Thailand's playboy King Maha Vajiralongkorn was secretly rushed to hospital after his bodyguard tested positive for coronavirus, reported New York Post. He was rushed to a hospital in Bangkok in early hours of Wednesday. As per media reports, the bodyguard contracted the deadly virus after the king's entourage flew to Thailand recently.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the king's illness is coronavirus related. But employees of the hospital where the king received the treatment were told to remain tightlipped about his illness.

King Vajiralongkorn recently returned to Thailand to mark the fourth anniversary of his father King Bhumibol's death anniversary.

King Vajiralongkorn has a reputation of being a playboy.

he actually spent much of his childhood outside Thailand. He was sent to school in England from ages 13 to 17, before enrolling at military college in Australia until 1976.

Despite his military training, there were questions of whether the prince was fit to rule. Rumors of gambling, womanizing, and associating with illegal businesses reported plagued the prince's reputation.

A few years ago he had been photographed cycling in a crop top in Switzerland and Germany. When a photo of the king was posted on Facebook he threatened to sue the company, saying the images were insulting.

After his father passed away in October 2016, the prince ascended Thailand's throne and became King Rama X, the 10th monarch of his royal house.

He has been married four times and has 20 mistresses. He has assets worth 43 billion dollars under his control.

Thailand's playboy King Maha Vajiralongkorn was secretly rushed to hospital after his bodyguard tested positive for coronavirus, reported New York Post. He was rushed to a hospital in Bangkok in early hours of Wednesday.

Thailand's playboy King Maha Vajiralongkorn was secretly rushed to hospital after his bodyguard tested positive for coronavirus, reported New York Post. He was rushed to a hospital in Bangkok in early hours of Wednesday. As per media reports, the bodyguard contracted the deadly virus after the king's entourage flew to Thailand recently. It has not yet been confirmed whether the king's illness is coronavirus related. But employees of the hospital where the king received the treatment were told to remain tightlipped about his illness. King Vajiralongkorn recently returned to Thailand to mark the fourth anniversary of his father King Bhumibol's death anniversary. King Vajiralongkorn has a reputation of being a playboy. he actually spent much of his childhood outside Thailand. He was sent to school in England from ages 13 to 17, before enrolling at military college in Australia until 1976. Despite his military training, there were questions of whether the prince was fit to rule. Rumors of gambling, womanizing, and associating with illegal businesses reported plagued the prince's reputation. A few years ago he had been photographed cycling in a crop top in Switzerland and Germany. When a photo of the king was posted on Facebook he threatened to sue the company, saying the images were insulting. After his father passed away in October 2016, the prince ascended Thailand's throne and became King Rama X, the 10th monarch of his royal house. He has been married four times and has 20 mistresses. He has assets worth 43 billion dollars under his control.

Thailand's playboy king rushed to hospital after bodyguard's positive COVID test

Pakistan, the country ranked among the most dangerous for journalists in past, has seen another scribe go missing. Pakistan's Geo News said that its senior reporter, Ali Imran Syed went missing on Friday (October 23). The reporter, who left his house to go to a bakery did not return even after many hours. His family told Geo News that Imran Ali Syed left his phone in his house before heading out. His car was parked outside his house at the time of the disappearance.

The police have been informed of Ali&nbsp;Imran Syed's disappearance.

Other media reports suggest that the disappearance of Syed has come just days after he obtained video footage of Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law being arrested from a hotel in Karachi.

Captain Safdar, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law, was arrested and released earlier this week. Nawaz Sharif, who is in UK for medical treatment, condemned this and told reporters that there was a 'state above state' in Pakistan. The reference was taken to be aimed at Pakistan Army.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-still-not-implementing-financial-sanction-on-un-listed-terrorists-fatf-">Pak still not implementing financial sanction on UN-listed terrorists: FATF</a>

Journalists in Pakistan have always been under threat. The mysterious disappearances or even killing of journalists has had many pointing fingers at Pakistani establishment. This has been especially true when journalist criticising the establishment have disappeared mysteriously.

In May this year, editor of an ethnic Baloch news website was found dead in Sweden. Sajid Hussain, the journalist, was forced to flee Pakistan in 2012 after he got death threats. Soon after he was found dead, BBC reported that a press freedom charity had pointed fingers at Pakistani intelligence for Hussain's death.

Again in July, a prominent Pakistani journalist who raised voice against Pakistani establishment went missing. Matuiullah Jan, who went missing from Islamabad, had previously been attacked in 2017.

In an interview to an American NGO, Committee to Protect Journalists, in February, Jan said that his broadcast career turned south after a military spokesman publicly displayed his name and photo on a list of journalists who were accused of distributing anti-state propaganda.

Pakistan, the country ranked among the most dangerous for journalists in past, has seen another scribe go missing. Pakistan's Geo News said that its senior reporter, Ali Imran Syed went missing on Friday (October 23).

Pakistan, the country ranked among the most dangerous for journalists in past, has seen another scribe go missing. Pakistan's Geo News said that its senior reporter, Ali Imran Syed went missing on Friday (October 23). The reporter, who left his house to go to a bakery did not return even after many hours. His family told Geo News that Imran Ali Syed left his phone in his house before heading out. His car was parked outside his house at the time of the disappearance. The police have been informed of Ali Imran Syed's disappearance. Other media reports suggest that the disappearance of Syed has come just days after he obtained video footage of Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law being arrested from a hotel in Karachi. Captain Safdar, former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's son-in-law, was arrested and released earlier this week. Nawaz Sharif, who is in UK for medical treatment, condemned this and told reporters that there was a 'state above state' in Pakistan. The reference was taken to be aimed at Pakistan Army. Also Read | Pak still not implementing financial sanction on UN-listed terrorists: FATF Journalists in Pakistan have always been under threat. The mysterious disappearances or even killing of journalists has had many pointing fingers at Pakistani establishment. This has been especially true when journalist criticising the establishment have disappeared mysteriously. In May this year, editor of an ethnic Baloch news website was found dead in Sweden. Sajid Hussain, the journalist, was forced to flee Pakistan in 2012 after he got death threats. Soon after he was found dead, BBC reported that a press freedom charity had pointed fingers at Pakistani intelligence for Hussain's death. Again in July, a prominent Pakistani journalist who raised voice against Pakistani establishment went missing. Matuiullah Jan, who went missing from Islamabad, had previously been attacked in 2017. In an interview to an American NGO, Committee to Protect Journalists, in February, Jan said that his broadcast career turned south after a military spokesman publicly displayed his name and photo on a list of journalists who were accused of distributing anti-state propaganda.

Another journalist goes missing in Pakistan

Senior officials of the Trump administration said on Saturday that the US was closely watching the situation surrounding India-China standoff in Ladakh and would want to ensure that the situation does not escalate. This has come ahead of the 2+2 dialogue between India and USA.

In an online briefing, the officials said that the US welcomed India's involvement in Southeast Asia as well as in the South China Sea.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark Esper are due to come to India for 2+2 dialogue next week. They will meet India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar.

On Friday, US State Department said that it was important to work with "like-minded" countries like India to counter China's increasing aggressive behaviour.

Speaking at the Washington Foreign Press Center, a US administration official said, "And as the United States, Japan, Australia, and India (QUAD) are getting together to cooperate on one issue or another, if there are other countries that want to participate in those discussions or those activities, the door is always open."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-us-22-talks-esper-pompeo-to-also-meet-nsa-ajit-doval-and-pm-modi-337586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"Secretary Pompeo and Minister Jaishankar, along with their Japanese and Australian counterparts, met in Tokyo on October 6th for the second Quad meeting of foreign ministers. Given China`s increasingly aggressive behavior across the India-Pacific from the Himalayas to the South China Sea, it`s more important than ever that we work with like-minded partners such as India."&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/its-official-india-and-usa-will-hold-22-dialogue-next-week-337003">It's official: India and USA will hold 2+2 dialogue next week</a> 
 
Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is the informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia. Earlier this week, India had announced the participation of Australia in the upcoming Malabar exercise alongside the US and Japan.

Talking to media persons, the State Department official said the foundational concept behind the Quad is one of the vibrant democracies working together towards a common vision of a free and open India-Pacific region.&nbsp;

(With ANI inputs)

Senior officials of the Trump administration said on Saturday that the US was closely watching the situation surrounding India-China standoff in Ladakh and would want to ensure that the situation does not escalate.

