votes and declaration of results will be on Dec 3. The Congress is eyeing another term in Rajasthan while the BJP is banking on the popularity of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to wrest power. Here's a look at the top updates: > A voter turnout of 70.15 per cent was recorded on election day on Saturday. Tight security arrangements were in place to ensure peaceful and fair polling. > Over 52 million voters cast their votes in 51,890 polling stations across Rajasthan, a report by the news agency ANI said. Of these, 2.2 million people were first-time voters. > ANI reported that over 102,000 security personnel were deployed across polling booths to ensure peaceful voting. These included nearly 70,000 police personnel and 700 companies of the Central Armed Security Forces (CAPF). #WATCH | Dholpur, Rajasthan: After clashes erupt near polling booth in Khoole Ka Pura village, Bari tehsil, DM Anil Kumar Agarwal says, "...There are no signs of firing but stones were pelted. Polling booths are absolutely safe...Some personal vehicles have been damaged...The… pic.twitter.com/KetpBJDBuf — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023 × > Clashes erupted near a polling booth in Khoole Ka Pura village, Bari tehsil. Speaking to reporters, District Magistrate Anil Kumar Agarwal said, "There are no signs of firing but stones were pelted. Polling booths are absolutely safe...Some personal vehicles have been damaged...The atmosphere is peaceful currently, we all are here." > Earlier in the day, Rajasthan governor Kalraj Mishra appealed to people to take part in the voting process in a peaceful manner. Casting his vote at a polling booth in Jaipur, Mishra said, "I appeal to everyone to take part in voting peacefully." > Congress leader Sachin Pilot said he was hoping that his party would get a majority on December 3. "...People have taken the decision and sealed the future of Rajasthan in the boxes (EVMs)," Pilot told reporters. #WATCH | Tonk: On Rajasthan Assembly Elections, Congress leader Sachin Pilot says "...People have taken the decision and sealed the future of Rajasthan in the boxes (EVMs). I am hopeful that Congress will get a majority on December 3, when the counting will be done. I even want… pic.twitter.com/m0WUCHpOV4 — ANI (@ANI) November 25, 2023 × > "I even want to thank our opposition for putting forward their views. The elections have concluded very well. Everyone will wait for December 3 now and I hope Congress will form its government in Rajasthan...If we cross the majority mark, Congress MLAs and the high command will decide on what role will be given to whom...," Pilot added. > In the previous assembly election in 2018, the Congress won 99 seats, while the BJP won 73. Congress formed the government with Ashok Gehlot as chief Minister, and the party got support from independent and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) MLAs. (With inputs from agencies)

Rajasthan assembly elections: Polling ends with 72% voter turnout, results on Dec 3 | Top updates

Sierra&nbsp;Leone's government imposed a national curfew on Sunday after reporting a security breach by unidentified attackers at a military armoury in the capital Freetown that sparked armed clashes.

Sierra&nbsp;Leone, an English-speaking country in West Africa, has been going through a political crisis following presidential and general elections in June this year.

Witnesses told AFP they heard gunshots and explosions in the city's Wilberforce district, where the armoury and some embassies are located.

Other witnesses reported exchanges of fire near a barracks in Murray Town district, home to the navy, and outside another military site in Freetown.

The information ministry said "the government remains in control and on top of the situation" after reporting attacks on prisons earlier in the day that obliged the security forces to retreat.

"The prisons were thus overrun" with some detainees released and others "abducted", it said.

Video posted on social networks suggested numerous prisoners had escaped from the central jail.

One man who was in a group filmed on the street by an AFP correspondent said they had escaped from the prison.

The information ministry said security forces had pushed the attackers to the outskirts of the capital, with clashes ongoing in the Jui area.

Drone video taken by AFP showed empty streets in the capital.

Security forces were deployed in large numbers to block access to the city centre and gunfire had ceased in some neighbourhoods, an AFP journalist reported.

The situation remained unclear with the authorities making no comments on the motives or identity of the attackers.

