Leaders of G20 countries on Saturday (October 30), agreed on a historic corporate tax reform deal that will bring&nbsp;corporate tax at minimum level&nbsp;of 15 per cent. The rules will come into force in 2023.

"We call on the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting to swiftly develop the model rules and multilateral instruments as agreed in the Detailed Implementation Plan, with a view to ensure that the new rules will come into effect at global level in 2023," the draft conclusions, seen by Reuters, said.

US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen welcomed the agreement

"Today, every G20 head of state endorsed an historic agreement on new int’l tax rules, including a global min tax that will end the damaging race to the bottom on corporate taxation. It’s a critical moment for the US &amp; the global economy. I congratulate @POTUS on this achievement." she said on Twitter.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-biden-macron-merkel-johnson-discuss-iran-deal-on-sidelines-425373">G20 Summit: Biden, Macron, Merkel, Johnson discuss Iran deal on sidelines</a>

In another tweet, she said that the deal would "remake the global economy into a more prosperous place for American business and workers"

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g20-summit-kicks-off-in-rome-with-focus-on-climate-covid-and-economy-425330">G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy</a>

"This deal will remake the global economy into a more prosperous place for American business &amp; workers. Rather than competing on our ability to offer lower rates, America will now compete on the skills of our people, our ideas &amp; our capacity to innovate—which is a race we can win," she said.

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Today, every G20 head of state endorsed an historic agreement on new int’l tax rules, including a global min tax that will end the damaging race to the bottom on corporate taxation. It’s a critical moment for the US &amp; the global economy. I congratulate <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> on this achievement. <a href="https://t.co/bOh0O7cbnn">https://t.co/bOh0O7cbnn</a>
— Secretary Janet Yellen (@SecYellen) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecYellen/status/1454466487276687375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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US President Joe Biden welcomed the development as well.

"Here at the G20, leaders representing 80% of the world’s GDP – allies and competitors alike – made clear their support for a strong global minimum tax. This is more than just a tax deal – it’s diplomacy reshaping our global economy and delivering for our people.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here at the G20, leaders representing 80% of the world’s GDP – allies and competitors alike – made clear their support for a strong global minimum tax. This is more than just a tax deal – it’s diplomacy reshaping our global economy and delivering for our people.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1454454364081430530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Leaders of G20 countries on Saturday (October 30), agreed on a historic corporate tax reform deal that will bring corporate tax at minimum level of 15 per cent. The rules will come into force in 2023.

Leaders of G20 countries on Saturday (October 30), agreed on a historic corporate tax reform deal that will bring corporate tax at minimum level of 15 per cent. The rules will come into force in 2023. "We call on the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting to swiftly develop the model rules and multilateral instruments as agreed in the Detailed Implementation Plan, with a view to ensure that the new rules will come into effect at global level in 2023," the draft conclusions, seen by Reuters, said. US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen welcomed the agreement "Today, every G20 head of state endorsed an historic agreement on new int’l tax rules, including a global min tax that will end the damaging race to the bottom on corporate taxation. It’s a critical moment for the US & the global economy. I congratulate @POTUS on this achievement." she said on Twitter. Also Read | G20 Summit: Biden, Macron, Merkel, Johnson discuss Iran deal on sidelines In another tweet, she said that the deal would "remake the global economy into a more prosperous place for American business and workers" Also Read | G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy "This deal will remake the global economy into a more prosperous place for American business & workers. Rather than competing on our ability to offer lower rates, America will now compete on the skills of our people, our ideas & our capacity to innovate—which is a race we can win," she said. Today, every G20 head of state endorsed an historic agreement on new int’l tax rules, including a global min tax that will end the damaging race to the bottom on corporate taxation. It’s a critical moment for the US & the global economy. I congratulate @POTUS on this achievement. https://t.co/bOh0O7cbnn — Secretary Janet Yellen (@SecYellen) October 30, 2021 × US President Joe Biden welcomed the development as well. "Here at the G20, leaders representing 80% of the world’s GDP – allies and competitors alike – made clear their support for a strong global minimum tax. This is more than just a tax deal – it’s diplomacy reshaping our global economy and delivering for our people. Here at the G20, leaders representing 80% of the world’s GDP – allies and competitors alike – made clear their support for a strong global minimum tax. This is more than just a tax deal – it’s diplomacy reshaping our global economy and delivering for our people. — President Biden (@POTUS) October 30, 2021 ×

G20 leaders agree on historic corporate tax deal

Travel destinations are fun but some cities have airports that are known for something unique. If all goes well, passengers travelling to Rome by air will soon be able to take flying taxis to go to their desired location inside the city. The company operating Rome's main airport and a German startup have undertaken this project.

Startup Volocopter hopes to make Fiumicino Airport a pioneer site for the rotor-bladed, battery-powered two-seater air taxi it is developing.

Aeroporti di Roma (AdR) CEO Marco Troncone said the journey in one of the craft, which takes off and lands vertically, will take around 15 minutes, compared with 45 minutes or more by car.

The initial cost of a ride will be around 150 euros ($175), a price likely to drop as the service goes mainstream, he said.

"The connection will be very swift," he told Reuters at Fiumicino, where Volocopter was showcasing a prototype. "It will be a silent journey and ... the level of emissions will be zero."

Volocopter, founded in 2011, hopes to get a commercial air licence from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) within three years and then start operations, its Chief Commercial Officer Christian Bauer said.

Rome is seen as the third most suitable European city behind Paris - where Volocopter said in June it hoped to have a service in operation in time for the Olympic Games - and Berlin for the development of air taxis, an EASA study showed.

(With inputs from agencies)

Travel destinations are fun but some cities have airports that are known for something unique. If all goes well, passengers travelling to Rome by air will soon be able to take flying taxis to go to their desired location inside the city.

Travel destinations are fun but some cities have airports that are known for something unique. If all goes well, passengers travelling to Rome by air will soon be able to take flying taxis to go to their desired location inside the city. The company operating Rome's main airport and a German startup have undertaken this project. Startup Volocopter hopes to make Fiumicino Airport a pioneer site for the rotor-bladed, battery-powered two-seater air taxi it is developing. Aeroporti di Roma (AdR) CEO Marco Troncone said the journey in one of the craft, which takes off and lands vertically, will take around 15 minutes, compared with 45 minutes or more by car. The initial cost of a ride will be around 150 euros ($175), a price likely to drop as the service goes mainstream, he said. "The connection will be very swift," he told Reuters at Fiumicino, where Volocopter was showcasing a prototype. "It will be a silent journey and ... the level of emissions will be zero." Volocopter, founded in 2011, hopes to get a commercial air licence from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) within three years and then start operations, its Chief Commercial Officer Christian Bauer said. Rome is seen as the third most suitable European city behind Paris - where Volocopter said in June it hoped to have a service in operation in time for the Olympic Games - and Berlin for the development of air taxis, an EASA study showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Rome airport to have flying taxis by 2024

Heads of world's 20 biggest economies,&nbsp;gathered in Rome,&nbsp;kicked off two-day G20 Summit on Saturday. The leaders are expected to focus on COVID, economy and climate. As the G20 Summit is happening just ahead of COP26 climate summit slated to take place in Glasgow next week, decisions on climate in G20 Summit will be under focus. However, no radical commitments to tame global warming are expected.

