The militaries of the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;and the United States launched joint patrols on Tuesday in waters near Taiwan, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said, a move likely to fan further tension with China.

Security engagements between the treaty allies have soared this year, including a decision to almost double the number of Philippine bases the American military can access, some facing Taiwan, and their largest-ever joint military drill in April.

This week's three-day joint air and maritime exercise was a "significant initiative" to boost interoperability between the two, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said.

"I am confident this ... will contribute to a more secure and stable environment for our people," he said on social media platform X.

The drill would start off in Mavulis island, the&nbsp;Philippines' northernmost point, located about 100 km (62 miles) off Taiwan, said Eugene Cabusao, spokesperson for the Northern Luzon command.

It will end in the West Philippine Sea, the name Manila uses for waters in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The Philippine military said three navy vessels, two FA-50 light combat aircraft and an A-29B Super Tucano light attack plane would participate, while the United States would send a littoral combat ship and a P8-A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

The news comes a day after Marcos told a forum in Hawaii the situation in the South China Sea had become more "dire", with the Chinese military inching closer to the Philippine coastline.

The patrols, which are likely to irk China, are a sign the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;is stepping up its defence posture amid what it described as China's "aggressive activities" in the highly strategic waters, long seen as a potential flashpoint between the United States and China.

"China believes that defense and security cooperation between countries needs to be conducive to regional peace and stability. They should not escalate tensions or undermine trust between countries, still less target any third party," China's Washington embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said.

China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

China claims most of the South China Sea on the basis of a "nine-dash line" that stretches as far as 1,500 km (900 miles) south of its mainland, cutting into the EEZs of rival claimants Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;and Vietnam.

Marcos has forged closer ties with Washington since assuming office last year after a testy relationship with former President Rodrigo Duterte, who had pivoted closer to Beijing in exchange for infrastructure projects and investments.

Ties with China have soured under Marcos, with repeated standoffs between Chinese and Filipino vessels in waters claimed by both countries, prompting heated exchanges of rhetoric and concerns of an escalation.

Marcos recently met Chinese President Xi Jinping in a bid to reduce the tension.

The joint patrol with the United States showed that Manila was making a stand over the South China Sea, said Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea in Manila, the capital.

"It shows that the&nbsp;Philippines&nbsp;is really firming up its posture on West Philippine Sea issues," Batongbacal said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The militaries of the Philippines and the United States launched joint patrols on Tuesday in waters near Taiwan, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said, a move likely to fan further tension with China.

The militaries of the Philippines and the United States launched joint patrols on Tuesday in waters near Taiwan, officials of the Southeast Asian nation said, a move likely to fan further tension with China. Security engagements between the treaty allies have soared this year, including a decision to almost double the number of Philippine bases the American military can access, some facing Taiwan, and their largest-ever joint military drill in April. This week's three-day joint air and maritime exercise was a "significant initiative" to boost interoperability between the two, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said. "I am confident this ... will contribute to a more secure and stable environment for our people," he said on social media platform X. The drill would start off in Mavulis island, the Philippines' northernmost point, located about 100 km (62 miles) off Taiwan, said Eugene Cabusao, spokesperson for the Northern Luzon command. It will end in the West Philippine Sea, the name Manila uses for waters in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The Philippine military said three navy vessels, two FA-50 light combat aircraft and an A-29B Super Tucano light attack plane would participate, while the United States would send a littoral combat ship and a P8-A Poseidon maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft. The news comes a day after Marcos told a forum in Hawaii the situation in the South China Sea had become more "dire", with the Chinese military inching closer to the Philippine coastline. The patrols, which are likely to irk China, are a sign the Philippines is stepping up its defence posture amid what it described as China's "aggressive activities" in the highly strategic waters, long seen as a potential flashpoint between the United States and China. "China believes that defense and security cooperation between countries needs to be conducive to regional peace and stability. They should not escalate tensions or undermine trust between countries, still less target any third party," China's Washington embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu said. China's embassy in Manila did not immediately respond to a request for comment. China claims most of the South China Sea on the basis of a "nine-dash line" that stretches as far as 1,500 km (900 miles) south of its mainland, cutting into the EEZs of rival claimants Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Marcos has forged closer ties with Washington since assuming office last year after a testy relationship with former President Rodrigo Duterte, who had pivoted closer to Beijing in exchange for infrastructure projects and investments. Ties with China have soured under Marcos, with repeated standoffs between Chinese and Filipino vessels in waters claimed by both countries, prompting heated exchanges of rhetoric and concerns of an escalation. Marcos recently met Chinese President Xi Jinping in a bid to reduce the tension. The joint patrol with the United States showed that Manila was making a stand over the South China Sea, said Jay Batongbacal, director of the Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea in Manila, the capital. "It shows that the Philippines is really firming up its posture on West Philippine Sea issues," Batongbacal said. (With inputs from agencies)

Philippines launches joint sea, air patrols with US military

North Korea said on Tuesday (Nov 21) that it made a third attempt to launch its first spy satellite which was successful. The previous efforts to put a spy satellite into orbit in May and August had failed, and South Korea, Japan and the United States repeatedly urged Pyongyang not to proceed with another launch.

