A climate protester glued himself to a plane and another held up a flight with a speech on global warming Thursday as campaigners tried to "occupy" a London airport near the capital's global financial hub.

London police reported making more than 1,000 arrests over four days of protests by the group Extinction Rebellion, which have been staging a global effort stretching from Sydney to New York.

Their biggest British action to date saw hundreds try to lay siege of London City Airport in protest at its management's expansion project.

AFP reporters saw uniformed officers carry or escort around 100 demonstrators from outside its main entrance.

One man in a brown business suit climbed over coils of barbed wire and onto the roof of the east London airport's entrance before coming back down and being led away by the police.

Dozens more staged a sit-in at the nearby train station during the morning commute.

"I decided to come and join them because I think they have a just cause," pensioner Steve Phillips told AFP as around 100 campaigners rallied in the presence of dozens of police.

"People are flying in and out, and the cost for the planet is unimaginable."

A morning flight to Dublin was delayed by nearly two hours after a passenger got up to make a speech about the climate as the plane prepared to take off, airport and Aer Lingus airline officials said.

A London City Airport spokesman said the captain exercised his right to arrest the passenger under international flight safety rules.

Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said "some interesting attempts" had been made to disrupt flights.

"One man had glued himself to the top of an aircraft," Taylor said in a video message.

"He has of course now been removed and our policing operation continues there."

UK media identified that person as 2012 London Paralympic Games cycling bronze medallist James Brown.

"I don't know how the hell I got up here," the partially-blind Brown said in a selfie shot atop a British Airways plane that went viral on social media.

"I don't know how the hell I'm gonna get down again," he said before turning off his camera.

Extinction Rebellion is spearheading a two-week global action that kicked off Monday with partial shutdowns of traffic in cities around the world.

Group members also blocked a street outside the Louvre Museum in Paris and a bridge overlooking the Reichstag parliament building in Berlin.

Police more assertive

Extinction Rebellion's colourful protests have managed to attract a mass following since its creation last year by UK academics studying the effects of harmful carbon emissions on Earth.

The group's growing list of prominent supporters include actress Emma Thompson and the Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg.

Extinction Rebellion's last big event in London in April managed to shut down central parts of the city for 11 days and led to more than 1,000 arrests.

Police are now being more assertive.

London's Metropolitan Police on Thursday enacted a rarely-used measure in the 1986 Public Order Act aimed at preventing "serious disruption to the life of the community".

"Any assembly linked to the Extinction Rebellion 'Autumn Uprising' and those linked to it who wish to continue their assembly MUST go Trafalgar Square and only assemble in the pedestrian area," it said.

Deputy assistant commissioner Taylor said the protests had now been mostly contained to the picturesque central London square.

Extinction Rebellion had vowed to continue targeting the airport until Saturday evening -- and to wind down their global action only at the end of next week.

The group wants governments to adopt policies that cut harmful emissions to a net level of zero by 2025.

Britain has set itself the target of 2050.

A climate protester glued himself to a plane and another held up a flight with a speech on global warming Thursday as campaigners tried to "occupy" a London airport near the capital's global financial hub.

A climate protester glued himself to a plane and another held up a flight with a speech on global warming Thursday as campaigners tried to "occupy" a London airport near the capital's global financial hub. London police reported making more than 1,000 arrests over four days of protests by the group Extinction Rebellion, which have been staging a global effort stretching from Sydney to New York. Their biggest British action to date saw hundreds try to lay siege of London City Airport in protest at its management's expansion project. AFP reporters saw uniformed officers carry or escort around 100 demonstrators from outside its main entrance. One man in a brown business suit climbed over coils of barbed wire and onto the roof of the east London airport's entrance before coming back down and being led away by the police. Dozens more staged a sit-in at the nearby train station during the morning commute. "I decided to come and join them because I think they have a just cause," pensioner Steve Phillips told AFP as around 100 campaigners rallied in the presence of dozens of police. "People are flying in and out, and the cost for the planet is unimaginable." A morning flight to Dublin was delayed by nearly two hours after a passenger got up to make a speech about the climate as the plane prepared to take off, airport and Aer Lingus airline officials said. A London City Airport spokesman said the captain exercised his right to arrest the passenger under international flight safety rules. Metropolitan Police deputy assistant commissioner Laurence Taylor said "some interesting attempts" had been made to disrupt flights. "One man had glued himself to the top of an aircraft," Taylor said in a video message. "He has of course now been removed and our policing operation continues there." UK media identified that person as 2012 London Paralympic Games cycling bronze medallist James Brown. "I don't know how the hell I got up here," the partially-blind Brown said in a selfie shot atop a British Airways plane that went viral on social media. "I don't know how the hell I'm gonna get down again," he said before turning off his camera. Extinction Rebellion is spearheading a two-week global action that kicked off Monday with partial shutdowns of traffic in cities around the world. Group members also blocked a street outside the Louvre Museum in Paris and a bridge overlooking the Reichstag parliament building in Berlin. Police more assertive Extinction Rebellion's colourful protests have managed to attract a mass following since its creation last year by UK academics studying the effects of harmful carbon emissions on Earth. The group's growing list of prominent supporters include actress Emma Thompson and the Swedish teen climate activist Greta Thunberg. Extinction Rebellion's last big event in London in April managed to shut down central parts of the city for 11 days and led to more than 1,000 arrests. Police are now being more assertive. London's Metropolitan Police on Thursday enacted a rarely-used measure in the 1986 Public Order Act aimed at preventing "serious disruption to the life of the community". "Any assembly linked to the Extinction Rebellion 'Autumn Uprising' and those linked to it who wish to continue their assembly MUST go Trafalgar Square and only assemble in the pedestrian area," it said. Deputy assistant commissioner Taylor said the protests had now been mostly contained to the picturesque central London square. Extinction Rebellion had vowed to continue targeting the airport until Saturday evening -- and to wind down their global action only at the end of next week. The group wants governments to adopt policies that cut harmful emissions to a net level of zero by 2025. Britain has set itself the target of 2050.

