As the Trump administration on Monday began the process of formally pulling out of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/11000-scientists-caution-against-climate-emergency-warn-of-unavoidable-human-suffering-260246"> Paris climate agreement</a>, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their strong support for the global accord.&nbsp;

"Both sides attach high importance to measures responding to climate change and protection of ecological diversity, and we agree to cooperate over next year's 15th Biodiversity Convention on Biodiversity held in Kunming to push forth the Paris Climate Accords in response to climate change," Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his meeting with President Macron in Beijing.

Xi added that the international community should "jointly protect <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-climate-agreement-us-should-take-more-responsibility-says-china-260120">our homeland planet Earth</a>", adding "we are against the attempt to place national interests above the common interests of humanity".

Macron too a swipe at the US, decalaring: "I deplore the choices made by some others, but I want to see them as marginal choices, because when China, the European Union, Russia, which ratified the Paris agreements a few weeks ago, engage with firmness, the isolated choice of one or another (country) is not enough to change the course of the world, it will only lead to them being edged out."

Both leaders also issued a joint statement reaffirming their committment towards the climate agreement. In a joint statement, Xi and Macron reaffirmed "their firm support for the Paris accord which they consider as an irreversible&nbsp;process and a compass for strong action on climate".&nbsp;

Xi and Macron expressed determination to improve international cooperation to "ensure a complete and efficient implementation of the Paris accord" while pledgeing to restore almost a third of degraded land as well as eliminating fossil fuel subsidies in the medium term.

The US had presented its withdrawal letter to the United Nations on Monday which was negotiated by the Obama administration.

As the Trump administration on Monday began the process of formally pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their strong support for the global accord.

As the Trump administration on Monday began the process of formally pulling out of the Paris climate agreement, French President Emmanuel Macron and Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed their strong support for the global accord. "Both sides attach high importance to measures responding to climate change and protection of ecological diversity, and we agree to cooperate over next year's 15th Biodiversity Convention on Biodiversity held in Kunming to push forth the Paris Climate Accords in response to climate change," Chinese President Xi Jinping said during his meeting with President Macron in Beijing. Xi added that the international community should "jointly protect our homeland planet Earth", adding "we are against the attempt to place national interests above the common interests of humanity". Macron too a swipe at the US, decalaring: "I deplore the choices made by some others, but I want to see them as marginal choices, because when China, the European Union, Russia, which ratified the Paris agreements a few weeks ago, engage with firmness, the isolated choice of one or another (country) is not enough to change the course of the world, it will only lead to them being edged out." Both leaders also issued a joint statement reaffirming their committment towards the climate agreement. In a joint statement, Xi and Macron reaffirmed "their firm support for the Paris accord which they consider as an irreversible process and a compass for strong action on climate". Xi and Macron expressed determination to improve international cooperation to "ensure a complete and efficient implementation of the Paris accord" while pledgeing to restore almost a third of degraded land as well as eliminating fossil fuel subsidies in the medium term. The US had presented its withdrawal letter to the United Nations on Monday which was negotiated by the Obama administration.

Macron, Xi declare Paris climate accord 'irreversible process'

After President Hassan Rouhani announced plans to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-to-resume-enrichment-at-underground-plant-hassan-rouhani-260070">resume uranium enrichment</a> at an underground plant south of Tehran, France said it will "go against the Vienna agreement".

"The announcements by Iran... go against the Vienna agreement," the French foreign ministry said in a statement. "We urge Iran to go back on its decisions which contradict the accord," it added.

On Tuesday, Iran had said it fired up advanced centrifuges to boost its enriched uranium stockpiles. The Rouhani government said it now produces 5 kg of enriched uranium per day which is ten times the level from two months ago when it abandoned the nuclear deal.

Iran today said it was injecting gas into 1,044 centrifuges at its Fordow plant which marks a new step in reducing commitments towards the 2015 nuclear deal.

"We know their sensitivity with regard to Fordow. With regard to these centrifuges, we know. But at the same time when they uphold their commitments, we will cut off the gas again...So it is possible to reverse this step," Rouhani said, adding," We can't unilaterally accept that we completely fulfil our commitments and they don't follow up on their commitments."

"Under the terms of the deal the Islamic Republic is allowed to spin the centrifuges at Fordow without injecting gas,"&nbsp;Rouhani asserted.

Russia said it was monitoring the development as Iran announced its decision to enrich uranium against the rules set by the nuclear deal.

"The dismantling of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) does not bode well, of course," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.&nbsp;

"We support the preservation of this deal," Peskov added.

After President Hassan Rouhani announced plans to resume uranium enrichment at an underground plant south of Tehran, France said it will "go against the Vienna agreement".

After President Hassan Rouhani announced plans to resume uranium enrichment at an underground plant south of Tehran, France said it will "go against the Vienna agreement". "The announcements by Iran... go against the Vienna agreement," the French foreign ministry said in a statement. "We urge Iran to go back on its decisions which contradict the accord," it added. On Tuesday, Iran had said it fired up advanced centrifuges to boost its enriched uranium stockpiles. The Rouhani government said it now produces 5 kg of enriched uranium per day which is ten times the level from two months ago when it abandoned the nuclear deal. Iran today said it was injecting gas into 1,044 centrifuges at its Fordow plant which marks a new step in reducing commitments towards the 2015 nuclear deal. "We know their sensitivity with regard to Fordow. With regard to these centrifuges, we know. But at the same time when they uphold their commitments, we will cut off the gas again...So it is possible to reverse this step," Rouhani said, adding," We can't unilaterally accept that we completely fulfil our commitments and they don't follow up on their commitments." "Under the terms of the deal the Islamic Republic is allowed to spin the centrifuges at Fordow without injecting gas," Rouhani asserted. Russia said it was monitoring the development as Iran announced its decision to enrich uranium against the rules set by the nuclear deal. "The dismantling of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) does not bode well, of course," President Vladimir Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "We support the preservation of this deal," Peskov added.

