The United Nations (UN) warned on Tuesday (Nov 14) that the world was failing to get a grip on climate change, as an assessment of current climate pledges showed only minor progress on reducing emissions this decade. In a statement, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said the world was failing to act with sufficient urgency to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

The UN found out that combined climate plans from nearly 200 countries would put the world on a path for 2030 carbon emissions just two per cent below 2019 levels. This was far short of the 43 per cent fall that the IPCC said was needed to limit warming to the Paris deal target of 1.5 degrees Celsius since the preindustrial era.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/climate-change-is-costing-us-usd-16-million-per-hour-study-644591">Climate change is costing us USD 16 million per hour, says study</a>

The report was released just weeks before the COP28 in Dubai which will be from Nov 30 to Dec 12.

<h2>'Inch-by-inch progress will not do'</h2>

Speaking to the news agency AFP, UN Climate Change Chief Simon Stiell said, "Every fraction of a degree matters, but we are severely off track. COP28 is our time to change that." He called for the upcoming climate change conference to mark a clear turning point for a world already wrecked by increasing floods, heatwaves and storms.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that countries were not acting fast enough to avoid a climate catastrophe. "Inch-by-inch progress will not do. It is time for a climate ambition supernova in every country, city, and sector," Guterres said.&nbsp;

AFP reported that in September, a global stocktake of the world's progress on averting the worst impacts of climate change warned that the world was far off target. Global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and drop sharply thereafter to keep the 1.5C limit in view, it said.&nbsp;

A response to the stocktake would form the centrepiece of the COP28 meeting with important discussions over the future of oil, gas and coal. However, countries still fail to match their actions to what scientists say is needed to avoid blasting past the world's agreed global warming limits.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations (UN) warned on Tuesday (Nov 14) that the world was failing to get a grip on climate change, as an assessment of current climate pledges showed only minor progress on reducing emissions this decade.

The United Nations (UN) warned on Tuesday (Nov 14) that the world was failing to get a grip on climate change, as an assessment of current climate pledges showed only minor progress on reducing emissions this decade. In a statement, the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) said the world was failing to act with sufficient urgency to curb greenhouse gas emissions. The UN found out that combined climate plans from nearly 200 countries would put the world on a path for 2030 carbon emissions just two per cent below 2019 levels. This was far short of the 43 per cent fall that the IPCC said was needed to limit warming to the Paris deal target of 1.5 degrees Celsius since the preindustrial era. Also read: Climate change is costing us USD 16 million per hour, says study The report was released just weeks before the COP28 in Dubai which will be from Nov 30 to Dec 12. 'Inch-by-inch progress will not do' Speaking to the news agency AFP, UN Climate Change Chief Simon Stiell said, "Every fraction of a degree matters, but we are severely off track. COP28 is our time to change that." He called for the upcoming climate change conference to mark a clear turning point for a world already wrecked by increasing floods, heatwaves and storms. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that countries were not acting fast enough to avoid a climate catastrophe. "Inch-by-inch progress will not do. It is time for a climate ambition supernova in every country, city, and sector," Guterres said. AFP reported that in September, a global stocktake of the world's progress on averting the worst impacts of climate change warned that the world was far off target. Global greenhouse gas emissions must peak by 2025 and drop sharply thereafter to keep the 1.5C limit in view, it said. A response to the stocktake would form the centrepiece of the COP28 meeting with important discussions over the future of oil, gas and coal. However, countries still fail to match their actions to what scientists say is needed to avoid blasting past the world's agreed global warming limits. (With inputs from agencies)

UN warns world failing to get a grip on climate change

The Sri Lankan Supreme Court determined on Tuesday (Nov 14) that a group including former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated people's fundamental rights by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022. According to a report by News 1st, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Vijith Malalgoda and Murdhu Fernando delivered the majority decision in the matter while Justice Priyantha Jayawardena.&nbsp;

The petition in the case was filed by Professor Mahim Mendis of the Open University of Sri Lanka, former chairperson of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chandra Jayaratne, Transparency International Sri Lanka, Julian Bowling and Jehan Kanakaratne.&nbsp;

The petition said that a tax relief of around $2 billion for businessmen when Gotabaya Rajapaksa served as president was the main reason for the economic crisis, the report said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/sri-lankas-ambitious-2024-budget-targets-higher-revenues-and-a-controlled-deficit-658291">Sri Lanka's ambitious 2024 budget targets higher revenues and a controlled deficit</a>

The petitioners also highlighted economic mismanagement issues, including the pegging of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, a delay in securing assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the repayment of $500 million sovereign bonds during a forex crisis.

The apex court ordered for the petitioners to be paid $459 each, the report added.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan economy collapsed as it shrank 7.8% in 2022, pummelled by long power cuts, soaring inflation, a plunging rupee and record high interest rates caused by the worst financial crisis in more than 70 years.

