British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to fire up supporters with a Brexit rallying cry on Wednesday after the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/british-prime-minister-boris-johnson-vows-to-get-brexit-done-compares-opposition-rival-jeremy-corbyn-to-stalin-260346">first day of his election campaign</a> was marred by a ministerial resignation, a gaffe about a deadly tower blaze and a doctored video advert.

Johnson called a snap Dec. 12 election in a bid to break the Brexit deadlock that he says has paralysed Britain for more than three years and had started to undermine confidence in the world's fifth largest economy.

But just an hour after meeting Queen Elizabeth to formally begin the campaign, Johnson's minister for Wales, Alun Cairns, resigned after being accused of lying about his knowledge about an aide who allegedly sabotaged a rape trial..

At the start of the campaign, Johnson's Conservatives enjoy a lead over the opposition Labour Party of between 7 and 17 percentage points, though pollsters warn that their models are wilting beside the Brexit furnace.

Johnson held a rally in Birmingham, casting the election as the most important in a generation and setting out the campaign message he will take across the country.

"Let's get Brexit done, my friends, and get on with our project of sensible, moderate, but tax-cutting one-nation Conservatism," he said to loud cheers from party supporters waving banners promoting health, education and policing reforms.

Johnson said Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn hated wealth and was thus like Soviet leader Josef Stalin - who sent millions to their deaths in labour camps. Corbyn said such remarks were "nonsense" that the super-rich came up with to avoid paying more tax.

Earlier, Conservative Party Chairman James Cleverly spent the morning defending distributing a doctored video clip of a rival Labour politician instead of touting Johnson's election campaign launch.

Another prominent Conservative, Jacob Rees-Mogg, apologised on Tuesday after he suggested that victims of the 2017 blaze at London's Grenfell Tower should have used common sense to ignore firefighters' instructions to stay in the burning building.

Election gamble

Johnson, 55, hopes he will win a big enough majority in parliament to get the Brexit deal he agreed with Brussels last month ratified and lead Britain out of the European Union in January.

He said the alternative was an unstable coalition led by Corbyn that would bring a "horror show" year in 2020 of fresh referendums on EU membership and Scottish independence.

Johnson painted Labour's Corbyn as a socialist wrecker determined to usher in yet more political crisis.

"They pretend that their hatred is directed only at certain billionaires – and they point their fingers at individuals with a relish and a vindictiveness not seen since Stalin persecuted the kulaks," Johnson wrote in an article for the Daily Telegraph newspaper. "They would destroy the very basis of this country's prosperity."

Millions of people were executed under Stalin and many more perished from abuse and disease in a vast network of prison camps, known as the Gulags. Relatively affluent farmers, known as kulaks, were among the groups targeted.

Corbyn, speaking at a campaign event in the English town of Telford, said Labour would deliver real change and share power and wealth with people who "don't have friends in high places".

He also cautioned against believing the consensus view that Johnson was assured victory, citing the 2017 election when Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, bet on calling a snap election when also far ahead in the polls but lost her majority.

"In the 2017 election, there were queues of experts ... lining up at the beginning of the campaign to write off the Labour Party, and what happened then?" Corbyn said.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to fire up supporters with a Brexit rallying cry on Wednesday after the first day of his election campaign was marred by a ministerial resignation, a gaffe about a deadly tower blaze and a doctored video advert.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson tried to fire up supporters with a Brexit rallying cry on Wednesday after the first day of his election campaign was marred by a ministerial resignation, a gaffe about a deadly tower blaze and a doctored video advert. Johnson called a snap Dec. 12 election in a bid to break the Brexit deadlock that he says has paralysed Britain for more than three years and had started to undermine confidence in the world's fifth largest economy. But just an hour after meeting Queen Elizabeth to formally begin the campaign, Johnson's minister for Wales, Alun Cairns, resigned after being accused of lying about his knowledge about an aide who allegedly sabotaged a rape trial.. At the start of the campaign, Johnson's Conservatives enjoy a lead over the opposition Labour Party of between 7 and 17 percentage points, though pollsters warn that their models are wilting beside the Brexit furnace. Johnson held a rally in Birmingham, casting the election as the most important in a generation and setting out the campaign message he will take across the country. "Let's get Brexit done, my friends, and get on with our project of sensible, moderate, but tax-cutting one-nation Conservatism," he said to loud cheers from party supporters waving banners promoting health, education and policing reforms. Johnson said Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn hated wealth and was thus like Soviet leader Josef Stalin - who sent millions to their deaths in labour camps. Corbyn said such remarks were "nonsense" that the super-rich came up with to avoid paying more tax. Earlier, Conservative Party Chairman James Cleverly spent the morning defending distributing a doctored video clip of a rival Labour politician instead of touting Johnson's election campaign launch. Another prominent Conservative, Jacob Rees-Mogg, apologised on Tuesday after he suggested that victims of the 2017 blaze at London's Grenfell Tower should have used common sense to ignore firefighters' instructions to stay in the burning building. Election gamble Johnson, 55, hopes he will win a big enough majority in parliament to get the Brexit deal he agreed with Brussels last month ratified and lead Britain out of the European Union in January. He said the alternative was an unstable coalition led by Corbyn that would bring a "horror show" year in 2020 of fresh referendums on EU membership and Scottish independence. Johnson painted Labour's Corbyn as a socialist wrecker determined to usher in yet more political crisis. "They pretend that their hatred is directed only at certain billionaires – and they point their fingers at individuals with a relish and a vindictiveness not seen since Stalin persecuted the kulaks," Johnson wrote in an article for the Daily Telegraph newspaper. "They would destroy the very basis of this country's prosperity." Millions of people were executed under Stalin and many more perished from abuse and disease in a vast network of prison camps, known as the Gulags. Relatively affluent farmers, known as kulaks, were among the groups targeted. Corbyn, speaking at a campaign event in the English town of Telford, said Labour would deliver real change and share power and wealth with people who "don't have friends in high places". He also cautioned against believing the consensus view that Johnson was assured victory, citing the 2017 election when Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, bet on calling a snap election when also far ahead in the polls but lost her majority. "In the 2017 election, there were queues of experts ... lining up at the beginning of the campaign to write off the Labour Party, and what happened then?" Corbyn said.

