Fuel shortages have forced some aid groups to suspend food distribution in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region, where famine stalks hundreds of thousands of people, the UN said.

Some 14 fuel trucks are stranded in Afar region, home to the only viable land route into Tigray, despite having been granted permission to proceed, the UN's humanitarian coordination office said in a report released late Thursday.

"Due to the severe shortages of fuel, several humanitarian partners were forced to significantly reduce or suspend their activities," it in a weekly situation report for the year-long conflict in northern Ethiopia.

"Since 11 October, out of the seven main active food partners, for instance, at least three have already [been] forced to cease food distribution. The other four will also have to cease distribution outside of Mekele within one week if fuel is not received."

Tigray erupted in conflict last November after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).

The 2019 Nobel Peace laureate said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps and promised a swift victory.

But by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including its capital Mekele.

Since then Tigray has been under what the UN describes as a de facto humanitarian blockade. 
Despite a communications blackout, AFP has documented starvation deaths in multiple parts of the region, citing internal documents from aid groups active there.

The UN said last week the number of young children hospitalised due to severe malnutrition between February and August was double the number recorded during the same period last year.

Some 2.5 percent of screened children were diagnosed with severe malnutrition during the past week, the UN said Thursday, up from 2.3 percent the week before.

Thursday's report also noted that during the week ending October 13, only 52,000 people in Tigray received food assistance, or one percent of the 5.2 million that aid groups are targeting.

"To reach 5.2 million people with food assistance within a six-week cycle, partners are expected to assist at least 870,000 people on average per week," the report said.

With the TPLF in control of most of Tigray, fighting has recently been concentrated to the south in Amhara region.

But this week Ethiopia's government launched at least four air strikes in Mekele, killing three children and injuring other civilians, according to the UN.

The government says the campaign is targeting rebel facilities.

Fuel shortages have forced some aid groups to suspend food distribution in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region, where famine stalks hundreds of thousands of people, the UN said.

Fuel shortages have forced some aid groups to suspend food distribution in Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region, where famine stalks hundreds of thousands of people, the UN said. Some 14 fuel trucks are stranded in Afar region, home to the only viable land route into Tigray, despite having been granted permission to proceed, the UN's humanitarian coordination office said in a report released late Thursday. "Due to the severe shortages of fuel, several humanitarian partners were forced to significantly reduce or suspend their activities," it in a weekly situation report for the year-long conflict in northern Ethiopia. "Since 11 October, out of the seven main active food partners, for instance, at least three have already [been] forced to cease food distribution. The other four will also have to cease distribution outside of Mekele within one week if fuel is not received." Tigray erupted in conflict last November after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sent troops to topple the region's former ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). The 2019 Nobel Peace laureate said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on army camps and promised a swift victory. But by late June the TPLF had regrouped and retaken most of the region including its capital Mekele. Since then Tigray has been under what the UN describes as a de facto humanitarian blockade. Despite a communications blackout, AFP has documented starvation deaths in multiple parts of the region, citing internal documents from aid groups active there. The UN said last week the number of young children hospitalised due to severe malnutrition between February and August was double the number recorded during the same period last year. Some 2.5 percent of screened children were diagnosed with severe malnutrition during the past week, the UN said Thursday, up from 2.3 percent the week before. Thursday's report also noted that during the week ending October 13, only 52,000 people in Tigray received food assistance, or one percent of the 5.2 million that aid groups are targeting. "To reach 5.2 million people with food assistance within a six-week cycle, partners are expected to assist at least 870,000 people on average per week," the report said. With the TPLF in control of most of Tigray, fighting has recently been concentrated to the south in Amhara region. But this week Ethiopia's government launched at least four air strikes in Mekele, killing three children and injuring other civilians, according to the UN. The government says the campaign is targeting rebel facilities.

Fuel shortages block food aid in famine-threatened Tigray: UN

Einar, one of Sweden's most popular rappers, was shot dead in Stockholm late on Thursday, heightening outrage over gang-related violence that has afflicted the Nordic country in recent years.

Einar, 19, whose real name was Nils Gronberg, was killed in the upmarket Stockholm suburb of Hammarby Sjostad, and no arrests had been made so far. In a previous incident last year, Einar was abducted and assaulted by rival rappers.

"A young life has been extinguished, and I understand that he meant a lot to many young people. It is tragic," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told TT.

Gronberg, who made his debut at 16, issued four albums, had tens of millions of streams on music platforms and won several Swedish Grammys and other awards.

Last year, he was kidnapped and beaten up by rival rappers with ties to a Stockholm crime gang. Several people, including Yasin Byn, another of Sweden's most successful rappers, were given prison terms for their role in the kidnapping.

Johan Forsell, law and order spokesperson for the main Moderates opposition party, said it was time to put an end to gang violence in Sweden.

"The limits of what can be accepted in a civilized country have been passed a very long time ago," he wrote on Twitter. "We need action not words to turn the tide and get Sweden in order."

Sweden has suffered gang-violence for years and gone from having one of the lowest rates of gun crime in Europe to having one of the highest over the past two decades.

Einar, one of Sweden's most popular rappers, was shot dead in Stockholm late on Thursday, heightening outrage over gang-related violence that has afflicted the Nordic country in recent years.

Einar, one of Sweden's most popular rappers, was shot dead in Stockholm late on Thursday, heightening outrage over gang-related violence that has afflicted the Nordic country in recent years. Einar, 19, whose real name was Nils Gronberg, was killed in the upmarket Stockholm suburb of Hammarby Sjostad, and no arrests had been made so far. In a previous incident last year, Einar was abducted and assaulted by rival rappers. "A young life has been extinguished, and I understand that he meant a lot to many young people. It is tragic," Prime Minister Stefan Lofven told TT. Gronberg, who made his debut at 16, issued four albums, had tens of millions of streams on music platforms and won several Swedish Grammys and other awards. Last year, he was kidnapped and beaten up by rival rappers with ties to a Stockholm crime gang. Several people, including Yasin Byn, another of Sweden's most successful rappers, were given prison terms for their role in the kidnapping. Johan Forsell, law and order spokesperson for the main Moderates opposition party, said it was time to put an end to gang violence in Sweden. "The limits of what can be accepted in a civilized country have been passed a very long time ago," he wrote on Twitter. "We need action not words to turn the tide and get Sweden in order." Sweden has suffered gang-violence for years and gone from having one of the lowest rates of gun crime in Europe to having one of the highest over the past two decades.