Climate protesters lay siege to London City Airport, over 1000 arrested

Three people were killed and two injured in eastern China when a highway overpass collapsed and crushed cars below it, local officials said Friday.

Videos posted online showed a large section of the bridge in Jiangsu province swaying before falling on top of moving vehicles on Thursday night.

One clip posted on Twitter-like Weibo showed the bridge narrowly missing a small three-wheel car, whose driver leapt out and ran away.

Other images showed crushed cars, with only their front sections or headlights visible under a huge block of grey concrete.

A preliminary investigation showed the collapse had been caused by an overloaded truck, the Wuxi city government said in a statement on Weibo.

Three vehicles -- including one that was parked and unoccupied -- were crushed, and three people in the two other cars were killed, according to the statement.

Five vehicles were on the bridge deck, including two trucks.

The collapse also left two people injured, the statement said.

Construction and road accidents are not uncommon in China.

In February 2018, at least eight people died in downtown Foshan, Guangdong province, when a water leak inside a subway station construction site caused a major road to cave in.

Three people were killed and two injured in eastern China when a highway overpass collapsed and crushed cars below it, local officials said Friday. Videos posted online showed a large section of the bridge in Jiangsu province swaying before falling on top of moving vehicles on Thursday night.

Three people were killed and two injured in eastern China when a highway overpass collapsed and crushed cars below it, local officials said Friday. Videos posted online showed a large section of the bridge in Jiangsu province swaying before falling on top of moving vehicles on Thursday night. One clip posted on Twitter-like Weibo showed the bridge narrowly missing a small three-wheel car, whose driver leapt out and ran away. Other images showed crushed cars, with only their front sections or headlights visible under a huge block of grey concrete. A preliminary investigation showed the collapse had been caused by an overloaded truck, the Wuxi city government said in a statement on Weibo. Three vehicles -- including one that was parked and unoccupied -- were crushed, and three people in the two other cars were killed, according to the statement. Five vehicles were on the bridge deck, including two trucks. The collapse also left two people injured, the statement said. Construction and road accidents are not uncommon in China. In February 2018, at least eight people died in downtown Foshan, Guangdong province, when a water leak inside a subway station construction site caused a major road to cave in.

Three dead, two injured after a highway overpass collapses in China

Bookies have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-marches-in-montreal-for-global-climate-protests-252563">Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg</a> as the name to beat ahead of Friday's Nobel Peace Prize announcement, although experts say Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed or a representative of the free press are more likely.

Speculation in Norwegian media on the eve of the announcement centred on organisations like the UN World Food Programme, for their work during the conflict in Yemen, and media advocates like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in a time of 'fake news' and violence against journalists.

The 2019 laureate will be revealed at 11:00 am at the Nobel Institute in Oslo.

If one is to trust online betting sites like Ladbrokes, the favourite is 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, who has already received Amnesty International's top honour and the Right Livelihood Award, sometimes dubbed the "alternative Nobel".

In August last year, she began sitting alone in front of Sweden's parliament on Fridays with a sign reading <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/climate-movement-now-too-loud-to-handle-for-trump-and-critics-says-greta-thunberg-252545">"School Strike for the Climate"</a>.&nbsp;

In little more than a year, she has galvanised millions of young people around the world to take part in demonstrations to raise awareness for action on climate change.

She made global headlines in late September when she lambasted world leaders at the UN climate summit in New York.

"How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words," she thundered, holding back tears.

'Time to wait'

But despite her impassioned wake-up calls, experts are sceptical she'll be honoured.

"Extremely unlikely," Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute in Oslo (Prio), told AFP, citing her young age and a lack of consensus on how climate change relates to armed conflict.

"The only way I could see that happen is that she would be part of a shared prize like Malala," Urdal said, referring to Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who shared the 2014 prize -- at age 17 -- with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi.

Late Thursday, Norwegian broadcaster NRK put little faith in the idea, reporting that while "bookmakers bet on Greta Thunberg, the Nobel Committee won't".

NRK journalist Knut Magnus Berge also pointed out that even though her achievements are impressive, Greta is so young, "the Committee has time to wait".&nbsp;

Experts think a more likely candidate would be Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who made peace with bitter foe Eritrea.