Senior officials of the Trump administration said on Saturday that the US was closely watching the situation surrounding India-China standoff in Ladakh and would want to ensure that the situation does not escalate. This has come ahead of the 2+2 dialogue between India and USA. In an online briefing, the officials said that the US welcomed India's involvement in Southeast Asia as well as in the South China Sea. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Secretary of Defence Mark Esper are due to come to India for 2+2 dialogue next week. They will meet India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Foreign Minister S Jaishankar. On Friday, US State Department said that it was important to work with "like-minded" countries like India to counter China's increasing aggressive behaviour. Speaking at the Washington Foreign Press Center, a US administration official said, "And as the United States, Japan, Australia, and India (QUAD) are getting together to cooperate on one issue or another, if there are other countries that want to participate in those discussions or those activities, the door is always open." × "Secretary Pompeo and Minister Jaishankar, along with their Japanese and Australian counterparts, met in Tokyo on October 6th for the second Quad meeting of foreign ministers. Given China`s increasingly aggressive behavior across the India-Pacific from the Himalayas to the South China Sea, it`s more important than ever that we work with like-minded partners such as India." Also Read | It's official: India and USA will hold 2+2 dialogue next week Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is the informal strategic dialogue between India, USA, Japan and Australia. Earlier this week, India had announced the participation of Australia in the upcoming Malabar exercise alongside the US and Japan. Talking to media persons, the State Department official said the foundational concept behind the Quad is one of the vibrant democracies working together towards a common vision of a free and open India-Pacific region. (With ANI inputs)

US wants to ensure India-China standoff doesn't escalate

Donald Trump and Joe Biden both hit the campaign trail soon after the presidential debate. Donald Trump held rallies in Florida while Joe Biden gave a speech in Delaware. Both of them lashed out at each other with Trump downplaying the threat of coroanavirus pandemic and Joe Biden trying to corner him on the same issue questioning Trump's leadership.

Florida is an important state and has often decided who wins the presidency. Biden has a firm lead over Trump in the state. Trump held two rallies on Friday

Targeting the politically powerful seniors' vote in Florida, Trump began with a rally in the famous retirement community The Villages, where he told a large crowd that all Biden talks about is "Covid, Covid, Covid" to try and "scare people."

"We're going to quickly end this pandemic, this horrible plague," he said, underlining his consistent message that the virus is on a rapid decline, when in fact case numbers are spiralling upward again, with more than 220,000 Americans already dead.

Referring to Biden's warning of a "dark winter" ahead, Trump countered: "We're not entering a dark winter. We're entering the final turn and approaching the light at the end of the tunnel."

He then pivoted to his own scare tactics, claiming that Biden would let in hordes of illegal immigrants that he said were comprised of "criminals and rapists and even murderers."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-should-trump-be-preaching-india-337570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

"Joe Biden cares more about illegal aliens than he does about senior citizens," he said.

Trump finished his day with a rally in Pensacola, Florida, where he told the cheering crowd that "11 days from now, we're going to win my home state of Florida."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-social-media-labels-presidential-debate-moderator-kristen-welker-as-clear-winner-337469">US election 2020: Social media labels presidential debate moderator Kristen Welker as 'clear winner'</a>

While he is a lifelong New Yorker, Trump changed his residency to Florida during his White House tenure and on Saturday he was to cast his own ballot in West Palm Beach.

The rest of the weekend will see Trump, 74, maintaining the frenetic pace with rallies in North Carolina and Ohio on Saturday, then New Hampshire on Sunday, before a spate of more rallies next week.

Trump said that by November 3 he'll be doing "five or six a day."

'President still doesn't have a plan'

Joe Biden, who remained relatively low-key on the campaign tral till now is ramping up his presence before the voters.

In his home state of Delaware, he gave a speech about economic recovery from the pandemic, slamming Trump's record and vowing -- as Trump has -- that he would provide a safe coronavirus vaccine to all who want it.

"We saw him refuse to take responsibility for a crisis that should have been met with real, presidential leadership," Biden said. "We saw him diminish the pain felt by so many Americans."

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-joe-biden-pledges-free-covid-vaccine-for-everyone-in-the-us-if-elected-337576">US election 2020: Joe Biden pledges free Covid vaccine for ‘everyone’ in the US if elected</a>

"We are more than eight months into the crisis and the president still doesn't have a plan," Biden claimed.&nbsp; 
"He's given up. He quit on you, on your family, on America. He just wants us to grow numb and resigned to the horrors."

On Saturday, Biden will travel to Pennsylvania, which like Florida is in the top tier of battleground states deciding national elections.

Barack Obama, whom Biden served as vice president, will lend his Democratic star power to the campaign on Saturday with a rally in Miami.

Pivot too late?

Trump's campaign has been turned upside down by the coronavirus crisis, which a majority of voters say he has failed to handle well.

In addition to the national disaster, Trump's reelection bid has been hampered throughout by his own erratic and often bad tempered behavior.

At Thursday's final televised debate in Nashville, the president pivoted to the more cheerful, even-keeled leader that aides have long been hoping Americans will see.

Perhaps most startling was the relative civility of the debate compared to the disastrous first showdown last month when Trump continuously shouted Biden down.

This time, Trump called his Democratic opponent "Joe" and even lauded moderator Kristen Welker of NBC News, who had a mute button to keep order.

"I thought I did great," Trump said Friday. "It's two different styles. I can do different styles."

But whether this shift from the usually bruising diet of insults, grievances and conspiracy theories will be enough at this stage -- or whether it will even last the weekend -- is an open question.

Despite the sunnier image, Trump's team had gone into Thursday's debate hoping to damage Biden with a murky and dubiously sourced allegation that he profited from foreign business deals conducted by his son while he was serving in the White House.

The attack largely fizzled, however, when Biden not only parried the accusations but noted that serious questions were mounting around Trump himself, including his holding of a bank account in China and failing to publish his US tax returns.

(With AFP inputs)

Donald Trump and Joe Biden both hit the campaign trail soon after the presidential debate. Donald Trump held rallies in Florida while Joe Biden gave a speech in Delaware.

Donald Trump and Joe Biden both hit the campaign trail soon after the presidential debate. Donald Trump held rallies in Florida while Joe Biden gave a speech in Delaware. Both of them lashed out at each other with Trump downplaying the threat of coroanavirus pandemic and Joe Biden trying to corner him on the same issue questioning Trump's leadership. Florida is an important state and has often decided who wins the presidency. Biden has a firm lead over Trump in the state. Trump held two rallies on Friday Targeting the politically powerful seniors' vote in Florida, Trump began with a rally in the famous retirement community The Villages, where he told a large crowd that all Biden talks about is "Covid, Covid, Covid" to try and "scare people." "We're going to quickly end this pandemic, this horrible plague," he said, underlining his consistent message that the virus is on a rapid decline, when in fact case numbers are spiralling upward again, with more than 220,000 Americans already dead. Referring to Biden's warning of a "dark winter" ahead, Trump countered: "We're not entering a dark winter. We're entering the final turn and approaching the light at the end of the tunnel." He then pivoted to his own scare tactics, claiming that Biden would let in hordes of illegal immigrants that he said were comprised of "criminals and rapists and even murderers." × "Joe Biden cares more about illegal aliens than he does about senior citizens," he said. Trump finished his day with a rally in Pensacola, Florida, where he told the cheering crowd that "11 days from now, we're going to win my home state of Florida." Also Read | US election 2020: Social media labels presidential debate moderator Kristen Welker as 'clear winner' While he is a lifelong New Yorker, Trump changed his residency to Florida during his White House tenure and on Saturday he was to cast his own ballot in West Palm Beach. The rest of the weekend will see Trump, 74, maintaining the frenetic pace with rallies in North Carolina and Ohio on Saturday, then New Hampshire on Sunday, before a spate of more rallies next week. Trump said that by November 3 he'll be doing "five or six a day." 'President still doesn't have a plan' Joe Biden, who remained relatively low-key on the campaign tral till now is ramping up his presence before the voters. In his home state of Delaware, he gave a speech about economic recovery from the pandemic, slamming Trump's record and vowing -- as Trump has -- that he would provide a safe coronavirus vaccine to all who want it. "We saw him refuse to take responsibility for a crisis that should have been met with real, presidential leadership," Biden said. "We saw him diminish the pain felt by so many Americans." Also Read | US election 2020: Joe Biden pledges free Covid vaccine for ‘everyone’ in the US if elected "We are more than eight months into the crisis and the president still doesn't have a plan," Biden claimed. "He's given up. He quit on you, on your family, on America. He just wants us to grow numb and resigned to the horrors." On Saturday, Biden will travel to Pennsylvania, which like Florida is in the top tier of battleground states deciding national elections. Barack Obama, whom Biden served as vice president, will lend his Democratic star power to the campaign on Saturday with a rally in Miami. Pivot too late? Trump's campaign has been turned upside down by the coronavirus crisis, which a majority of voters say he has failed to handle well. In addition to the national disaster, Trump's reelection bid has been hampered throughout by his own erratic and often bad tempered behavior. At Thursday's final televised debate in Nashville, the president pivoted to the more cheerful, even-keeled leader that aides have long been hoping Americans will see. Perhaps most startling was the relative civility of the debate compared to the disastrous first showdown last month when Trump continuously shouted Biden down. This time, Trump called his Democratic opponent "Joe" and even lauded moderator Kristen Welker of NBC News, who had a mute button to keep order. "I thought I did great," Trump said Friday. "It's two different styles. I can do different styles." But whether this shift from the usually bruising diet of insults, grievances and conspiracy theories will be enough at this stage -- or whether it will even last the weekend -- is an open question. Despite the sunnier image, Trump's team had gone into Thursday's debate hoping to damage Biden with a murky and dubiously sourced allegation that he profited from foreign business deals conducted by his son while he was serving in the White House. The attack largely fizzled, however, when Biden not only parried the accusations but noted that serious questions were mounting around Trump himself, including his holding of a bank account in China and failing to publish his US tax returns. (With AFP inputs)