Last year, violent demonstrations were held across the country for months following which Gotabaya stepped down from the president's post. The anti-government protesters were angry over power outages, shortages of basic goods and rising prices and demanded that Gotabaya should resign.

Citing analysts, a report by the news agency Reuters last year said that economic management by successive governments weakened Sri Lanka's public finances, leaving the national expenditure over income and the production of tradable goods and services at inadequate levels.

Despite the worsening economic situation, the government initially held off talks with the IMF. However, it eventually opened talks with the global lender.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Sri Lankan Supreme Court determined on Tuesday (Nov 14) that a group including former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated people's fundamental rights by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022.

The Sri Lankan Supreme Court determined on Tuesday (Nov 14) that a group including former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa and former prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa violated people's fundamental rights by mismanaging the economy between 2019 and 2022. According to a report by News 1st, Chief Justice Jayantha Jayasuriya, and Justices Buwaneka Aluwihare, Vijith Malalgoda and Murdhu Fernando delivered the majority decision in the matter while Justice Priyantha Jayawardena. The petition in the case was filed by Professor Mahim Mendis of the Open University of Sri Lanka, former chairperson of Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chandra Jayaratne, Transparency International Sri Lanka, Julian Bowling and Jehan Kanakaratne. The petition said that a tax relief of around $2 billion for businessmen when Gotabaya Rajapaksa served as president was the main reason for the economic crisis, the report said. Also read: Sri Lanka's ambitious 2024 budget targets higher revenues and a controlled deficit The petitioners also highlighted economic mismanagement issues, including the pegging of the Sri Lankan Rupee against the US Dollar, a delay in securing assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and the repayment of $500 million sovereign bonds during a forex crisis. The apex court ordered for the petitioners to be paid $459 each, the report added. The Sri Lankan economy collapsed as it shrank 7.8% in 2022, pummelled by long power cuts, soaring inflation, a plunging rupee and record high interest rates caused by the worst financial crisis in more than 70 years. Last year, violent demonstrations were held across the country for months following which Gotabaya stepped down from the president's post. The anti-government protesters were angry over power outages, shortages of basic goods and rising prices and demanded that Gotabaya should resign. Citing analysts, a report by the news agency Reuters last year said that economic management by successive governments weakened Sri Lanka's public finances, leaving the national expenditure over income and the production of tradable goods and services at inadequate levels. Despite the worsening economic situation, the government initially held off talks with the IMF. However, it eventually opened talks with the global lender. (With inputs from agencies)

Sri Lanka: SC holds ex-prez Gotabaya, ex-PM Mahinda responsible for economic crisis in nation

The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday (Nov 16). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, a step which was welcomed by Sweden and NATO. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Tuesday, the bill must be approved by the commission before a vote by the full general assembly.

Erdogan would then sign it into law.

Sweden and Finland had applied to join NATO last year to bolster their security after Russia launched a war against Ukraine. Finland's membership of the inter-governmental military was sealed in April this year.&nbsp;

However, Sweden's bid had been held up by Turkey and Hungary. Previously, Turkey had raised objections over Sweden's alleged harbouring of individuals who Ankara said were members of terrorist groups.

Since the Turkish parliament reopened on Oct 1, officials repeatedly&nbsp;said that Stockholm needed to take more concrete steps to clamp down on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militia before Ankara could ratify its membership bid.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-warns-sweden-to-take-concrete-steps-against-terrorism-to-garner-support-for-nato-bid-641772">Turkey asks Sweden to take 'concrete steps' against terrorism to garner support for NATO bid</a>

Nearly two weeks back, the parliament's foreign affairs commission said it would not speed up ratifying NATO membership. However, Erdogan said later he would try to facilitate it.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ukraine announced last Thursday (Nov 9) that a global peace summit for Ukraine might now take place in February 2024 - which is the second anniversary of the Russian offensive.&nbsp;

President Volodymyr Zelensky's top adviser Ihor Zhovkva told Reuters that Ukraine would arrange a fourth meeting of national security advisers in late November or early December.

"And the Global Summit might take place in February 2024," he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
&nbsp;

The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday (Nov 16). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, a step which was welcomed by Sweden and NATO.