Iran's decision to enrich uranium goes against Vienna agreement: France

China today expressed "regret" as the US began the process of pulling out of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-begins-formal-exit-from-paris-climate-pact-259963">Paris climate agreement</a>.

"China expresses regret about the US&nbsp;officially starting the relevant process of withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding, "We believe that climate change is a common challenge faced by all of humankind."

"All members of the international community should join hands to cooperate, each doing their best according to their ability, to jointly deal with it," Geng Shuang added.

The Trump administration said on Monday that it had formally begun the process of withdrawing from the Paris agreement which is a one-year process to exit from the pact.

While announcing the US decision, secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said: "The US is proud of our record as a world leader in reducing all emissions, fostering resilience, growing our economy, and ensuring energy for our citizens."

However, Franch President Macron expressed "regret" on the US move to pull out of the climate agreement. &nbsp;

China's foreign ministry spokesman criticised the US move while asserting that the US should take "more responsibility" instead of "spreading negativity".

"We hope that the US can take more responsibility and make more constructive contributions to the process of multilateral cooperation instead of adding negativity," Geng Shuang asserted.

Russia too joined other countries in criticising the US move with President Putin's spokesman saying it seriously undermined the agreement.

The US pullout "undermines this agreement in the most serious way, because it is the leading country in terms of emissions," President Vladimir Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

"And without the largest economy in the world, it's very, very hard to talk about any kind of climate agreement," Peskov added.

China today expressed "regret" as the US began the process of pulling out of the Paris climate agreement. "China expresses regret about the US officially starting the relevant process of withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding, "We believe that climate change is a common challenge faced by all of humankind.

China today expressed "regret" as the US began the process of pulling out of the Paris climate agreement. "China expresses regret about the US officially starting the relevant process of withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement," China's foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said, adding, "We believe that climate change is a common challenge faced by all of humankind." "All members of the international community should join hands to cooperate, each doing their best according to their ability, to jointly deal with it," Geng Shuang added. The Trump administration said on Monday that it had formally begun the process of withdrawing from the Paris agreement which is a one-year process to exit from the pact. While announcing the US decision, secretary of state Mike Pompeo had said: "The US is proud of our record as a world leader in reducing all emissions, fostering resilience, growing our economy, and ensuring energy for our citizens." However, Franch President Macron expressed "regret" on the US move to pull out of the climate agreement. China's foreign ministry spokesman criticised the US move while asserting that the US should take "more responsibility" instead of "spreading negativity". "We hope that the US can take more responsibility and make more constructive contributions to the process of multilateral cooperation instead of adding negativity," Geng Shuang asserted. Russia too joined other countries in criticising the US move with President Putin's spokesman saying it seriously undermined the agreement. The US pullout "undermines this agreement in the most serious way, because it is the leading country in terms of emissions," President Vladimir Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "And without the largest economy in the world, it's very, very hard to talk about any kind of climate agreement," Peskov added.

Paris climate agreement: US should take more responsibility, says China

The United States imposed sanctions on nine people with ties to Iran's Supreme <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-new-iran-sanctions-but-waives-others-259135">Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei</a>, including his chief of staff, one of his sons and the head of Iran's judiciary, the US&nbsp;Treasury Department said on Monday.

The United States also sanctioned Iran's Armed Forces General Staff, the department said in the statement, which came 40 years after Iran seized the US&nbsp;embassy in Tehran, taking more than 50 Americans hostage.

"Today the Treasury Department is targeting the unelected officials who surround Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and implement his destabilizing policies," US&nbsp;Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

"These individuals are linked to a wide range of malign behaviours by the regime, including bombings of the US&nbsp;Marine Barracks in Beirut in 1983 and the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association in 1994, as well as torture, extrajudicial killings, and repression of civilians," Mnuchin added.

Those targeted by the US&nbsp;sanctions include Khamenei's chief of staff Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani as well as Vahid Haghanian, who the department said "has been referred to as the Supreme Leader’s right hand."

Ebrahim Raisi, who Khamenei appointed in March 2019 to lead Iran’s judiciary, and Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei's second son, were also sanctioned, Treasury said.

US&nbsp;sanctions block any US-controlled property or interests held by those targeted and prohibit anyone or any entities in the United States from dealing with those sanctioned.

The United States imposed sanctions on nine people with ties to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including his chief of staff, one of his sons and the head of Iran's judiciary, the US Treasury Department said on Monday.

The United States imposed sanctions on nine people with ties to Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including his chief of staff, one of his sons and the head of Iran's judiciary, the US Treasury Department said on Monday. The United States also sanctioned Iran's Armed Forces General Staff, the department said in the statement, which came 40 years after Iran seized the US embassy in Tehran, taking more than 50 Americans hostage. "Today the Treasury Department is targeting the unelected officials who surround Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, and implement his destabilizing policies," US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "These individuals are linked to a wide range of malign behaviours by the regime, including bombings of the US Marine Barracks in Beirut in 1983 and the Argentine Israelite Mutual Association in 1994, as well as torture, extrajudicial killings, and repression of civilians," Mnuchin added. Those targeted by the US sanctions include Khamenei's chief of staff Mohammad Mohammadi Golpayegani as well as Vahid Haghanian, who the department said "has been referred to as the Supreme Leader’s right hand." Ebrahim Raisi, who Khamenei appointed in March 2019 to lead Iran’s judiciary, and Mojtaba Khamenei, Khamenei's second son, were also sanctioned, Treasury said. US sanctions block any US-controlled property or interests held by those targeted and prohibit anyone or any entities in the United States from dealing with those sanctioned.