A draft communique seen by Reuters shows major countries are only likely to slightly toughen their pledges on climate action, while failing to set tough new targets that activists say are vital to prevent environmental catastrophe.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-historic-meeting-pm-modi-invites-pope-francis-to-visit-india-425207">At historic meeting, PM Modi invites Pope Francis to visit India</a>

Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi greeted leaders from an array of countries, including US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first face-to-face G20 summit in two years as the COVID-19 pandemic starts to ebb.

<img alt="G20 Summit" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="de31f0c5-8391-4e41-9d08-ed9c1e148d28" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-10-30T103737Z_1_LYNXMPEH9T04K_RTROPTP_4_G20-SUMMIT.JPG" />

However, the Chinese and Russian presidents stayed away because of their continued concerns over COVID, dimming hopes of major progress in climate diplomacy ahead of the forthcoming COP26 summit in Glasgow, which is seen as vital to tackling the threat of rising temperatures.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged the talks in Rome and Glasgow would be difficult, but warned that without courageous action, world civilisation could collapse as swiftly as the ancient Roman empire, ushering in a new Dark Age.

"It`s going to be very, very tough to get the agreement we need," he told reporters early on Saturday.

Pics: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pics-pm-modi-joins-world-leaders-for-g20-summit-in-rome-425321">PM Modi joins world leaders for G20 summit in Rome</a>

The draft of the final communique said G20 countries, which account for up to 80% of the world`s carbon emissions, will step up their efforts to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius - the level scientists have said is necessary to avoid disastrous new climate patterns.

The statement also said the leaders recognised "the key relevance" of achieving net zero carbon emissions by the middle of this century - a goal some of the world`s largest polluters have still not committed to.

VACCINES AND TAXES

While the climate debate will dominate in Rome, much of the first day of the summit, which is being held in a futuristic convention centre called "The Cloud", will be given over to discussing the COVID-19 health crisis and economic recovery.

Fears over rising energy prices and stretched supply chains will be addressed. Leaders were also expected to endorse plans to vaccinate 70% of the world`s population against COVID-19 by mid-2022 and create a task force to fight future pandemics.

Biden will urge the major G20 energy producers with spare capacity to boost production, notably Russia and Saudi Arabia, to ensure a stronger global economic recovery, a senior U.S. administration official told reporters.

Biden`s hopes of showing that his country was at the forefront of the fight against global warming took a knock after he failed to convince fellow Democrats this week to unify behind a $1.85 trillion economic and environmental spending package.

However, John Morton, the top climate adviser at the U.S. Treasury, said the fact that climate had vaulted to the top of the G20 agenda marked a remarkable shift.

"Obviously, this administration has come back in guns blazing on the issue in really important ways." he told Reuters.

There was also expected to be a lot of diplomacy on the sidelines in Rome, with numerous bilateral meetings planned, while the leaders of the United States, Britain, Germany and France were due to hold four-way talks on Iran.

Rome has been put on high security alert, with up to 6,000 police and about 500 soldiers deployed to maintain order.

Two protest rallies have been authorised during the day, but demonstrators will be kept far from the summit centre, located in a suburb built by the 20th Century fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.

(With inputs from agencies)

Heads of world's 20 biggest economies, gathered in Rome, kicked off two-day G20 Summit on Saturday. The leaders are expected to focus on COVID, economy and climate.

Heads of world's 20 biggest economies, gathered in Rome, kicked off two-day G20 Summit on Saturday. The leaders are expected to focus on COVID, economy and climate. As the G20 Summit is happening just ahead of COP26 climate summit slated to take place in Glasgow next week, decisions on climate in G20 Summit will be under focus. However, no radical commitments to tame global warming are expected. A draft communique seen by Reuters shows major countries are only likely to slightly toughen their pledges on climate action, while failing to set tough new targets that activists say are vital to prevent environmental catastrophe. Also Read | At historic meeting, PM Modi invites Pope Francis to visit India Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi greeted leaders from an array of countries, including US President Joe Biden and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for the first face-to-face G20 summit in two years as the COVID-19 pandemic starts to ebb. However, the Chinese and Russian presidents stayed away because of their continued concerns over COVID, dimming hopes of major progress in climate diplomacy ahead of the forthcoming COP26 summit in Glasgow, which is seen as vital to tackling the threat of rising temperatures. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson acknowledged the talks in Rome and Glasgow would be difficult, but warned that without courageous action, world civilisation could collapse as swiftly as the ancient Roman empire, ushering in a new Dark Age. "It`s going to be very, very tough to get the agreement we need," he told reporters early on Saturday. Pics: PM Modi joins world leaders for G20 summit in Rome The draft of the final communique said G20 countries, which account for up to 80% of the world`s carbon emissions, will step up their efforts to limit global warming at 1.5 degrees Celsius - the level scientists have said is necessary to avoid disastrous new climate patterns. The statement also said the leaders recognised "the key relevance" of achieving net zero carbon emissions by the middle of this century - a goal some of the world`s largest polluters have still not committed to. VACCINES AND TAXES While the climate debate will dominate in Rome, much of the first day of the summit, which is being held in a futuristic convention centre called "The Cloud", will be given over to discussing the COVID-19 health crisis and economic recovery. Fears over rising energy prices and stretched supply chains will be addressed. Leaders were also expected to endorse plans to vaccinate 70% of the world`s population against COVID-19 by mid-2022 and create a task force to fight future pandemics. Biden will urge the major G20 energy producers with spare capacity to boost production, notably Russia and Saudi Arabia, to ensure a stronger global economic recovery, a senior U.S. administration official told reporters. Biden`s hopes of showing that his country was at the forefront of the fight against global warming took a knock after he failed to convince fellow Democrats this week to unify behind a $1.85 trillion economic and environmental spending package. However, John Morton, the top climate adviser at the U.S. Treasury, said the fact that climate had vaulted to the top of the G20 agenda marked a remarkable shift. "Obviously, this administration has come back in guns blazing on the issue in really important ways." he told Reuters. There was also expected to be a lot of diplomacy on the sidelines in Rome, with numerous bilateral meetings planned, while the leaders of the United States, Britain, Germany and France were due to hold four-way talks on Iran. Rome has been put on high security alert, with up to 6,000 police and about 500 soldiers deployed to maintain order. Two protest rallies have been authorised during the day, but demonstrators will be kept far from the summit centre, located in a suburb built by the 20th Century fascist dictator Benito Mussolini. (With inputs from agencies)

G20 Summit kicks off in Rome with focus on climate, COVID and economy

PM Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday (October 30) and invited him to visit India. This historic meet between leader of India and the leader of the Christian religious world has made headlines everywhere. This was very first meeting between the two leaders.