North Korea said on Tuesday (Nov 21) that it made a third attempt to launch its first spy satellite which was successful. The previous efforts to put a spy satellite into orbit in May and August had failed, and South Korea, Japan and the United States repeatedly urged Pyongyang not to proceed with another launch. However, North Korea vowed to go ahead anyway, informing Japan of a launch window between Wednesday and December 1. Seoul's military "detected at 13.43GMT one alleged military surveillance satellite," South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff said. Pyongyang said the launch was successful. As per the KCNA news agency, the rocket carrying the satellite blasted off from the North Phyongan province, flew along its designated path and "accurately put the reconnaissance satellite 'Malligyong-1' on its orbit. US, Japan condemn launch The US and Japan strongly condemned the missile launch. The US called the launch a "brazen violation" of UN sanctions that could destabilize the region. In a statement, National Security Council Spokesperson Adrienne Watson said the launch raises tensions, and risks destabilizing the security situation in the region and beyond. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, meanwhile, said, "Today, North Korea conducted a launch using ballistic missile technology. We're currently analysing details, but at least one missile flew over Okinawa towards the Pacific Ocean." "Even if the purpose is to launch a satellite, using ballistic missile technology is a clear violation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. It is also a very serious matter that greatly concerns the safety of our people," Prime Minister Kishida said. "We will continue to monitor the situation and gather information. We will be in cooperation with the United States and South Korea in response to the situation," he added. Russia likely assisted in launch: Seoul According to a report by the news agency Reuters, South Korean officials said on Tuesday that the launch likely incorporated technical assistance from Russia. Tuesday's launch was the first since North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un met Russian President Vladimir Putin at Russia's modern space facility in September. Putin suggested that Moscow could help Pyongyang build satellites. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea makes fresh attempt to launch first spy satellite, says it was success

Taiwan's people have to choose in next year's election whether the island keeps moving forward on a road to democracy or "walks into the embrace of China", the frontrunner to be the next president said on Tuesday.

The issue of China, which claims&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;as its own territory, looms large ahead of the Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections, especially as Beijing has been stepping up its military pressure on the island.

Lai Ching-te, vice president and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate, has led in most opinion polls ahead of the election. The DPP champions&nbsp;Taiwan's separate identity from China.

The largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), which traditionally favours close ties with Beijing, is locked in a dispute with the smaller&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;People's Party (TPP) about which of their candidates should run as president and which as vice president after agreeing to work together.

Lai, speaking to reporters and supporters after formally registering his candidacy with the election commission, said&nbsp;Taiwan's security was an international issue and the world was watching the election.

"The people of&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;have to choose between trusting&nbsp;Taiwan, allowing&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;to continue to move forward on the road of democracy, and relying on China, following the old path of the one-China principle, and walking into the embrace of China," he said.

Beijing has demanded that Taipei accepts that both sides of the&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;Strait belong to "one China", which the DPP-led government has rejected saying only the island's people can decide their future.

Lai on Monday announced&nbsp;Taiwan's high-profile former de facto ambassador the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, as his running mate.

Like Lai, Hsiao is vilified by China, which has twice placed sanctions on her, most recently in April, saying she was an "independence diehard".

Late on Monday, Chinese state television lambasted the Lai-Hsiao team in a commentary, saying they were "colluding villains".

"Taiwan&nbsp;independence means war. The Lai-Hsiao independence double act will intensify cross-strait tensions and conflict," the broadcaster said in the commentary posted on its website.

Lai has dismissed China's criticism, saying on Monday it was further proof of its efforts to interfere in the election.

Lai, standing next to Hsiao outside the election commission, said he was full of confidence.

"We both deeply love this land, passionately love this country," he added.

The election registration deadline is Friday. It is not clear when the opposition parties will register their candidates.

The KMT's presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, said he had spoken with the TPP's presidential candidate and party chairman Ko Wen-je on Tuesday and expressed his "sincerity" in wanting to keep talking about how they should team up.

"From start to finish I have never insisted I had to be the lead," Hou said, referring to being the presidential rather than vice presidential candidate.

Ko, a former Taipei mayor who founded the TPP in 2019, said on Sunday he would "continue to fight to the end as the TPP's presidential candidate".

Taiwan's people have to choose in next year's election whether the island keeps moving forward on a road to democracy or "walks into the embrace of China", the frontrunner to be the next president said on Tuesday.