Gravitas: Greta Thunberg: Activist Or Imposter?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-greta-thunberg-activist-or-imposter-253583/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Abiy Ahmed would be a good candidate, as his tenure has had peace-inducing effects in the country and on the region," said Peter Wallensteen, professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Sweden's Uppsala University.&nbsp;

Predicting the winner is always a challenge since the Norwegian Nobel Committee never reveals the names of the nominees. All that is known is that a total of 301 individuals and organisations have been nominated this year.

'Age of fake news'

Experts also suggest that the five-person committee could this year decide to focus on freedom of expression and information, at a time when such freedoms are under pressure in both democracies and authoritarian regimes.

"In the age of fake news and information overload... and the lack of transparency, the lack of accountability in many political processes, this is something that I would hope the committee would take very seriously and consider," Urdal said.

Press organisations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) or the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) could then be possible winners.

As the migration crisis continues to dominate the political agenda, the UN refugee agency UNHCR and its head Filippo Grandi, as well as the organisation SOS Mediterranee, are also seen as potential winners.

Broadly considered a controversial long shot, US President Donald Trump has nonetheless been mentioned for his efforts to mend old wounds with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Last year, the award -- consisting of a gold medal, a diploma, and nine million Swedish kronor (around $912,000 or 828,000 euro) -- was given to two champions fighting sexual violence, Congolese gynaecologist Denis Mukwege and Yazidi activist Nadia Murad.

On Thursday, the Swedish Academy in Stockholm gave the 2019 Nobel Literature Prize to Austrian author Peter Handke.

The 2018 prize, which the Academy had postponed in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal, was awarded to Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk.

The Economics Prize will wrap up the 2019 Nobel prize season on October 14.

Bookies have Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg as the name to beat ahead of Friday's Nobel Peace Prize announcement, although experts say Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed or a representative of the free press are more likely.

Bookies have Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg as the name to beat ahead of Friday's Nobel Peace Prize announcement, although experts say Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed or a representative of the free press are more likely. Speculation in Norwegian media on the eve of the announcement centred on organisations like the UN World Food Programme, for their work during the conflict in Yemen, and media advocates like Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in a time of 'fake news' and violence against journalists. The 2019 laureate will be revealed at 11:00 am at the Nobel Institute in Oslo. If one is to trust online betting sites like Ladbrokes, the favourite is 16-year-old Greta Thunberg, who has already received Amnesty International's top honour and the Right Livelihood Award, sometimes dubbed the "alternative Nobel". In August last year, she began sitting alone in front of Sweden's parliament on Fridays with a sign reading "School Strike for the Climate". In little more than a year, she has galvanised millions of young people around the world to take part in demonstrations to raise awareness for action on climate change. She made global headlines in late September when she lambasted world leaders at the UN climate summit in New York. "How dare you? You have stolen my dreams and my childhood with your empty words," she thundered, holding back tears. 'Time to wait' But despite her impassioned wake-up calls, experts are sceptical she'll be honoured. "Extremely unlikely," Henrik Urdal, director of the Peace Research Institute in Oslo (Prio), told AFP, citing her young age and a lack of consensus on how climate change relates to armed conflict. "The only way I could see that happen is that she would be part of a shared prize like Malala," Urdal said, referring to Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, who shared the 2014 prize -- at age 17 -- with Indian children's rights activist Kailash Satyarthi. Late Thursday, Norwegian broadcaster NRK put little faith in the idea, reporting that while "bookmakers bet on Greta Thunberg, the Nobel Committee won't". NRK journalist Knut Magnus Berge also pointed out that even though her achievements are impressive, Greta is so young, "the Committee has time to wait". Experts think a more likely candidate would be Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who made peace with bitter foe Eritrea. Gravitas: Greta Thunberg: Activist Or Imposter? "Abiy Ahmed would be a good candidate, as his tenure has had peace-inducing effects in the country and on the region," said Peter Wallensteen, professor of Peace and Conflict Research at Sweden's Uppsala University. Predicting the winner is always a challenge since the Norwegian Nobel Committee never reveals the names of the nominees. All that is known is that a total of 301 individuals and organisations have been nominated this year. 'Age of fake news' Experts also suggest that the five-person committee could this year decide to focus on freedom of expression and information, at a time when such freedoms are under pressure in both democracies and authoritarian regimes. "In the age of fake news and information overload... and the lack of transparency, the lack of accountability in many political processes, this is something that I would hope the committee would take very seriously and consider," Urdal said. Press organisations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) or the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) could then be possible winners. As the migration crisis continues to dominate the political agenda, the UN refugee agency UNHCR and its head Filippo Grandi, as well as the organisation SOS Mediterranee, are also seen as potential winners. Broadly considered a controversial long shot, US President Donald Trump has nonetheless been mentioned for his efforts to mend old wounds with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Last year, the award -- consisting of a gold medal, a diploma, and nine million Swedish kronor (around $912,000 or 828,000 euro) -- was given to two champions fighting sexual violence, Congolese gynaecologist Denis Mukwege and Yazidi activist Nadia Murad. On Thursday, the Swedish Academy in Stockholm gave the 2019 Nobel Literature Prize to Austrian author Peter Handke. The 2018 prize, which the Academy had postponed in the wake of a sexual harassment scandal, was awarded to Polish writer Olga Tokarczuk. The Economics Prize will wrap up the 2019 Nobel prize season on October 14.