The Turkish parliament's foreign affairs commission will debate Sweden's NATO membership on Thursday (Nov 16). Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan submitted the bill to parliament for ratification three weeks ago, a step which was welcomed by Sweden and NATO. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Tuesday, the bill must be approved by the commission before a vote by the full general assembly. Erdogan would then sign it into law. Sweden and Finland had applied to join NATO last year to bolster their security after Russia launched a war against Ukraine. Finland's membership of the inter-governmental military was sealed in April this year. However, Sweden's bid had been held up by Turkey and Hungary. Previously, Turkey had raised objections over Sweden's alleged harbouring of individuals who Ankara said were members of terrorist groups. Since the Turkish parliament reopened on Oct 1, officials repeatedly said that Stockholm needed to take more concrete steps to clamp down on the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) militia before Ankara could ratify its membership bid. Also read: Turkey asks Sweden to take 'concrete steps' against terrorism to garner support for NATO bid Nearly two weeks back, the parliament's foreign affairs commission said it would not speed up ratifying NATO membership. However, Erdogan said later he would try to facilitate it. Meanwhile, Ukraine announced last Thursday (Nov 9) that a global peace summit for Ukraine might now take place in February 2024 - which is the second anniversary of the Russian offensive. President Volodymyr Zelensky's top adviser Ihor Zhovkva told Reuters that Ukraine would arrange a fourth meeting of national security advisers in late November or early December. "And the Global Summit might take place in February 2024," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Turkish parliament to debate Sweden's NATO bid on Nov 16

China's finance ministry has proposed that&nbsp;auditors&nbsp;undergo or conduct additional cybersecurity checks when their work involves national security.

A draft of the new measures, made public on Friday, also lays out how accounting firms should manage data that relates to Chinese firms.

Over the past two years, China's cybersecurity authority has established policies that outline how all businesses should handle and implement security assessments and checks.

The new measures apply specifically to&nbsp;auditors&nbsp;that have been hired by domestic firms or are conducting cross-border work. The chief partner of an auditing firm is the person responsible for data security, the draft rules say.

The draft is open for public consultation until Dec 11.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, KPMG and EY - the world's big four auditing firms - did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Concern about data security has prompted Chinese authorities to step up scrutiny of&nbsp;auditors&nbsp;in recent years.

Rules issued in May already stipulate that state-owned companies and listed enterprises should strengthen checks on accountants' ability to manage information security.

Beijing has asked some state-owned firms to stop using the four big global accounting firms as it seeks to curb the influence of Western&nbsp;auditors, Bloomberg News reported in February.

The United States and China last year reached a deal to settle a long-running dispute over auditing compliance of US-listed Chinese firms, agreeing to conduct audit inspections in Hong Kong as China hesitates to grant full access to US&nbsp;regulators.

China's finance ministry has proposed that auditors undergo or conduct additional cybersecurity checks when their work involves national security. A draft of the new measures, made public on Friday, also lays out how accounting firms should manage data that relates to Chinese firms.

China's finance ministry has proposed that auditors undergo or conduct additional cybersecurity checks when their work involves national security. A draft of the new measures, made public on Friday, also lays out how accounting firms should manage data that relates to Chinese firms. Over the past two years, China's cybersecurity authority has established policies that outline how all businesses should handle and implement security assessments and checks. The new measures apply specifically to auditors that have been hired by domestic firms or are conducting cross-border work. The chief partner of an auditing firm is the person responsible for data security, the draft rules say. The draft is open for public consultation until Dec 11. PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, KPMG and EY - the world's big four auditing firms - did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Concern about data security has prompted Chinese authorities to step up scrutiny of auditors in recent years. Rules issued in May already stipulate that state-owned companies and listed enterprises should strengthen checks on accountants' ability to manage information security. Beijing has asked some state-owned firms to stop using the four big global accounting firms as it seeks to curb the influence of Western auditors, Bloomberg News reported in February. The United States and China last year reached a deal to settle a long-running dispute over auditing compliance of US-listed Chinese firms, agreeing to conduct audit inspections in Hong Kong as China hesitates to grant full access to US regulators.

China proposes cybersecurity check for auditors if national security involved

India has now become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009/10, a report by the <a href="https://opendoorsdata.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/IIE_-Open-Doors-Press-Release-2023-2.pdf">International Educational Exchange (IIE)</a> said on Monday (Nov 13). As per the report, India reached an all-time high of 268,923 international students in 2022/23, an increase of 35% year-over-year. China remained the top sending country in 2022/23 with 289,526 students studying in the US. However, China saw a reduction of 0.2% year-on-year.

"In addition, eight places of origin, including Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, India, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain, reached all-time highs in international student numbers," the report said. It pointed out that India continued to be the highest priority for undergraduate and graduate recruitment

"Seventy per cent of US institutions are prioritising undergraduate outreach and 80% of U.S. institutions are prioritising graduate outreach for students in India," the report also said.&nbsp;

During 2022/23, the US hosted over one million international students, a 12% increase compared to the previous academic year. It is the fastest growth rate in more than 40 years. The report also said that for the first time since 2014/15, international student enrollment across all academic levels increased in 2022/23.&nbsp;

"Graduate student enrollment increased the most, with 467,027 international students pursuing master’s, doctorate, or professional degrees (+21% year-over year). Undergraduate student enrollment grew (+1% year-over-year) for the first time in five years," it said.