US imposes sanctions on nine Iranians with ties to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Police in Greece said 41 migrants were found alive in a refrigerated truck.

The driver of the bus was arrested after the truck was impounded as&nbsp;the migrants were moved to a police station for identification.&nbsp;

The migrants were reportedly of Afghan origin, the police added, while informing that they were in good health with some provided first aid.

Reports said the police had stopped the truck on a highway near the northern Greek city of Xanthi.

The latest incident comes after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/migrant-lorry-victims-believed-to-be-vietnamese-uk-police-259383">39 people had died in a similar truck</a> in an industrial estate near London last month. The driver of the bus Maurice Robinson, 25, from Northern Ireland was charged with manslaughter and people trafficking.

The London police had said earlier that those dead were Chinese nationals but later claimed they were believed to be Vietnamese. The victims included eight women and 31 men.

The bodies in the truck were discovered at Purfleet on the River Thames estuary, after arriving on a ferry from the Belgian port of Zeebrugge

In another incident, 30 migrants from Pakistan have been found hidden in a lorry in southern France. The driver of the lorry also from Pakistan was detained, French prosecutors said as illegal migrant routes in Europe continued to be the focus of authorities.

Post-mortem examinations are being carried out and no formal cause of death has been released.

 
&nbsp;

Police in Greece said 41 migrants were found alive in a refrigerated truck. The driver of the bus was arrested after the truck was impounded as the migrants were moved to a police station for identification.

Police in Greece said 41 migrants were found alive in a refrigerated truck. The driver of the bus was arrested after the truck was impounded as the migrants were moved to a police station for identification. The migrants were reportedly of Afghan origin, the police added, while informing that they were in good health with some provided first aid. Reports said the police had stopped the truck on a highway near the northern Greek city of Xanthi. The latest incident comes after 39 people had died in a similar truck in an industrial estate near London last month. The driver of the bus Maurice Robinson, 25, from Northern Ireland was charged with manslaughter and people trafficking. The London police had said earlier that those dead were Chinese nationals but later claimed they were believed to be Vietnamese. The victims included eight women and 31 men. The bodies in the truck were discovered at Purfleet on the River Thames estuary, after arriving on a ferry from the Belgian port of Zeebrugge In another incident, 30 migrants from Pakistan have been found hidden in a lorry in southern France. The driver of the lorry also from Pakistan was detained, French prosecutors said as illegal migrant routes in Europe continued to be the focus of authorities. Post-mortem examinations are being carried out and no formal cause of death has been released.

Greek police find 41 migrants in refrigerated truck; driver arrested

Washington and Beijing traded tit-for-tat barbs over the disputed <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-says-ready-to-work-with-asean-for-south-china-sea-peace-259624">South China Sea</a> at a regional summit in Bangkok on Monday, with the US accusing the fellow superpower of intimidating claimants in the resource-rich waterway.

China hit back with a veiled criticism of the US, accusing it of ratcheting up tensions in the waters, a key global shipping route.

Beijing lays claim to huge swathes of the sea where it is accused of building military <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-warship-sails-in-disputed-south-china-sea-amid-trade-tensions-246250">installations and fake islands</a>, and ramming fishing vessels.

The US has long accused it of bullying fellow claimants - Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei - calling for freedom of navigation in the area.

US national security adviser Robert O'Brien doubled down on America's rhetoric against China on Monday, speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit.&nbsp;

"Beijing has used intimidation to try and stop ASEAN nations from exploiting their offshore resources," he said, addressing an ASEAN meeting Monday.

"Big countries should not bully other countries," he later told reporters.

China's deputy foreign minister Le Yucheng meanwhile accused some outside countries of "meddling" in the sea, answering a question on US comments about the waters.

"Some non-regional countries cannot live with calm waters in the South China Sea and have come all this way to make waves," he said in an apparent jab at the US.

In return, O'Brien later said "we don't think we're meddlers".

"We always come when we're invited, unlike other countries," he said after Le's comments emerged.

Tensions have flared in the flashpoint waterway in recent weeks after China deployed a survey ship to waters claimed by Hanoi.

Though the communist neighbours have long feuded over the sea, Hanoi fought back with fiery language after the most recent incursion.

The ship left after a few weeks, but Vietnam could seek tougher language in the final ASEAN communique expected to be delivered later on Monday.

Vietnam is pushing for mention of "specific incidents" in the document, "while the other sides rather want a general statement", Philippines' finance secretary Sonny Dominguez told reporters earlier.

China's premier Li Keqiang said Sunday Beijing was committed to progress on a Code of Conduct agreement, which it has repeatedly delayed since talks first started in 2002 while carrying out its expansionist strategy in the sea.&nbsp;

Washington and Beijing traded tit-for-tat barbs over the disputed South China Sea at a regional summit in Bangkok on Monday, with the US accusing the fellow superpower of intimidating claimants in the resource-rich waterway.