But PM Modi's connect with the Christian community goes well beyond the customary festive wishes most other leaders are known for.

In February 2015, PM Narendra Modi addressed the National Celebration of the Elevation to Sainthood of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Mother Euphrasia.

On June 27, 2020, PM Modi attended 90th birth anniversary of Dr Joseph Mar Thoma

His connect with Indian Christians as well as the Christian community across the world has found reflection in 'Mann Ki Baat', the monthly radio address to the nation.

In 'Mann ki Baat' that aired in July 2021, PM Modi mentioned how India handed over Holy Relic of Saint Queen Ketevan to Georgia strengthening the ties between the two nations. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar himself went to Georgia to hand over the relics. The handover ceremony, held in an emotional atmosphere, was attended by Georgia's president, prime minister and many Georgian religious leaders.

On September 29, 2019, PM Modi mentioned Sister Mariam Thresia and expressed pride that Sister Mariam Thresia, an Indian who was to be declared a Saint by Pope Francis in the Vatican. He mentioned Sister Mariam as being a noble example to the world.

On December 31 2017, PM Modi paid a special homage to Jesus Christ. He said that pious occasion of Christmas reminded all of great teachings of Jesus Christ.

PM Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday (October 30) and invited him to visit India. This historic meet between leader of India and the leader of the Christian religious world has made headlines everywhere.

PM Narendra Modi met Pope Francis in the Vatican on Saturday (October 30) and invited him to visit India. This historic meet between leader of India and the leader of the Christian religious world has made headlines everywhere. This was very first meeting between the two leaders. But PM Modi's connect with the Christian community goes well beyond the customary festive wishes most other leaders are known for. In February 2015, PM Narendra Modi addressed the National Celebration of the Elevation to Sainthood of Blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara and Blessed Mother Euphrasia. On June 27, 2020, PM Modi attended 90th birth anniversary of Dr Joseph Mar Thoma His connect with Indian Christians as well as the Christian community across the world has found reflection in 'Mann Ki Baat', the monthly radio address to the nation. In 'Mann ki Baat' that aired in July 2021, PM Modi mentioned how India handed over Holy Relic of Saint Queen Ketevan to Georgia strengthening the ties between the two nations. Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar himself went to Georgia to hand over the relics. The handover ceremony, held in an emotional atmosphere, was attended by Georgia's president, prime minister and many Georgian religious leaders. On September 29, 2019, PM Modi mentioned Sister Mariam Thresia and expressed pride that Sister Mariam Thresia, an Indian who was to be declared a Saint by Pope Francis in the Vatican. He mentioned Sister Mariam as being a noble example to the world. On December 31 2017, PM Modi paid a special homage to Jesus Christ. He said that pious occasion of Christmas reminded all of great teachings of Jesus Christ.

Historic meet with Pope Francis is latest in Indian PM Modi's connect with Christians

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, who has been advised by doctors to rest and avoid official visits for at least the next two weeks, is on very good form, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said after speaking to the 95-year-old monarch this week.

There has been concern over the health of Elizabeth, the world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch, after she cancelled a number of planned trips and spent a night in hospital for an unspecified, although not COVID-19 related, ailment, her first such overnight stay for years.

"I spoke to her majesty and she’s on very good form," Johnson, who speaks to the queen every Wednesday to give her a weekly update, told Channel 4 news on Saturday.

"She’s just got to follow the advice of her doctors and get some rest and I think that’s the important thing. I think the whole country wishes her well."

Elizabeth, who is queen of 15 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand, has been resting at her Windsor Castle home since she stayed overnight in hospital 10 days ago after undergoing "preliminary investigations".

The monarch is known for her robust health and who regularly carried out official public duties despite her age.

Buckingham Palace said she would no longer attend a major event on Nov. 13 at the Royal Albert Hall hosted by a British military charity, but had a "firm intention" to be present at the main national service of remembrance for veterans on Sunday Nov. 14, an event of great importance to her.

A palace source said the queen remained in good spirits and she had recorded a video address for the COP26 delegates. Further rest was a "sensible precaution", the source added.

Since being told the rest, the queen has appeared well and cheerful in footage released by the palace when she took part by videolink in a number of virtual events.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, who has been advised by doctors to rest and avoid official visits for at least the next two weeks, is on very good form, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said after speaking to the 95-year-old monarch this week.

Britain's Queen Elizabeth, who has been advised by doctors to rest and avoid official visits for at least the next two weeks, is on very good form, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said after speaking to the 95-year-old monarch this week. There has been concern over the health of Elizabeth, the world's oldest and longest-reigning monarch, after she cancelled a number of planned trips and spent a night in hospital for an unspecified, although not COVID-19 related, ailment, her first such overnight stay for years. "I spoke to her majesty and she’s on very good form," Johnson, who speaks to the queen every Wednesday to give her a weekly update, told Channel 4 news on Saturday. "She’s just got to follow the advice of her doctors and get some rest and I think that’s the important thing. I think the whole country wishes her well." Elizabeth, who is queen of 15 other realms including Australia, Canada and New Zealand, has been resting at her Windsor Castle home since she stayed overnight in hospital 10 days ago after undergoing "preliminary investigations". The monarch is known for her robust health and who regularly carried out official public duties despite her age. Buckingham Palace said she would no longer attend a major event on Nov. 13 at the Royal Albert Hall hosted by a British military charity, but had a "firm intention" to be present at the main national service of remembrance for veterans on Sunday Nov. 14, an event of great importance to her. A palace source said the queen remained in good spirits and she had recorded a video address for the COP26 delegates. Further rest was a "sensible precaution", the source added. Since being told the rest, the queen has appeared well and cheerful in footage released by the palace when she took part by videolink in a number of virtual events. (With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Johnson seeks to calm fears over Queen Elizabeth's health

The US mounted pressure on Iran on Friday by slapping sanctions on Iranian drone programme. This move from US Treasury has come ahead of resumption of negotiations over country's nuclear programme.