Reacting to the figures, Assistant US Secretary of State Lee Satterfield said, "Students from around the world have chosen the United States as the top destination for international study. International education is a vehicle that promotes peace and cross-cultural connections and provides the tools necessary to address the shared challenges of our time."

“Over one million international students studying in the US reflects a strong rebound, with the number approaching pre-pandemic levels. This reinforces that the U.S. remains the destination of choice for international students wishing to study abroad, as it has been for more than a century,” said Allan E. Goodman, the chief executive officer of IIE.&nbsp;

India has now become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009/10, a report by the International Educational Exchange (IIE) said on Monday (Nov 13).

India has now become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time since 2009/10, a report by the International Educational Exchange (IIE) said on Monday (Nov 13). As per the report, India reached an all-time high of 268,923 international students in 2022/23, an increase of 35% year-over-year. China remained the top sending country in 2022/23 with 289,526 students studying in the US. However, China saw a reduction of 0.2% year-on-year. "In addition, eight places of origin, including Bangladesh, Colombia, Ghana, India, Italy, Nepal, Pakistan, and Spain, reached all-time highs in international student numbers," the report said. It pointed out that India continued to be the highest priority for undergraduate and graduate recruitment "Seventy per cent of US institutions are prioritising undergraduate outreach and 80% of U.S. institutions are prioritising graduate outreach for students in India," the report also said. During 2022/23, the US hosted over one million international students, a 12% increase compared to the previous academic year. It is the fastest growth rate in more than 40 years. The report also said that for the first time since 2014/15, international student enrollment across all academic levels increased in 2022/23. "Graduate student enrollment increased the most, with 467,027 international students pursuing master’s, doctorate, or professional degrees (+21% year-over year). Undergraduate student enrollment grew (+1% year-over-year) for the first time in five years," it said. Reacting to the figures, Assistant US Secretary of State Lee Satterfield said, "Students from around the world have chosen the United States as the top destination for international study. International education is a vehicle that promotes peace and cross-cultural connections and provides the tools necessary to address the shared challenges of our time." “Over one million international students studying in the US reflects a strong rebound, with the number approaching pre-pandemic levels. This reinforces that the U.S. remains the destination of choice for international students wishing to study abroad, as it has been for more than a century,” said Allan E. Goodman, the chief executive officer of IIE.

India becomes largest source of international graduate students in US: Report

Hundreds of alleged members of Italy's most powerful organised crime group Ndrangheta, and their white-collar collaborators would be sentenced this week after a historic trial. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Monday (Nov 13), prosecutors asked for prison sentences totalling nearly 5,000 years for 322 defendants who have been accused of an array of offences.

The report said that since January 2021, three judges in Calabria heard thousands of hours of testimony -- including from dozens of mobsters turned state's witness -- about the Mancuso clan and its associates, which control the province of Vibo Valentia.

Speaking to AFP, mafia expert Antonio Nicaso said, "It's an important trial because it targets one of the most powerful Ndrangheta families based in Calabria, with international ramifications."

Initially dismissed as livestock thieves, Ndrangheta flourished under the radar for decades as authorities concentrated efforts against Cosa Nostra. Citing experts, the report said that the mafia group is made up of 150 Calabrian families and their associates, bringing in over $53 billion annually around the world, from drug trafficking and usury to syphoning public funds and extortion, with illegal gains reinvested in the legitimate economy.

The trial in Lamezia Terme represents Italy's largest "maxi-trial" in over three decades. Some of the allegations in the trial include mafia association, attempted murder, drug trafficking, extortion, loan sharking, abuse of office and money laundering.&nbsp;

Luigi Mancuso, the undisputed boss of the Vibo Valentia, was cut from the defendant's list last year to be tried separately. Luigi was in prison for 19 years before going underground but was captured as part of a massive police blitz in December 2019 in which over 300 suspected mobsters were arrested.

Prosecutors have asked for 30 years each for a dozen of Mancuso's top associates.

The report further said that the trial's most colourful testimony came when Luigi's nephew Emmanuel and over 50 other mafia operatives recounted long-buried secrets, from weapons hidden in cemetery chapels and ambulances used to transport drugs, to municipal water supplies diverted to marijuana crops.

People who opposed Ndrangheta found dead animals on their doorsteps, torched cars or smashed up storefronts. Some were also thrashed or shot and their bodies were never found.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hundreds of alleged members of Italy's most powerful organised crime group Ndrangheta, and their white-collar collaborators would be sentenced this week after a historic trial.