Bookies bet on Greta Thunberg for Nobel Peace Prize, experts don't

For nearly 40 years, the Islamic republic has barred female spectators from entering football and other sports stadiums, with clerics arguing women must be shielded from the masculine atmosphere and sight of semi-clad men.

First time in nearly 40 years, women in Iran attend football match

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-welcomes-24000-tourists-in-10-days-254557">Saudi Arabia</a> announced Wednesday it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms.&nbsp;

The move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom, even as rights groups accuse Riyadh of cracking down on women activists. &nbsp;

"Another step to empowerment," the foreign ministry wrote on Twitter, adding that women would be able to serve as private first class, corporal or sergeant.&nbsp;

Last year, Saudi Arabia authorised women to join their security forces.&nbsp;

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, has approved a handful of reforms aimed at widening women's rights, including allowing them to drive and to travel abroad without consent from a male "guardian".

But he has at the same time overseen the arrest of several prominent women's rights campaigners, including activist Loujain al-Hathloul.

Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude exporter, is pushing to improve its image and attract tourists as part of a plan to diversify its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms.

Saudi Arabia announced Wednesday it will allow women in the ultra-conservative kingdom to serve in the armed forces as it embarks on a broad programme of economic and social reforms. The move is the latest in a series of measures aimed at increasing the rights of women in the kingdom, even as rights groups accuse Riyadh of cracking down on women activists. "Another step to empowerment," the foreign ministry wrote on Twitter, adding that women would be able to serve as private first class, corporal or sergeant. Last year, Saudi Arabia authorised women to join their security forces. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, has approved a handful of reforms aimed at widening women's rights, including allowing them to drive and to travel abroad without consent from a male "guardian". But he has at the same time overseen the arrest of several prominent women's rights campaigners, including activist Loujain al-Hathloul. Saudi Arabia, the world's largest crude exporter, is pushing to improve its image and attract tourists as part of a plan to diversify its economy away from oil.

Saudi Arabia to allow women to serve in armed forces

SpaceX could launch US astronauts to the International Space Station as early as next year if tests on the company's long-delayed Crew Dragon capsule prove conclusive, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-in-megadeal-with-lockheed-for-moon-missions-251628">NASA</a> Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Thursday.

Bridenstine made the announcement as he toured the California headquarters of billionaire <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacexs-mars-rocket-prototype-rattles-nerves-of-nearby-residents-in-texas-flight-test-246144">Elon Musk's SpaceX</a>, a major contractor for NASA.

The visit came as Bridenstine and Musk have been engaged in a public spat over the much-delayed building of the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

The capsule would provide the transportation for astronauts to the space station for the first time since America's space shuttle program ended in 2011.

Musk, who appeared at a news conference alongside Bridenstine and the two astronauts who are set to fly onboard the spacecraft, said he hoped to have the capsule delivered to NASA by the end of the year.

He stressed, however, that safety was paramount and the launch would be delayed without hesitation if any problems arise.

"If everything goes according to plan, it would be in the first quarter of next year," Bridenstine said of the launch. "But remember -- and this is the important thing that we have to get right on messaging -- there are still things that we can learn or could learn that could be challenging that we have to resolve.

"I'm not saying that's going to happen, I don't know. That's why we test."

Some of the technical challenges SpaceX is working on include concerns about the parachutes and the propulsion system.

"It's a pretty arduous engineering job to get the parachutes right," Musk said.

"Parachutes, they look easy but they are definitely not easy," he added. "We want to get at least something on the order of 10 successful tests in a row before launching astronauts."

Since retiring its space shuttle program, NASA has had to rely on Russia to ferry astronauts to and from the space station at a cost of $85 million a seat. It is now counting on SpaceX and Boeing to carry out that task.

SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Musk to help reduce space transportation costs -- and with an ultimate goal of helping colonize Mars. &nbsp;

The first manned flight to the space station was due to take place last year but SpaceX suffered a major setback in April when its Crew Dragon spacecraft exploded during testing, prompting delays and renewed tests.

"You know, honestly, if there's a test program and nothing happens in that test program, I would say that test program is insufficiently rigorous," Musk said Thursday.&nbsp;

"Space is hard," he added.

SpaceX could launch US astronauts to the International Space Station as early as next year if tests on the company's long-delayed Crew Dragon capsule prove conclusive, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Thursday.