Taiwan's people have to choose in next year's election whether the island keeps moving forward on a road to democracy or "walks into the embrace of China", the frontrunner to be the next president said on Tuesday. The issue of China, which claims Taiwan as its own territory, looms large ahead of the Jan. 13 presidential and parliamentary elections, especially as Beijing has been stepping up its military pressure on the island. Lai Ching-te, vice president and the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's (DPP) presidential candidate, has led in most opinion polls ahead of the election. The DPP champions Taiwan's separate identity from China. The largest opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), which traditionally favours close ties with Beijing, is locked in a dispute with the smaller Taiwan People's Party (TPP) about which of their candidates should run as president and which as vice president after agreeing to work together. Lai, speaking to reporters and supporters after formally registering his candidacy with the election commission, said Taiwan's security was an international issue and the world was watching the election. "The people of Taiwan have to choose between trusting Taiwan, allowing Taiwan to continue to move forward on the road of democracy, and relying on China, following the old path of the one-China principle, and walking into the embrace of China," he said. Beijing has demanded that Taipei accepts that both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to "one China", which the DPP-led government has rejected saying only the island's people can decide their future. Lai on Monday announced Taiwan's high-profile former de facto ambassador the United States, Hsiao Bi-khim, as his running mate. Like Lai, Hsiao is vilified by China, which has twice placed sanctions on her, most recently in April, saying she was an "independence diehard". Late on Monday, Chinese state television lambasted the Lai-Hsiao team in a commentary, saying they were "colluding villains". "Taiwan independence means war. The Lai-Hsiao independence double act will intensify cross-strait tensions and conflict," the broadcaster said in the commentary posted on its website. Lai has dismissed China's criticism, saying on Monday it was further proof of its efforts to interfere in the election. Lai, standing next to Hsiao outside the election commission, said he was full of confidence. "We both deeply love this land, passionately love this country," he added. The election registration deadline is Friday. It is not clear when the opposition parties will register their candidates. The KMT's presidential candidate, Hou Yu-ih, said he had spoken with the TPP's presidential candidate and party chairman Ko Wen-je on Tuesday and expressed his "sincerity" in wanting to keep talking about how they should team up. "From start to finish I have never insisted I had to be the lead," Hou said, referring to being the presidential rather than vice presidential candidate. Ko, a former Taipei mayor who founded the TPP in 2019, said on Sunday he would "continue to fight to the end as the TPP's presidential candidate".

Taiwan election is a choice for democracy or China, frontrunner says

Tesla on Indian Roads Soon? Govt Nears Deal with Automaker 

Tesla and the Modi government are closing in on an agreement which would allow the automaker to ship its cars to India from 2024, the news agency Bloomberg reported. 

Tesla Factories to be Set Up in India Within Two Years

The agreement also includes the condition of setting up Tesla factories in India within two years. 

Maharashtra, Gujarat & Tamil Nadu Under Consideration for Project 

Bloomberg reports that Maharashtra, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are under consideration as they already have well-established ecosystems for electric vehicles (EV) and exports. 


Tesla will commit an initial investment of around $2 billion in any factory. The automaker would look to increase purchases of auto parts from India to as much as $15 billion. 


Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi along with his Arab and Islamic counterparts, urged for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Palestinian authorities, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held meetings with Yi in Beijing to push for an end to hostilities and to allow humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

Yi emphasised that the pressing priority regarding the conflict was to fully implement the relevant resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly and stop fighting immediately.

"The international community must act urgently and take practical and effective measures to prevent this tragedy from escalating and spreading further. China stands firmly on the side of fairness and justice regarding this conflict," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-inching-towards-five-day-pause-in-fighting-in-us-brokered-deal-report-660224">White House clarifies on potential hostage deal to pause Israel-Hamas war</a>

The Arab and Islamic foreign ministers also expressed concerns about the continued massive civilian casualties and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.&nbsp;

"The international community should shoulder its responsibility to respond effectively to this catastrophe and put an end to the continuing violations of international law and international humanitarian law by the Israelis. We must act, not remain indifferent," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said.

The visiting delegation, on a two-day trip to China, consists of Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, and Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha.

Beijing has expressed its willingness to work with these countries to end the fighting as soon as possible, alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and push for an early comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi along with his Arab and Islamic counterparts, urged for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Palestinian authorities, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held meetings with Yi in Beijing to push for an end to hostilities and to allow humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi along with his Arab and Islamic counterparts, urged for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, the foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt, Indonesia, Palestinian authorities, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held meetings with Yi in Beijing to push for an end to hostilities and to allow humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. Yi emphasised that the pressing priority regarding the conflict was to fully implement the relevant resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council and the UN General Assembly and stop fighting immediately. "The international community must act urgently and take practical and effective measures to prevent this tragedy from escalating and spreading further. China stands firmly on the side of fairness and justice regarding this conflict," he said. Also read: White House clarifies on potential hostage deal to pause Israel-Hamas war The Arab and Islamic foreign ministers also expressed concerns about the continued massive civilian casualties and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. "The international community should shoulder its responsibility to respond effectively to this catastrophe and put an end to the continuing violations of international law and international humanitarian law by the Israelis. We must act, not remain indifferent," Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud said. The visiting delegation, on a two-day trip to China, consists of Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki, and Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation Hissein Brahim Taha. Beijing has expressed its willingness to work with these countries to end the fighting as soon as possible, alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and push for an early comprehensive and lasting settlement of the Palestinian question. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Foreign ministers of China, Arab and Islamic nations call for immediate ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a political solution to the Israel-Hamas war and said that regional states and BRICS members could be involved in efforts to reach such a settlement. "BRICS states and countries of the region could play a key role in this work," Putin said.