US Treasury said Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps have used lethal unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack US forces and international shipping in the Gulf region.

"The drones have also been supplied to Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen's Houthis, and have also been seen in Ethiopia, "where the escalating crisis threatens to destabilize the broader region," the Treasury said.

The sanctions singled out Brigadier General Saeed Aghajani, who leads the Revolutionary Guards' UAV Command.

The Treasury said that Aghajani was behind a 2019 drone attack on an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia as well as the July 29, 2021 attack on a commercial ship off the coast of Oman that saw two crewman killed.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-agrees-to-restart-nuclear-talks-as-pressure-grows-424842">Iran agrees to restart nuclear talks as pressure grows</a>

Also named to the sanctions blacklist were two companies, Kimia Part Sivan and Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar, which provide components for and help develop the armed UAVs of the Revolutionary Guards.

“Iran’s proliferation of UAVs across the region threatens international peace and stability," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement.

“Treasury will continue to hold Iran accountable for its irresponsible and violent acts," he said.

The sanctions came nine days after an attack on a US military base in Al-Tanf, Syria that involved drones.

The Pentagon has not identified the source of that incident, which did not cause any injuries, but says generally that Iran has provided drones for such attacks around the region.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dangerously-close-to-weapons-grade-iaea-warns-against-iranian-expansion-of-uranium-424009">'Dangerously close to weapons-grade': IAEA warns against Iranian expansion of uranium</a>

"We have seen these kinds of attacks in the past from -- from Shia militia groups, which we know are backed and supported by Iran," Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby said on Monday.

The sanctions were also announced just two days after Iran said it will resume talks with world powers in November on reviving a nuclear deal.

That commitment came after a five-month gap which saw mounting warnings that international patience was wearing thin with Tehran.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US mounted pressure on Iran on Friday by slapping sanctions on Iranian drone programme. This move from US Treasury has come ahead of resumption of negotiations over country's nuclear programme.

The US mounted pressure on Iran on Friday by slapping sanctions on Iranian drone programme. This move from US Treasury has come ahead of resumption of negotiations over country's nuclear programme. US Treasury said Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps have used lethal unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to attack US forces and international shipping in the Gulf region. "The drones have also been supplied to Hezbollah, Hamas, and Yemen's Houthis, and have also been seen in Ethiopia, "where the escalating crisis threatens to destabilize the broader region," the Treasury said. The sanctions singled out Brigadier General Saeed Aghajani, who leads the Revolutionary Guards' UAV Command. The Treasury said that Aghajani was behind a 2019 drone attack on an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia as well as the July 29, 2021 attack on a commercial ship off the coast of Oman that saw two crewman killed. Also Read | Iran agrees to restart nuclear talks as pressure grows Also named to the sanctions blacklist were two companies, Kimia Part Sivan and Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar, which provide components for and help develop the armed UAVs of the Revolutionary Guards. “Iran’s proliferation of UAVs across the region threatens international peace and stability," Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement. “Treasury will continue to hold Iran accountable for its irresponsible and violent acts," he said. The sanctions came nine days after an attack on a US military base in Al-Tanf, Syria that involved drones. The Pentagon has not identified the source of that incident, which did not cause any injuries, but says generally that Iran has provided drones for such attacks around the region. Also Read | 'Dangerously close to weapons-grade': IAEA warns against Iranian expansion of uranium "We have seen these kinds of attacks in the past from -- from Shia militia groups, which we know are backed and supported by Iran," Pentagon Spokesman John Kirby said on Monday. The sanctions were also announced just two days after Iran said it will resume talks with world powers in November on reviving a nuclear deal. That commitment came after a five-month gap which saw mounting warnings that international patience was wearing thin with Tehran. (With inputs from agencies)

US slaps sanctions on Iran drone programme ahead of nuclear talks

On Monday, the Sudanese military launched a coup. Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the military, seized control of the transitional government — which was established in the aftermath of the 2018-19 revolution that ousted the autocrat Omar Hassan al-Bashir — and announced a state of emergency. He took the prime minister captive and arrested numerous other cabinet ministers.

General al-Burhan justified the intervention by citing strife and deadlock within the transitional government, whose popularity has waned as the country’s economic conditions have deteriorated. But the real reason for the coup is likely to be more straightforward: General al-Burhan was due to hand over the chairmanship of the Sovereignty Council, the country’s collective head of state, as early as November. Clearly, he was not prepared to relinquish power.

Against a chorus of international condemnation, the military leaders have adamantly refused to back down. (They did release the prime minister, though he remains heavily guarded.) Instead, they have responded sharply to civilians who have protested the coup: At least 12 people have been killed and 150 injured by the security forces. The prospect of a return to military rule, with its repression, violence and tyranny, looms over Sudan.

But it’s not too late to stop it. Extensive popular protest, combined with concerted international pressure, could force the generals to step back. The counterrevolution can still be reversed.

The most obvious recent comparison, from the region’s many similar experiences, is far from promising: After a revolution in 2011, Egypt’s democratic transition was cut short by a coup led by Gen. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. But other uprisings, in Tunisia in 2011 and in Burkina Faso in 2014, have managed to avoid a return to military rule. (The Tunisian president’s recent assumption of executive power and suspension of Parliament, though troubling, was undertaken without help from the military.)

In all cases, the most decisive factor in whether a coup succeeded was the scale of the popular response. In Egypt, it was notably lacking. By mid-2013 the revolutionary coalition had fractured, with many members of the secularist wing openly backing the military. Supporters of the democratic government, including the Muslim Brotherhood, did mobilize in response to the coup, but their protests were unable to force the generals to relinquish power.

In Burkina Faso, the opposite was true. A year after the uprising, old regime officers attempted a coup — and were met with a fierce revolutionary response, including mass protests and strikes. The generals returned power to civilians a week later. In Tunisia, some activists clamored for military intervention in the summer of 2013. But most of the main revolutionary parties and movements resisted the temptation to turn to the military, and a coup never materialized.

There are reasons for hope in Sudan. For one, the fissures in the revolutionary coalition don’t seem to be nearly as severe as they were in Egypt. The coup appears to be supported by only a small number of parties and ex-rebel groups in the Forces of Freedom and Change, which led the civilian branch of the transitional government. The week before the coup, a sit-in at the presidential palace calling for military intervention drew limited numbers and was at least partly manufactured by the military itself.

Instead, the coup has been fiercely denounced by most of Sudan’s revolutionaries. Leaders from the Sudanese Professionals Association, an umbrella group of labor unions, have used their widely followed social media platforms to call for peaceful protests. Others, including rebel leaders such as Abdul Wahid al-Nur and Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, have done the same.