Swedish rapper shot dead, stoking outrage over gang violence

China, on Friday, warned Slovakia and Czech Republic ahead of a visit to both countries by Taiwan's foreign minister next week. Beijing said that nobody should harbour any illusions about "necessary measures" China would take to defend its sovereignty.

China, which claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, is always angered by visits of senior Taiwanese officials to other countries, viewing it as covert support for the island's claims to be a state.

Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is due to visit Slovakia and Czech Republic next week. In Slovakia, He will first attend a forum organised by a local think tank. He will go to Prague and will meet Milos Vystrcil, speaker of Czech parliament's upper house.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said they would be watching Wu's "scuttling about" closely.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-compromise-on-sovereignty-act-with-caution-over-taiwan-china-warns-us-422916">'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US</a>

Asked if China will make steps against the Czechs and Slovaks, he said China "will take proper and necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. No one should have illusions about this".

Wang did not elaborate.

China is already in a dispute with Lithuania after it agreed with Taiwan to open de facto embassies in each other's capitals.

Both China and Lithuania have recalled their envoys to the respective countries.

Taiwan has diplomatic ties with no European countries apart from the Vatican City.

Due to Chinese pressure many countries are unwilling to host senior Taiwanese ministers, though Wu visited Denmark in 2019 to speak at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit.

China has ramped up its military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan to force it to accept Chinese sovereignty.

Taiwan says it is an independent country with a right to be treated as such internationally, and that it will defend itself from China if attacked.

(With inputs from agencies)

China, on Friday, warned Slovakia and Czech Republic ahead of a visit to both countries by Taiwan's foreign minister next week. Beijing said that nobody should harbour any illusions about "necessary measures" China would take to defend its sovereignty.

China, on Friday, warned Slovakia and Czech Republic ahead of a visit to both countries by Taiwan's foreign minister next week. Beijing said that nobody should harbour any illusions about "necessary measures" China would take to defend its sovereignty. China, which claims democratically-ruled Taiwan as its own territory, is always angered by visits of senior Taiwanese officials to other countries, viewing it as covert support for the island's claims to be a state. Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu is due to visit Slovakia and Czech Republic next week. In Slovakia, He will first attend a forum organised by a local think tank. He will go to Prague and will meet Milos Vystrcil, speaker of Czech parliament's upper house. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said they would be watching Wu's "scuttling about" closely. Also Read | 'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US Asked if China will make steps against the Czechs and Slovaks, he said China "will take proper and necessary measures to firmly defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity. No one should have illusions about this". Wang did not elaborate. China is already in a dispute with Lithuania after it agreed with Taiwan to open de facto embassies in each other's capitals. Both China and Lithuania have recalled their envoys to the respective countries. Taiwan has diplomatic ties with no European countries apart from the Vatican City. Due to Chinese pressure many countries are unwilling to host senior Taiwanese ministers, though Wu visited Denmark in 2019 to speak at the Copenhagen Democracy Summit. China has ramped up its military and diplomatic pressure against Taiwan to force it to accept Chinese sovereignty. Taiwan says it is an independent country with a right to be treated as such internationally, and that it will defend itself from China if attacked. (With inputs from agencies)

China warns Slovakia, Czech Republic over Taiwan minister visit

Forty-three countries called on China to "ensure full respect for the rule of law" for the Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.The statement was made at the United Nations on Thursday. The statement sparked outrage from Beijing. The statement has been signed by the United States along with several European and Asian member states and other countries.

The declaration accused China of human rights violations against the Uyghurs, including torture, forced sterilization and forced disappearances.

"We call on China to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and her office," the countries said in a joint statement, read at the United Nations by France.

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"We are particularly concerned about the situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region," the statement continued, citing "credible" reports that "indicate the existence of a large network of 'political reeducation' camps where over a million people have been arbitrarily detained."

China has long denied accusations of ethnic cleansing.

Its ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun furiously denounced Thursday what he termed the "lies" and "a plot to hurt China".

"Xinjiang enjoys development and the people are emancipating themselves every day and are proud of the progress made," he said.

And while Zhang told media that China was willing to host a "friendly" visit to the region, he did not agree to an inquiry by the UN human rights commissioner.&nbsp;

He accused Washington, Paris and London of having a "terrible human rights record."&nbsp;

In a statement to media, Beijing accused the US for "inhumane ethnic cleansing" against Native Americans and accused France of committing "crimes against humanity" in its former colonies.&nbsp;

Similar declarations in 2019 and 2020 condemned China for its policies in Xinjiang, where United States has accused Beijing of carrying out genocide.&nbsp;

China has in response upped pressure on UN member states not to support the declarations, according to diplomats.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Forty-three countries called on China to "ensure full respect for the rule of law" for the Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.The statement was made at the United Nations on Thursday.