US Election 2020: Trump, Biden press on in the final leg of campaigning

US President Donald Trump, during a discussion on climate change said India was 'filthy'. He squared off against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden in second and final presidential debate in the run up to US Elections 2020.

"We have best carbon emission numbers that we've had in 35 years," he said.

"But here's what we can't do.." he continued,

"..look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia. Look at India. It's filthy," he said with a look of disdain on his face.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-should-trump-be-preaching-india-337570/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Apparently realising what he said. Trump added that the air was filthy. But this quip of his appears likely to be discussed everywhere, including among Indian-American voters in the US.

Donald Trump is known for his hawkish views even on climate change. Under his watch, the US withdrew from Paris accords.

Trump's main contention over years has been that USA must not be forced to bear greater burden as compared to other countries in the world. During the presidential debate, he appeared to reiterate his stance.

"The Paris accords, I took us out because we were going to have to spend trillions of dollars and we were treated very unfairly," said Trump.

Lashing out at previous administrations, Trump said that they did a great 'disservice' by being part of the treaty and alleged that previous governments were going to take away our businesses.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-cannot-guarantee-donald-trump-backtracks-on-covid-19-vaccine-joe-biden-slams-his-approach-337283">'I cannot guarantee': Donald Trump backtracks on COVID-19 vaccine; Joe Biden slams his approach</a>

"I will not sacrifice tens and millions of jobs, thousands and thousands of companies because of the Paris accords," he said.

Donald Trump has been dismissive in past about climate issues. He has also termed climate change and global warming "a hoax".

During the presidential debate Trump said that the harsher limits on USA's carbon emissions would have destroyed American businesses. He decried the lax regulations other countries had to follow.

When asked about his stand on the issue, Joe Biden said that climate change and global warming were 'existential threat' to humanity and that everyone had moral responsibility to tackle it.

He said that he was able to get both,&nbsp;environmental organisations and labour on board over his climate plan and that it would create millions of good-paying jobs for the Americans.

Biden claimed his plans would create more jobs than the one Trump had.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-joe-biden-calls-donald-trumps-immigration-policies-criminal-337306">US election 2020: Joe Biden calls Donald Trump's immigration policies 'criminal'</a>

Trump shot back by saying that BIden's plan was an "economic disaster".

"Do you know who made his plan? AOC plus three," said Trump, apparently referring to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

Biden was smiling on number of occasions when Trump was making his point. When it was his turn to speak,&nbsp;Biden challenged the numbers Trump cited saying "I don't know where he comes up this with these numbers from".

"He is against wind," said Biden as he mentioned that wind and solar energy were one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US.

"(Wind energy) is very expensive, kills a lot of birds," said Trump as Biden burst into laughter.

Trump claimed that the fumes that come up in making wind turbines were dangerous, on which, Biden said "Find me a scientist who says this"

This was the last debate between the presidential candidates. They will square off against each in polls that are due to take place on November 3.

US President Donald Trump, during a discussion on climate change said India was 'filthy'. He squared off against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden in second and final presidential debate in the run up to US Elections 2020.

US President Donald Trump, during a discussion on climate change said India was 'filthy'. He squared off against his Democratic challenger Joe Biden in second and final presidential debate in the run up to US Elections 2020. "We have best carbon emission numbers that we've had in 35 years," he said. "But here's what we can't do.." he continued, "..look at China, how filthy it is. Look at Russia. Look at India. It's filthy," he said with a look of disdain on his face. × Apparently realising what he said. Trump added that the air was filthy. But this quip of his appears likely to be discussed everywhere, including among Indian-American voters in the US. Donald Trump is known for his hawkish views even on climate change. Under his watch, the US withdrew from Paris accords. Trump's main contention over years has been that USA must not be forced to bear greater burden as compared to other countries in the world. During the presidential debate, he appeared to reiterate his stance. "The Paris accords, I took us out because we were going to have to spend trillions of dollars and we were treated very unfairly," said Trump. Lashing out at previous administrations, Trump said that they did a great 'disservice' by being part of the treaty and alleged that previous governments were going to take away our businesses. Also Read | 'I cannot guarantee': Donald Trump backtracks on COVID-19 vaccine; Joe Biden slams his approach "I will not sacrifice tens and millions of jobs, thousands and thousands of companies because of the Paris accords," he said. Donald Trump has been dismissive in past about climate issues. He has also termed climate change and global warming "a hoax". During the presidential debate Trump said that the harsher limits on USA's carbon emissions would have destroyed American businesses. He decried the lax regulations other countries had to follow. When asked about his stand on the issue, Joe Biden said that climate change and global warming were 'existential threat' to humanity and that everyone had moral responsibility to tackle it. He said that he was able to get both, environmental organisations and labour on board over his climate plan and that it would create millions of good-paying jobs for the Americans. Biden claimed his plans would create more jobs than the one Trump had. Also Read | US election 2020: Joe Biden calls Donald Trump's immigration policies 'criminal' Trump shot back by saying that BIden's plan was an "economic disaster". "Do you know who made his plan? AOC plus three," said Trump, apparently referring to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Biden was smiling on number of occasions when Trump was making his point. When it was his turn to speak, Biden challenged the numbers Trump cited saying "I don't know where he comes up this with these numbers from". "He is against wind," said Biden as he mentioned that wind and solar energy were one of the fastest-growing sectors in the US. "(Wind energy) is very expensive, kills a lot of birds," said Trump as Biden burst into laughter. Trump claimed that the fumes that come up in making wind turbines were dangerous, on which, Biden said "Find me a scientist who says this" This was the last debate between the presidential candidates. They will square off against each in polls that are due to take place on November 3.

US elections: Look at Russia, China and India, it's filthy, says Trump on carbon emissions

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea.

US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien accused China of "Illegal" and "unregulated" fishing as well as "harassment" of fishing boats from regional countries.

In a statement, he said that the US Coast Guard "is strategically homeporting significantly enhanced Fast Response Cutters...in the western Pacific." &nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-illegal-distant-water-fishing-destroying-economies-environment-337444">China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment</a> 
 
US has regularly accused China of breaking international law by sending warships to escort Chinese fishing vessels into fishing grounds of other countries.

In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xi-jinping-invokes-chinese-military-takes-thinly-veiled-swipe-at-us-337456">Xi Jinping invokes Chinese military; takes thinly-veiled swipe at US</a> 
 
O'Brien added that the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was also studying whether to permanently station several of its patrol ships in the area of American Samoa in the South Pacific.

Last month, Indonesia protested about an incursion by Chinese coastguard ships in its exclusive economic zone, which is situated between its own territorial waters and international waters and where the state claims exclusive rights to exploit natural resources.

China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia.

(With AFP inputs)

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea.