Crucially, Sudanese citizens have answered. Protests erupted on the day of the coup, and since then there have been widespread work closures and civil disobedience campaigns. Many of the neighborhood resistance committees that organized local protests during the uprising have regathered. Activists are now planning for a nationwide protest on Saturday, which will demonstrate the full extent of opposition to the coup.

But protest alone may be insufficient. Threats of punitive action from influential foreign allies are vital, too. In the absence of a strong international response, counterrevolutionaries often feel emboldened to stay the course. The United States’ response to the 2013 coup in Egypt, for example, was tepid at best, and there is even evidence that some senior U.S. officials quietly encouraged Mr. el-Sisi to act. Little wonder he took no notice of calls to step down.

Again, the signs in Sudan are more encouraging. Many foreign powers have forcefully condemned the coup and the United Nations Security Council, which includes China and Russia, expressed serious concern. The United States backed up its strong words by suspending $700 million in foreign aid, something the European Union has threatened to emulate. Perhaps predictably, the statements issued by Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have been far weaker.

The United States should do its utmost to avoid the mistakes it made in Egypt and lead the way. Cutting off aid is a promising first step but more is needed, such as sanctions that target the coup leaders directly. Washington must also use its alliances with Gulf powers to halt any support, not least financial, the coup leaders may receive from these governments.

Together, protest and geopolitics could combine to reverse the coup. A strong showing of popular discontent on Saturday would significantly increase the pressure on wavering generals — after all, it was the mass protests and sit-in of June 2019 that persuaded the military to begin a transition to civilian rule. If coupled with firm pressure from abroad, the generals may be convinced to back down.

The prospects for democracy in Sudan certainly look grimmer today than they did a week ago. But all is not yet lost.

On Monday, the Sudanese military launched a coup. Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the military, seized control of the transitional government — which was established in the aftermath of the 2018-19 revolution that ousted the autocrat Omar Hassan al-Bashir — and announced a state of emergency.

On Monday, the Sudanese military launched a coup. Lt. Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of the military, seized control of the transitional government — which was established in the aftermath of the 2018-19 revolution that ousted the autocrat Omar Hassan al-Bashir — and announced a state of emergency. He took the prime minister captive and arrested numerous other cabinet ministers. General al-Burhan justified the intervention by citing strife and deadlock within the transitional government, whose popularity has waned as the country’s economic conditions have deteriorated. But the real reason for the coup is likely to be more straightforward: General al-Burhan was due to hand over the chairmanship of the Sovereignty Council, the country’s collective head of state, as early as November. Clearly, he was not prepared to relinquish power. Against a chorus of international condemnation, the military leaders have adamantly refused to back down. (They did release the prime minister, though he remains heavily guarded.) Instead, they have responded sharply to civilians who have protested the coup: At least 12 people have been killed and 150 injured by the security forces. The prospect of a return to military rule, with its repression, violence and tyranny, looms over Sudan. But it’s not too late to stop it. Extensive popular protest, combined with concerted international pressure, could force the generals to step back. The counterrevolution can still be reversed. The most obvious recent comparison, from the region’s many similar experiences, is far from promising: After a revolution in 2011, Egypt’s democratic transition was cut short by a coup led by Gen. Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. But other uprisings, in Tunisia in 2011 and in Burkina Faso in 2014, have managed to avoid a return to military rule. (The Tunisian president’s recent assumption of executive power and suspension of Parliament, though troubling, was undertaken without help from the military.) In all cases, the most decisive factor in whether a coup succeeded was the scale of the popular response. In Egypt, it was notably lacking. By mid-2013 the revolutionary coalition had fractured, with many members of the secularist wing openly backing the military. Supporters of the democratic government, including the Muslim Brotherhood, did mobilize in response to the coup, but their protests were unable to force the generals to relinquish power. In Burkina Faso, the opposite was true. A year after the uprising, old regime officers attempted a coup — and were met with a fierce revolutionary response, including mass protests and strikes. The generals returned power to civilians a week later. In Tunisia, some activists clamored for military intervention in the summer of 2013. But most of the main revolutionary parties and movements resisted the temptation to turn to the military, and a coup never materialized. There are reasons for hope in Sudan. For one, the fissures in the revolutionary coalition don’t seem to be nearly as severe as they were in Egypt. The coup appears to be supported by only a small number of parties and ex-rebel groups in the Forces of Freedom and Change, which led the civilian branch of the transitional government. The week before the coup, a sit-in at the presidential palace calling for military intervention drew limited numbers and was at least partly manufactured by the military itself. Instead, the coup has been fiercely denounced by most of Sudan’s revolutionaries. Leaders from the Sudanese Professionals Association, an umbrella group of labor unions, have used their widely followed social media platforms to call for peaceful protests. Others, including rebel leaders such as Abdul Wahid al-Nur and Abdel Aziz al-Hilu, have done the same. Crucially, Sudanese citizens have answered. Protests erupted on the day of the coup, and since then there have been widespread work closures and civil disobedience campaigns. Many of the neighborhood resistance committees that organized local protests during the uprising have regathered. Activists are now planning for a nationwide protest on Saturday, which will demonstrate the full extent of opposition to the coup. But protest alone may be insufficient. Threats of punitive action from influential foreign allies are vital, too. In the absence of a strong international response, counterrevolutionaries often feel emboldened to stay the course. The United States’ response to the 2013 coup in Egypt, for example, was tepid at best, and there is even evidence that some senior U.S. officials quietly encouraged Mr. el-Sisi to act. Little wonder he took no notice of calls to step down. Again, the signs in Sudan are more encouraging. Many foreign powers have forcefully condemned the coup and the United Nations Security Council, which includes China and Russia, expressed serious concern. The United States backed up its strong words by suspending $700 million in foreign aid, something the European Union has threatened to emulate. Perhaps predictably, the statements issued by Gulf countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have been far weaker. The United States should do its utmost to avoid the mistakes it made in Egypt and lead the way. Cutting off aid is a promising first step but more is needed, such as sanctions that target the coup leaders directly. Washington must also use its alliances with Gulf powers to halt any support, not least financial, the coup leaders may receive from these governments. Together, protest and geopolitics could combine to reverse the coup. A strong showing of popular discontent on Saturday would significantly increase the pressure on wavering generals — after all, it was the mass protests and sit-in of June 2019 that persuaded the military to begin a transition to civilian rule. If coupled with firm pressure from abroad, the generals may be convinced to back down. The prospects for democracy in Sudan certainly look grimmer today than they did a week ago. But all is not yet lost.