Forty-three countries called on China to "ensure full respect for the rule of law" for the Muslim Uyghurs in Xinjiang.The statement was made at the United Nations on Thursday. The statement sparked outrage from Beijing. The statement has been signed by the United States along with several European and Asian member states and other countries. The declaration accused China of human rights violations against the Uyghurs, including torture, forced sterilization and forced disappearances. "We call on China to allow immediate, meaningful and unfettered access to Xinjiang for independent observers, including the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and her office," the countries said in a joint statement, read at the United Nations by France. Also Read | 'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US "We are particularly concerned about the situation in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region," the statement continued, citing "credible" reports that "indicate the existence of a large network of 'political reeducation' camps where over a million people have been arbitrarily detained." China has long denied accusations of ethnic cleansing. Its ambassador to the United Nations Zhang Jun furiously denounced Thursday what he termed the "lies" and "a plot to hurt China". "Xinjiang enjoys development and the people are emancipating themselves every day and are proud of the progress made," he said. And while Zhang told media that China was willing to host a "friendly" visit to the region, he did not agree to an inquiry by the UN human rights commissioner. He accused Washington, Paris and London of having a "terrible human rights record." In a statement to media, Beijing accused the US for "inhumane ethnic cleansing" against Native Americans and accused France of committing "crimes against humanity" in its former colonies. Similar declarations in 2019 and 2020 condemned China for its policies in Xinjiang, where United States has accused Beijing of carrying out genocide. China has in response upped pressure on UN member states not to support the declarations, according to diplomats. (With inputs from agencies)

More than 40 countries ask China to respect rights of Uyghurs

We are bombarded with news of global warming each day. We know how the ice caps are melting thereby raising sea levels and affecting local habitat. But a positive news has come from the Pacific Arctic. Scientists have reported cooling for the first time in this region.

This has translated to more retention of ice and return of polar bears.

The merry news has been reported by Sputnik that has quoted a scientist.

"Primarily, we can talk about temperature drop in Chukotka and Alaska, because there, no walruses were this year on the spots [at the shore] that they were occupying for the past 20 years… This is not anomaly, but a return to normalcy. The anomaly was during the past 20 years, during the warming. Now the ice is not that heavy as it was 40 years ago, for example, but close to it. I am happy for walruses and bears, as all of them got a respite," said Anatoly Kochnev as quoted by Sputnik. Kochnev is a researcher at Beringia national park and an expert in sea mammals.

He said that the ice in coastal waters did not melt even in summer. This led to return of walruses.

When there is no ice, polar bears cannot hunt for seals. Retention of ice has meant that seals reappeared and polar bear got their preferred food, Polar bears prefer to hunt seals than walruses. However, if ice recedes, polar bears are forced to hunt for seals.

Polar bear is an endangered animal and cooling of Pacific Arctic region is surely is good sign.

We are bombarded with news of global warming each day. We know how the ice caps are melting thereby raising sea levels and affecting local habitat. But a positive news has come from the Pacific Arctic.

We are bombarded with news of global warming each day. We know how the ice caps are melting thereby raising sea levels and affecting local habitat. But a positive news has come from the Pacific Arctic. Scientists have reported cooling for the first time in this region. This has translated to more retention of ice and return of polar bears. The merry news has been reported by Sputnik that has quoted a scientist. "Primarily, we can talk about temperature drop in Chukotka and Alaska, because there, no walruses were this year on the spots [at the shore] that they were occupying for the past 20 years… This is not anomaly, but a return to normalcy. The anomaly was during the past 20 years, during the warming. Now the ice is not that heavy as it was 40 years ago, for example, but close to it. I am happy for walruses and bears, as all of them got a respite," said Anatoly Kochnev as quoted by Sputnik. Kochnev is a researcher at Beringia national park and an expert in sea mammals. He said that the ice in coastal waters did not melt even in summer. This led to return of walruses. When there is no ice, polar bears cannot hunt for seals. Retention of ice has meant that seals reappeared and polar bear got their preferred food, Polar bears prefer to hunt seals than walruses. However, if ice recedes, polar bears are forced to hunt for seals. Polar bear is an endangered animal and cooling of Pacific Arctic region is surely is good sign.

Polar bears return to Pacific Arctic for first time in 20 years

Stock markets across globe got a boost after the news of troubled Chinese real-estate firm Evergrande making&nbsp;a surprise offshore interest payment a day before the weekend deadline. Breach of the deadline would have seen Evergrande plunging into a formal default.

"Equity markets are back on the rise as investors shrug off their recent concerns," noted Geir Lode at investment manager Federated Hermes. He was quoted by AFP.

Evergrande is a major real estate firm in China and carries USD 300 billion&nbsp;in debt. It has missed several bond interest payment deadlines recently and fears of default has kept global investors on&nbsp;edge. Since real estate sector forms a major part of Chinese economy there are fears that Evergrande's default would spill into the global economy.

On Friday, Evergrande's share price jumped more than four percent in Hong Kong, though that came a day after a drop of more than 12 percent sparked by its announcement that the planned sale of its property services unit had fallen through.

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Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index rose 0.4% and closed at 26,126.9 points. China's blue-chip CSI300 index closed at 0.6% higher, while the Shanghai Composite Index erased earlier gains to end the session 0.3% lower.

In Japan, The benchmark Nikkei 225 index added 0.34 percent or 96.27 points to 28,804.85, a weekly loss of 0.91 percent.

The broader Topix index edged up 0.07 percent or 1.42 points to 2,002.23. Over the week, it declined 1.07 percent.

Though interest payment by Evergrande gave brief respite market watchers said it was unlikely that the company would be able to repay all interest and that the rebound was likely to be limited.

(With inputs from agencies)

Stock markets across globe got a boost after the news of troubled Chinese real-estate firm Evergrande making a surprise offshore interest payment a day before the weekend deadline.