Hundreds of alleged members of Italy's most powerful organised crime group Ndrangheta, and their white-collar collaborators would be sentenced this week after a historic trial. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Monday (Nov 13), prosecutors asked for prison sentences totalling nearly 5,000 years for 322 defendants who have been accused of an array of offences. The report said that since January 2021, three judges in Calabria heard thousands of hours of testimony -- including from dozens of mobsters turned state's witness -- about the Mancuso clan and its associates, which control the province of Vibo Valentia. Speaking to AFP, mafia expert Antonio Nicaso said, "It's an important trial because it targets one of the most powerful Ndrangheta families based in Calabria, with international ramifications." Initially dismissed as livestock thieves, Ndrangheta flourished under the radar for decades as authorities concentrated efforts against Cosa Nostra. Citing experts, the report said that the mafia group is made up of 150 Calabrian families and their associates, bringing in over $53 billion annually around the world, from drug trafficking and usury to syphoning public funds and extortion, with illegal gains reinvested in the legitimate economy. The trial in Lamezia Terme represents Italy's largest "maxi-trial" in over three decades. Some of the allegations in the trial include mafia association, attempted murder, drug trafficking, extortion, loan sharking, abuse of office and money laundering. Luigi Mancuso, the undisputed boss of the Vibo Valentia, was cut from the defendant's list last year to be tried separately. Luigi was in prison for 19 years before going underground but was captured as part of a massive police blitz in December 2019 in which over 300 suspected mobsters were arrested. Prosecutors have asked for 30 years each for a dozen of Mancuso's top associates. The report further said that the trial's most colourful testimony came when Luigi's nephew Emmanuel and over 50 other mafia operatives recounted long-buried secrets, from weapons hidden in cemetery chapels and ambulances used to transport drugs, to municipal water supplies diverted to marijuana crops. People who opposed Ndrangheta found dead animals on their doorsteps, torched cars or smashed up storefronts. Some were also thrashed or shot and their bodies were never found. (With inputs from agencies)

Italy: Hundreds of mobsters to be sentenced following historic trial

Pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters clashed in South Africa's Cape Town on Sunday (Nov 12). According to a report by the news agency AFP, a prayer for Israeli hostages was to be held in an affluent area of Cape Town. However, several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators gate-crashed the event, after a pro-Palestinian demonstration that brought thousands of people onto the streets of the port and tourist city.

AFP reported that the protesters- wearing keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags- chased away those attending the pro-Israel prayer meet, tore up their placards and occupied the space.

Police arrived at the spot and used water cannons and sound grenades to disperse the demonstrators, then set up a roadblock to keep people out of the area.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-200-indian-jews-joined-israels-fight-against-hamas-since-oct-7-assault-657838">Over 200 Indian Jews joined Israel’s fight against Hamas since Oct 7 assault, claims NGO</a>

Demonstrations have been going on in South Africa for weeks. The ruling ANC party has been a supporter of the Palestinian cause for decades. However, &nbsp;the country also boasts the largest Jewish community in sub-Saharan Africa, some of whom have organised demonstrations in support of Israel.&nbsp;

Pro-Palestinian protests have been held in several countries since the conflict began on Oct 7, and there have been clashes in some of these demonstrations.

On Sunday, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in Germany's financial capital Frankfurt and demanded “freedom for Palestine” while they accused Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government of siding with Israel.&nbsp;

Frankfurt police estimated the number of participants outside city hall in Roemberberg Square at between 800 and 1,000.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hostage-negotiations-in-flux-netanyahu-signals-potential-deal-while-hamas-announces-suspension-of-talks-657915">Hostage negotiations in flux |&nbsp;Netanyahu signals potential deal, while Hamas announces suspension of talks</a>

Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a protester said, "I hope the Israelis will come to their senses and realise that they are not interested in their own lives, but in others, who also have an interest. And I think the Jews should also have learned something from their Holocaust. What they experienced is now being repeated with another people."

“We are here today to support the Palestinians. We are of course against the killing of civilians, children and the bombing of hospitals. We see no excuse for doing this and that’s why we are here to show our solidarity for the Palestinians,” another protester told the news agency.

In London, a pro-Palestinian rally with over 300,000 participants drew counter-protests. Skirmishes broke out between police and the far-right groups gathered to protest against the rally taking place on Armistice Day.

More than 120 counter-protesters were arrested.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters clashed in South Africa's Cape Town on Sunday (Nov 12). According to a report by the news agency AFP, a prayer for Israeli hostages was to be held in an affluent area of Cape Town.

Pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian protesters clashed in South Africa's Cape Town on Sunday (Nov 12). According to a report by the news agency AFP, a prayer for Israeli hostages was to be held in an affluent area of Cape Town. However, several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators gate-crashed the event, after a pro-Palestinian demonstration that brought thousands of people onto the streets of the port and tourist city. AFP reported that the protesters- wearing keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags- chased away those attending the pro-Israel prayer meet, tore up their placards and occupied the space. Police arrived at the spot and used water cannons and sound grenades to disperse the demonstrators, then set up a roadblock to keep people out of the area. Also read: Over 200 Indian Jews joined Israel’s fight against Hamas since Oct 7 assault, claims NGO Demonstrations have been going on in South Africa for weeks. The ruling ANC party has been a supporter of the Palestinian cause for decades. However, the country also boasts the largest Jewish community in sub-Saharan Africa, some of whom have organised demonstrations in support of Israel. Pro-Palestinian protests have been held in several countries since the conflict began on Oct 7, and there have been clashes in some of these demonstrations. On Sunday, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied in Germany's financial capital Frankfurt and demanded “freedom for Palestine” while they accused Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government of siding with Israel. Frankfurt police estimated the number of participants outside city hall in Roemberberg Square at between 800 and 1,000. Also read: Hostage negotiations in flux | Netanyahu signals potential deal, while Hamas announces suspension of talks Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a protester said, "I hope the Israelis will come to their senses and realise that they are not interested in their own lives, but in others, who also have an interest. And I think the Jews should also have learned something from their Holocaust. What they experienced is now being repeated with another people." “We are here today to support the Palestinians. We are of course against the killing of civilians, children and the bombing of hospitals. We see no excuse for doing this and that’s why we are here to show our solidarity for the Palestinians,” another protester told the news agency. In London, a pro-Palestinian rally with over 300,000 participants drew counter-protests. Skirmishes broke out between police and the far-right groups gathered to protest against the rally taking place on Armistice Day. More than 120 counter-protesters were arrested. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian protesters clash in South Africa

All hospitals in northern Gaza are out of service as the fighting between Israel and Hamas intensifies, the Hamas-run health ministry said on Monday (Nov 13). According to a report by the news agency AFP, witnesses reported overnight strikes just metres from the Al-Shifa hospital, which is the largest hospital in the Palestinian enclave.

All hospitals in northern Gaza are out of service as the fighting between Israel and Hamas intensifies, the Hamas-run health ministry said on Monday (Nov 13). According to a report by the news agency AFP, witnesses reported overnight strikes just metres from the Al-Shifa hospital, which is the largest hospital in the Palestinian enclave. Speaking to AFP, Hamas' Deputy Health Minister Abu Rish said that hospitals in the north were out of service amid intense combat and fuel shortages. The conflict, which began on Oct 7, is now centring around hospitals in the Gaza Strip. Israel has argued that Hamas militants have built their headquarters under the Al-Shifa hospital complex. However, Hamas has denied this allegation. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war On the other hand, United Nations agencies and doctors in the hospital warned that a lack of generator fuel was claiming lives, including infants. Death toll inside Al-Shifa climbs to 34 Abu Rish also told AFP on Monday that the death toll inside Al-Shifa climbed to 34, including 27 adults and seven infants. The hospital has been facing energy shortages for days. Conditions are also worsening for hundreds of patients and thousands of others sheltering in Al-Shifa. Last Saturday, Israel pledged to help evacuate babies from the facility but this has not happened so far. Also read: Gaza's Al-Quds Hospital no longer operational due to fuel depletion, power outage Two paediatric hospitals in Gaza were forcefully evacuated, causing patients to be out in the streets without care. "The forced evacuations of Al-Nasr and Rantisi paediatric hospitals have left sick people on the streets without care" in Gaza City, Mohammed Zaqut, director-general of hospitals in the Palestinian territory, told reporters. "We have completely lost contact with the caregivers at these two hospitals," he added. EU calls for urgent fuel deliveries to keep hospitals running in Gaza The European Union (EU) on Monday called for meaningful pauses in the conflict and urgent deliveries of fuel to keep hospitals working in Gaza. "More than half of the hospitals in the Gaza Strip stopped working, primarily because of lack of fuel, and fuel is desperately needed," EU's humanitarian aid chief Janez Lenarcic said. Since Oct 21, around 980 trucks carrying humanitarian aid have been let into Gaza, the UN said. Fuel has been a key need, especially for hospital generators, but Israel has been concerned that any fuel deliveries could be diverted to Hamas militants. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Hospitals in north Gaza out of service amid intense fighting

Former Croatian defence minister Mario Banozic, who was badly injured in a car accident that killed another person, has been charged with causing the crash due to negligence, the police said on Sunday (Nov 12).