In a fresh development in tussle between US and China in South China Sea, the US said on Friday that it will deploy coast guard patrol ships in western Pacific Ocean to counter Chinese activities in disputed fishing grounds of South China Sea. US National Security Adviser Robert O'Brien accused China of "Illegal" and "unregulated" fishing as well as "harassment" of fishing boats from regional countries. In a statement, he said that the US Coast Guard "is strategically homeporting significantly enhanced Fast Response Cutters...in the western Pacific." Also Read: China's illegal distant water fishing destroying economies, environment US has regularly accused China of breaking international law by sending warships to escort Chinese fishing vessels into fishing grounds of other countries. In July, US Defense Secretary Mark Esper slammed a "catalog of bad behavior" in the South China Sea over the previous months and accused the Chinese military of having sunk a Vietnamese fishing boat, harassing Malaysian oil and gas development and escorting Chinese fishing fleets into Indonesia's exclusive economic zone. Also Read: Xi Jinping invokes Chinese military; takes thinly-veiled swipe at US O'Brien added that the Coast Guard, which is under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), was also studying whether to permanently station several of its patrol ships in the area of American Samoa in the South Pacific. Last month, Indonesia protested about an incursion by Chinese coastguard ships in its exclusive economic zone, which is situated between its own territorial waters and international waters and where the state claims exclusive rights to exploit natural resources. China claims almost the whole of the South China Sea as its own, a claim contested by several countries including Malaysia, Taiwan,the Philippines, and Indonesia. (With AFP inputs)

US to deploy coast guard to tackle China's 'illegal' fishing in South China Sea

Sudan on Friday became the latest Arab nation to agree to recognize Israel in a diplomatic triumph for President Donald Trump announced days before US elections.

The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed an accord at the White House last month to normalize relations with Israel but Sudan carries added symbolism as an Arab nation that has been at war with Israel.

Trump announced the agreement by Sudan's year-old civilian-backed government moments after he formally moved to end the nation's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, achieving a major objective for Khartoum. 
Reporters were escorted into the Oval Office where Trump was on speakerphone with Sudan's leadership and&nbsp; 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close ally of the embattled Republican president.

"This truly changes the region. It changes the lives of our peoples for the better and allows us to focus on the task of building our nations, building our future," Netanyahu was heard telling Trump.

Trump said that more Arab states are also looking to recognize Israel including regional power Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's two holiest cities.

"We have at least five more that want to come in and we'll have many more than that soon," Trump said in a room packed with visibly happy aides, few of them wearing masks despite the Covid-19 pandemic.

Until last month, the only Arab nations to recognize Israel were Jordan and Egypt -- neighbors of the Jewish state that had made peace after US mediation.

The Palestinian leadership has been outraged at Arab states' willingness to recognize Israel without any progress on establishing a Palestinian state.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' office voiced "condemnation and rejection" of the deal between Sudan and the "Israeli occupation country which usurps Palestinian land."

Economic boon for Sudan

While Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have found common cause with Netanyahu and Trump against Iran, Sudan appears mostly driven by a desperate economic situation that has fueled new protests in recent days. 
Both the United States and Israel committed to building trade with Sudan, an impoverished, conflict-torn nation that had faced years of criticism over its violent internal campaigns until the fall of dictator Omar al-Bashir last year.

In a three-way statement, Sudan and Israel said delegations would meet "in the coming weeks to negotiate agreements of cooperation" including on agriculture, aviation and migration.

"The leaders agreed to the normalization of relations between Sudan and Israel and to end the state of belligerence between their nations," it said, without setting a date.

As part of the deal to get off the terror blacklist, the White House said that Sudan's transitional government had deposited $335 million to compensate survivors and family members of victims of the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania as well as other attacks by Al-Qaeda, which Bashir had welcomed.

Sudan's civilian prime minister, Abdulla Hamdok, thanked Trump over the terror designation and, in the Oval Office, said Sudan was a "tolerant, peace-loving country."

"This decision will open wide the door to Sudan's deserved return to the international community," Hamdok's office said in a statement that did not mention ties with Israel.

Also on the telephone call was Sudan's top general, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who met Netanyahu earlier this year in Uganda.

Days before election

Trump had announced his plan to delist Sudan on Monday through Twitter. But in the days before he formally took action, Israel sent a delegation to Khartoum to discuss normalization. 
Israel is a major cause for evangelical Christians, a crucial voting bloc for Trump as he trails in polls ahead of November 3 elections.

Trump questioned whether the Sudan deal could have been achieved by his Democratic rival Joe Biden, who has supported Israel's reconciliation with Arab states but also promised to pay more attention to the plight of the Palestinians.

Trump said he "took a lot of abuse from people that were unable to make a deal for 40 years, and this has gone very quickly, very nicely, very inexpensively and with no blood."

Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had long enjoyed quiet relations with Israel but a move by Sudan is especially significant in light of the nation's history.

Sudan played a small part in Arab-Israeli wars and, after Israel's decisive victory in 1967, Khartoum was where the Arab League issued its famous "three no's" -- no peace, no recognition and no negotiations with Israel. 
Sudan will be off the terror blacklist, where it was first put in 1993, in 45 days unless Congress passes a resolution to object.

Congress is not expected to block the delisting but it must also approve legislation to grant Sudan immunity from further claims.

Until then, the $335 million will be held in an escrow account.

Sudan on Friday became the latest Arab nation to agree to recognize Israel in a diplomatic triumph for President Donald Trump announced days before US elections.

Sudan on Friday became the latest Arab nation to agree to recognize Israel in a diplomatic triumph for President Donald Trump announced days before US elections. The United Arab Emirates and Bahrain signed an accord at the White House last month to normalize relations with Israel but Sudan carries added symbolism as an Arab nation that has been at war with Israel. Trump announced the agreement by Sudan's year-old civilian-backed government moments after he formally moved to end the nation's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, achieving a major objective for Khartoum. Reporters were escorted into the Oval Office where Trump was on speakerphone with Sudan's leadership and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close ally of the embattled Republican president. "This truly changes the region. It changes the lives of our peoples for the better and allows us to focus on the task of building our nations, building our future," Netanyahu was heard telling Trump. Trump said that more Arab states are also looking to recognize Israel including regional power Saudi Arabia, home to Islam's two holiest cities. "We have at least five more that want to come in and we'll have many more than that soon," Trump said in a room packed with visibly happy aides, few of them wearing masks despite the Covid-19 pandemic. Until last month, the only Arab nations to recognize Israel were Jordan and Egypt -- neighbors of the Jewish state that had made peace after US mediation. The Palestinian leadership has been outraged at Arab states' willingness to recognize Israel without any progress on establishing a Palestinian state. Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' office voiced "condemnation and rejection" of the deal between Sudan and the "Israeli occupation country which usurps Palestinian land." Economic boon for Sudan While Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates have found common cause with Netanyahu and Trump against Iran, Sudan appears mostly driven by a desperate economic situation that has fueled new protests in recent days. Both the United States and Israel committed to building trade with Sudan, an impoverished, conflict-torn nation that had faced years of criticism over its violent internal campaigns until the fall of dictator Omar al-Bashir last year. In a three-way statement, Sudan and Israel said delegations would meet "in the coming weeks to negotiate agreements of cooperation" including on agriculture, aviation and migration. "The leaders agreed to the normalization of relations between Sudan and Israel and to end the state of belligerence between their nations," it said, without setting a date. As part of the deal to get off the terror blacklist, the White House said that Sudan's transitional government had deposited $335 million to compensate survivors and family members of victims of the 1998 bombings of US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania as well as other attacks by Al-Qaeda, which Bashir had welcomed. Sudan's civilian prime minister, Abdulla Hamdok, thanked Trump over the terror designation and, in the Oval Office, said Sudan was a "tolerant, peace-loving country." "This decision will open wide the door to Sudan's deserved return to the international community," Hamdok's office said in a statement that did not mention ties with Israel. Also on the telephone call was Sudan's top general, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who met Netanyahu earlier this year in Uganda. Days before election Trump had announced his plan to delist Sudan on Monday through Twitter. But in the days before he formally took action, Israel sent a delegation to Khartoum to discuss normalization. Israel is a major cause for evangelical Christians, a crucial voting bloc for Trump as he trails in polls ahead of November 3 elections. Trump questioned whether the Sudan deal could have been achieved by his Democratic rival Joe Biden, who has supported Israel's reconciliation with Arab states but also promised to pay more attention to the plight of the Palestinians. Trump said he "took a lot of abuse from people that were unable to make a deal for 40 years, and this has gone very quickly, very nicely, very inexpensively and with no blood." Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had long enjoyed quiet relations with Israel but a move by Sudan is especially significant in light of the nation's history. Sudan played a small part in Arab-Israeli wars and, after Israel's decisive victory in 1967, Khartoum was where the Arab League issued its famous "three no's" -- no peace, no recognition and no negotiations with Israel. Sudan will be off the terror blacklist, where it was first put in 1993, in 45 days unless Congress passes a resolution to object. Congress is not expected to block the delisting but it must also approve legislation to grant Sudan immunity from further claims. Until then, the $335 million will be held in an escrow account.