<h2>'Like a war'</h2>

President Julius Maada Bio wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that the government would "continue to protect the peace and security of&nbsp;Sierra&nbsp;Leone&nbsp;against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability".

"We remain resolute in our determination to protect democracy in&nbsp;Sierra&nbsp;Leone."

Regional bloc the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has contended with a series of coups among its members since 2020, issued a statement underlining "its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government".

Echoing language used to condemn past coup attempts, ECOWAS spoke of its "utter disgust" over a "plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order".

The US embassy condemned on social media the bid to break into the armoury and offered continued support for those "working for a peaceful, democratic, healthy and prosperous&nbsp;Sierra&nbsp;Leone".

The European Union's local representation expressed concern and called for the respect of constitutional order.

Witness Susan Kargbo told AFP by telephone she was woken "by a loud&nbsp;sound of heavy machine gun (fire) and bombs coming from the Wilberforce barracks around 4:30 am.

"I was shocked and... the gunshots continued until this morning, it was like a war," she said.

<h2>Attackers 'repelled'</h2>

The government said those attempting to break into the armoury had been repelled but asked the public to stay at home while security operations continued.

"The government and our state security forces are in control," said Information Minister Chernor Bah, who announced an immediate nationwide curfew "to enable&nbsp;the security forces to continue the process of apprehending the suspects".

The local representations of the UK and the European Union echoed the authorities' advice to stay at home.

The civil aviation authority said&nbsp;Sierra&nbsp;Leone's airspace remained open but asked airlines to reschedule their flights after the lifting of the curfew.

President Bio, who was first elected in 2018, was re-elected in June with 56.17 percent of the vote -- just over the 55 percent needed to avoid a run-off.

International observers condemned inconsistencies and a lack of transparency in the count, as well as acts of violence and intimidation.

The main opposition All People's Congress (APC) party disputed the results of the presidential, legislative and local elections on June 24 and boycotted all levels of government.

The APC and the government signed an agreement in October following talks mediated by the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS.&nbsp;

The APC agreed to end its boycott and begin participating in government in exchange for an end to detentions and court cases it said were politically motivated.

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Sierra Leone's government imposed a national curfew on Sunday after reporting a security breach by unidentified attackers at a military armoury in the capital Freetown that sparked armed clashes.

Sierra Leone's government imposed a national curfew on Sunday after reporting a security breach by unidentified attackers at a military armoury in the capital Freetown that sparked armed clashes. Sierra Leone, an English-speaking country in West Africa, has been going through a political crisis following presidential and general elections in June this year. Witnesses told AFP they heard gunshots and explosions in the city's Wilberforce district, where the armoury and some embassies are located. Other witnesses reported exchanges of fire near a barracks in Murray Town district, home to the navy, and outside another military site in Freetown. The information ministry said "the government remains in control and on top of the situation" after reporting attacks on prisons earlier in the day that obliged the security forces to retreat. "The prisons were thus overrun" with some detainees released and others "abducted", it said. Video posted on social networks suggested numerous prisoners had escaped from the central jail. One man who was in a group filmed on the street by an AFP correspondent said they had escaped from the prison. The information ministry said security forces had pushed the attackers to the outskirts of the capital, with clashes ongoing in the Jui area. Drone video taken by AFP showed empty streets in the capital. Security forces were deployed in large numbers to block access to the city centre and gunfire had ceased in some neighbourhoods, an AFP journalist reported. The situation remained unclear with the authorities making no comments on the motives or identity of the attackers. 'Like a war' President Julius Maada Bio wrote on X, formerly Twitter, that the government would "continue to protect the peace and security of Sierra Leone against the forces that wish to truncate our much-cherished stability". "We remain resolute in our determination to protect democracy in Sierra Leone." Regional bloc the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), which has contended with a series of coups among its members since 2020, issued a statement underlining "its zero-tolerance for unconstitutional change of government". Echoing language used to condemn past coup attempts, ECOWAS spoke of its "utter disgust" over a "plot by certain individuals to acquire arms and disturb the peace and constitutional order". The US embassy condemned on social media the bid to break into the armoury and offered continued support for those "working for a peaceful, democratic, healthy and prosperous Sierra Leone". The European Union's local representation expressed concern and called for the respect of constitutional order. Witness Susan Kargbo told AFP by telephone she was woken "by a loud sound of heavy machine gun (fire) and bombs coming from the Wilberforce barracks around 4:30 am. "I was shocked and... the gunshots continued until this morning, it was like a war," she said. Attackers 'repelled' The government said those attempting to break into the armoury had been repelled but asked the public to stay at home while security operations continued. "The government and our state security forces are in control," said Information Minister Chernor Bah, who announced an immediate nationwide curfew "to enable the security forces to continue the process of apprehending the suspects". The local representations of the UK and the European Union echoed the authorities' advice to stay at home. The civil aviation authority said Sierra Leone's airspace remained open but asked airlines to reschedule their flights after the lifting of the curfew. President Bio, who was first elected in 2018, was re-elected in June with 56.17 percent of the vote -- just over the 55 percent needed to avoid a run-off. International observers condemned inconsistencies and a lack of transparency in the count, as well as acts of violence and intimidation. The main opposition All People's Congress (APC) party disputed the results of the presidential, legislative and local elections on June 24 and boycotted all levels of government. The APC and the government signed an agreement in October following talks mediated by the Commonwealth, the African Union and ECOWAS. The APC agreed to end its boycott and begin participating in government in exchange for an end to detentions and court cases it said were politically motivated.