Washington and Beijing traded tit-for-tat barbs over the disputed South China Sea at a regional summit in Bangkok on Monday, with the US accusing the fellow superpower of intimidating claimants in the resource-rich waterway. China hit back with a veiled criticism of the US, accusing it of ratcheting up tensions in the waters, a key global shipping route. Beijing lays claim to huge swathes of the sea where it is accused of building military installations and fake islands, and ramming fishing vessels. The US has long accused it of bullying fellow claimants - Vietnam, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei - calling for freedom of navigation in the area. US national security adviser Robert O'Brien doubled down on America's rhetoric against China on Monday, speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit. "Beijing has used intimidation to try and stop ASEAN nations from exploiting their offshore resources," he said, addressing an ASEAN meeting Monday. "Big countries should not bully other countries," he later told reporters. China's deputy foreign minister Le Yucheng meanwhile accused some outside countries of "meddling" in the sea, answering a question on US comments about the waters. "Some non-regional countries cannot live with calm waters in the South China Sea and have come all this way to make waves," he said in an apparent jab at the US. In return, O'Brien later said "we don't think we're meddlers". "We always come when we're invited, unlike other countries," he said after Le's comments emerged. Tensions have flared in the flashpoint waterway in recent weeks after China deployed a survey ship to waters claimed by Hanoi. Though the communist neighbours have long feuded over the sea, Hanoi fought back with fiery language after the most recent incursion. The ship left after a few weeks, but Vietnam could seek tougher language in the final ASEAN communique expected to be delivered later on Monday. Vietnam is pushing for mention of "specific incidents" in the document, "while the other sides rather want a general statement", Philippines' finance secretary Sonny Dominguez told reporters earlier. China's premier Li Keqiang said Sunday Beijing was committed to progress on a Code of Conduct agreement, which it has repeatedly delayed since talks first started in 2002 while carrying out its expansionist strategy in the sea.

US, China face-off over South China Sea at ASEAN summit

Nearly two months after announcing it had fired up advanced centrifuges to boost its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-is-loser-by-abandoning-iran-nuclear-deal-rouhani-171418">enriched uranium stockpiles</a>, Iran said it has developed two new advanced centrifuges.

Iran said it now produces 5 kg of enriched uranium per day which is ten times the level from two months ago when it abandoned the nuclear deal. &nbsp;

Iran has also developed two new advanced centrifuges, one of which is undergoing testing, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran&nbsp;announced at the Natanz facility.

In September, Iran had said that it activated 20 IR-4 and 20 IR-6 advanced centrifuges.

Under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran was allowed to enrich uranium using only first-generation -- or IR-1 -- centrifuges. However, in May last year, US President Trump had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal while reimposing stiff sanctions on the Rouhani regime despite other stakeholders in the nuclear deal Britain, France and Germany committing to save the deal.

Tensions escalated in the region after Iran's Army downed a US drone leading President Trump to order retaliatory strikes before cancelling it at the last moment.

Iran had said earlier that it&nbsp;was capable of enriching uranium beyond the 20 per cent level. The 2015 nuclear pact had curbed Iran's controversial nuclear programme in exchange for relief from sanctions, however, after the US pulled out, Iran reviewed its nuke programme accusing the US of spearheading a pressure campaign.

The nuclear deal had capped the number of centrifuge enrichment machines installed in Iran at roughly 6,000, down from around 19,000 before 2015. It allowed Iran to refine uranium only with first-generation IR-1 centrifuges.

&nbsp;

Nearly two months after announcing it had fired up advanced centrifuges to boost its enriched uranium stockpiles, Iran said it has developed two new advanced centrifuges.

Nearly two months after announcing it had fired up advanced centrifuges to boost its enriched uranium stockpiles, Iran said it has developed two new advanced centrifuges. Iran said it now produces 5 kg of enriched uranium per day which is ten times the level from two months ago when it abandoned the nuclear deal. Iran has also developed two new advanced centrifuges, one of which is undergoing testing, Ali Akbar Salehi, the head of Atomic Energy Organisation of Iran announced at the Natanz facility. In September, Iran had said that it activated 20 IR-4 and 20 IR-6 advanced centrifuges. Under the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), Iran was allowed to enrich uranium using only first-generation -- or IR-1 -- centrifuges. However, in May last year, US President Trump had pulled out of the Iran nuclear deal while reimposing stiff sanctions on the Rouhani regime despite other stakeholders in the nuclear deal Britain, France and Germany committing to save the deal. Tensions escalated in the region after Iran's Army downed a US drone leading President Trump to order retaliatory strikes before cancelling it at the last moment. Iran had said earlier that it was capable of enriching uranium beyond the 20 per cent level. The 2015 nuclear pact had curbed Iran's controversial nuclear programme in exchange for relief from sanctions, however, after the US pulled out, Iran reviewed its nuke programme accusing the US of spearheading a pressure campaign. The nuclear deal had capped the number of centrifuge enrichment machines installed in Iran at roughly 6,000, down from around 19,000 before 2015. It allowed Iran to refine uranium only with first-generation IR-1 centrifuges.

Now producing 5 kg enriched uranium per day: Iran

A Manhattan judge has dismissed Uber Technologies Inc's lawsuit challenging a New York City law limiting the number of licenses for ride-hailing services, the first such cap by a major American city.

In a decision made public on Friday, New York State Supreme Court Justice Lyle Frank rejected Uber's argument that the city wrongly gave its Taxi and Limousine Commission power to enforce the cap.

Frank was also unconvinced that the cap, part of Local Law 147, would impede state efforts to reduce traffic congestion through "congestion pricing" on vehicles entering high-traffic areas of Manhattan.

"It would appear that LL 147, rather than being in conflict with the congestion pricing law, in fact, appears to complement it," Frank wrote. His decision is dated Oct. 31.

“We’re disappointed that the TLC's cap that punishes drivers who are forced to rent vehicles will remain in effect," Uber said in a statement.

Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesman for the city's law department, said in an email: "Hardworking for-hire vehicle drivers and everyone else impacted by our congested roads should be pleased with this court ruling."

The August 2018 law was meant to give New York City greater oversight of ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft Inc.