Sudan to normalize ties with Israel in new breakthrough for Trump

Democrats ground the Senate to a crawl Friday as debate began on confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, unleashing a barrage of dilatory tactics that briefly forced the chamber into an unusual closed session and prompted an acrid partisan brawl.

Lacking the votes to block Barrett’s installation, Democrats hoped to put an indelible stain on her confirmation and brand the process of replacing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as an illegitimate power grab. Their efforts appeared to be squarely aimed at revving up the party’s base just 11 days before the election.

“The Republicans, as we all know, as the nation knows, are running the most partisan, most hypocritical, least legitimate process in the history of Supreme Court nominations,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader. “We are not going to have business as usual.”

After Schumer demanded, unusually, that all members be physically present in the chamber to conduct business, though, Republicans roundly rejected each move. In time, they succeeded in beginning formal debate on Barrett’s nomination and setting the Senate on course for a final confirmation vote Monday.

Most senators were expected to remain in Washington through the weekend to debate Barrett’s nomination, missing some of their last opportunities to campaign in favor of a push to install Trump’s third Supreme Court nominee by Election Day. Democrats promised more delay tactics but conceded they were powerless to actually block or delay the vote.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-election-2020-trump-biden-press-on-in-the-final-leg-of-campaigning-337583">US Election 2020: Trump, Biden press on in the final leg of campaigning</a> 
 
“Might does not make right,” Schumer said again and again, referring to Republicans’ decision to backtrack on earlier promises not to confirm a new justice so close to the election.

Friday’s exchanges, heavy with references to three decades of escalating warfare over the courts, suggested an already polarized Senate was growing only more bitter as Republicans closed in on a singular achievement: a 6-to-3 conservative majority on the nation’s highest court that could well outlast Trump’s presidency or their own Senate majority.

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. and the majority leader, briefly tried to refocus attention on Barrett herself, an appeals court judge in Chicago who, at 48, could serve on the court for decades. Like Democrats, Republicans are counting on the confirmation of a young, conservative judge on the court to excite their base and close a dangerously wide polling gap.

“This outstanding nominee is exceptionally suited for this job — period,” McConnell said. “And I know we all know that.”

Later, after rehashing decades of tit-for-tat confirmation fights with Democrats, he added, “The good news is this: In about 72 hours, I anticipate, we will have a third new justice to the Supreme Court.”

But mostly, Barrett receded to the background as Democrats and Republicans traded complaints and defenses about the confirmation process itself. Democrats trained fury on Republicans for filling the seat at all so close to an election, especially after they refused to fill a similar vacancy in 2016 when President Barack Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland eight months before the election. Then, Republicans insisted that voters should be allowed to have a say in filling the seat.

Democrats began making trouble as soon as the Senate gaveled into session just after noon. When McConnell tried to begin the day’s business, Schumer made an unusual demand: Democrats would insist that a quorum of senators be present to do so. Typically, both parties ignore that requirement, and only a few senators are present at any one time.

By the time the Senate wrapped up business three hours later, he had forced six roll call votes, including on whether to indefinitely delay consideration of the nomination, to send it back to the Judiciary Committee and to adjourn the Senate altogether until after the election. Most of the votes fell along party lines, but Democrats did pick up occasional support from Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, both Republicans, who oppose filling the seat before Election Day.

The decision to go into closed session, though, was the most unusual. Not since 2010 has the Senate met in secret in that way. Cameras that broadcast proceedings in the chamber were shut off. Reporters and even most Senate staff were cleared from the chamber. Senators who remained were sworn to secrecy.

Schumer framed it as a last-ditch effort for senators to have a heart-to-heart discussion about the confirmation process and push off the vote before it was too late.

“The damage to Americans’ faith in these institutions could be lasting,” he said. “So before we go any further, we should shut off the cameras, close the Senate and talk face to face about what this might mean for the country.”

Republicans wanted no such discussion. They voted within a matter of minutes to reopen the proceedings and move ahead with considering Barrett.

“It’s just harassment,” said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. “It’s not about substance.”

But it was left to McConnell, the architect of Republicans’ takeover of the federal courts, to offer a fuller response. Turning away from the cameras to speak directly to Republican members seated at their desks, he offered a selectively curated history of the devolving judicial nominations process in the Senate, reaching back to Democrats’ rejection of Robert Bork, a conservative nominee, in 1987.

McConnell argued that the decision to block Garland had been consistent with history and so was the decision to confirm Barrett because now, unlike then, the same party controls the White House and the Senate. Democrats view the Garland blockade as a serious escalation from which the chamber has not recovered.

“This is not spin. This is fact,” McConnell said. Referring to Democrats, he added, “Every new escalation, every new step, every new shattered precedent — every one of them was initiated over there. No exceptions.”

In a sign of how toxic the relationship between the two leaders had become four years after Schumer assumed his leadership post, McConnell suggested his counterpart was merely reaping what he had sown.

“I hope our colleague from New York is happy with what he’s built,” McConnell said. “I hope he’s happy with where his ingenuity has gotten the Senate.”

Schumer was just as withering.

“We have just heard a tit-for-tat, convoluted version of history that the majority leader uses to justify steering the Senate toward one of the lowest moments in its history,” he said in reply. McConnell’s actions, he added, would “forever defile the Senate.”

Democrats ground the Senate to a crawl Friday as debate began on confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, unleashing a barrage of dilatory tactics that briefly forced the chamber into an unusual closed session and prompted an acrid partisan brawl.

Democrats ground the Senate to a crawl Friday as debate began on confirming Judge Amy Coney Barrett, President Donald Trump’s Supreme Court nominee, unleashing a barrage of dilatory tactics that briefly forced the chamber into an unusual closed session and prompted an acrid partisan brawl. Lacking the votes to block Barrett’s installation, Democrats hoped to put an indelible stain on her confirmation and brand the process of replacing Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as an illegitimate power grab. Their efforts appeared to be squarely aimed at revving up the party’s base just 11 days before the election. “The Republicans, as we all know, as the nation knows, are running the most partisan, most hypocritical, least legitimate process in the history of Supreme Court nominations,” said Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York, the Democratic leader. “We are not going to have business as usual.” After Schumer demanded, unusually, that all members be physically present in the chamber to conduct business, though, Republicans roundly rejected each move. In time, they succeeded in beginning formal debate on Barrett’s nomination and setting the Senate on course for a final confirmation vote Monday. Most senators were expected to remain in Washington through the weekend to debate Barrett’s nomination, missing some of their last opportunities to campaign in favor of a push to install Trump’s third Supreme Court nominee by Election Day. Democrats promised more delay tactics but conceded they were powerless to actually block or delay the vote. Also Read | US Election 2020: Trump, Biden press on in the final leg of campaigning “Might does not make right,” Schumer said again and again, referring to Republicans’ decision to backtrack on earlier promises not to confirm a new justice so close to the election. Friday’s exchanges, heavy with references to three decades of escalating warfare over the courts, suggested an already polarized Senate was growing only more bitter as Republicans closed in on a singular achievement: a 6-to-3 conservative majority on the nation’s highest court that could well outlast Trump’s presidency or their own Senate majority. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. and the majority leader, briefly tried to refocus attention on Barrett herself, an appeals court judge in Chicago who, at 48, could serve on the court for decades. Like Democrats, Republicans are counting on the confirmation of a young, conservative judge on the court to excite their base and close a dangerously wide polling gap. “This outstanding nominee is exceptionally suited for this job — period,” McConnell said. “And I know we all know that.” Later, after rehashing decades of tit-for-tat confirmation fights with Democrats, he added, “The good news is this: In about 72 hours, I anticipate, we will have a third new justice to the Supreme Court.” But mostly, Barrett receded to the background as Democrats and Republicans traded complaints and defenses about the confirmation process itself. Democrats trained fury on Republicans for filling the seat at all so close to an election, especially after they refused to fill a similar vacancy in 2016 when President Barack Obama nominated Judge Merrick Garland eight months before the election. Then, Republicans insisted that voters should be allowed to have a say in filling the seat. Democrats began making trouble as soon as the Senate gaveled into session just after noon. When McConnell tried to begin the day’s business, Schumer made an unusual demand: Democrats would insist that a quorum of senators be present to do so. Typically, both parties ignore that requirement, and only a few senators are present at any one time. By the time the Senate wrapped up business three hours later, he had forced six roll call votes, including on whether to indefinitely delay consideration of the nomination, to send it back to the Judiciary Committee and to adjourn the Senate altogether until after the election. Most of the votes fell along party lines, but Democrats did pick up occasional support from Sens. Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, both Republicans, who oppose filling the seat before Election Day. The decision to go into closed session, though, was the most unusual. Not since 2010 has the Senate met in secret in that way. Cameras that broadcast proceedings in the chamber were shut off. Reporters and even most Senate staff were cleared from the chamber. Senators who remained were sworn to secrecy. Schumer framed it as a last-ditch effort for senators to have a heart-to-heart discussion about the confirmation process and push off the vote before it was too late. “The damage to Americans’ faith in these institutions could be lasting,” he said. “So before we go any further, we should shut off the cameras, close the Senate and talk face to face about what this might mean for the country.” Republicans wanted no such discussion. They voted within a matter of minutes to reopen the proceedings and move ahead with considering Barrett. “It’s just harassment,” said Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas. “It’s not about substance.” But it was left to McConnell, the architect of Republicans’ takeover of the federal courts, to offer a fuller response. Turning away from the cameras to speak directly to Republican members seated at their desks, he offered a selectively curated history of the devolving judicial nominations process in the Senate, reaching back to Democrats’ rejection of Robert Bork, a conservative nominee, in 1987. McConnell argued that the decision to block Garland had been consistent with history and so was the decision to confirm Barrett because now, unlike then, the same party controls the White House and the Senate. Democrats view the Garland blockade as a serious escalation from which the chamber has not recovered. “This is not spin. This is fact,” McConnell said. Referring to Democrats, he added, “Every new escalation, every new step, every new shattered precedent — every one of them was initiated over there. No exceptions.” In a sign of how toxic the relationship between the two leaders had become four years after Schumer assumed his leadership post, McConnell suggested his counterpart was merely reaping what he had sown. “I hope our colleague from New York is happy with what he’s built,” McConnell said. “I hope he’s happy with where his ingenuity has gotten the Senate.” Schumer was just as withering. “We have just heard a tit-for-tat, convoluted version of history that the majority leader uses to justify steering the Senate toward one of the lowest moments in its history,” he said in reply. McConnell’s actions, he added, would “forever defile the Senate.”