Stock markets across globe got a boost after the news of troubled Chinese real-estate firm Evergrande making a surprise offshore interest payment a day before the weekend deadline. Breach of the deadline would have seen Evergrande plunging into a formal default. "Equity markets are back on the rise as investors shrug off their recent concerns," noted Geir Lode at investment manager Federated Hermes. He was quoted by AFP. Evergrande is a major real estate firm in China and carries USD 300 billion in debt. It has missed several bond interest payment deadlines recently and fears of default has kept global investors on edge. Since real estate sector forms a major part of Chinese economy there are fears that Evergrande's default would spill into the global economy. On Friday, Evergrande's share price jumped more than four percent in Hong Kong, though that came a day after a drop of more than 12 percent sparked by its announcement that the planned sale of its property services unit had fallen through. Also Read | Harambe the gorilla's statue stands in the way of Charging Bull on Wall Street Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index rose 0.4% and closed at 26,126.9 points. China's blue-chip CSI300 index closed at 0.6% higher, while the Shanghai Composite Index erased earlier gains to end the session 0.3% lower. In Japan, The benchmark Nikkei 225 index added 0.34 percent or 96.27 points to 28,804.85, a weekly loss of 0.91 percent. The broader Topix index edged up 0.07 percent or 1.42 points to 2,002.23. Over the week, it declined 1.07 percent. Though interest payment by Evergrande gave brief respite market watchers said it was unlikely that the company would be able to repay all interest and that the rebound was likely to be limited. (With inputs from agencies)

Surprise interest payment from Evergrande boosts global markets

An explosion resulted in a major power outage in Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday. Though the cause of the blast was not known, it came as another blow to Taliban's efforts to stabilise situation in the country two months after they seized control.

The blast is a sign that anti-Taliban militants are using Taliban's tactics against them.

Afghanistan largely relies on electricity imported from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The cross-country power lines are vulnerable to insurgent attacks.&nbsp;

"Moments ago, an explosion blew up a power pylon in Qala Murad Beg area of Kabul province, cutting off a 220 kV imported power line," the Breshna power company said in a message to customers.&nbsp;

"As a result the electricity transmission was cut off in Kabul and some other provinces."

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As the power went down at about 6:00 pm (1330 GMT), lights flickered and went dark in Kabul -- home to more than 4.5 million people -- and private generators kicked into operation at businesses and wealthier residences.

Taliban, during its 20 decade fight with the US forces it regularly attacked power infrastructure.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/international-community-worried-over-pakistani-nukes-falling-into-talibans-hand-422868">International community worried over Pakistani nukes falling into Taliban's hand</a>

But after seizing power in mid-August the movement has faced in its turn often deadly bomb attacks from fellow hardliners the Islamic State group.

In its message, Breshna said it had sent engineers to the area, just to the north of the capital city, "and when the situation allows, they will start repairing the connection".

(With inputs from agencies)

An explosion resulted in a major power outage in Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday. Though the cause of the blast was not known, it came as another blow to Taliban's efforts to stabilise situation in the country two months after they seized control.

An explosion resulted in a major power outage in Afghan capital Kabul on Thursday. Though the cause of the blast was not known, it came as another blow to Taliban's efforts to stabilise situation in the country two months after they seized control. The blast is a sign that anti-Taliban militants are using Taliban's tactics against them. Afghanistan largely relies on electricity imported from Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. The cross-country power lines are vulnerable to insurgent attacks. "Moments ago, an explosion blew up a power pylon in Qala Murad Beg area of Kabul province, cutting off a 220 kV imported power line," the Breshna power company said in a message to customers. "As a result the electricity transmission was cut off in Kabul and some other provinces." Also Read | Opinion: Afghan Women hostage under Taliban rule despite promises As the power went down at about 6:00 pm (1330 GMT), lights flickered and went dark in Kabul -- home to more than 4.5 million people -- and private generators kicked into operation at businesses and wealthier residences. Taliban, during its 20 decade fight with the US forces it regularly attacked power infrastructure. Also Read | International community worried over Pakistani nukes falling into Taliban's hand But after seizing power in mid-August the movement has faced in its turn often deadly bomb attacks from fellow hardliners the Islamic State group. In its message, Breshna said it had sent engineers to the area, just to the north of the capital city, "and when the situation allows, they will start repairing the connection". (With inputs from agencies)

Explosion causes major power outage in Kabul

Melbourne residents flocked to the city's pubs, restaurants and hair salons in the early hours of Friday after the world's most locked-down city emerged from its latest spate of restrictions designed to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Australia's second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world.

Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, last year went through 234 straight days of lockdown.

In Melbourne, people were seen cheering and clapping from their balconies, while cars honked horns continuously at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday when lockdown restrictions in place since early August ended.

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Many venues, including food outlets and even haircutters, opened at the unusual hour for the occasion.

Josh Mihan, owner of The Bearded Man barber shop in Melbourne, told Reuters he is nearly booked out for the next month and he is encouraging customers to make appointments for Christmas.

"We all love cutting hair and being on the floor is such a lovely feeling, being around people," he said. "I have urged our customer base, make sure you have booked in your Christmas cut."

Similar jubilant scenes were seen in the country's largest city, Sydney, almost two weeks ago, when authorities started easing restrictions as COVID-19 vaccination rates rose.

Just over 70% of adults in Australia are now fully vaccinated and many residents are planning to fly overseas again as international border restrictions start to ease from November&nbsp;

From Nov. 1, fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer need to quarantine.

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Qantas Airways Ltd said on Friday that it would speed up plans to restart flights to many destinations and upsize some planes amid "massive demand".

Qantas said it would launch a new route from Sydney to Delhi in early December and bring forward plans for flights to Singapore, Fiji, Johannesburg, Bangkok and Phuket.

"This is a wonderful day - Australia is ready for take-off," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said shortly after the Qantas announcement.

A quarantine-free travel bubble between Australia and Singapore could operate from next month, Morrison said, if an agreement is reached as expected.

A LONG LOCKDOWN

Even with Delta outbreaks across Australia's southeast from late June, coronavirus numbers are still far lower than those of many comparable nations, with some 152,000 cases and 1,590 deaths.

The state of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, reported 2,189 new local COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths on Friday, making it the centre of the Delta outbreak in Australia.

Daily cases in New South Wales, home to Sydney where the Delta variant was first detected in June, dropped slightly to 345. The state recorded a further five deaths.

With a once-stuttering vaccine rollout gaining momentum, authorities no longer plan to rely on extended lockdowns to suppress the virus.

It has been an arduous period, especially for those in Melbourne running a business.