Hamas has agreed to release over 50 hostages in exchange for a four-day pause in the fighting and the release of some Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli diplomat said.

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Hamas group gas agreed to release 80 hostages in exchange for a four-day pause in the fighting and the release of some Palestinian prisoners, Hebrew media reported citing a senior Israeli diplomat.

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A senior Russian diplomat said on Tuesday (Nov 21) that co-existing with Ukraine under its current 'regime' is not possible and that Russia can withstand power of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for as long as it needs till Moscow's goal of demilitarising Ukraine was achieved.

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The temple trust governing the affairs of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya said it has received more than 3,000 job applications for 20 posts of priests. As the inauguration date of the temple draws close (January 22, 2024), the staff are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that the shrine is open for the pilgrims within the stipulated time frame.

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Elon Musk's Tesla and India are closing in on an agreement that would allow the automaker to ship its electric cars to India from 2024 and set up a factory within two years, a report by the news agency Bloomberg said on Monday (Nov 21).

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Sri Lanka cricket has been handed a major jolt after&nbsp;the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (Nov 21) stripped it of the rights to host the U-19 World Cup in 2024.&nbsp;Already under the scanner after being sanctioned by the ICC for government involvement in the board operations, this will be a major setback for the board.&nbsp;

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Having been a fervent viewer of&nbsp;The Crown&nbsp;since its inception, it has consistently offered a engaging dramatisation of the intricate lives of the royal family. This journey through history has provided an intriguing lens into the monarchy's inner workings and the complex relationships that have defined Britain's most iconic figures.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a political solution to the Israel-Hamas war and said that regional states and BRICS members could be involved in efforts to reach such a settlement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a political solution to the Israel-Hamas war and said that regional states and BRICS members could be involved in efforts to reach such a settlement. "BRICS states and countries of the region could play a key role in this work," Putin said. Hamas has agreed to release over 50 hostages in exchange for a four-day pause in the fighting and the release of some Palestinian prisoners, an Israeli diplomat said. In other news, Officials in Iceland are fearing that a potential Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruption may occur in the southwest part of the country with only 30 minutes prior notice. Israel-Hamas war: BRICS could help reach political settlement in conflict, says Putin Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Nov 21) called for a political solution to the Israel-Hamas war and said that regional states and BRICS members could be involved in efforts to reach such a settlement. Hamas to release over 50 Israeli hostages in exchange for four-day pause in fighting: Report Hamas group gas agreed to release 80 hostages in exchange for a four-day pause in the fighting and the release of some Palestinian prisoners, Hebrew media reported citing a senior Israeli diplomat. Iceland volcanic eruption may happen with 30-minute warning: Met Office Officials in Iceland fear that a potential Fagradalsfjall volcanic eruption may occur in the southwest part of the country with only 30 minutes prior notice, even as adverse weather conditions are hampering earthquake monitoring efforts. Russian diplomat rules out co-existence with 'current regime' in Ukraine A senior Russian diplomat said on Tuesday (Nov 21) that co-existing with Ukraine under its current 'regime' is not possible and that Russia can withstand power of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) for as long as it needs till Moscow's goal of demilitarising Ukraine was achieved. Ram Temple in Ayodhya receives 3,000 applications for 20 priest posts The temple trust governing the affairs of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya said it has received more than 3,000 job applications for 20 posts of priests. As the inauguration date of the temple draws close (January 22, 2024), the staff are leaving no stone unturned to make sure that the shrine is open for the pilgrims within the stipulated time frame. Tesla to ship cars to India from 2024, set up factory within two years: Report Elon Musk's Tesla and India are closing in on an agreement that would allow the automaker to ship its electric cars to India from 2024 and set up a factory within two years, a report by the news agency Bloomberg said on Monday (Nov 21). Musk’s X sues media nonprofit after report portrays platform as full of antisemitic content Elon Musk’s social media company X has sued nonprofit Media Matters accusing the organisation of defaming the platform after it published a report which said that ads for major brands appeared next to posts hailing Hitler and the Nazi party. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi blames PM Modi for World Cup loss, says his presence in stadium ‘unlucky’ Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday (Nov 21) took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Indian cricket team’s crushing defeat against Australia in the ODI World Cup final on Sunday. Sri Lanka lose hosting rights for 2024 U-19 World Cup after ICC sanctions; South Africa to be new host Sri Lanka cricket has been handed a major jolt after the International Cricket Council (ICC) on Tuesday (Nov 21) stripped it of the rights to host the U-19 World Cup in 2024. Already under the scanner after being sanctioned by the ICC for government involvement in the board operations, this will be a major setback for the board. The Crown Season 6 Part 1 review: Netflix Series stumbles in portraying the tragedy of Princess Diana Having been a fervent viewer of The Crown since its inception, it has consistently offered a engaging dramatisation of the intricate lives of the royal family. This journey through history has provided an intriguing lens into the monarchy's inner workings and the complex relationships that have defined Britain's most iconic figures.