It included a one-year freeze on new licenses to for-hire vehicles, which was later extended through August 2020, and also set minimum pay standards for drivers.

The case is separate from Uber's Sept. 20 challenge to a New York City "cruising cap" rule limiting how much time its drivers could spend without passengers in Manhattan south of 96th Street.

Based in San Francisco, Uber has drawn criticism from many cities that its vehicles increase congestion, and commandeer&nbsp;business&nbsp;from taxis.

The value of medallions, which are permits needed to operate yellow taxis in New York City and are distinct from ride-hailing licenses, has plunged as Uber and Lyft gained popularity.

"This cap has been life-saving &amp; is the basis for any group of drivers - Uber or yellow cab - to come out of poverty &amp; instability," Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, said on Twitter.

The case is ZEHN-NY LLC et al v City of New York et al, New York State Supreme Court, New York County, No. 151730/2019.

A Manhattan judge has dismissed Uber Technologies Inc's lawsuit challenging a New York City law limiting the number of licenses for ride-hailing services, the first such cap by a major American city.

A Manhattan judge has dismissed Uber Technologies Inc's lawsuit challenging a New York City law limiting the number of licenses for ride-hailing services, the first such cap by a major American city. In a decision made public on Friday, New York State Supreme Court Justice Lyle Frank rejected Uber's argument that the city wrongly gave its Taxi and Limousine Commission power to enforce the cap. Frank was also unconvinced that the cap, part of Local Law 147, would impede state efforts to reduce traffic congestion through "congestion pricing" on vehicles entering high-traffic areas of Manhattan. "It would appear that LL 147, rather than being in conflict with the congestion pricing law, in fact, appears to complement it," Frank wrote. His decision is dated Oct. 31. “We’re disappointed that the TLC's cap that punishes drivers who are forced to rent vehicles will remain in effect," Uber said in a statement. Nicholas Paolucci, a spokesman for the city's law department, said in an email: "Hardworking for-hire vehicle drivers and everyone else impacted by our congested roads should be pleased with this court ruling." The August 2018 law was meant to give New York City greater oversight of ride-hailing companies such as Uber and Lyft Inc. It included a one-year freeze on new licenses to for-hire vehicles, which was later extended through August 2020, and also set minimum pay standards for drivers. The case is separate from Uber's Sept. 20 challenge to a New York City "cruising cap" rule limiting how much time its drivers could spend without passengers in Manhattan south of 96th Street. Based in San Francisco, Uber has drawn criticism from many cities that its vehicles increase congestion, and commandeer business from taxis. The value of medallions, which are permits needed to operate yellow taxis in New York City and are distinct from ride-hailing licenses, has plunged as Uber and Lyft gained popularity. "This cap has been life-saving & is the basis for any group of drivers - Uber or yellow cab - to come out of poverty & instability," Bhairavi Desai, executive director of the New York Taxi Workers Alliance, said on Twitter. The case is ZEHN-NY LLC et al v City of New York et al, New York State Supreme Court, New York County, No. 151730/2019.

Judge dismisses Uber lawsuit opposing New York City vehicle license caps

At least 32 flights have been diverted at the Delhi airport as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. 
 
Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly. 
 
"Due to low visibility at the Delhi Airport, 32 flights have been diverted," said Delhi International Airport Limited today. 
 
Air India has said that due to bad weather, flight operations have been affected since morning 9 am in T3 airport in Delhi and 12 flights have been diverted to Jaipur, Amritsar, and Lucknow. 
 
As per the update till 1 pm, the Delhi Airport in a tweet said, "Due to low visibility, flight operations at the Delhi Airport are affected. While take-offs and landings continue, some flights are impacted due to crew operational limitations." 
 
"Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the Delhi Airport added. 
 
Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. 
An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". 
 
Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category.

At least 32 flights have been diverted at the Delhi airport as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly.

At least 32 flights have been diverted at the Delhi airport as a thick blanket of smog engulfed several parts of the city on Sunday morning. Air pollution levels in the national capital escalated to hazardous and visibility dropped significantly. "Due to low visibility at the Delhi Airport, 32 flights have been diverted," said Delhi International Airport Limited today. Air India has said that due to bad weather, flight operations have been affected since morning 9 am in T3 airport in Delhi and 12 flights have been diverted to Jaipur, Amritsar, and Lucknow. As per the update till 1 pm, the Delhi Airport in a tweet said, "Due to low visibility, flight operations at the Delhi Airport are affected. While take-offs and landings continue, some flights are impacted due to crew operational limitations." "Passengers are requested to contact the airline concerned for updated flight information. Any inconvenience caused is deeply regretted," the Delhi Airport added. Notably, for the first time in this season, the Air Quality Index (AQI) docked as high as 625 at 10 in the morning despite light drizzles in the early hours. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "good", 51-100 "satisfactory", 101-200 "moderate", 201-300 "poor", 301-400 "very poor", and 401-500 "severe". Above 500 is the "severe-plus emergency" category.

Pollution in Delhi: 32 flights diverted due to low visibility

Chandigarh’s Ajeetesh Sandhu pipped Delhi’s Rashid Khan in a photo-finish amid high drama much to the delight of the home crowd on the final day of the Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational 2019 presented by TAKE Solutions, a Rs. 1.5 crore event played at the Chandigarh Golf Club.

Ajeetesh, playing at his home course, made a spectacular comeback in regulation play before coming through in a marathon playoff that lasted four extra holes.