Democrats try to shut down Senate, seeking to stain Barrett confirmation

Voters on the main islands of the Seychelles cast their ballot Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections spanning three days, across an idyllic archipelago that has been economically hammered by the coronavirus.

Polling stations opened at 7:00am (0300 GMT) on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue -- home to the majority of the 74,600 voters on the Seychelles, with the rest living on further-flung territories of the Indian Ocean nation. 
Some voters on northern Mahe gathered as early as 4:30 am. Later, as the morning sun beat down, many held up umbrellas outside the Bel Ombre polling station at a school close to a white sandy beach.

Voting took place Thursday and Friday on a few dozen of these outer islands, mainly for employees of hotels or the island management authority, who attended pop-up polling stations with election materials carried by plane or boat. Some on the main islands deemed essential workers, such as hospital and nursing staff, also voted Thursday.

The opposition, narrowly defeated in a presidential election in 2015 and buoyed by a landmark victory in a parliamentary poll a year later, is hoping for its first presidential win in the 40 years since Seychelles independence from Britain.

It is up against the incumbent Danny Faure, 58, who is running under the recently renamed United Seychelles ruling party which has been in power since 1977.

"I believe I will win these elections," Faure said after casting the first vote at a polling station in Beau Vallon, Mahe. "And I will respect the will and choice of the Seychelles people."

He said he would travel to the other islands of Praslin and La Digue to encourage voters to turn out. 
The main opposition parties did not manage to unite and Faure -- who was not elected but took over after his predecessor James Michel resigned -- faces two challengers.

His main rival is the Anglican priest Wavel Ramkalawan, who is taking his sixth shot at the presidency and lost by only 193 votes to Michel in an unprecedented second round of voting in 2015.

He is the candidate of the Linyon Democratik Seselwa (Seychelles Democratic Alliance) opposition party, the majority party in parliament after winning 19 of 34 seats in the last election.

The other candidate is Alain St Ange, who was in the opposition before joining the government as tourism minister from 2012-16, but switched back and is now running under the flag of a new party, One Seychelles.

Tourism downturn

The campaign took place mainly over social media, with rallies banned due to the coronavirus. The Bel Ombre polling station was closed briefly so staff could disinfect areas voters had touched.

Seychelles has recorded only 149 cases, mostly imported, but the pandemic has been a burning campaign issue as restrictions on global travel bottom out the tourism industry -- a major earner for the Seychelles and employer for many of its 98,000 people.

Visitor numbers have collapsed since March in the archipelago nation of 115 islands, normally a popular destination for honeymooners and paradise-seekers drawn by its fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters.

The economy has slowed significantly since the start of the pandemic and unemployment has risen from 4.8 to 6.3 percent, according to government figures.

While average income is among the highest in Africa, the national statistics agency says about 40 percent of Seychellois live in poverty because of the high cost of living.

Voters on the main islands of the Seychelles cast their ballot Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections spanning three days, across an idyllic archipelago that has been economically hammered by the coronavirus.

Voters on the main islands of the Seychelles cast their ballot Saturday in presidential and parliamentary elections spanning three days, across an idyllic archipelago that has been economically hammered by the coronavirus. Polling stations opened at 7:00am (0300 GMT) on Mahe, Praslin and La Digue -- home to the majority of the 74,600 voters on the Seychelles, with the rest living on further-flung territories of the Indian Ocean nation. Some voters on northern Mahe gathered as early as 4:30 am. Later, as the morning sun beat down, many held up umbrellas outside the Bel Ombre polling station at a school close to a white sandy beach. Voting took place Thursday and Friday on a few dozen of these outer islands, mainly for employees of hotels or the island management authority, who attended pop-up polling stations with election materials carried by plane or boat. Some on the main islands deemed essential workers, such as hospital and nursing staff, also voted Thursday. The opposition, narrowly defeated in a presidential election in 2015 and buoyed by a landmark victory in a parliamentary poll a year later, is hoping for its first presidential win in the 40 years since Seychelles independence from Britain. It is up against the incumbent Danny Faure, 58, who is running under the recently renamed United Seychelles ruling party which has been in power since 1977. "I believe I will win these elections," Faure said after casting the first vote at a polling station in Beau Vallon, Mahe. "And I will respect the will and choice of the Seychelles people." He said he would travel to the other islands of Praslin and La Digue to encourage voters to turn out. The main opposition parties did not manage to unite and Faure -- who was not elected but took over after his predecessor James Michel resigned -- faces two challengers. His main rival is the Anglican priest Wavel Ramkalawan, who is taking his sixth shot at the presidency and lost by only 193 votes to Michel in an unprecedented second round of voting in 2015. He is the candidate of the Linyon Democratik Seselwa (Seychelles Democratic Alliance) opposition party, the majority party in parliament after winning 19 of 34 seats in the last election. The other candidate is Alain St Ange, who was in the opposition before joining the government as tourism minister from 2012-16, but switched back and is now running under the flag of a new party, One Seychelles. Tourism downturn The campaign took place mainly over social media, with rallies banned due to the coronavirus. The Bel Ombre polling station was closed briefly so staff could disinfect areas voters had touched. Seychelles has recorded only 149 cases, mostly imported, but the pandemic has been a burning campaign issue as restrictions on global travel bottom out the tourism industry -- a major earner for the Seychelles and employer for many of its 98,000 people. Visitor numbers have collapsed since March in the archipelago nation of 115 islands, normally a popular destination for honeymooners and paradise-seekers drawn by its fine sandy beaches and turquoise waters. The economy has slowed significantly since the start of the pandemic and unemployment has risen from 4.8 to 6.3 percent, according to government figures. While average income is among the highest in Africa, the national statistics agency says about 40 percent of Seychellois live in poverty because of the high cost of living.

Seychelles votes for president, lawmakers in election

Decision to exclude conflict-hit minority regions from the vote due in November 8 polls has filled minority groups with anger in Thailand. The decision has ostensibly been taken over security concerns. But it has now made people in these regions angry and filled them with despair. Nearly two million people will get disenfranchised

Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to return to power. However, support for the party is decreasing in ethnic minority areas. Myanmar's election commission released a long list of constituencies last week. Voting will not take place in these constituencies.

A million people in Rakhine state and hundreds of thousands elsewhere will get disenfranchised.