This Is how to stop the coup in Sudan

Embattled Chinese real estate firm Evergrande has narrowly averted catastrophic default by making an interest payment for an offshore bond, Reuters reported quoting sources. Evergrande is reeling under debt of more than $300 billion. The firm was once China's top-selling developer.

A default by Evergrande has the potential to disrupt Chinese economy, with a possible spillover into global economy. Failure to pay interest by the Friday deadline would have triggered cross-defaults on all of Evergrande's $19 billion worth of bonds.

The Reuters report said it could not determine the source of the funds used to make the interest payments. Bloomberg News had reported earlier this week that Chinese authorities had urged Evergrande's founder, Hui Ka Yan, to pay the developer's debts out of his personal wealth.

Shares of Evergrande gave up early gains to fall about 0.8% by late morning on Friday, versus a 0.3% decline in the Hang Seng Index. The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index fell about 0.9%, while an index of developers' mainland A-shares dropped 3.6%.

Prices of the developer's bonds jumped higher on Friday, with its 11.5% January 2023 bond surging more than 9%, and its 12% January 2024 bond up nearly 8% on the day, data from Duration Finance showed.

That still left them trading at discounts of more than 75% from their face value, with the 2023 bond yielding nearly 190%.

One bondholder said he maintained a negative outlook for the developer despite it making the coupon payment.

"I only think they are buying time at this point," the bondholder said.

Evergrande missed coupon payments totalling nearly $280 million on its dollar bonds on Sept. 23, Sept. 29 and Oct. 11, beginning 30-day grace periods for each.

It still has nearly $338 million in other offshore coupon payments coming due in November and December.

The New York Times earlier <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/10/28/business/news-business-stock-market ">reported </a>that the developer made an interest payment, citing a person speaking on condition of anonymity.

"Evergrande has tried its best to solve liquidity problems, but it's a little bit difficult to gather enough capital to pay all the debt," said Cliff Zhao, chief strategist at China Construction Bank International in Hong Kong.

"I think there (will) be some negotiations between Evergrande and its lenders, so some sort of haircut is still possible. The market still needs some time to digest and to price this in."

(With inputs from agencies)

Embattled Chinese real estate firm Evergrande has narrowly averted catastrophic default by making an interest payment for an offshore bond, Reuters reported quoting sources.

Embattled Chinese real estate firm Evergrande has narrowly averted catastrophic default by making an interest payment for an offshore bond, Reuters reported quoting sources. Evergrande is reeling under debt of more than $300 billion. The firm was once China's top-selling developer. A default by Evergrande has the potential to disrupt Chinese economy, with a possible spillover into global economy. Failure to pay interest by the Friday deadline would have triggered cross-defaults on all of Evergrande's $19 billion worth of bonds. The Reuters report said it could not determine the source of the funds used to make the interest payments. Bloomberg News had reported earlier this week that Chinese authorities had urged Evergrande's founder, Hui Ka Yan, to pay the developer's debts out of his personal wealth. Shares of Evergrande gave up early gains to fall about 0.8% by late morning on Friday, versus a 0.3% decline in the Hang Seng Index. The Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index fell about 0.9%, while an index of developers' mainland A-shares dropped 3.6%. Prices of the developer's bonds jumped higher on Friday, with its 11.5% January 2023 bond surging more than 9%, and its 12% January 2024 bond up nearly 8% on the day, data from Duration Finance showed. That still left them trading at discounts of more than 75% from their face value, with the 2023 bond yielding nearly 190%. One bondholder said he maintained a negative outlook for the developer despite it making the coupon payment. "I only think they are buying time at this point," the bondholder said. Evergrande missed coupon payments totalling nearly $280 million on its dollar bonds on Sept. 23, Sept. 29 and Oct. 11, beginning 30-day grace periods for each. It still has nearly $338 million in other offshore coupon payments coming due in November and December. The New York Times earlier reported that the developer made an interest payment, citing a person speaking on condition of anonymity. "Evergrande has tried its best to solve liquidity problems, but it's a little bit difficult to gather enough capital to pay all the debt," said Cliff Zhao, chief strategist at China Construction Bank International in Hong Kong. "I think there (will) be some negotiations between Evergrande and its lenders, so some sort of haircut is still possible. The market still needs some time to digest and to price this in." (With inputs from agencies)

Evergrande makes crucial interest payment: Report

We've all been through this:&nbsp;we wake up around 3 am and before we realise, our mind is flooded with thoughts about past, people, incidents and more. More often than not, these memories are unpleasant. We think our problems are unsolvable. And thus our mind gets dragged on and on into a vortex of thoughts.&nbsp;

When such a thing happens, it seems like we are the only ones in this world to ponder over endless things. But this experience is more common than we think.

Science tells us why this happens. Psychologists are pointing at the neurobiological changes that take place around 3 or 4 am.

Around this time in the night, the core body temperature starts to rise. Since we are already a bit rested, the body's drive to sleep more is reduced. Melatonin (the sleep hormone) secretion peaks. And as the body is preparing to launch us into the day, levels of Cortisol (a stress hormone) are increased.

At 3 am, we are not left with any practical coping strategies. For example, a misunderstanding with someone can just be cleared by calling that person. But it's possible only during the day.

We are thus left in the dark with our thoughts, and problems appear unsolvable.

When we are awake, we are in a situation to find possible solutions to our predicaments. But 3 am thoughts indeed catch us off guard.

We've all been through this: we wake up around 3 am and before we realise, our mind is flooded with thoughts about past, people, incidents and more. More often than not, these memories are unpleasant.

We've all been through this: we wake up around 3 am and before we realise, our mind is flooded with thoughts about past, people, incidents and more. More often than not, these memories are unpleasant. We think our problems are unsolvable. And thus our mind gets dragged on and on into a vortex of thoughts. When such a thing happens, it seems like we are the only ones in this world to ponder over endless things. But this experience is more common than we think. Science tells us why this happens. Psychologists are pointing at the neurobiological changes that take place around 3 or 4 am. Around this time in the night, the core body temperature starts to rise. Since we are already a bit rested, the body's drive to sleep more is reduced. Melatonin (the sleep hormone) secretion peaks. And as the body is preparing to launch us into the day, levels of Cortisol (a stress hormone) are increased. At 3 am, we are not left with any practical coping strategies. For example, a misunderstanding with someone can just be cleared by calling that person. But it's possible only during the day. We are thus left in the dark with our thoughts, and problems appear unsolvable. When we are awake, we are in a situation to find possible solutions to our predicaments. But 3 am thoughts indeed catch us off guard.