It was a classical contest for the ages that saw Sandhu collect the winning cheque worth Rs. 24,24,750 that catapulted him from 48th to second position in the TATA Steel PGTI Order of Merit. Rashid extended his lead to over Rs. 34 lakhs in the PGTI’s money list despite his heartbreaking loss. Khan’s PGTI earnings for 2019 now stand at a whopping Rs. 61,21,653.

Ajeetesh Sandhu (66-69-67-66) and Rashid Khan (71-64-67-66), the joint leaders after round three, headed for the playoff on Sunday after ending up with identical totals of 20-under-268 in regulation play. It turned out to be the lowest winning score at the Chandigarh Golf Club (CGC) improving on Rahil Gangjee’s 13-under-275 at the PGTI Players Championship in 2013.

Karandeep Kochhar of Chandigarh took third place at 17-under-271 after a flawless 68 in round four.

Abhijit Singh Chadha, another local lad, matched the course record score of eight-under-64 to take a share of 15th place at seven-under-281. Chadha’s sizzling round featured an eagle, seven birdies and a bogey.

The day began with Rashid Khan, a two-time Asian Tour winner, firing on all cylinders with five birdies on the first six holes to build a daunting five-shot lead over his nearest rival Ajeetesh Sandhu.

The 28-year-old Rashid kept landing it extremely close to the pins on that stretch. He made two extraordinary recoveries from the rough to extract birdies on the fourth and fifth. Khan chipped-in on the fifth. When he sank his fifth birdie of the day on the sixth, it seemed like the writing was on the wall.

However, there was a twist in the waiting. Ajeetesh Sandhu, who began the day in the joint lead with Rashid, missed a couple of short putts early on and had only a birdie and bogey to show over his first six holes. But then Ajeetesh, a winner on the Asian Tour in 2017, got some momentum going in his round as he drained three straight birdies on the seventh, eighth and ninth, courtesy some outstanding iron-play that reduced Rashid’s lead to just two shots.

The two players then picked up two birdies each over the next five holes to maintain status quo. Thereafter, the 31-year-old Ajeetesh made a crucial 15-feet birdie conversion on the 17th while Rashid made an uncharacteristic three-putt bogey on the 18th.

The see-saw battle continued during the playoff as Rashid made an unbelievable 30-feet par putt on the first extra hole where Ajeetesh too came up with an excellent approach from the rough. On the second hole, Rashid’s putt lipped-out from eight feet to deny him victory. Finally, on the fourth extra hole, Ajeetesh won the battle of nerves as he made par while Rashid’s challenge faded away as he found the water hazard with his approach.

Ajeetesh, who bagged his fourth title on the PGTI and fifth overall, said, “It has been a really solid week for me. I’m delighted to win on my home turf and in front of my home crowd. It’s something I’ve always dreamt of.

“I’ve been playing some great golf in recent weeks and this is a good culmination to that. The three birdies on the seventh, eighth and ninth were the key to my round as they kept me in the game. The long birdie conversions on the 14th and 17th also played a part in getting me within striking distance of the title.

“I thought I had it on the first playoff hole but Rashid came up with an exceptional putt. But I hung in there. It’s always different in a playoff as you’re not playing against the course but against one player. One thus goes into a playoff with a different mindset. I did well to make that mental adjustment.

“I’ve played in a few leader groups this year including Taiwan where I finished tied second two weeks back. So the experience of dealing with pressure situations in the recent past helped me during today’s playoff. I’m now excited about the rest of the Asian Tour season,” added Sandhu, currently ranked 15th on the Asian Tour money list, the highest among the Indians.

The PGTI record for the longest playoff was also matched on Sunday. The two previous playoffs on the PGTI that lasted four holes were played at the PGTI Players Championship at the Noida Golf Course in 2013 and at the Delhi-NCR Open also at the Noida Golf Course in 2019.

While Kolkata’s Divyanshu Bajaj finished fourth at 13-under-275, the Chandigarh duo of Aadil Bedi and Akshay Sharma took joint fifth at 12-under-276. Sri Lankan Mithun Perera was a further shot back in seventh.

Rory Hie of Indonesia, the leading foreign name in the field, finished tied eighth at 10-under-278.

Indian star Jyoti Randhawa took a share of 11th place at nine-under-279.

Chandigarh’s Ajeetesh Sandhu pipped Delhi’s Rashid Khan in a photo-finish amid high drama much to the delight of the home crowd on the final day of the Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational 2019 presented by TAKE Solutions, a Rs.