Sierra Leone under curfew after military armoury attacked

Hamas said on Sunday (Nov 26) that the commander of its northern brigade and four other senior leaders were killed during the Israeli offensive. In a statement, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said that the northern brigade commander Ahmed Al-Ghandour was part of the Hamas' military council.

Hamas said on Sunday (Nov 26) that the commander of its northern brigade and four other senior leaders were killed during the Israeli offensive. In a statement, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades said that the northern brigade commander Ahmed Al-Ghandour was part of the Hamas' military council. According to a report by the news agency AFP, Ghandour had been jailed in Israel twice and reportedly lost two of his sons in Israeli airstrikes during the current war. In 2017, Ghandour was put on a US economic sanctions blacklist as a "global terrorist." The US State Department said he had been involved in "many terrorist operations" including a 2006 attack on an Israeli military post at the Kerem Shalom border crossing which killed two soldiers and wounded four others. Click here to follow top updates on the Israel-Hamas war The attack resulted in the kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was held by Hamas till 2011 and was released in exchange for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners. Israel kills 8 in West Bank The above development comes as the Palestinian health ministry said earlier on Sunday that Israeli troops killed eight Palestinians over 24 hours in the occupied West Bank. The ministry said that five people were killed by Israeli army fire in Jenin during an incursion by a large number of armoured vehicles into the city. The other three victims were a 25-year-old doctor who was killed outside his home in Qabatiya on Saturday, a person killed in El-Bireh, and another killed during an Israeli army raid on a village south of Nablus. Hamas set to release third group of hostages Hamas is set to release the third group of hostages on Sunday as a shaky truce between the Palestinian militant group and Israel will soon end. On Saturday night, Hamas freed 13 Israelis and four Thai hostages in exchange for 39 Palestinian prisoners who were in Israeli jails. Hamas has released 26 Israeli hostages in exchange for 78 Palestinian prisoners in the two releases already completed. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it had received a further list of hostages due to be released by Hamas on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas says northern brigade commander, 4 other leaders killed

A major rescue operation was launched on Sunday (Nov 26) for 13 crew members who went missing after a Comoros-flagged cargo ship carrying 14 crew sank in gale-force winds off the Lesbos island.