Top 10 world news: Putin calls for political solution to Israel-Hamas war, & more

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Nov 21) called for a political solution to the Israel-Hamas war and said that regional states and BRICS members could be involved in efforts to reach such a settlement.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday (Nov 21) called for a political solution to the Israel-Hamas war and said that regional states and BRICS members could be involved in efforts to reach such a settlement. Addressing the BRICS Summit on the conflict virtually, Putin said, "We call for the joint efforts of the international community aimed at de-escalating the situation, a ceasefire and finding a political solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. And the BRICS states and countries of the region could play a key role in this work." However, Putin did not elaborate on how such an effort would be organised. The Russian president once again blamed the Middle East crisis on the failure of US diplomacy in the region. Putin also said it was "terrible" that Palestinian children were dying in large numbers. BRICS nations urge immediate truce in Gaza In a joint statement, the BRICS group of nations, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, called for an immediate truce in the Gaza Strip. "We called for an immediate, durable, and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities," the grouping said in a statement. BRICS members said that a long-term diplomatic solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict was needed to ensure peace. "We reiterated our commitment to the peaceful resolution of differences and disputes through dialogue and inclusive consultations in a coordinated and cooperative manner and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises," the statement added. South Africa accuses Israel of war crimes South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chaired the summit, accused Israel of war crimes and genocide in Gaza. "The collective punishment of Palestinian civilians through the unlawful use of force by Israel is a war crime. The deliberate denial of medicine, fuel, food and water to the residents of Gaza is tantamount to genocide," President Ramaphosa said. He called for the deployment of UN force "to monitor the cessation of hostilities and protect civilians." "As individual countries, we have demonstrated our grave concern at the death and destruction in Gaza," he told the summit. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: BRICS could help reach political settlement in conflict, says Putin

British officials will meet with their Turkish counterparts over the death of a British woman who died during a&nbsp;Brazilian butt lift surgery at a private hospital in Istanbul. According to a report by The Guardian on Monday (Nov 21), 31-year-old Melissa Kerr from Norfolk, travelled to Medicana Haznedar hospital for the surgery in 2019. Kerr died on the day of the surgery.

The report said that an inquest into her death, which took place in Norwich earlier this year, heard that Kerr was given only limited information about the risks and mortality rate associated with the surgery.

<h2>The meeting's agenda</h2>

Senior Coroner for Norfolk, Jacqueline Lake, wrote to the health secretary expressing concerns about people travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery. In response,&nbsp;Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women Maria Caulfield said UK officials would be travelling to Turkey to meet their counterparts.&nbsp;

Caulfield said that intention was to discuss the regulatory framework, and the protections were in place for British nationals, and to identify&nbsp;concrete areas where the UK and Turkish authorities should work together to reduce the risks to patients in the future.

“Specifically, I have noted in your report the lack of standard pre-assessment questions provided to Ms Kerr in Turkey," she added and encouraged British citizens&nbsp;to meet international best practices on pre-operative procedures whenever possible.

The under-secretary concluded&nbsp;that Kerr died after injected fat entered a vein before moving and blocking her pulmonary artery.&nbsp;

<h2>What is this surgery?</h2>

According to WebMD, the&nbsp;Brazilian butt lift surgery involves transferring fat from&nbsp;belly, hips, lower back, or thighs to your buttocks. The result is more of an hourglass-shaped figure, with larger buttocks, WebMD said

WebMD also pointed out that this procedure can be risky and even fatal but is considered safer than other procedures to change how buttocks look.

British officials will meet with their Turkish counterparts over the death of a British woman who died during a Brazilian butt lift surgery at a private hospital in Istanbul.