SpaceX could launch US astronauts to the International Space Station as early as next year if tests on the company's long-delayed Crew Dragon capsule prove conclusive, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said Thursday. Bridenstine made the announcement as he toured the California headquarters of billionaire Elon Musk's SpaceX, a major contractor for NASA. The visit came as Bridenstine and Musk have been engaged in a public spat over the much-delayed building of the Crew Dragon spacecraft. The capsule would provide the transportation for astronauts to the space station for the first time since America's space shuttle program ended in 2011. Musk, who appeared at a news conference alongside Bridenstine and the two astronauts who are set to fly onboard the spacecraft, said he hoped to have the capsule delivered to NASA by the end of the year. He stressed, however, that safety was paramount and the launch would be delayed without hesitation if any problems arise. "If everything goes according to plan, it would be in the first quarter of next year," Bridenstine said of the launch. "But remember -- and this is the important thing that we have to get right on messaging -- there are still things that we can learn or could learn that could be challenging that we have to resolve. "I'm not saying that's going to happen, I don't know. That's why we test." Some of the technical challenges SpaceX is working on include concerns about the parachutes and the propulsion system. "It's a pretty arduous engineering job to get the parachutes right," Musk said. "Parachutes, they look easy but they are definitely not easy," he added. "We want to get at least something on the order of 10 successful tests in a row before launching astronauts." Since retiring its space shuttle program, NASA has had to rely on Russia to ferry astronauts to and from the space station at a cost of $85 million a seat. It is now counting on SpaceX and Boeing to carry out that task. SpaceX was founded in 2002 by Musk to help reduce space transportation costs -- and with an ultimate goal of helping colonize Mars. The first manned flight to the space station was due to take place last year but SpaceX suffered a major setback in April when its Crew Dragon spacecraft exploded during testing, prompting delays and renewed tests. "You know, honestly, if there's a test program and nothing happens in that test program, I would say that test program is insufficiently rigorous," Musk said Thursday. "Space is hard," he added.

NASA, SpaceX hope for manned mission to International Space Station in early 2020

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-zelensky-denies-trump-tried-to-blackmail-him-254961">Volodymyr Zelensky</a>, a popular comedian before he was elected president of Ukraine this spring, promised to bring a fresh kind of politics to the ex-Soviet nation.&nbsp;

And on Thursday, he did what no politician had done before -- a more than 12-hour press conference that Ukraine's National Records Agency declared the longest in world history.&nbsp;

Around eight hours into the marathon event, Zelensky's first major press conference since coming to power in May, a representative of the agency stood up to deliver the news.

The 41-year-old president reacted with surprise, saying he was a "modest" person and averse to celebrations.

The previous record was held by Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko, with a press conference that lasted over seven hours, Ukrainian media reported.&nbsp;

Zelensky's feat has yet to be verified by an international body.&nbsp;

Thursday's press conference was taking place at a trendy food court in central Kiev.&nbsp;

Hundreds of local and international journalists joined Zelensky around a table to pose questions in shifts.

The president held forth on subjects such as the war in eastern Ukraine, relations with Russia and his phone call with US President Donald Trump that has led to a Washington impeachment probe.&nbsp;

Zelensky told Ukrainian media he had injections to strengthen his vocal cords before the event.

Volodymyr Zelensky, a popular comedian before he was elected president of Ukraine this spring, promised to bring a fresh kind of politics to the ex-Soviet nation.

Volodymyr Zelensky, a popular comedian before he was elected president of Ukraine this spring, promised to bring a fresh kind of politics to the ex-Soviet nation. And on Thursday, he did what no politician had done before -- a more than 12-hour press conference that Ukraine's National Records Agency declared the longest in world history. Around eight hours into the marathon event, Zelensky's first major press conference since coming to power in May, a representative of the agency stood up to deliver the news. The 41-year-old president reacted with surprise, saying he was a "modest" person and averse to celebrations. The previous record was held by Belarus strongman Alexander Lukashenko, with a press conference that lasted over seven hours, Ukrainian media reported. Zelensky's feat has yet to be verified by an international body. Thursday's press conference was taking place at a trendy food court in central Kiev. Hundreds of local and international journalists joined Zelensky around a table to pose questions in shifts. The president held forth on subjects such as the war in eastern Ukraine, relations with Russia and his phone call with US President Donald Trump that has led to a Washington impeachment probe. Zelensky told Ukrainian media he had injections to strengthen his vocal cords before the event.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky 'breaks record' for world's longest press conference

The Japanese Grand Prix's entire Saturday track programme, including qualifying, has been cancelled as "violent" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/two-world-cup-games-axed-as-super-typhoon-bears-down-on-japan-254892">Typhoon Hagibis bears down</a> on the Suzuka circuit, race organisers announced Friday.

Qualifying will be rescheduled to 10am Sunday, with the race taking place at 2:10pm as originally planned, providing the weather improves.

The Suzuka circuit will be closed, with no public or media allowed in for safety reasons as Hagibis, packing heavy rain and winds in excess of 200 kilometres (125 miles) per hour is expected to make landfall on Saturday. &nbsp;

"As a result of the predicted impact of Typhoon Hagibis on the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, Mobilityland and the Japanese Automobile Federation have decided to cancel all activities scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12," said a statement issued Friday by the motorsport's governing body FIA.

"The FIA and Formula One support this decision in the interest of safety for the spectators, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit," it continued.

The decision means the teams and drivers will just have Friday's two practice sessions in which to prepare for Sunday morning's qualifying session because Saturday's third session will not be rescheduled.