"We've been open for a year, and this is our fourth lockdown. It's been very difficult," said David Boyle, the head chef at the up-market Farmer’s Daughters restaurant in Melbourne.

Under more relaxed rules, restaurants and cafes can reopen with up to 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors - all of whom must be vaccinated - while 10 guests can gather at homes. Masks will remain mandatory.

The reopening will be a boost for Australia's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy after recent lockdowns pushed it to the brink of a second recession in as many years.

At Melbourne's once bustling Journal Cafe, waitress Sullivan Kovacs said business was still modest on Friday and that customer numbers would increase once office workers and trades people returned to the city en masse.

"A lot of the traffic comes from people working in the city, and a lot of the tradies haven't gone back to work yet," Kovacs said.

Melbourne residents flocked to the city's pubs, restaurants and hair salons in the early hours of Friday after the world's most locked-down city emerged from its latest spate of restrictions designed to combat the spread of COVID-19.

Melbourne residents flocked to the city's pubs, restaurants and hair salons in the early hours of Friday after the world's most locked-down city emerged from its latest spate of restrictions designed to combat the spread of COVID-19. Australia's second-largest city has so far endured 262 days, or nearly nine months, of restrictions during six separate lockdowns since March 2020, representing the longest cumulative lockdown for any city in the world. Argentina's capital, Buenos Aires, last year went through 234 straight days of lockdown. In Melbourne, people were seen cheering and clapping from their balconies, while cars honked horns continuously at 11:59 p.m. on Thursday when lockdown restrictions in place since early August ended. Also Read | Australian government offering financial aid to victims to seperate from violent partners Many venues, including food outlets and even haircutters, opened at the unusual hour for the occasion. Josh Mihan, owner of The Bearded Man barber shop in Melbourne, told Reuters he is nearly booked out for the next month and he is encouraging customers to make appointments for Christmas. "We all love cutting hair and being on the floor is such a lovely feeling, being around people," he said. "I have urged our customer base, make sure you have booked in your Christmas cut." Similar jubilant scenes were seen in the country's largest city, Sydney, almost two weeks ago, when authorities started easing restrictions as COVID-19 vaccination rates rose. Just over 70% of adults in Australia are now fully vaccinated and many residents are planning to fly overseas again as international border restrictions start to ease from November From Nov. 1, fully vaccinated international travellers arriving in Sydney and Melbourne will no longer need to quarantine. Also Read | Malaysian trans woman says 'safe and free' in Australia Qantas Airways Ltd said on Friday that it would speed up plans to restart flights to many destinations and upsize some planes amid "massive demand". Qantas said it would launch a new route from Sydney to Delhi in early December and bring forward plans for flights to Singapore, Fiji, Johannesburg, Bangkok and Phuket. "This is a wonderful day - Australia is ready for take-off," Prime Minister Scott Morrison said shortly after the Qantas announcement. A quarantine-free travel bubble between Australia and Singapore could operate from next month, Morrison said, if an agreement is reached as expected. A LONG LOCKDOWN Even with Delta outbreaks across Australia's southeast from late June, coronavirus numbers are still far lower than those of many comparable nations, with some 152,000 cases and 1,590 deaths. The state of Victoria, of which Melbourne is the capital, reported 2,189 new local COVID-19 cases and 16 deaths on Friday, making it the centre of the Delta outbreak in Australia. Daily cases in New South Wales, home to Sydney where the Delta variant was first detected in June, dropped slightly to 345. The state recorded a further five deaths. With a once-stuttering vaccine rollout gaining momentum, authorities no longer plan to rely on extended lockdowns to suppress the virus. It has been an arduous period, especially for those in Melbourne running a business. "We've been open for a year, and this is our fourth lockdown. It's been very difficult," said David Boyle, the head chef at the up-market Farmer’s Daughters restaurant in Melbourne. Under more relaxed rules, restaurants and cafes can reopen with up to 20 people indoors and 50 outdoors - all of whom must be vaccinated - while 10 guests can gather at homes. Masks will remain mandatory. The reopening will be a boost for Australia's A$2 trillion ($1.5 trillion) economy after recent lockdowns pushed it to the brink of a second recession in as many years. At Melbourne's once bustling Journal Cafe, waitress Sullivan Kovacs said business was still modest on Friday and that customer numbers would increase once office workers and trades people returned to the city en masse. "A lot of the traffic comes from people working in the city, and a lot of the tradies haven't gone back to work yet," Kovacs said.

Melbourne reopens as world's most locked-down city eases pandemic restrictions

USA's hypersonic weapons program suffered a setback as a booster rocket carrying a hypersonic weapon failed during the test. US was testing its hypersonic weapons just days after a similar test by China.

USA's test The test was intended to validate aspects of one of the Pentagon's hypersonic glide vehicles in development, two of the people said.

Hypersonic glide vehicles are launched from a rocket in the upper atmosphere before gliding to a target at speeds of more than five times the speed of sound, or about 3,853 miles (6,200 kilometers) per hour.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/boyfriend-wanted-in-murder-of-us-blogger-gabby-petito-found-dead-422920">Boyfriend wanted in murder of US blogger Gabby Petito found dead</a>

The United States and its global rivals have quickened their pace to build hypersonic weapons - the next generation of arms that rob adversaries of reaction time and traditional defeat mechanisms.

US President Joe Biden has already expressed concern over Chinese hypersonic missiles.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-compromise-on-sovereignty-act-with-caution-over-taiwan-china-warns-us-422916">'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US</a>

Glide bodies are different from their air-breathing hypersonic weapon cousins which use scramjet engine technology and the vehicle's high speed to forcibly compress incoming air before combustion to enable sustained flight at hypersonic speeds. An air-breathing hypersonic weapon was successfully tested in September.

Companies such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies are working to develop the hypersonic weapon capability for the United States.