"This is devastating," said Hla Maung Oo, an ethnic Rakhine and head of one of many camps for displaced people in his state. He was quoted by AFP.

"I'm depressed by the decision, because I knew who I was going to vote for from the beginning."

Tensions in Rakhine were high even before the move.

Rakhine state is witnessing civil war as Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military are engaged in a conflict that has killed and wounded hundreds and forced 200,000 people out of their homes. AA enjoys widespread support from people who have long felt marginalised by the majority Bamar.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/myanmar-wont-allow-insurgents-to-use-territory-against-india-ambassador-337416">Myanmar won't allow insurgents to use territory against India: Ambassador</a>

Trapped by fighting and swept up in the resulting disenfranchisement are a number of other ethnic minorities, including the Mro, Khami and Daingnet.

"We're in the middle of two groups and we're afraid of both," said Sein Hla Tun, an ethnic Mro from Kyauktaw township.

"We just want a political solution to this, instead of fighting."

Enduring hopelessness

One community in Rakhine state was notably unaffected by this latest decision, but only because they were already disenfranchised.

Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims have had their citizenship and rights stripped away over decades.

A brutal military crackdown in 2017 forced 750,000 to flee to refugee camps in Bangladesh -- violence that now sees Myanmar face genocide charges at the UN's top court.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/myanmar-arakan-army-claims-responsibility-for-kidnapping-3-candidates-of-suu-kyis-party-336835/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

But 600,000 more Rohingya still live in Myanmar, mostly in Rakhine state, living under what rights groups have described as a system of apartheid.

"We had no hope before, and we still have no hope," Saw Aung, a Rohingya from Minbya township, told AFP by phone.

"Even if the elections were held, our situation would not improve."

Pointing fingers

In total nearly two million people of voting age will now be unable to cast a ballot -- about five percent of the electorate.

Other states across the country -- notably in Shan, Kachin and Karen -- have also been left reeling by the announcement.

Kachin State People's Party MP Dwe Bu accused the government of letting down ethnic minorities.

"We believed the NLD government would strive for democracy and work for the public," she said. 
"But now, I feel they're even worse."

The impartiality of the election commission -- a body wholly appointed by the government -- has been brought squarely into question.

Observers say the latest disenfranchisement was largely in ethnic minority strongholds, likely tilting those areas' votes in favour of Suu Kyi's NLD and raising fears of more conflict and political violence.

The commission is "blatantly denying minorities representation", said Kyaw Win of Burma Human Rights Network, calling for a reversal of the decision.

(With AFP inputs)

Decision to exclude conflict-hit minority regions from the vote due in November 8 polls has filled minority groups with anger in Thailand. The decision has ostensibly been taken over security concerns.

Decision to exclude conflict-hit minority regions from the vote due in November 8 polls has filled minority groups with anger in Thailand. The decision has ostensibly been taken over security concerns. But it has now made people in these regions angry and filled them with despair. Nearly two million people will get disenfranchised Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi's ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) is widely expected to return to power. However, support for the party is decreasing in ethnic minority areas. Myanmar's election commission released a long list of constituencies last week. Voting will not take place in these constituencies. A million people in Rakhine state and hundreds of thousands elsewhere will get disenfranchised. "This is devastating," said Hla Maung Oo, an ethnic Rakhine and head of one of many camps for displaced people in his state. He was quoted by AFP. "I'm depressed by the decision, because I knew who I was going to vote for from the beginning." Tensions in Rakhine were high even before the move. Rakhine state is witnessing civil war as Arakan Army (AA) and Myanmar military are engaged in a conflict that has killed and wounded hundreds and forced 200,000 people out of their homes. AA enjoys widespread support from people who have long felt marginalised by the majority Bamar. Also Read | Myanmar won't allow insurgents to use territory against India: Ambassador Trapped by fighting and swept up in the resulting disenfranchisement are a number of other ethnic minorities, including the Mro, Khami and Daingnet. "We're in the middle of two groups and we're afraid of both," said Sein Hla Tun, an ethnic Mro from Kyauktaw township. "We just want a political solution to this, instead of fighting." Enduring hopelessness One community in Rakhine state was notably unaffected by this latest decision, but only because they were already disenfranchised. Myanmar's Rohingya Muslims have had their citizenship and rights stripped away over decades. A brutal military crackdown in 2017 forced 750,000 to flee to refugee camps in Bangladesh -- violence that now sees Myanmar face genocide charges at the UN's top court. × But 600,000 more Rohingya still live in Myanmar, mostly in Rakhine state, living under what rights groups have described as a system of apartheid. "We had no hope before, and we still have no hope," Saw Aung, a Rohingya from Minbya township, told AFP by phone. "Even if the elections were held, our situation would not improve." Pointing fingers In total nearly two million people of voting age will now be unable to cast a ballot -- about five percent of the electorate. Other states across the country -- notably in Shan, Kachin and Karen -- have also been left reeling by the announcement. Kachin State People's Party MP Dwe Bu accused the government of letting down ethnic minorities. "We believed the NLD government would strive for democracy and work for the public," she said. "But now, I feel they're even worse." The impartiality of the election commission -- a body wholly appointed by the government -- has been brought squarely into question. Observers say the latest disenfranchisement was largely in ethnic minority strongholds, likely tilting those areas' votes in favour of Suu Kyi's NLD and raising fears of more conflict and political violence. The commission is "blatantly denying minorities representation", said Kyaw Win of Burma Human Rights Network, calling for a reversal of the decision. (With AFP inputs)

Myanmar vote ban fills ethnic minorities with anger and despair

In her 2016 deposition made public on Thursday, Ghislane Maxwell has strongly rejected allegations that she had seen late financier Jeffrey Epstein have sex with underage girls. She has also rejected suggestions that she helped Epstein arrange illicit sexual encounters.

In her deposition, the British socialite at times appeared insistent and frequently evasive as she responded under oath over 9-1/2 hours to questions from lawyers for Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre in April 2016, as part of a now-settled civil defamation lawsuit against her.

"I can only testify to what I know and the fact (Giuffre) has lied about me from the beginning to the end," Maxwell said.

Ghislaine Maxwell (58) has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges that she helped Epstein recruit and groom underage girls as young as 14 in illegal sexual acts in mid 90s. He has also denied that she lied about her involvement.

Maxwell's 418-page deposition left unresolved who else she might have known was involved in Epstein's orbit. Nearly all names other than hers and Epstein's were blacked out.

But her lawyers had fought hard to keep the deposition under wraps, saying the release could violate her right against self-incrimination, and that bad publicity could make it hard to find an impartial jury in her criminal case.

Maxwell's lawyers have argued the "intimate" and "personal" questions she was asked could suggest Giuffre's lawyers believed they had a factual basis to ask them, even if the suggested misconduct never happened.

At one point, Maxwell called Giuffre an "absolute and total liar" when asked if she and Epstein had three-way sex.

But a federal appeals court on Monday said the public's right to see the deposition and other materials also released on Thursday outweighed Maxwell's concerns.

U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska later directed that the materials be unsealed, which Giuffre and the Miami Herald newspaper had sought.

Maxwell's father was British media mogul Robert Maxwell. Her trial is scheduled for July 2021.

"The unsealing of this transcript has resulted in the public dissemination of salacious questions and answers that can linger in the minds of potential jurors," said Brian McMonagle, a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia who is not involved in the case.

Sigrid McCawley, a lawyer for Giuffre, in a statement called the unsealing "a long time coming and a welcome step towards revealing the evidence of the scope and scale of the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking ring."

Reuters said that lawyers for Maxwell did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Denials

Epstein once counted US President Donald Trump, former US President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew as friends. They have not been accused of criminal wrongdoing.

Giuffre, 37, has said Epstein kept her as a "sex slave" with Maxwell's assistance, and told BBC's "Panorama" that Epstein brought her to London in 2001 to meet the prince, one of three occasions when she claimed to have had sex with Andrew.

Andrew has denied the allegations.

Maxwell acknowledged in the deposition having maintained contact with Epstein even after his 2008 guilty plea to Florida state prosecution charges, landing him a 13-month jail sentence.

"I'm a very loyal person and Jeffrey was very good to me when my father passed away," she said.

Maxwell said much of her work for Epstein before then involved hiring architects, cooks, decorators, gardeners, pool cleaners and others to help him maintain six homes.

Epstein's properties included a townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side, a home in Palm Beach, Florida, and two entire islands within the U.S. Virgin Islands.

"[A] very small part of my job was from time to time to find adult professional massage therapists for Jeffrey," Maxwell said.