Safety first

Formula One qualifying in Japan was also moved to Sunday in 2004 and in 2010 because of poor weather.&nbsp;

The typhoon has already claimed casualties at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, with Saturday's England-France clash in Yokohama and the New Zealand-Italy match in Toyota City cancelled.

The volatile nature of Hagibis -- classed as "violent" and the equivalent of a Category Five hurricane -- means even Sunday's race could be under threat, though the current forecast is for clearer weather.

A postponement of the grand prix to Monday is impossible, the FIA said.

The latest forecast predicts Hagibis to make landfall near Tokyo on Saturday with the Suzuka circuit, which lies near the Honshu coast about 300 kilometres (180 miles) southwest of the capital, being battered on the fringes.

The safety-first stance of organisers comes after the tail-end of a typhoon led to tragedy at the 2014 race at Suzuka.

French driver Jules Bianchi crashed after losing control in rain and poor visibility and died the following year from his injuries having never recovered from a coma.

Leading drivers backed changing the weekend timetable. "I don't think anybody wants to put anybody's life in danger," said Ferrari's four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at Thursday's media day.

"The decision is not for us, necessarily, because for us it's nice and easy, cosy, in the garage. But for the people out there around the track, it is not nice to be sitting there with rain going sideways."

The blank Saturday will be a huge disappointment to thousands of fanatical supporters at one of the best-attended races on the circuit.

The Japanese Grand Prix's entire Saturday track programme, including qualifying, has been cancelled as "violent" Typhoon Hagibis bears down on the Suzuka circuit, race organisers announced Friday.

The Japanese Grand Prix's entire Saturday track programme, including qualifying, has been cancelled as "violent" Typhoon Hagibis bears down on the Suzuka circuit, race organisers announced Friday. Qualifying will be rescheduled to 10am Sunday, with the race taking place at 2:10pm as originally planned, providing the weather improves. The Suzuka circuit will be closed, with no public or media allowed in for safety reasons as Hagibis, packing heavy rain and winds in excess of 200 kilometres (125 miles) per hour is expected to make landfall on Saturday. "As a result of the predicted impact of Typhoon Hagibis on the Formula One Japanese Grand Prix, Mobilityland and the Japanese Automobile Federation have decided to cancel all activities scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 12," said a statement issued Friday by the motorsport's governing body FIA. "The FIA and Formula One support this decision in the interest of safety for the spectators, competitors and everyone at the Suzuka Circuit," it continued. The decision means the teams and drivers will just have Friday's two practice sessions in which to prepare for Sunday morning's qualifying session because Saturday's third session will not be rescheduled. Safety first Formula One qualifying in Japan was also moved to Sunday in 2004 and in 2010 because of poor weather. The typhoon has already claimed casualties at the Rugby World Cup in Japan, with Saturday's England-France clash in Yokohama and the New Zealand-Italy match in Toyota City cancelled. The volatile nature of Hagibis -- classed as "violent" and the equivalent of a Category Five hurricane -- means even Sunday's race could be under threat, though the current forecast is for clearer weather. A postponement of the grand prix to Monday is impossible, the FIA said. The latest forecast predicts Hagibis to make landfall near Tokyo on Saturday with the Suzuka circuit, which lies near the Honshu coast about 300 kilometres (180 miles) southwest of the capital, being battered on the fringes. The safety-first stance of organisers comes after the tail-end of a typhoon led to tragedy at the 2014 race at Suzuka. French driver Jules Bianchi crashed after losing control in rain and poor visibility and died the following year from his injuries having never recovered from a coma. Leading drivers backed changing the weekend timetable. "I don't think anybody wants to put anybody's life in danger," said Ferrari's four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel at Thursday's media day. "The decision is not for us, necessarily, because for us it's nice and easy, cosy, in the garage. But for the people out there around the track, it is not nice to be sitting there with rain going sideways." The blank Saturday will be a huge disappointment to thousands of fanatical supporters at one of the best-attended races on the circuit.

Japan Grand Prix cancelled as Typhoon Hagibis bears down on Suzuka circuit

Forbes on Thursday lopped more than $3 billion from its estimated net worth of WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann as the company faced scepticism regarding its future.

Earlier this year, Neumann was listed by Forbes as being among the richest people with an estimated net worth of $4.1 billion.

Forbes revised that figure to $600 million -- by no means paltry but a big, quick plunge in wealth.

Neumann, whose unconventional approach to business and governance pushed boundaries on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, announced last month that he was stepping down as chief executive.

He exits the corner office as the company tries to reposition an initial public offering campaign that has sputtered.

Neumann, who will stay on as chairman, has faced questions over his perceived self-dealing, as well as the ability of his fast-growing company to become profitable.

His audacious approach to business won support from key investors, including the Japanese group SoftBank.

But his loose approach to corporate governance and conflicts of interest garnered scrutiny, as did a Wall Street Journal expose detailing drug and alcohol use and Neumann's aspirations to become the world's first trillionaire.

Known for his long hair and a wardrobe that favours T-shirts, Neumann, 40, is also recognized as a serial entrepreneur.