A major rescue operation was launched on Sunday (Nov 26) for 13 crew members who went missing after a Comoros-flagged cargo ship carrying 14 crew sank in gale-force winds off the Lesbos island. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the coastguard said that a navy helicopter picked up one crew member from the RAPTOR cargo ship. The crew member was taken to the Lesbos General Hospital. Speaking to AFP, coastguard spokesperson Nikos Alexiou said the crew member was in a state of shock. The fate of the other 13 was not immediately clear, the report said. Local media reported that the ship's crew included 11 Egyptians, two Syrians and one Indian. Ship was heading for Istanbul Authorities said that the cargo ship, which was built in 1984, was loaded with salt and went down 8.3 kilometres southwest of Lesbos, near the coast of Turkey early Sunday. The ship sailed from Dekheila, Egypt and was heading for Istanbul. The vessel first reported a mechanical failure at seven am local time. Nearly 90 minutes later, the captain reported that the ship was listing, and activated the "mayday" distress signal before disappearing from the radar, Alexiou told AFP. Local media reported the ship was believed to have taken on water in the hold due to strong waves, causing it to list and sink. An emergency weather warning by the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) was upgraded on Saturday from "worsening weather" to "dangerous weather phenomena", as Storm Oliver moved from the Adriatic Sea toward Greece. This incident comes days after a historic Greek warship called the Velos was damaged by gale-force winds after repeatedly hitting a dock. Velos took part in the resistance to the 1967-74 dictatorship. The Association of Resistance Members Jailed and Exiled by the Dictatorship (SFEA) said the Velos sustained "serious" hull damage after repeatedly striking the dock in Thessaloniki on Nov 18. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece: Cargo ship sinks off Lesbos island, major search underway for 13 crew

The Chinese health ministry on Sunday (Nov 26) urged local authorities to increase the number of fever clinics amid a surge in respiratory illnesses across the country.

The Chinese health ministry on Sunday (Nov 26) urged local authorities to increase the number of fever clinics amid a surge in respiratory illnesses across the country. Addressing a press conference, National Health Commission spokesperson Mi Feng said that the surge in acute respiratory illnesses was linked to the simultaneous circulation of several kinds of pathogens, most prominently influenza. "Surveillance shows that recent respiratory infectious diseases are dominated by influenza, in addition to those caused by rhinovirus, mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus, and adenovirus. Analysis suggests that the recent continuous rise in acute respiratory diseases in China is related to the simultaneous circulation of several kinds of respiratory pathogens," Feng told reporters, the news agency Reuters reported. He added that efforts should be made to increase the number of relevant clinics and treatment, appropriately extend service hours and strengthen guarantees of drug supplies among others. No unusual pathogen: WHO The spike in respiratory illnesses in China made global headlines last week when the World Health Organization (WHO) asked Beijing for more information, citing a report on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children. Also read: India asks states, UTs to be on alert after China's influenza outbreak On Thursday, the WHO said that data provided by China suggested the recent cases were linked to the lifting of Covid curbs nearly a year ago, along with the circulation of known pathogens like mycoplasma pneumonia which has circulated since May this year. Mycoplasma pneumonia is a common bacterial infection that typically affects younger children. A risk of rebound in Covid cases The spike in illnesses also comes as China is bracing for its full winter season. Ben Cowling, an epidemiologist at Hong Kong University, told the news agency Reuters, "It is just a relatively large seasonal surge, perhaps partly due to chance and partly because there's a bit of 'immunity debt' from the lesser winter surges in the last three years." Earlier, the State Council said that influenza would peak this winter and spring and mycoplasma pneumonia infection would continue to be high in some areas in the future. The Council also warned of the risk of a rebound in Covid cases. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid surge in respiratory illnesses, China urges local authorities to have more fever clinics

Far-right populist leader Geert Wilders won Wednesday's (Nov 22) general election in the Netherlands, sending shockwaves across the Muslim community in the country.