Chandigarh’s Ajeetesh Sandhu pipped Delhi’s Rashid Khan in a photo-finish amid high drama much to the delight of the home crowd on the final day of the Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational 2019 presented by TAKE Solutions, a Rs. 1.5 crore event played at the Chandigarh Golf Club. Ajeetesh, playing at his home course, made a spectacular comeback in regulation play before coming through in a marathon playoff that lasted four extra holes. It was a classical contest for the ages that saw Sandhu collect the winning cheque worth Rs. 24,24,750 that catapulted him from 48th to second position in the TATA Steel PGTI Order of Merit. Rashid extended his lead to over Rs. 34 lakhs in the PGTI’s money list despite his heartbreaking loss. Khan’s PGTI earnings for 2019 now stand at a whopping Rs. 61,21,653. Ajeetesh Sandhu (66-69-67-66) and Rashid Khan (71-64-67-66), the joint leaders after round three, headed for the playoff on Sunday after ending up with identical totals of 20-under-268 in regulation play. It turned out to be the lowest winning score at the Chandigarh Golf Club (CGC) improving on Rahil Gangjee’s 13-under-275 at the PGTI Players Championship in 2013. Karandeep Kochhar of Chandigarh took third place at 17-under-271 after a flawless 68 in round four. Abhijit Singh Chadha, another local lad, matched the course record score of eight-under-64 to take a share of 15th place at seven-under-281. Chadha’s sizzling round featured an eagle, seven birdies and a bogey. The day began with Rashid Khan, a two-time Asian Tour winner, firing on all cylinders with five birdies on the first six holes to build a daunting five-shot lead over his nearest rival Ajeetesh Sandhu. The 28-year-old Rashid kept landing it extremely close to the pins on that stretch. He made two extraordinary recoveries from the rough to extract birdies on the fourth and fifth. Khan chipped-in on the fifth. When he sank his fifth birdie of the day on the sixth, it seemed like the writing was on the wall. However, there was a twist in the waiting. Ajeetesh Sandhu, who began the day in the joint lead with Rashid, missed a couple of short putts early on and had only a birdie and bogey to show over his first six holes. But then Ajeetesh, a winner on the Asian Tour in 2017, got some momentum going in his round as he drained three straight birdies on the seventh, eighth and ninth, courtesy some outstanding iron-play that reduced Rashid’s lead to just two shots. The two players then picked up two birdies each over the next five holes to maintain status quo. Thereafter, the 31-year-old Ajeetesh made a crucial 15-feet birdie conversion on the 17th while Rashid made an uncharacteristic three-putt bogey on the 18th. The see-saw battle continued during the playoff as Rashid made an unbelievable 30-feet par putt on the first extra hole where Ajeetesh too came up with an excellent approach from the rough. On the second hole, Rashid’s putt lipped-out from eight feet to deny him victory. Finally, on the fourth extra hole, Ajeetesh won the battle of nerves as he made par while Rashid’s challenge faded away as he found the water hazard with his approach. Ajeetesh, who bagged his fourth title on the PGTI and fifth overall, said, “It has been a really solid week for me. I’m delighted to win on my home turf and in front of my home crowd. It’s something I’ve always dreamt of. “I’ve been playing some great golf in recent weeks and this is a good culmination to that. The three birdies on the seventh, eighth and ninth were the key to my round as they kept me in the game. The long birdie conversions on the 14th and 17th also played a part in getting me within striking distance of the title. “I thought I had it on the first playoff hole but Rashid came up with an exceptional putt. But I hung in there. It’s always different in a playoff as you’re not playing against the course but against one player. One thus goes into a playoff with a different mindset. I did well to make that mental adjustment. “I’ve played in a few leader groups this year including Taiwan where I finished tied second two weeks back. So the experience of dealing with pressure situations in the recent past helped me during today’s playoff. I’m now excited about the rest of the Asian Tour season,” added Sandhu, currently ranked 15th on the Asian Tour money list, the highest among the Indians. The PGTI record for the longest playoff was also matched on Sunday. The two previous playoffs on the PGTI that lasted four holes were played at the PGTI Players Championship at the Noida Golf Course in 2013 and at the Delhi-NCR Open also at the Noida Golf Course in 2019. While Kolkata’s Divyanshu Bajaj finished fourth at 13-under-275, the Chandigarh duo of Aadil Bedi and Akshay Sharma took joint fifth at 12-under-276. Sri Lankan Mithun Perera was a further shot back in seventh. Rory Hie of Indonesia, the leading foreign name in the field, finished tied eighth at 10-under-278. Indian star Jyoti Randhawa took a share of 11th place at nine-under-279.

Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational: Ajeetesh Sandhu delights with spectacular comeback, pips Rashid Khan amid high drama

Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City's much-changed side strolled to a 3-1 League Cup fourth round win on Tuesday over Southampton who seemed relieved to avoid a repeat of their nine-goal thrashing by Leicester City four days earlier.

Holders City made nine changes and gave a debut to 18-year-old Tommy Boyle, grandson of their late former captain Mike Doyle, and dominated the first half against the visitors who still appeared shell-shocked by Friday's Premier League mauling.

Nicolas Otamendi nodded in Bernardo Silva's dinked cross after 20 minutes and fellow Argentine Aguero added the second in the 38th, turning home Kyle Walker's cross with a cushioned volley for City, who won the trophy in 2018 and 2019.

Aguero struck again in the 56th with the softest of touches after Riyad Mahrez's 30-metre shot hit a defender and looped into his path.

City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo made his first save in the 65th minute, tipping away Sofiane Boufal's curling effort, and the Saints even managed a goal from a Jack Stevens header with 15 minutes left.

The visitors' display was enough to earn them applause from their fans at the end.

Everton slightly relieved the pressure on manager Marco Silva with a 2-0 home win over Watford in the night's other all-Premier League clash.

The hosts hit the woodwork twice before Mason Holgate headed in a Theo Walcott cross in the 72nd minute and Richarlison broke clear to scored the second in the last minute.

Leicester also made nine changes and raced to a 2-0 lead in 20 minutes at third-tier Burton Albion with goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Youri Tielemans.

Liam Boyce pulled one back early in the second half but James Maddison restored Leicester's two-goal lead in the 89th.

Colchester United came from behind to win 3-1 at Crawley Town in an all-fourth-tier match while Oxford United beat Sunderland on penalties after a 1-1 draw between the third-tier sides to reach the last eight for the first time since 1987.

Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City's much-changed side strolled to a 3-1 League Cup fourth round win on Tuesday over Southampton who seemed relieved to avoid a repeat of their nine-goal thrashing by Leicester City four days earlier.