(With inputs from agencies)

USA's hypersonic weapons program suffered a setback as a booster rocket carrying a hypersonic weapon failed during the test. US was testing its hypersonic weapons just days after a similar test by China.

USA's hypersonic weapons program suffered a setback as a booster rocket carrying a hypersonic weapon failed during the test. US was testing its hypersonic weapons just days after a similar test by China. USA's test The test was intended to validate aspects of one of the Pentagon's hypersonic glide vehicles in development, two of the people said. Hypersonic glide vehicles are launched from a rocket in the upper atmosphere before gliding to a target at speeds of more than five times the speed of sound, or about 3,853 miles (6,200 kilometers) per hour. Also Read | Boyfriend wanted in murder of US blogger Gabby Petito found dead The United States and its global rivals have quickened their pace to build hypersonic weapons - the next generation of arms that rob adversaries of reaction time and traditional defeat mechanisms. US President Joe Biden has already expressed concern over Chinese hypersonic missiles. Also Read | 'No compromise on sovereignty, act with caution over Taiwan': China warns US Glide bodies are different from their air-breathing hypersonic weapon cousins which use scramjet engine technology and the vehicle's high speed to forcibly compress incoming air before combustion to enable sustained flight at hypersonic speeds. An air-breathing hypersonic weapon was successfully tested in September. Companies such as Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies are working to develop the hypersonic weapon capability for the United States. (With inputs from agencies)

US hypersonic weapons test suffers setback due to rocket failure

Incumbent rulers are often hated by citizens in most countries but New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been an exception so far. From working even when pregnant to successfully managing&nbsp;pandemic situation in the country, she is often hailed as an ideal political leader.

She is in news again for continuing her live speech even when an earthquake interrupted the proceedings. She paused briefly, but then continued her address to the nation on coronavirus.

Wellington and nearby areas were shaken by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre 35 km (21.75 miles) south-west of Taumarunui in central North Island, according to Geonet. While the shaking was felt widely there were no reports of damages or injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude at 5.6.

Ardern briefly grabbed her podium when the shaking began, smiled, and told a reporter asking a question: "Sorry, a slight distraction ... would you mind repeating that question?"

She told reporters at the end of the event that Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, who was also on the stage, was not entirely convinced it was an earthquake and wondered if it was just strong wind blowing.

New Zealand often experiences weak to medium intensity earthquakes as it lies on the seismically active "Ring of Fire", a 40,000-km (24,855-mile) arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean.

The city of Christchurch is still recovering from a 6.3 magnitude quake in 2011 that killed 185 people.

In 2016, a 7.8 magnitude tremor hit the South Island town of Kaikoura, killing two and causing billions of dollars worth of damage, including in the capital Wellington, which is on North Island.

(With inputs from agencies)

Incumbent rulers are often hated by citizens in most countries but New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been an exception so far. From working even when pregnant to successfully managing pandemic situation in the country, she is often hailed as an ideal political leader.

Incumbent rulers are often hated by citizens in most countries but New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has been an exception so far. From working even when pregnant to successfully managing pandemic situation in the country, she is often hailed as an ideal political leader. She is in news again for continuing her live speech even when an earthquake interrupted the proceedings. She paused briefly, but then continued her address to the nation on coronavirus. Wellington and nearby areas were shaken by a 5.9 magnitude earthquake with the epicentre 35 km (21.75 miles) south-west of Taumarunui in central North Island, according to Geonet. While the shaking was felt widely there were no reports of damages or injuries. The U.S. Geological Survey put the magnitude at 5.6. Ardern briefly grabbed her podium when the shaking began, smiled, and told a reporter asking a question: "Sorry, a slight distraction ... would you mind repeating that question?" She told reporters at the end of the event that Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson, who was also on the stage, was not entirely convinced it was an earthquake and wondered if it was just strong wind blowing. New Zealand often experiences weak to medium intensity earthquakes as it lies on the seismically active "Ring of Fire", a 40,000-km (24,855-mile) arc of volcanoes and ocean trenches girdling much of the Pacific Ocean. The city of Christchurch is still recovering from a 6.3 magnitude quake in 2011 that killed 185 people. In 2016, a 7.8 magnitude tremor hit the South Island town of Kaikoura, killing two and causing billions of dollars worth of damage, including in the capital Wellington, which is on North Island. (With inputs from agencies)

New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern continues live speech even after earthquake

Brian Laundrie, the boyfriend wanted in US blogger Gabby Petito's murder has been found dead. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday (October 21) that human remains found in Florida were identified through dental records as belonging to Laundrie. The remains were found in Florida wilderness park.

The partial human remains were found on October 20 in a swampy area. The officials were searching for Laundrie after his family reported him missing in mid-September.

Laundrie, 23, had been named a "person of interest" in Petito's death but was never criminally charged.

The FBI released a statement on Thursday that it also posted to its official Twitter account, entitled: "Human Remains Found at Carlton Reserve Confirmed as those of Brian Laundrie".

Petito's disappearance last month during a cross-country road trip with Laundrie captivated the country, first as an internet sensation and then as a tabloid mystery.

Petito, 22, had last been seen alive on August 26th. Her body was discovered near the remote Spread Creek Dispersed Campground in Bridger-Teton National Forest in western Wyoming. Medical examiners found that she had been strangled.

Petito and Laundrie, who lived with Laundrie's parents in North Port on Florida's west coast, embarked on their trip in early July from New York's Long Island, where they had both attended high school.

As they traveled through Kansas, Colorado, Utah and points west, Petito documented their "van life" on social media with videos and pictures that depicted a loving couple having an American adventure.

She posted her final photo to Instagram on Aug. 25, the same day she last spoke to her mother by phone.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Brian Laundrie, the boyfriend wanted in US blogger Gabby Petito's murder has been found dead. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday (October 21) that human remains found in Florida were identified through dental records as belonging to Laundrie.