Why do we wake up at 3 am and think negative thoughts? Science has answer

An American woman jailed in 2015 with her boyfriend for&nbsp;murdering her mother and stuffing the remains in a&nbsp;suitcase&nbsp;on the Indonesian island of Bali was released from prison on Friday after serving a chunk of her 10-year sentence.

Swarmed by reporters, Heather Mack left Bali's Kerobokan prison early on Friday. She did not say anything. Her lawyer, Yulius Benyamin Seran, who was not seen with Mack, declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

Arrested in 2014 in a case that captured global attention due to its grisly nature, Tommy Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years for premeditated&nbsp;murder, while Mack received a 10-year sentence for being an accessory to&nbsp;murder.

Kerobokan prison chief for women inmates Lili said on Friday that Mack was given a 34-month remission. She said Mack was religious and participated in fashion and dance activities in prison.

Lawyer Yulius told AFP in August that Mack would be deported back to the U.S. upon her release.

Mack and Schaefer's case was investigated by Indonesian authorities for four months, along with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In 2015, Schaefer, then 21, said in court he had killed Sheila von Wiese-Mack in self-defence in the St. Regis Hotel in Bali after she attacked him in anger because she objected to the couple's relationship.

Mack was 19 at the time of sentencing in 2015.

Von Wiese-Mack's body was found at the hotel with bruises on her arms and broken fingers. Evidence submitted to court included CCTV footage showing Schaefer and Heather Mack speaking to a taxi driver after dropping the bloodied&nbsp;suitcase.

Mack and her mother had a troubled relationship and von Wiese-Mack had frequently reported that her daughter punched and bit her, according to police reports cited by Chicago media.

An American woman jailed in 2015 with her boyfriend for murdering her mother and stuffing the remains in a suitcase on the Indonesian island of Bali was released from prison on Friday after serving a chunk of her 10-year sentence.

An American woman jailed in 2015 with her boyfriend for murdering her mother and stuffing the remains in a suitcase on the Indonesian island of Bali was released from prison on Friday after serving a chunk of her 10-year sentence. Swarmed by reporters, Heather Mack left Bali's Kerobokan prison early on Friday. She did not say anything. Her lawyer, Yulius Benyamin Seran, who was not seen with Mack, declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. Arrested in 2014 in a case that captured global attention due to its grisly nature, Tommy Schaefer was sentenced to 18 years for premeditated murder, while Mack received a 10-year sentence for being an accessory to murder. Kerobokan prison chief for women inmates Lili said on Friday that Mack was given a 34-month remission. She said Mack was religious and participated in fashion and dance activities in prison. Lawyer Yulius told AFP in August that Mack would be deported back to the U.S. upon her release. Mack and Schaefer's case was investigated by Indonesian authorities for four months, along with the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 2015, Schaefer, then 21, said in court he had killed Sheila von Wiese-Mack in self-defence in the St. Regis Hotel in Bali after she attacked him in anger because she objected to the couple's relationship. Mack was 19 at the time of sentencing in 2015. Von Wiese-Mack's body was found at the hotel with bruises on her arms and broken fingers. Evidence submitted to court included CCTV footage showing Schaefer and Heather Mack speaking to a taxi driver after dropping the bloodied suitcase. Mack and her mother had a troubled relationship and von Wiese-Mack had frequently reported that her daughter punched and bit her, according to police reports cited by Chicago media.

US woman who assisted Bali 'suitcase' murder released from jail

Government formation talks in the Netherlands on Friday became the longest on record, 226 days after the March 17 elections delivered a fractured political landscape that made parties more reluctant than ever to compromise.

Dutch government coalitions often take months to form, but this year's post-election talks have been especially drawn out. For months, parties failed to even move beyond the question of who would be allowed at the negotiation table.

Meanwhile, pressing matters such as climate change, health care and the strained housing market have been left untouched.

"It's remarkable," said political historian and cabinet formation expert Carla van Baalen. "We have never seen a situation in which no real talks were held for months following the elections."

Talks came to a standstill shortly after the elections as parties tried to mend relations following a failed no-confidence vote in Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

As efforts to bring other parties to the table failed, the four parties that have governed the Netherlands since 2017 finally agreed to try to extend their coalition last month, but no real progress has been reported since.

The lack of fully-functioning government does not seem to have hurt the Dutch economy. It has rebounded strongly from a COVID-19 slump and boasts one of the strongest growth rates in Europe.

But pressing longer-term problems are being neglected as long as the coalition remains in caretaker status.

"Only urgent problems, such as immediate measures to fight COVID-19, are addressed", Van Baalen said.

The March elections were won by the conservative VVD party led by Rutte, who has been Prime Minister since 2010. But with only 22% of the vote, Rutte needs the support of at least three junior partners to secure a majority in parliament.

Party leaders were expected to grasp the nettle during a three-day retreat that started last Wednesday, but as they convened Rutte made it clear that a compromise was still not in sight.

"We'll have more talks next week, and probably in the week after too", Rutte said. "There is still a lot of work to do."

Government formation talks in the Netherlands on Friday became the longest on record, 226 days after the March 17 elections delivered a fractured political landscape that made parties more reluctant than ever to compromise.

Government formation talks in the Netherlands on Friday became the longest on record, 226 days after the March 17 elections delivered a fractured political landscape that made parties more reluctant than ever to compromise. Dutch government coalitions often take months to form, but this year's post-election talks have been especially drawn out. For months, parties failed to even move beyond the question of who would be allowed at the negotiation table. Meanwhile, pressing matters such as climate change, health care and the strained housing market have been left untouched. "It's remarkable," said political historian and cabinet formation expert Carla van Baalen. "We have never seen a situation in which no real talks were held for months following the elections." Talks came to a standstill shortly after the elections as parties tried to mend relations following a failed no-confidence vote in Prime Minister Mark Rutte. As efforts to bring other parties to the table failed, the four parties that have governed the Netherlands since 2017 finally agreed to try to extend their coalition last month, but no real progress has been reported since. The lack of fully-functioning government does not seem to have hurt the Dutch economy. It has rebounded strongly from a COVID-19 slump and boasts one of the strongest growth rates in Europe. But pressing longer-term problems are being neglected as long as the coalition remains in caretaker status. "Only urgent problems, such as immediate measures to fight COVID-19, are addressed", Van Baalen said. The March elections were won by the conservative VVD party led by Rutte, who has been Prime Minister since 2010. But with only 22% of the vote, Rutte needs the support of at least three junior partners to secure a majority in parliament. Party leaders were expected to grasp the nettle during a three-day retreat that started last Wednesday, but as they convened Rutte made it clear that a compromise was still not in sight. "We'll have more talks next week, and probably in the week after too", Rutte said. "There is still a lot of work to do."