Former Croatian defence minister Mario Banozic, who was badly injured in a car accident that killed another person, has been charged with causing the crash due to negligence, the police said on Sunday (Nov 12). On Saturday, Banozic, 44, was in his private car leaving the town of Vinkovci, when it rammed into a van. The driver of the van was killed. In a statement, the Vukovar-Srijem police department said, "Due to suspicions that by breaching traffic rules, a traffic accident was caused, criminal charges will be filed to the County State Attorney's Office against a 44-year-old driver." Banozic dismissed following crash Banozic was rushed to a hospital on Saturday with serious head injuries but his condition is stable, a report by the news agency AFP said. Hours after the crash, he was dismissed as minister. Addressing a press conference, Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic said, "You have heard the circumstances of the accident and we express regret and concern about the condition of the minister who is hospitalized with serious injuries." "I have relieved Minister Banozic of his duties as minister of defence," Prime Minister Plenkovic added. Ex-minister faces up to 8 years in prison As per the country's law, Banozic who had been defence minister since 2020, faces up to 8 years in prison for causing a traffic accident with fatal consequences. The crash report said that the 44-year-old was overtaking another vehicle “without checking if it can be done safely and without taking into consideration the weather conditions.” The deputy prosecutor in the eastern town of Vukovar, Biljana Luburić, said Banozic’s blood and urine samples were taken for testing. (With inputs from agencies)

Croatia: Ex-minister, injured in car crash that killed one person, to be charged

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Portugal confused the name of sacked prime minister Antonio Costa with that of Economy Minister António Costa Silva in the transcript of the wiretaps of "Operation Influencer." According to a report by Euronews on Sunday (Nov 12), a lawyer for one of the defendants in the corruption scandal case revealed the error was detected during questioning and said the prosecutors recognised their mistake.&nbsp;

The report said that neither the Attorney General's Office nor the Supreme Court commented on the matter.

Antonio Costa, who became Portugal's Prime Minister in 2015, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/portugal-head-of-state-accepts-prime-minister-antonio-costas-resignation-656244">stepped down from the top post on Nov 7</a> following an investigation into alleged irregularities committed by his majority Socialist administration in handling lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country.

Costa, who has denied any wrongdoing, announced his resignation after meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He said his conscience was clear, but he would not stand as a candidate for premiership again.

Costa also said that he was willing to cooperate with the justice system after prosecutors said he was also the target of the investigation. Prosecutors detained five people, including Costa's chief of staff, named two formal suspects close to the sacked prime minister.

President Rebelo de Sousa has called for a snap parliamentary election in Portugal in March next year. However, Sousa said he would only disband parliament after the final vote on the 2024 budget bill, due on Nov 29, a report by the news agency Reuters said.

The president also denied Costa's plan to invite central bank (the Bank of Portugal) governor Mario Centeno to replace him as premier. Centeno faced criticism from opposition parties over his political independence and potential conflict of interest.&nbsp;

The central bank is expected to meet later on Monday to evaluate his conduct, Reuters reported.&nbsp;Opposition parties had previously questioned Centeno's move from the finance ministry to the central bank in July 2020, during Costa's second term as the prime minister.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Portugal confused the name of sacked prime minister Antonio Costa with that of Economy Minister António Costa Silva in the transcript of the wiretaps of "Operation Influencer.

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Portugal confused the name of sacked prime minister Antonio Costa with that of Economy Minister António Costa Silva in the transcript of the wiretaps of "Operation Influencer." According to a report by Euronews on Sunday (Nov 12), a lawyer for one of the defendants in the corruption scandal case revealed the error was detected during questioning and said the prosecutors recognised their mistake. The report said that neither the Attorney General's Office nor the Supreme Court commented on the matter. Antonio Costa, who became Portugal's Prime Minister in 2015, stepped down from the top post on Nov 7 following an investigation into alleged irregularities committed by his majority Socialist administration in handling lithium mining and hydrogen projects in the country. Costa, who has denied any wrongdoing, announced his resignation after meeting President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa. He said his conscience was clear, but he would not stand as a candidate for premiership again. Costa also said that he was willing to cooperate with the justice system after prosecutors said he was also the target of the investigation. Prosecutors detained five people, including Costa's chief of staff, named two formal suspects close to the sacked prime minister. President Rebelo de Sousa has called for a snap parliamentary election in Portugal in March next year. However, Sousa said he would only disband parliament after the final vote on the 2024 budget bill, due on Nov 29, a report by the news agency Reuters said. The president also denied Costa's plan to invite central bank (the Bank of Portugal) governor Mario Centeno to replace him as premier. Centeno faced criticism from opposition parties over his political independence and potential conflict of interest. The central bank is expected to meet later on Monday to evaluate his conduct, Reuters reported. Opposition parties had previously questioned Centeno's move from the finance ministry to the central bank in July 2020, during Costa's second term as the prime minister. (With inputs from agencies)

Portugal corruption scandal: Prosecutors confused names in wiretaps transcript, says report

Nepal has decided to ban the Chinese short-form video app TikTok citing its negative effects on social harmony, local media reported on Monday (Nov 13). According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, the government said that a large section of the society criticised TikTok for encouraging a tendency of hate speech. It is not yet known when the ban will be implemented.&nbsp;

The report said that in the last four years, over 1,600 cases of cybercrime were reported on the app. The decision to ban TikTok comes days after the government introduced the "Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2023."