The New York-based startup that he launched in 2010 has touted itself as revolutionizing commercial real estate by offering shared, flexible workspace arrangements, and has operations in 111 cities in 29 countries.

However, the company, which lost $1.9 billion last year, has faced scepticism over its ability to make money, especially if the global economy slows significantly.

Architects of its plan for a stock market debut had scaled back the valuation target for the company from $47 billion to under $20 billion as they pushed back the timeframe.

The IPO is now unlikely to happen before the end of the year, according to a source, adding that at the earliest it could occur in 2020.

Forbes on Thursday lopped more than $3 billion from its estimated net worth of WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann as the company faced scepticism regarding its future.

Forbes on Thursday lopped more than $3 billion from its estimated net worth of WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann as the company faced scepticism regarding its future. Earlier this year, Neumann was listed by Forbes as being among the richest people with an estimated net worth of $4.1 billion. Forbes revised that figure to $600 million -- by no means paltry but a big, quick plunge in wealth. Neumann, whose unconventional approach to business and governance pushed boundaries on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, announced last month that he was stepping down as chief executive. He exits the corner office as the company tries to reposition an initial public offering campaign that has sputtered. Neumann, who will stay on as chairman, has faced questions over his perceived self-dealing, as well as the ability of his fast-growing company to become profitable. His audacious approach to business won support from key investors, including the Japanese group SoftBank. But his loose approach to corporate governance and conflicts of interest garnered scrutiny, as did a Wall Street Journal expose detailing drug and alcohol use and Neumann's aspirations to become the world's first trillionaire. Known for his long hair and a wardrobe that favours T-shirts, Neumann, 40, is also recognized as a serial entrepreneur. The New York-based startup that he launched in 2010 has touted itself as revolutionizing commercial real estate by offering shared, flexible workspace arrangements, and has operations in 111 cities in 29 countries. However, the company, which lost $1.9 billion last year, has faced scepticism over its ability to make money, especially if the global economy slows significantly. Architects of its plan for a stock market debut had scaled back the valuation target for the company from $47 billion to under $20 billion as they pushed back the timeframe. The IPO is now unlikely to happen before the end of the year, according to a source, adding that at the earliest it could occur in 2020.

WeWork founder Adam Neumann removed from Forbes' billionaire list

Apple chief Tim Cook on Thursday <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-removes-police-tracking-app-used-in-hong-kong-protests-from-its-app-store-254882">defended the decision to pull an app</a> used by protesters in Hong Kong to track police, according to a leaked email to employees obtained by a tech news site.

Apple removed the HKmap.live mobile application from the App Store after criticism by Beijing, which is stepping up pressure on foreign companies deemed to be providing support to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-shopping-malls-metro-close-early-as-more-protests-planned-254952">pro-democracy movement</a>.

Critics blasted the tech giant's move as putting its business interests in China above human rights.

The app allowed for crowd-sourced reporting and mapping of police checkpoints, protest hotspots, and other information which, on its own, is "benign" information, Cook said in a copy of an email to Apple employees shared online at Pastebin and posted at tech news website The Verge.

"Over the past several days we received credible information, from the Hong Kong Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau, as well as from users in Hong Kong, that the app was being used maliciously to target individual officers for violence and to victimise individuals and property where no police are present," the email read.

Gravitas: Hong Kong Protests: Biggest Political Crisis In Xi Jinping's Career

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-hong-kong-protests-biggest-political-crisis-in-xi-jinpings-career-254353/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"This use put the app in violation of Hong Kong law. Similarly, widespread abuse clearly violates our App Store guidelines barring personal harm."

Apple did not respond to a request for comment from AFP.

The makers of HKmap.live have countered that the app gathers information from users, social networks and news outlets to show where police have gathered, not where they aren't.

They have denied their app encouraged criminal activity, and lashed out at Apple's removal as "censorship" and "clearly a political decision to suppress freedom."

Chinese state media this week tore into the app, charging that it was helping "rioters."

Communist Party mouthpiece The People's Daily said by stocking the app, Apple was "mixing business with politics, and even illegal acts."

On Thursday the app was no longer available on Apple's Hong Kong App Store.

Hong Kong has been rocked by four months of increasingly violent protests, initially against a now-shelved extradition law, but whose focus has now shifted to broader pro-democracy aims.

Apple chief Tim Cook on Thursday defended the decision to pull an app used by protesters in Hong Kong to track police, according to a leaked email to employees obtained by a tech news site.