"I never saw any inappropriate underage activities with Jeffrey ever," she added.

Maxwell appeared evasive when a lawyer for Giuffre pressed whether she hired Giuffre to give Epstein an erotic massage, saying Giuffre "held herself out as a masseuse and invited herself to come and give a massage."

She also denied having an array of "schoolgirl" or "black patent leather" outfits for Epstein's masseuses to wear, and said she did not recall a laundry basket of sex toys being kept in the Palm Beach home.

Maxwell also testified that she flew on Epstein's planes with Clinton, but wouldn't characterize the men as friends or acquaintances.

"One of [the] lies she told was that President Clinton was on [Epstein's] island where I was present," Maxwell testified. "Absolutely 1000% that is a flat out total fabrication and lie."

Maxwell was arrested on July 2 in Bradford, New Hampshire, where authorities said she was hiding on a property she bought in December while shielding her identity.

She is locked up in a Brooklyn jail after the judge in her criminal case called her an unacceptable flight risk.

Epstein killed himself at age 66 in August 2019 at a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges announced the previous month.

He had entered a non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors in 2007, before pleading guilty to the Florida state charges. That arrangement is now widely considered to have been too lenient.

(With Reuters inputs)

In her 2016 deposition made public on Thursday, Ghislane Maxwell has strongly rejected allegations that she had seen late financier Jeffrey Epstein have sex with underage girls.

In her 2016 deposition made public on Thursday, Ghislane Maxwell has strongly rejected allegations that she had seen late financier Jeffrey Epstein have sex with underage girls. She has also rejected suggestions that she helped Epstein arrange illicit sexual encounters. In her deposition, the British socialite at times appeared insistent and frequently evasive as she responded under oath over 9-1/2 hours to questions from lawyers for Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre in April 2016, as part of a now-settled civil defamation lawsuit against her. "I can only testify to what I know and the fact (Giuffre) has lied about me from the beginning to the end," Maxwell said. Ghislaine Maxwell (58) has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges that she helped Epstein recruit and groom underage girls as young as 14 in illegal sexual acts in mid 90s. He has also denied that she lied about her involvement. Maxwell's 418-page deposition left unresolved who else she might have known was involved in Epstein's orbit. Nearly all names other than hers and Epstein's were blacked out. But her lawyers had fought hard to keep the deposition under wraps, saying the release could violate her right against self-incrimination, and that bad publicity could make it hard to find an impartial jury in her criminal case. Maxwell's lawyers have argued the "intimate" and "personal" questions she was asked could suggest Giuffre's lawyers believed they had a factual basis to ask them, even if the suggested misconduct never happened. At one point, Maxwell called Giuffre an "absolute and total liar" when asked if she and Epstein had three-way sex. But a federal appeals court on Monday said the public's right to see the deposition and other materials also released on Thursday outweighed Maxwell's concerns. U.S. District Judge Loretta Preska later directed that the materials be unsealed, which Giuffre and the Miami Herald newspaper had sought. Maxwell's father was British media mogul Robert Maxwell. Her trial is scheduled for July 2021. "The unsealing of this transcript has resulted in the public dissemination of salacious questions and answers that can linger in the minds of potential jurors," said Brian McMonagle, a criminal defense lawyer in Philadelphia who is not involved in the case. Sigrid McCawley, a lawyer for Giuffre, in a statement called the unsealing "a long time coming and a welcome step towards revealing the evidence of the scope and scale of the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell sex trafficking ring." Reuters said that lawyers for Maxwell did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Denials Epstein once counted US President Donald Trump, former US President Bill Clinton and Britain's Prince Andrew as friends. They have not been accused of criminal wrongdoing. Giuffre, 37, has said Epstein kept her as a "sex slave" with Maxwell's assistance, and told BBC's "Panorama" that Epstein brought her to London in 2001 to meet the prince, one of three occasions when she claimed to have had sex with Andrew. Andrew has denied the allegations. Maxwell acknowledged in the deposition having maintained contact with Epstein even after his 2008 guilty plea to Florida state prosecution charges, landing him a 13-month jail sentence. "I'm a very loyal person and Jeffrey was very good to me when my father passed away," she said. Maxwell said much of her work for Epstein before then involved hiring architects, cooks, decorators, gardeners, pool cleaners and others to help him maintain six homes. Epstein's properties included a townhouse on Manhattan's Upper East Side, a home in Palm Beach, Florida, and two entire islands within the U.S. Virgin Islands. "[A] very small part of my job was from time to time to find adult professional massage therapists for Jeffrey," Maxwell said. "I never saw any inappropriate underage activities with Jeffrey ever," she added. Maxwell appeared evasive when a lawyer for Giuffre pressed whether she hired Giuffre to give Epstein an erotic massage, saying Giuffre "held herself out as a masseuse and invited herself to come and give a massage." She also denied having an array of "schoolgirl" or "black patent leather" outfits for Epstein's masseuses to wear, and said she did not recall a laundry basket of sex toys being kept in the Palm Beach home. Maxwell also testified that she flew on Epstein's planes with Clinton, but wouldn't characterize the men as friends or acquaintances. "One of [the] lies she told was that President Clinton was on [Epstein's] island where I was present," Maxwell testified. "Absolutely 1000% that is a flat out total fabrication and lie." Maxwell was arrested on July 2 in Bradford, New Hampshire, where authorities said she was hiding on a property she bought in December while shielding her identity. She is locked up in a Brooklyn jail after the judge in her criminal case called her an unacceptable flight risk. Epstein killed himself at age 66 in August 2019 at a Manhattan jail while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges announced the previous month. He had entered a non-prosecution agreement with federal prosecutors in 2007, before pleading guilty to the Florida state charges. That arrangement is now widely considered to have been too lenient. (With Reuters inputs)

Ghislaine Maxwell denies witnessing underage sex in Epstein deposition

Britain's Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission on Thursday removed&nbsp;Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) from the list of proscribed&nbsp;terrorist organisations. The LTTE ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran.

Sri Lanka has protested the commission's decision and appealed against the judgement. Sri Lankan foreign ministry issued a statement in this regard on Thursday.

It said the decision of the Commission arises from an appeal filed in May 2019 by an LTTE front organisation challenging the decision of British Secretary of State for Home Affairs dated March 8, 2019, which refused the application by the group to de-proscribe the LTTE from the list of Proscribed Organizations under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000.

While Sri Lanka was not a party to these proceedings at the Commission and could not make direct representations, the Lankan Government assisted the British government by providing relevant information with regard to continued terrorist activities.

"The Open Judgement of the POAC while allowing the Appeal, provides for further hearings, and the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to closely monitor the progress of the case in the UK," the statement said.

Sri Lanka maintains that it has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilize the country.

Sri Lanka remains vigilant of threats to its national security as well as that of the region, and will always support members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism, the statement said. 
The UK listed the LTTE as a terrorist outfit in early 2000.

(With PTI inputs)

Britain's Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission on Thursday removed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) from the list of proscribed terrorist organisations.

Britain's Proscribed Organisations Appeal Commission on Thursday removed Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) from the list of proscribed terrorist organisations. The LTTE ran a military campaign for a separate Tamil homeland in the northern and eastern provinces of the island nation for nearly 30 years before its collapse in 2009 after the Sri Lankan Army killed its supreme leader Velupillai Prabhakaran. Sri Lanka has protested the commission's decision and appealed against the judgement. Sri Lankan foreign ministry issued a statement in this regard on Thursday. It said the decision of the Commission arises from an appeal filed in May 2019 by an LTTE front organisation challenging the decision of British Secretary of State for Home Affairs dated March 8, 2019, which refused the application by the group to de-proscribe the LTTE from the list of Proscribed Organizations under the UK Terrorism Act of 2000. While Sri Lanka was not a party to these proceedings at the Commission and could not make direct representations, the Lankan Government assisted the British government by providing relevant information with regard to continued terrorist activities. "The Open Judgement of the POAC while allowing the Appeal, provides for further hearings, and the Government of Sri Lanka will continue to closely monitor the progress of the case in the UK," the statement said. Sri Lanka maintains that it has sufficient evidence to prove that the remnants of the LTTE and groups aligned with its terrorist ideology are active in foreign countries, working to incite violence and destabilize the country. Sri Lanka remains vigilant of threats to its national security as well as that of the region, and will always support members of the international community in the global fight against terrorism, the statement said. The UK listed the LTTE as a terrorist outfit in early 2000. (With PTI inputs)

UK tribunal removes LTTE from terror list, Sri Lanka protests

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Manas Joshi

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.