This law states that social media platforms operating in Nepal including Facebook, X and YouTube are required to set up their offices in the country. Earlier, an increasing number of citizens complained the absence of social media companies' representatives in the country as it made it difficult for authorities to address their concerns and even remove objectional content from such platforms.

The law adds that the social media companies will either establish their office in Nepal or appoint a focal person within three months of enforcement of the directives, as per the report.

The platforms will have to be registered with the country's information and communication technology ministry. A failure of registration can lead to a shutdown of such platforms.

Nepal has decided to ban the Chinese short-form video app TikTok citing its negative effects on social harmony, local media reported on Monday (Nov 13). According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, the government said that a large section of the society criticised TikTok for encouraging a tendency of hate speech.

Nepal has decided to ban the Chinese short-form video app TikTok citing its negative effects on social harmony, local media reported on Monday (Nov 13). According to a report by The Kathmandu Post, the government said that a large section of the society criticised TikTok for encouraging a tendency of hate speech. It is not yet known when the ban will be implemented. The report said that in the last four years, over 1,600 cases of cybercrime were reported on the app. The decision to ban TikTok comes days after the government introduced the "Directives on the Operation of Social Networking 2023." This law states that social media platforms operating in Nepal including Facebook, X and YouTube are required to set up their offices in the country. Earlier, an increasing number of citizens complained the absence of social media companies' representatives in the country as it made it difficult for authorities to address their concerns and even remove objectional content from such platforms. The law adds that the social media companies will either establish their office in Nepal or appoint a focal person within three months of enforcement of the directives, as per the report. The platforms will have to be registered with the country's information and communication technology ministry. A failure of registration can lead to a shutdown of such platforms.

Nepal decides to ban TikTok citing negative effects on social harmony

South Africa will become the first African nation to introduce shared parental leave following a high court ruling that both parents must have the right to time off after the birth of their child or if they adopt a child. The judgement allows parents to choose how to divide four months of parental leave between them, The Guardian reported on Friday (Nov 10). 
Politicians now have two years to refine and develop the law, the report said.

Campaigners hailed the judgement as a "significant milestone."

Till now, mothers were given a leave of four months while fathers/partners were allowed a leave of a maximum of 10 days.

“It raises the bar on leave for parents in a wonderful way. I’m thrilled our law is becoming more in line with our constitution,” Wessel van den Berg from gender equality organisation Equimundo said.&nbsp;

Berg, who is the MenCare officer at the organisation, said that the judgement highlighted a need for further reforms to align this policy (shared parental leave) with the reality of life in South Africa.

Nkululeko Mbuli, a communications strategist at Embrace (a social movement for mothers), told the publication that while this leave was a move in the right direction, it still shortchanged mothers.&nbsp;

Mbuli said that the judgement placed the responsibility for leaving with individuals rather than building a caring system. She pointed out that unemployed those working in insecure employment were left out.

Parental leaves across Africa range from 8-14 weeks. However, some countries only allow two to three days of leave.&nbsp; 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

South Africa will become the first African nation to introduce shared parental leave following a high court ruling that both parents must have the right to time off after the birth of their child or if they adopt a child.

South Africa will become the first African nation to introduce shared parental leave following a high court ruling that both parents must have the right to time off after the birth of their child or if they adopt a child. The judgement allows parents to choose how to divide four months of parental leave between them, The Guardian reported on Friday (Nov 10). Politicians now have two years to refine and develop the law, the report said. Campaigners hailed the judgement as a "significant milestone." Till now, mothers were given a leave of four months while fathers/partners were allowed a leave of a maximum of 10 days. “It raises the bar on leave for parents in a wonderful way. I’m thrilled our law is becoming more in line with our constitution,” Wessel van den Berg from gender equality organisation Equimundo said. Berg, who is the MenCare officer at the organisation, said that the judgement highlighted a need for further reforms to align this policy (shared parental leave) with the reality of life in South Africa. Nkululeko Mbuli, a communications strategist at Embrace (a social movement for mothers), told the publication that while this leave was a move in the right direction, it still shortchanged mothers. Mbuli said that the judgement placed the responsibility for leaving with individuals rather than building a caring system. She pointed out that unemployed those working in insecure employment were left out. Parental leaves across Africa range from 8-14 weeks. However, some countries only allow two to three days of leave. (With inputs from agencies)

South Africa to become first African nation to introduce shared parental leave: Report

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