Brian Laundrie, the boyfriend wanted in US blogger Gabby Petito's murder has been found dead. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said on Thursday (October 21) that human remains found in Florida were identified through dental records as belonging to Laundrie. The remains were found in Florida wilderness park. The partial human remains were found on October 20 in a swampy area. The officials were searching for Laundrie after his family reported him missing in mid-September. Laundrie, 23, had been named a "person of interest" in Petito's death but was never criminally charged. The FBI released a statement on Thursday that it also posted to its official Twitter account, entitled: "Human Remains Found at Carlton Reserve Confirmed as those of Brian Laundrie". Petito's disappearance last month during a cross-country road trip with Laundrie captivated the country, first as an internet sensation and then as a tabloid mystery. Petito, 22, had last been seen alive on August 26th. Her body was discovered near the remote Spread Creek Dispersed Campground in Bridger-Teton National Forest in western Wyoming. Medical examiners found that she had been strangled. Petito and Laundrie, who lived with Laundrie's parents in North Port on Florida's west coast, embarked on their trip in early July from New York's Long Island, where they had both attended high school. As they traveled through Kansas, Colorado, Utah and points west, Petito documented their "van life" on social media with videos and pictures that depicted a loving couple having an American adventure. She posted her final photo to Instagram on Aug. 25, the same day she last spoke to her mother by phone. (With inputs from agencies)

Boyfriend wanted in murder of US blogger Gabby Petito found dead

The quickening pace of Democratic retirements in the House may be the clearest indication yet that the party’s hopes of maintaining its narrow majority are fading amid President Joe Biden’s sagging approval ratings, ongoing legislative struggles and the prospect of redrawn congressional districts that will put some seats out of reach.

In recent days, Reps. John Yarmuth, D-Ky.; David E. Price, D-N.C.; and Mike Doyle, D-Pa., have announced they will not seek reelection. In all, a dozen House Democrats have said they will retire or seek other offices next year, including powerful lawmakers like Yarmuth, chair of the Budget Committee, and members from the most politically competitive districts, such as Reps. Ron Kind, D-Wis., and Ann Kirkpatrick D-Ariz.

In interviews, the three representatives who most recently announced their retirement said personal issues were paramount in their decisions; they have served 72 years in the House between them. But they also cited three political factors: redistricting before the 2022 elections, Donald Trump’s continued power over Republicans and the rising balkanization of the Democratic Party that they said had made governance increasingly difficult and frustrating.

None of the three expressed concern about any particular bloc in their fractious party, which includes a growing progressive wing, an ardent group of moderates and the pro-business “New Democrats.” Rather, they said they were worried that none of the groups was willing to compromise, leaving two vital pieces of Biden’s agenda — a trillion-dollar infrastructure bill and an ambitious social policy and climate change measure — in limbo.

“That’s the danger I see for our party — these absolute positions emerging,” Doyle said. “It used to be you fought those fights in caucus, but when the caucus made a majority opinion, you moved forward.”

Price, a former political science professor at Duke University, agreed.

“I have a concern that we will have the ability to pull ourselves together, and not fracture among the caucuses the way the Republicans have,” he said.

Democrats face an uphill battle to retain control of Congress. They cannot afford to lose a single seat in the Senate, but they do not face gerrymandered maps there, and vulnerable Republican seats in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Ohio make Democratic gains possible.

In the House, Democrats can afford to lose only three or four seats. The party holding the White House almost always loses seats in midterm elections, and with Biden’s approval rating well under 50%, the historical headwinds look strong. While 10 Republicans have said they will not seek reelection, the GOP sees the recent retirement announcements of prominent and long-serving Democrats as an acknowledgment of defeat.

“These Democrats spent decades accumulating power and seniority in Congress. They wouldn’t give up that power if they felt Democrats were going to hold the majority,” said Mike Berg, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Redistricting will make the Democratic road steeper. David Wasserman, who tracks new district maps for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, said so far, Democratic fears look somewhat overblown; Republican state legislatures have already gerrymandered their maps so severely that they can only go so much further. Republicans appear more intent on shoring up their vulnerable incumbents than destroying Democratic seats, he said.

In contrast, Democratic legislatures, especially in New York and Illinois, may actually produce more partisan maps than their GOP brethren. In all, Wasserman said, Republicans could net up to five seats from new district lines, possibly enough to win the majority but far fewer than the 10-15 seats some Democrats fear.

Nonetheless, the new maps are pushing Democrats toward retirement. Doyle said he expects his district, which was once dominated by the city of Pittsburgh, to expand into more Trump-friendly counties to allow some of his Democratic voters to shore up the swing district now held by Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., who is running for the state’s open Senate seat.

He could still win, Doyle said, but he would have a whole new set of constituents, staff to hire, offices to open and hands to shake. After 26 years in the House, retirement was logical.

Republicans toyed with breaking Yarmuth’s Louisville district into three Republican parts, but that idea is meeting resistance, even from the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

Price also did not personally see a threat, since the Republican Legislature redrawing North Carolina’s map will likely dump more Democratic voters into his district straddling the Research Triangle of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill to make surrounding districts more Republican.

But as those maps become more partisan, the prospect of polarization grows, Price said. Doyle’s retirement opened the door for a considerably more liberal Democrat, Summer Lee, to jump into the race Tuesday, with the backing of Justice Democrats, which has pushed the Democratic Party to the left. An even more Democratic district in the Research Triangle could elect a Democrat to the left of Price.

As for the right, Price said, the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6 “has scarred the House and raised serious questions that I never thought would be raised, about the future of the rule of law, the acceptance of election results, the peaceful transfer of power and the very future of democracy.”

With far-right Republicans such as Reps. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., already calling for Biden’s impeachment, Yarmuth said, “the prospect of serving in the minority is horrifying.”

Still, Yarmuth reserved some of his harshest words for newcomers in his own party. Older members who helped draft the Affordable Care Act; the Dodd-Frank banking regulations in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis; and even President Barack Obama’s climate change bill, although it ultimately failed in the Senate, knew how to compromise, he said.