Apple chief Tim Cook on Thursday defended the decision to pull an app used by protesters in Hong Kong to track police, according to a leaked email to employees obtained by a tech news site. Apple removed the HKmap.live mobile application from the App Store after criticism by Beijing, which is stepping up pressure on foreign companies deemed to be providing support to the pro-democracy movement. Critics blasted the tech giant's move as putting its business interests in China above human rights. The app allowed for crowd-sourced reporting and mapping of police checkpoints, protest hotspots, and other information which, on its own, is "benign" information, Cook said in a copy of an email to Apple employees shared online at Pastebin and posted at tech news website The Verge. "Over the past several days we received credible information, from the Hong Kong Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau, as well as from users in Hong Kong, that the app was being used maliciously to target individual officers for violence and to victimise individuals and property where no police are present," the email read. Gravitas: Hong Kong Protests: Biggest Political Crisis In Xi Jinping's Career "This use put the app in violation of Hong Kong law. Similarly, widespread abuse clearly violates our App Store guidelines barring personal harm." Apple did not respond to a request for comment from AFP. The makers of HKmap.live have countered that the app gathers information from users, social networks and news outlets to show where police have gathered, not where they aren't. They have denied their app encouraged criminal activity, and lashed out at Apple's removal as "censorship" and "clearly a political decision to suppress freedom." Chinese state media this week tore into the app, charging that it was helping "rioters." Communist Party mouthpiece The People's Daily said by stocking the app, Apple was "mixing business with politics, and even illegal acts." On Thursday the app was no longer available on Apple's Hong Kong App Store. Hong Kong has been rocked by four months of increasingly violent protests, initially against a now-shelved extradition law, but whose focus has now shifted to broader pro-democracy aims.

Apple chief Tim Cook defends pulling app used by Hong Kong protesters

The board of French carmaker Renault on Friday voted in favor of ousting Thierry Bollore as CEO, said two sources familiar with the matter.

Renault, along with alliance partner Nissan, is still reeling from the arrest in Tokyo last year of former boss Carlos Ghosn on allegations of financial misconduct, which Ghosn denies.

Bollore, who had long been Ghosn's right-hand man, was promoted to help steady Renault this year, with Jean-Dominique Senard hired from Michelin to chair the group, shares in which rose 2.7 per cent in morning trade.

Officials at Renault were not immediately available to comment.

Bollore had skirted the matter of his potential exit in a conversation with staff on Thursday, two company sources said, but in a later interview with French newspaper Les Echos, he described his possible departure as a "coup".

Renault finance chief Clotilde Delbos has been&nbsp;named as interim CEO to replace Bollore.&nbsp;

The board of French carmaker Renault on Friday voted in favor of ousting Thierry Bollore as CEO, said two sources familiar with the matter. Renault, along with alliance partner Nissan, is still reeling from the arrest in Tokyo last year of former boss Carlos Ghosn on allegations of financial misconduct, which Ghosn denies.

The board of French carmaker Renault on Friday voted in favor of ousting Thierry Bollore as CEO, said two sources familiar with the matter. Renault, along with alliance partner Nissan, is still reeling from the arrest in Tokyo last year of former boss Carlos Ghosn on allegations of financial misconduct, which Ghosn denies. Bollore, who had long been Ghosn's right-hand man, was promoted to help steady Renault this year, with Jean-Dominique Senard hired from Michelin to chair the group, shares in which rose 2.7 per cent in morning trade. Officials at Renault were not immediately available to comment. Bollore had skirted the matter of his potential exit in a conversation with staff on Thursday, two company sources said, but in a later interview with French newspaper Les Echos, he described his possible departure as a "coup". Renault finance chief Clotilde Delbos has been named as interim CEO to replace Bollore.

Renault board votes to oust Thierry Bollore as CEO: Sources

South African former President Jacob Zuma will stand trial on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-south-africa-sees-the-end-of-president-jacob-zuma-and-gupta-brothers-tyranny-32933">corruption charges</a> relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal after court denied him a permanent stay of prosecution on Friday.

The ruling by Judge Jerome Mnguni in the Pietermaritzburg High Court paves way for Zuma's trial to start on October&nbsp;15.

Zuma, who was in office from 2009-2018, had applied for a permanent stay of prosecution from 16 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to a deal to buy 30 billion rand of European military hardware for South Africa's armed forces in the late 1990s.

The 77-year-old has denied any wrongdoing and has said he is the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt.

The charges against Zuma were originally filed a decade ago but then set aside by the National Prosecuting Authority shortly before he successfully ran for president in 2009.

After his election, his opponents fought a lengthy legal battle to have the charges reinstated, finally succeeding in 2016. Zuma countered with his own legal challenges.

South African former President Jacob Zuma will stand trial on corruption charges relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal after court denied him a permanent stay of prosecution on Friday.

South African former President Jacob Zuma will stand trial on corruption charges relating to a $2.5 billion arms deal after court denied him a permanent stay of prosecution on Friday. The ruling by Judge Jerome Mnguni in the Pietermaritzburg High Court paves way for Zuma's trial to start on October 15. Zuma, who was in office from 2009-2018, had applied for a permanent stay of prosecution from 16 charges of fraud, racketeering and money laundering relating to a deal to buy 30 billion rand of European military hardware for South Africa's armed forces in the late 1990s. The 77-year-old has denied any wrongdoing and has said he is the victim of a politically motivated witch-hunt. The charges against Zuma were originally filed a decade ago but then set aside by the National Prosecuting Authority shortly before he successfully ran for president in 2009. After his election, his opponents fought a lengthy legal battle to have the charges reinstated, finally succeeding in 2016. Zuma countered with his own legal challenges.

Former South Africa president Jacob Zuma to face corruption trial after court denies stay of prosecution

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