Far-right populist leader Geert Wilders won Wednesday's (Nov 22) general election in the Netherlands, sending shockwaves across the Muslim community in the country. Beating all poll predictions, Wilders' Freedom Party (PVV) won 37 seats out of 150, well ahead of 25 for a joint Labour/Green ticket and 24 for the conservative People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte. On Sunday (Nov 26), Wilders, 60, vowed that he would become the prime minister eventually. "Today, tomorrow or the day after, the PVV will be part of government and I will be prime minister of this beautiful country," he said in a post on X. Wilders' victory has triggered protests against discrimination in Amsterdam. A report by the news agency Reuter said that Muslim groups are planning a protest in Amsterdam on Dec 2 to protest against "populism and sowing hate". Who is Geert Wilders? Wilders has been in politics for 25 years but this is the first time he will be in a leadership position as he is set to lead coalition government talks and has a good chance of becoming prime minister. Also read: Dutch far-right activist Edwin Wagensveld tears up, stomps on Quran during protest A self-proclaimed fan of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and former United States president Donald Trump, Wilders is explicitly anti-European Union (EU) and has urged the Netherlands to take back control of its borders, significantly reduce its payments to the union, and block the entrance of any new members. Not much is known about the 60-year-old's personal life other than he is married to a Hungarian-born woman and has two cats - who have their own Instagram and X accounts. On a kid's TV programme, Wilders said last week he enjoyed playing "Mario Kart" on his PlayStation and reading Donald Duck comics. The controversies surrounding Wilders Wilders has been a controversial politician, known for his strong anti-EU and anti-Islamic views. For years, Wilders has lived under police protection due to the numerous death threats sparked by his remarks against Islam, a religion he calls backward. According to a report by Sky News, Wilders has moved from one safehouse to another for nearly 20 years. He has called for the mosques and Quran to be banned in the Netherlands. Reuters reported that Wilders has called Prophet Mohammad a "paedophile," Islam a "fascist ideology" and "backward religion." His remarks have led to sometimes violent protests in nations with large Muslim populations, including Pakistan, Indonesia, and Egypt. In Pakistan, a religious leader issued a fatwa against him. The 60-year-old was convicted of discrimination against Moroccans after he led a chant at a campaign rally in 2014, asking people whether they wanted more, or fewer Moroccans. After supporters chanted "Fewer!" he answered: "We're going to take care of that." When the Dutch Supreme Court held up his conviction, Wilders said he was the victim of a "witch hunt" and a broken legal system. As Russia launched a war against Ukraine in February 2022, Wilders said Amsterdam should stop providing arms to Kyiv, as he said the country needs the weapons to be able to defend itself. However, none of the parties he could potentially form a government with share these ideas. In recent years, Wilders praised Russian President Vladimir Putin for his leadership qualities but denounced Russia's invasion of Ukraine, calling Moscow the aggressor in the conflict. Though Wilders has made strong anti-EU remarks in the past he moderated his tone over the election campaign as he sought to get his party into government. Reuters reported that he would have to work with pro-EU parties to form a coalition. On the eve of the election, Wilders said, "It's enough now. The Netherlands can't take it anymore. We have to think about our own people first now. Borders closed. Zero asylum-seekers." Poll results a shock for Dutch Muslims Muslims in the Netherlands have expressed shock over Wilders' victory in Wednesday's general election. Muslims make up around 5% of the Dutch population of almost 18 million people. Speaking to Reuters on Thursday, 45-year-old community worker Abdessamad Taheri said he was ashamed of Wilders and was not fine with him representing the Netherlands abroad. "Yesterday was the first time that I saw him (Geert Wilders) presenting himself as the prime minister of the Netherlands and the prime minister for all the Dutch citizens. Those are the words he used: 'I want to be the prime minister for all the Dutch citizens and represent all the different people.' But it's difficult to separate this from (previous statements on) imposing headscarf tax and burning Korans and to have fewer Moroccans and all other nasty things he has said," Taheri, a PVDA supporter, said. Mehdi Koc, a 41-year-old insulation installer, said he was shocked by the swing to the PVV, while Taheri said the vote sent different messages to Muslims, although the overwhelming emotion was disappointment. Apart from Muslims, people from the LGTBQ community were also dissatisfied with the election results. "In his (Wilders) party there are almost no rights left for minorities and people from the rainbow community. And I’m sincerely worried about that," a protester, who chose to remain anonymous, told the news agency on Thursday. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Why has Geert Wilders' victory in Dutch poll shocked Muslim citizens?

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