British officials will meet with their Turkish counterparts over the death of a British woman who died during a Brazilian butt lift surgery at a private hospital in Istanbul. According to a report by The Guardian on Monday (Nov 21), 31-year-old Melissa Kerr from Norfolk, travelled to Medicana Haznedar hospital for the surgery in 2019. Kerr died on the day of the surgery. The report said that an inquest into her death, which took place in Norwich earlier this year, heard that Kerr was given only limited information about the risks and mortality rate associated with the surgery. The meeting's agenda Senior Coroner for Norfolk, Jacqueline Lake, wrote to the health secretary expressing concerns about people travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery. In response, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Women Maria Caulfield said UK officials would be travelling to Turkey to meet their counterparts. Caulfield said that intention was to discuss the regulatory framework, and the protections were in place for British nationals, and to identify concrete areas where the UK and Turkish authorities should work together to reduce the risks to patients in the future. “Specifically, I have noted in your report the lack of standard pre-assessment questions provided to Ms Kerr in Turkey," she added and encouraged British citizens to meet international best practices on pre-operative procedures whenever possible. The under-secretary concluded that Kerr died after injected fat entered a vein before moving and blocking her pulmonary artery. What is this surgery? According to WebMD, the Brazilian butt lift surgery involves transferring fat from belly, hips, lower back, or thighs to your buttocks. The result is more of an hourglass-shaped figure, with larger buttocks, WebMD said WebMD also pointed out that this procedure can be risky and even fatal but is considered safer than other procedures to change how buttocks look.

UK, Turkish officials to meet over woman's death during Brazilian butt lift surgery in Istanbul

Thirty-seven youths were killed in a stampede overnight during an army recruitment drive in a stadium in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of&nbsp;Congo, officials said on Tuesday.

Last week, the army in the central African nation also known as&nbsp;Congo-Brazzaville, announced it was &nbsp;recruiting 1,500 people aged between 18 and 25.

Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso said 37 people had been killed in the "tragedy," with an unspecified number of other people injured.&nbsp;

"A crisis unit has been set up under the authority of the prime minister," a statement added.&nbsp;

Would-be recruits had been directed to go to the Michel d'Ornano stadium in the heart of Brazzaville.&nbsp;

According to local residents, many people were still in the stadium on Monday night when the stampede began.&nbsp;

Some people had tried to force their way through gates, with many being trampled in the scramble, residents said.&nbsp;

Details of the event remain hazy and AFP was unable to independently verify the details.&nbsp;

Thirty-seven youths were killed in a stampede overnight during an army recruitment drive in a stadium in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, officials said on Tuesday.

Thirty-seven youths were killed in a stampede overnight during an army recruitment drive in a stadium in Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of Congo, officials said on Tuesday. Last week, the army in the central African nation also known as Congo-Brazzaville, announced it was recruiting 1,500 people aged between 18 and 25. Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso said 37 people had been killed in the "tragedy," with an unspecified number of other people injured. "A crisis unit has been set up under the authority of the prime minister," a statement added. Would-be recruits had been directed to go to the Michel d'Ornano stadium in the heart of Brazzaville. According to local residents, many people were still in the stadium on Monday night when the stampede began. Some people had tried to force their way through gates, with many being trampled in the scramble, residents said. Details of the event remain hazy and AFP was unable to independently verify the details.

Stampede kills 37 during army recruitment drive in Congo's Brazzaville

Qatar said on Tuesday (Nov 21) that the negotiations to free hostages from Hamas after it launched an attack against Israel on Oct 7 were at their closest point to a deal and reached the final stage.

Qatar said on Tuesday (Nov 21) that the negotiations to free hostages from Hamas after it launched an attack against Israel on Oct 7 were at their closest point to a deal and reached the final stage. Speaking to reporters, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said, "We are at the closest point we ever had been in reaching an agreement." Al-Ansari said that negotiations reached a "critical and final stage." "We are very optimistic, very hopeful," Al-Ansari told reporters, adding Doha was also very keen for this mediation to succeed in reaching a humanitarian truce. Click here to follow updates on the Israel-Hamas war Since the beginning of the conflict, Qatar has become a key intermediary over the fate of 240 hostages held by Hamas militants. It has helped broker talks aiming to free some of the hostages in return for a temporary ceasefire. However, this mediation effort has only led to the release of four hostages so far. Truce deal with Israel in sight: Hamas Also on Tuesday, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said a truce agreement with Israel was in sight. "We are close to reaching a deal on a truce," according to a statement seen by the news agency AFP. Also read: Israeli families demand answers from Netanyahu over hostage situation: 'Stop talking about killing Arabs' Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which has also participated in the attacks, agreed to the terms of a truce deal, Hamas sources told AFP. These developments come a day after United States President Joe Biden said an accord was on the cards. What does the deal offer? AFP reported the tentative deal would include a five-day truce, comprising a complete ceasefire on the ground and an end to Israeli air operations over Gaza, except in the north, where they would only halt for six hours daily. Between 50 and 100 Israeli civilian and foreign hostages would be released, but no military personnel. In exchange, some 300 Palestinians would be freed from Israeli jails, among them women and minors. Hamas and Islamic Jihad sources also told the news agency the deal would allow for up to 300 trucks of food and medical aid to enter Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel-Hamas war: Hostage negotiations closest to deal since start of conflict, says Qatar

Ukraine's&nbsp;largest private energy company DTEK is ready for another&nbsp;winter&nbsp;and Russian attacks, but its&nbsp;power&nbsp;plants&nbsp;need&nbsp;more&nbsp;missile&nbsp;defence&nbsp;systems to operate safely, Chief Executive Officer Maxim Timchenko told Reuters.