Sergio Aguero scored twice as Manchester City's much-changed side strolled to a 3-1 League Cup fourth round win on Tuesday over Southampton who seemed relieved to avoid a repeat of their nine-goal thrashing by Leicester City four days earlier. Holders City made nine changes and gave a debut to 18-year-old Tommy Boyle, grandson of their late former captain Mike Doyle, and dominated the first half against the visitors who still appeared shell-shocked by Friday's Premier League mauling. Nicolas Otamendi nodded in Bernardo Silva's dinked cross after 20 minutes and fellow Argentine Aguero added the second in the 38th, turning home Kyle Walker's cross with a cushioned volley for City, who won the trophy in 2018 and 2019. Aguero struck again in the 56th with the softest of touches after Riyad Mahrez's 30-metre shot hit a defender and looped into his path. City goalkeeper Claudio Bravo made his first save in the 65th minute, tipping away Sofiane Boufal's curling effort, and the Saints even managed a goal from a Jack Stevens header with 15 minutes left. The visitors' display was enough to earn them applause from their fans at the end. Everton slightly relieved the pressure on manager Marco Silva with a 2-0 home win over Watford in the night's other all-Premier League clash. The hosts hit the woodwork twice before Mason Holgate headed in a Theo Walcott cross in the 72nd minute and Richarlison broke clear to scored the second in the last minute. Leicester also made nine changes and raced to a 2-0 lead in 20 minutes at third-tier Burton Albion with goals from Kelechi Iheanacho and Youri Tielemans. Liam Boyce pulled one back early in the second half but James Maddison restored Leicester's two-goal lead in the 89th. Colchester United came from behind to win 3-1 at Crawley Town in an all-fourth-tier match while Oxford United beat Sunderland on penalties after a 1-1 draw between the third-tier sides to reach the last eight for the first time since 1987.

Manchester City stroll to League Cup win over Southampton

Barcelona captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messis-historic-goal-helps-barcelona-edge-slavia-prague-257888">Lionel Messi</a> scored two goals and set up two more as the Catalans thrashed Real Valladolid 5-1 to move top of La Liga on Tuesday.

Ernesto Valverde's side ran out comfortable winners at the Camp Nou, where Saturday's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/postponed-el-clasico-to-be-played-on-december-18-spanish-football-federation-257705">Clasico against Real </a>Madrid was due to be played before it was postponed until December because of political tension.

The unstoppable Messi teed up Arturo Vidal with a magical pass for the Chilean to put the hosts 2-1 ahead after Kiko Olivas cancelled out Clement Lenglet's early deflected opener.

Then the Argentine whipped a free kick into the top corner, fired home another and sent Luis Suarez through to ensure Barcelona moved top on 22 points from 10 matches.

"Leo showed all the quality he has, when he's like that the team really feels it," said Vidal.

"We see him every day and he surprises us every day, with the quality he has, he’s from another planet. I have no words to talk about Leo, he’s from another world, everything he does, he does well."

Barcelona took the lead after just two minutes when the ball bounced fortuitously to Lenglet in the area and he crashed an effort in off the crossbar.

Olivas levelled after 15 minutes when Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen could only parry a free kick, with the defender deflecting the ball home.

Messi, however, helped Barcelona take control with a perfect pass for Vidal before the Argentine scored his fourth goal in four matches in all competitions and 100th under coach Valverde.

The number 10 set up Ansu Fati after the break but the 16-year-old's shot was kept out by Valladolid's former Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip.

Luis Suarez had a goal disallowed for offside before Messi struck again in the 75th minute, turning brilliantly before driving beyond Masip.

Messi then set up Suarez with a well-judged through-ball, which the Uruguayan dispatched with aplomb.

"They are very good and they don’t let you off the hook, Messi worked wonders," said Valladolid captain Michel. "You just have to applaud (Messi) and enjoy him."

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up two more as the Catalans thrashed Real Valladolid 5-1 to move top of La Liga on Tuesday. Ernesto Valverde's side ran out comfortable winners at the Camp Nou, where Saturday's Clasico against Real Madrid was due to be played before it was postponed until December because of political tension.

Barcelona captain Lionel Messi scored two goals and set up two more as the Catalans thrashed Real Valladolid 5-1 to move top of La Liga on Tuesday. Ernesto Valverde's side ran out comfortable winners at the Camp Nou, where Saturday's Clasico against Real Madrid was due to be played before it was postponed until December because of political tension. The unstoppable Messi teed up Arturo Vidal with a magical pass for the Chilean to put the hosts 2-1 ahead after Kiko Olivas cancelled out Clement Lenglet's early deflected opener. Then the Argentine whipped a free kick into the top corner, fired home another and sent Luis Suarez through to ensure Barcelona moved top on 22 points from 10 matches. "Leo showed all the quality he has, when he's like that the team really feels it," said Vidal. "We see him every day and he surprises us every day, with the quality he has, he’s from another planet. I have no words to talk about Leo, he’s from another world, everything he does, he does well." Barcelona took the lead after just two minutes when the ball bounced fortuitously to Lenglet in the area and he crashed an effort in off the crossbar. Olivas levelled after 15 minutes when Barca keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen could only parry a free kick, with the defender deflecting the ball home. Messi, however, helped Barcelona take control with a perfect pass for Vidal before the Argentine scored his fourth goal in four matches in all competitions and 100th under coach Valverde. The number 10 set up Ansu Fati after the break but the 16-year-old's shot was kept out by Valladolid's former Barcelona goalkeeper Jordi Masip. Luis Suarez had a goal disallowed for offside before Messi struck again in the 75th minute, turning brilliantly before driving beyond Masip. Messi then set up Suarez with a well-judged through-ball, which the Uruguayan dispatched with aplomb. "They are very good and they don’t let you off the hook, Messi worked wonders," said Valladolid captain Michel. "You just have to applaud (Messi) and enjoy him."

La Liga: Lionel Messi's double sends Barcelona top in Valladolid rout

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