“The people in the House who have been drawing all the lines are people who have not served in a governing majority,” he said. “They all have come since 2010.”

And all of the newly announced retirees warned their colleagues that failure to pass the infrastructure bill and social policy “reconciliation” measure would be politically disastrous for the Democrats.

“We’re not having trouble getting reconciliation done because of Republicans; it’s because of ourselves,” Doyle said. “While people say they don’t like to watch sausage made, they like to eat the sausage in the end.”

The quickening pace of Democratic retirements in the House may be the clearest indication yet that the party’s hopes of maintaining its narrow majority are fading amid President Joe Biden’s sagging approval ratings, ongoing legislative struggles and the prospect of redrawn congressional districts that will put some seats out of reach.

The quickening pace of Democratic retirements in the House may be the clearest indication yet that the party’s hopes of maintaining its narrow majority are fading amid President Joe Biden’s sagging approval ratings, ongoing legislative struggles and the prospect of redrawn congressional districts that will put some seats out of reach. In recent days, Reps. John Yarmuth, D-Ky.; David E. Price, D-N.C.; and Mike Doyle, D-Pa., have announced they will not seek reelection. In all, a dozen House Democrats have said they will retire or seek other offices next year, including powerful lawmakers like Yarmuth, chair of the Budget Committee, and members from the most politically competitive districts, such as Reps. Ron Kind, D-Wis., and Ann Kirkpatrick D-Ariz. In interviews, the three representatives who most recently announced their retirement said personal issues were paramount in their decisions; they have served 72 years in the House between them. But they also cited three political factors: redistricting before the 2022 elections, Donald Trump’s continued power over Republicans and the rising balkanization of the Democratic Party that they said had made governance increasingly difficult and frustrating. None of the three expressed concern about any particular bloc in their fractious party, which includes a growing progressive wing, an ardent group of moderates and the pro-business “New Democrats.” Rather, they said they were worried that none of the groups was willing to compromise, leaving two vital pieces of Biden’s agenda — a trillion-dollar infrastructure bill and an ambitious social policy and climate change measure — in limbo. “That’s the danger I see for our party — these absolute positions emerging,” Doyle said. “It used to be you fought those fights in caucus, but when the caucus made a majority opinion, you moved forward.” Price, a former political science professor at Duke University, agreed. “I have a concern that we will have the ability to pull ourselves together, and not fracture among the caucuses the way the Republicans have,” he said. Democrats face an uphill battle to retain control of Congress. They cannot afford to lose a single seat in the Senate, but they do not face gerrymandered maps there, and vulnerable Republican seats in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina and Ohio make Democratic gains possible. In the House, Democrats can afford to lose only three or four seats. The party holding the White House almost always loses seats in midterm elections, and with Biden’s approval rating well under 50%, the historical headwinds look strong. While 10 Republicans have said they will not seek reelection, the GOP sees the recent retirement announcements of prominent and long-serving Democrats as an acknowledgment of defeat. “These Democrats spent decades accumulating power and seniority in Congress. They wouldn’t give up that power if they felt Democrats were going to hold the majority,” said Mike Berg, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee. Redistricting will make the Democratic road steeper. David Wasserman, who tracks new district maps for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, said so far, Democratic fears look somewhat overblown; Republican state legislatures have already gerrymandered their maps so severely that they can only go so much further. Republicans appear more intent on shoring up their vulnerable incumbents than destroying Democratic seats, he said. In contrast, Democratic legislatures, especially in New York and Illinois, may actually produce more partisan maps than their GOP brethren. In all, Wasserman said, Republicans could net up to five seats from new district lines, possibly enough to win the majority but far fewer than the 10-15 seats some Democrats fear. Nonetheless, the new maps are pushing Democrats toward retirement. Doyle said he expects his district, which was once dominated by the city of Pittsburgh, to expand into more Trump-friendly counties to allow some of his Democratic voters to shore up the swing district now held by Rep. Conor Lamb, D-Pa., who is running for the state’s open Senate seat. He could still win, Doyle said, but he would have a whole new set of constituents, staff to hire, offices to open and hands to shake. After 26 years in the House, retirement was logical. Republicans toyed with breaking Yarmuth’s Louisville district into three Republican parts, but that idea is meeting resistance, even from the Senate Republican leader, Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. Price also did not personally see a threat, since the Republican Legislature redrawing North Carolina’s map will likely dump more Democratic voters into his district straddling the Research Triangle of Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill to make surrounding districts more Republican. But as those maps become more partisan, the prospect of polarization grows, Price said. Doyle’s retirement opened the door for a considerably more liberal Democrat, Summer Lee, to jump into the race Tuesday, with the backing of Justice Democrats, which has pushed the Democratic Party to the left. An even more Democratic district in the Research Triangle could elect a Democrat to the left of Price. As for the right, Price said, the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6 “has scarred the House and raised serious questions that I never thought would be raised, about the future of the rule of law, the acceptance of election results, the peaceful transfer of power and the very future of democracy.” With far-right Republicans such as Reps. Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., and Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., already calling for Biden’s impeachment, Yarmuth said, “the prospect of serving in the minority is horrifying.” Still, Yarmuth reserved some of his harshest words for newcomers in his own party. Older members who helped draft the Affordable Care Act; the Dodd-Frank banking regulations in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis; and even President Barack Obama’s climate change bill, although it ultimately failed in the Senate, knew how to compromise, he said. “The people in the House who have been drawing all the lines are people who have not served in a governing majority,” he said. “They all have come since 2010.” And all of the newly announced retirees warned their colleagues that failure to pass the infrastructure bill and social policy “reconciliation” measure would be politically disastrous for the Democrats. “We’re not having trouble getting reconciliation done because of Republicans; it’s because of ourselves,” Doyle said. “While people say they don’t like to watch sausage made, they like to eat the sausage in the end.”

House Democratic retirements pile up as party fears losing majority

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