Since Russia's February 2022 invasion, Europe, including members of the former Soviet Union and the ex-Communist bloc, has supplied hundreds of transformers, miles of cables and thousands of diesel generators&nbsp;needed for light and heat in the country in&nbsp;winter, when temperatures fall well below freezing point

However, the experience of the past 12 months has prompted Ukraine to seek more air&nbsp;defence&nbsp;systems to protect its critical infrastructure.

"We&nbsp;need&nbsp;more Patriots, more IRIS systems. We cannot protect ourselves against ballistic&nbsp;missiles if we don't have air&nbsp;defence&nbsp;systems," Timchenko told Reuters in an interview in Warsaw.

"I know that our president and our government have been doing everything that they can to bring the message that we&nbsp;need&nbsp;this equipment to protect our energy system."

In the first 10 months of this year, DTEK’s&nbsp;power&nbsp;plants&nbsp;produced enough electricity to meet the demand of around 4.1 million households.

Every one of DTEK's 13&nbsp;power&nbsp;stations has come under fire from Russia, which has launched sustained attacks on the country's&nbsp;power&nbsp;grid. In recent weeks alone, Russia has attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure with different weapons 60 times.

In total, 13 of DTEK's&nbsp;power&nbsp;units, with a total capacity of 2.3 gigawatts, have been damaged, destroyed, or occupied, causing blackouts, Timchenko said.

Since April, DTEK has managed to bring back eight out of 13&nbsp;power&nbsp;units, two are under repair, while two coal-fired&nbsp;plants&nbsp;that were mothballed are also set to work during the&nbsp;winter.

The company will have brought all of its lost capacity back into operation, Timchenko said.

DTEK has also secured enough coal and gas to feed its&nbsp;power&nbsp;plants, including 280,000 metric tons of coal from Poland, which could be increased to as much as 400,000 tons.

"Coal from Poland is more expensive than the fuel that could be sourced in Amsterdam but it's definitely less expensive than in Ukraine," he added. BETTING ON LNGDTEK, the largest private gas producer in the country, last year produced 2 billion cubic metres of gas or about 10% of&nbsp;Ukraine's&nbsp;total consumption. Gas usage has fallen by 30-35% since the start of the war, but the company has managed production to maintain a balance between supply and demand, Timchenko said.

The company's trading arm, D.Trading is now exploring opportunities in the liquefied gas trading business, betting on expectations that LNG will play a crucial market role after Europe reduced supplies of pipeline gas from Russia.

Last summer, several traders opted to store gas in Ukraine to profit from the summer-winter&nbsp;spread. In September, spot gas in the TTF Dutch gas futures market traded at about 30 euros ($32.96) per megawatt-hour, while forward prices for the first quarter of 2024 stood at 49 euros.

The move was a sign that the trading community had trust in Ukraine, Timchenko said. Stored gas can only be treated as a contingency reserve in case of destruction of infrastructure and, as of today, Ukraine has met its entire&nbsp;winter&nbsp;demand with gas produced in the country.

Meanwhile, D.Trading is expanding in Europe. The company is trading energy from Kyiv, Zagreb, Poland, Switzerland and Amsterdam and is now looking to develop transition products, such as emissions trading, Timchenko said.

"I think that we've doubled our trading team over the past 12 months, we have about 100 people working in trading and analytics today," Timchenko said.

<h2>Grid synchronisation</h2>

DTEK is also working with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSOE) to expand&nbsp;power&nbsp;transit capacity with neighbouring grids in Europe.

At present, transmission lines allow Ukraine to export as much as 2,000 megawatts of&nbsp;power&nbsp;daily, but in practice exports are usually only around 350-400 megawatts, due in part to insufficient connections and regulatory issues. Imports amount to about 1.3 gigawatts.

Regulation guiding joint auctions for&nbsp;power&nbsp;capacity at its borders is&nbsp;needed, Timchenko said.

"We hope that it can be done during the next year," he added.

Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK is ready for another winter and Russian attacks, but its power plants need more missile defence systems to operate safely, Chief Executive Officer Maxim Timchenko told Reuters.

Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK is ready for another winter and Russian attacks, but its power plants need more missile defence systems to operate safely, Chief Executive Officer Maxim Timchenko told Reuters. Since Russia's February 2022 invasion, Europe, including members of the former Soviet Union and the ex-Communist bloc, has supplied hundreds of transformers, miles of cables and thousands of diesel generators needed for light and heat in the country in winter, when temperatures fall well below freezing point However, the experience of the past 12 months has prompted Ukraine to seek more air defence systems to protect its critical infrastructure. "We need more Patriots, more IRIS systems. We cannot protect ourselves against ballistic missiles if we don't have air defence systems," Timchenko told Reuters in an interview in Warsaw. "I know that our president and our government have been doing everything that they can to bring the message that we need this equipment to protect our energy system." In the first 10 months of this year, DTEK’s power plants produced enough electricity to meet the demand of around 4.1 million households. Every one of DTEK's 13 power stations has come under fire from Russia, which has launched sustained attacks on the country's power grid. In recent weeks alone, Russia has attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure with different weapons 60 times. In total, 13 of DTEK's power units, with a total capacity of 2.3 gigawatts, have been damaged, destroyed, or occupied, causing blackouts, Timchenko said. Since April, DTEK has managed to bring back eight out of 13 power units, two are under repair, while two coal-fired plants that were mothballed are also set to work during the winter. The company will have brought all of its lost capacity back into operation, Timchenko said. DTEK has also secured enough coal and gas to feed its power plants, including 280,000 metric tons of coal from Poland, which could be increased to as much as 400,000 tons. "Coal from Poland is more expensive than the fuel that could be sourced in Amsterdam but it's definitely less expensive than in Ukraine," he added. BETTING ON LNGDTEK, the largest private gas producer in the country, last year produced 2 billion cubic metres of gas or about 10% of Ukraine's total consumption. Gas usage has fallen by 30-35% since the start of the war, but the company has managed production to maintain a balance between supply and demand, Timchenko said. The company's trading arm, D.Trading is now exploring opportunities in the liquefied gas trading business, betting on expectations that LNG will play a crucial market role after Europe reduced supplies of pipeline gas from Russia. Last summer, several traders opted to store gas in Ukraine to profit from the summer-winter spread. In September, spot gas in the TTF Dutch gas futures market traded at about 30 euros ($32.96) per megawatt-hour, while forward prices for the first quarter of 2024 stood at 49 euros. The move was a sign that the trading community had trust in Ukraine, Timchenko said. Stored gas can only be treated as a contingency reserve in case of destruction of infrastructure and, as of today, Ukraine has met its entire winter demand with gas produced in the country. Meanwhile, D.Trading is expanding in Europe. The company is trading energy from Kyiv, Zagreb, Poland, Switzerland and Amsterdam and is now looking to develop transition products, such as emissions trading, Timchenko said. "I think that we've doubled our trading team over the past 12 months, we have about 100 people working in trading and analytics today," Timchenko said. Grid synchronisation DTEK is also working with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSOE) to expand power transit capacity with neighbouring grids in Europe. At present, transmission lines allow Ukraine to export as much as 2,000 megawatts of power daily, but in practice exports are usually only around 350-400 megawatts, due in part to insufficient connections and regulatory issues. Imports amount to about 1.3 gigawatts. Regulation guiding joint auctions for power capacity at its borders is needed, Timchenko said. "We hope that it can be done during the next year," he added.

Ukraine's power plants need missile defence ahead of winter, DTEK CEO says

Elon Musk's Tesla and India are closing in on an agreement that would allow the automaker to ship its electric cars to India from 2024 and set up a factory within two years, a report by the news agency Bloomberg said on Monday (Nov 21).

Elon Musk's Tesla and India are closing in on an agreement that would allow the automaker to ship its electric cars to India from 2024 and set up a factory within two years, a report by the news agency Bloomberg said on Monday (Nov 21). Speaking to Bloomberg, people familiar with the developments said that an announcement could come at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January. One of the persons said the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are under consideration as they already have well-established ecosystems for electric vehicles (EV) and exports. Another person said that Tesla will commit an initial minimum investment in any plant of around $2 billion, and would look to increase purchases of auto parts from India to as much as $15 billion. The automaker will also seek to make some batteries in the country to bring down costs, the person added. Indian minister visits Tesla plant, hails automaker's ties with New Delhi Nearly a week back, Indian Trade Minister Piyush Goyal visited Tesla's factory in California's Fremont and hailed the automaker's ties with New Delhi. Trade Minister Goyal said that Tesla was on track to double its import of components from India. In a post on X, Goyal said that he was proud to see the growing importance of auto component suppliers from India in the Tesla EV supply chain. The Modi government has been pushing to increase domestic manufacturing of EVs and encourage a more rapid adoption of cleaner transport. Bloomberg reported that in India, the demand for EVs is growing among aspirational middle-class consumers, and this could be a boon for Tesla. Currently, the automaker doesn't import cars directly to India due to the high tariffs that are levied. Bloomberg also reported that when its first locally made cars do go on sale they could retail for as little as $20,000. Elon Musk has criticised India's high import taxes and its EV policies. India, meanwhile, advised Tesla not to sell cars in the country that have been made in China. (With inputs from agencies)

Tesla to ship cars to India from 2024, set up factory within two years: Report

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