Why rush? Dutch government formation talks drag on for record 226 days

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has steered the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is on course to serve a second five-year term as head of the World Health Organization (WHO) after being the only candidate nominated by 28 countries.

Tedros, a former health and foreign minister of Ethiopia, was the first African elected WHO director-general in May 2017.

The clean slate for the May election comes even as the European Commission suspending funding to WHO programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo over a major sexual abuse scandal, as reported exclusively by Reuters on Thursday.

Some 83 aid workers, a quarter of them employed by the WHO, were involved in sexual exploitation and abuse during Congo's 2018-2020 Ebola epidemic, an independent probe said last month.

Health ministers from the WHO's 194 member states are also due to hold an exceptional assembly in November amid mounting pressure for reform pursuant to the organisation's handling of the pandemic.

Tedros drew support from France and Germany, among other European Union members, and three African countries - Botswana, Kenya and Rwanda - the official nomination list showed. Britain, China, Russia and the United States were not among them.

"WHO can announce that a single candidate was proposed by member states by the 23 September 2021 deadline: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is the incumbent director-general," the agency said in a statement. The nominations were kept secret to limit lengthy campaigning.

Earlier, the agency sent a letter to member states informing them of the confidential nominations contained in the sealed envelopes submitted by the deadline

Ethiopia declined to nominate Tedros for a second term due to friction over the conflict in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, making it necessary for other countries to step in and do so.

The issue is so sensitive that the African Union has not even discussed the appointment, including at its latest summit this month, African diplomats said.

Tedros has led the global response to COVID-19, the worst public health crisis in a century, which broke out in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and has killed 5.2 million people.

The United States, under former President Donald Trump, accused him of being "China-centric", a charge he denies.

Relations have warmed since Joe Biden's administration took office in January.

But he annoyed China with public calls in July for it to share Wuhan lab audits and provide more data on early COVID-19 cases. WHO investigators have yet to regain access to the country to probe the origins of coronavirus.

"STAYING POWER"

The United States and Germany have led major donors in demanding fundamental reforms to the WHO's structure, financing and capacity to deal with outbreaks.

The European Commission informed the WHO on Oct. 7 that it was immediately suspending funding to its Congo programmes due to concerns over its handling of the sexual abuse scandal. Tedros went to Congo 14 times during the epidemic but says that he was unaware of the allegations.

"We have received the (EU) letter and we are now considering a response," WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris told a briefing on Friday.

A European source, asked whether the Congo scandal could have an impact on Tedros' re-election, said: "Nope. He personally is taking the right steps and measures. As long as there is not a direct link to him. Which I don’t see."

An African ambassador in Geneva, declining to be identified, said: “Dr. Tedros has done a very good job dealing with a severe pandemic with severe repercussions. He has tried to contribute within the capacity and the resources of WHO and to realize a more equitable distribution of vaccines at the global level."

“He is a friend of Africa, he has done a lot of work and deserves a lot of support," the ambassador said.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, speaking at a news briefing with Tedros on Thursday, where the WHO launched a $23.4 billion plan to bring COVID-19 vaccines and drugs to poorer countries, told him:

"I wish you all luck in your endeavour and I salute your staying power and your ability to keep focus on this agenda, servicing your broad membership and the whole world."

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has steered the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is on course to serve a second five-year term as head of the World Health Organization (WHO) after being the only candidate nominated by 28 countries.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who has steered the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic, is on course to serve a second five-year term as head of the World Health Organization (WHO) after being the only candidate nominated by 28 countries. Tedros, a former health and foreign minister of Ethiopia, was the first African elected WHO director-general in May 2017. The clean slate for the May election comes even as the European Commission suspending funding to WHO programmes in the Democratic Republic of Congo over a major sexual abuse scandal, as reported exclusively by Reuters on Thursday. Some 83 aid workers, a quarter of them employed by the WHO, were involved in sexual exploitation and abuse during Congo's 2018-2020 Ebola epidemic, an independent probe said last month. Health ministers from the WHO's 194 member states are also due to hold an exceptional assembly in November amid mounting pressure for reform pursuant to the organisation's handling of the pandemic. Tedros drew support from France and Germany, among other European Union members, and three African countries - Botswana, Kenya and Rwanda - the official nomination list showed. Britain, China, Russia and the United States were not among them. "WHO can announce that a single candidate was proposed by member states by the 23 September 2021 deadline: Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, who is the incumbent director-general," the agency said in a statement. The nominations were kept secret to limit lengthy campaigning. Earlier, the agency sent a letter to member states informing them of the confidential nominations contained in the sealed envelopes submitted by the deadline Ethiopia declined to nominate Tedros for a second term due to friction over the conflict in the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia, making it necessary for other countries to step in and do so. The issue is so sensitive that the African Union has not even discussed the appointment, including at its latest summit this month, African diplomats said. Tedros has led the global response to COVID-19, the worst public health crisis in a century, which broke out in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019 and has killed 5.2 million people. The United States, under former President Donald Trump, accused him of being "China-centric", a charge he denies. Relations have warmed since Joe Biden's administration took office in January. But he annoyed China with public calls in July for it to share Wuhan lab audits and provide more data on early COVID-19 cases. WHO investigators have yet to regain access to the country to probe the origins of coronavirus. "STAYING POWER" The United States and Germany have led major donors in demanding fundamental reforms to the WHO's structure, financing and capacity to deal with outbreaks. The European Commission informed the WHO on Oct. 7 that it was immediately suspending funding to its Congo programmes due to concerns over its handling of the sexual abuse scandal. Tedros went to Congo 14 times during the epidemic but says that he was unaware of the allegations. "We have received the (EU) letter and we are now considering a response," WHO spokesperson Margaret Harris told a briefing on Friday. A European source, asked whether the Congo scandal could have an impact on Tedros' re-election, said: "Nope. He personally is taking the right steps and measures. As long as there is not a direct link to him. Which I don’t see." An African ambassador in Geneva, declining to be identified, said: “Dr. Tedros has done a very good job dealing with a severe pandemic with severe repercussions. He has tried to contribute within the capacity and the resources of WHO and to realize a more equitable distribution of vaccines at the global level." “He is a friend of Africa, he has done a lot of work and deserves a lot of support," the ambassador said. Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, speaking at a news briefing with Tedros on Thursday, where the WHO launched a $23.4 billion plan to bring COVID-19 vaccines and drugs to poorer countries, told him: "I wish you all luck in your endeavour and I salute your staying power and your ability to keep focus on this agenda, servicing your broad membership and the whole world."

Tedros sole nominee as WHO chief, UN agency says

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