Boris Johnson's election campaign launch marred by gaffe, resignation, doctored video

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday cited "positive momentum" in the US&nbsp;process to ratify a new North American trade deal, which has been in limbo for months amid concerns over labor standards.

The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed almost a year ago by the three countries, ending a period of difficult negotiations after US&nbsp;President Donald Trump demanded the North American Free Trade Agreement be renegotiated or scrapped.

But the Democratic-led US&nbsp;House of Representatives has yet to hold a formal vote to ratify it. Democrats want better mechanisms to enforce labor and environmental protections and to ensure the deal does not lead to higher drug prices.

US&nbsp;House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week she would not rule out a vote on the deal slipping into next year, but hoped it could happen sooner.

"It is a pleasure to see the positive momentum that seems to be happening on this renewal of this very important trade deal," Trudeau said at the start of talks in Ottawa with the Democratic chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Richard Neal.

Mexico has already ratified the new deal, but Canada is holding back on the grounds it wants to move in tandem with the United States on the trade agreement that will replace NAFTA.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has made it clear that Ottawa has no intention of reopening the pact.

Freeland said in a statement that the two sides had discussed "the shared commitment ... to support the implementation of important labor reforms in Mexico."

Neal, who also met with Canadian Labour Minister Patty Hajdu, said the trip was productive. "I particularly stressed the importance of meaningful enforcement mechanisms that ensure the protection of workers in all three nations and of our shared environment," Neal said.

Neal's committee said a US&nbsp;House Democratic working group had made "substantial progress" in negotiations with US&nbsp;Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and was working to resolve remaining critical questions on "worker protections and labor-specific enforcement mechanisms."

US&nbsp;Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley told reporters on Wednesday he felt more "positive" about getting the agreement ratified this year after his discussions with Pelosi and Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee.

A Canadian government source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation, said: "Our interlocutors are not the Democrats but the White House."

Freeland said she discussed the ratification process this week with Lighthizer, who led the Trump administration's efforts to negotiate the trade pact.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday cited "positive momentum" in the US process to ratify a new North American trade deal, which has been in limbo for months amid concerns over labor standards.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday cited "positive momentum" in the US process to ratify a new North American trade deal, which has been in limbo for months amid concerns over labor standards. The US-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) was signed almost a year ago by the three countries, ending a period of difficult negotiations after US President Donald Trump demanded the North American Free Trade Agreement be renegotiated or scrapped. But the Democratic-led US House of Representatives has yet to hold a formal vote to ratify it. Democrats want better mechanisms to enforce labor and environmental protections and to ensure the deal does not lead to higher drug prices. US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said last week she would not rule out a vote on the deal slipping into next year, but hoped it could happen sooner. "It is a pleasure to see the positive momentum that seems to be happening on this renewal of this very important trade deal," Trudeau said at the start of talks in Ottawa with the Democratic chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, Richard Neal. Mexico has already ratified the new deal, but Canada is holding back on the grounds it wants to move in tandem with the United States on the trade agreement that will replace NAFTA. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland has made it clear that Ottawa has no intention of reopening the pact. Freeland said in a statement that the two sides had discussed "the shared commitment ... to support the implementation of important labor reforms in Mexico." Neal, who also met with Canadian Labour Minister Patty Hajdu, said the trip was productive. "I particularly stressed the importance of meaningful enforcement mechanisms that ensure the protection of workers in all three nations and of our shared environment," Neal said. Neal's committee said a US House Democratic working group had made "substantial progress" in negotiations with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, and was working to resolve remaining critical questions on "worker protections and labor-specific enforcement mechanisms." US Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley told reporters on Wednesday he felt more "positive" about getting the agreement ratified this year after his discussions with Pelosi and Republicans on the House Ways and Means Committee. A Canadian government source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation, said: "Our interlocutors are not the Democrats but the White House." Freeland said she discussed the ratification process this week with Lighthizer, who led the Trump administration's efforts to negotiate the trade pact.

Canada's Trudeau cites 'positive momentum' on trade deal as US official visits

The World Bank urged protest-hit Lebanon on Wednesday to form a new government quickly, warning that an economic downturn would deepen poverty and worsen unemployment.

Students boycotted classes during the day and anti-government demonstrations continued into the evening.

Since October 17, an unprecedented protest movement has targeted a political class deemed incompetent and corrupt. Demonstrations have continued despite the government's resignation last week.

The outgoing cabinet is serving in a caretaker capacity as leaders haggle over the make-up of the next government -- a delay donors say the debt-saddled country can ill afford.

The World Bank warned Wednesday that a "rapid government formation that meets the expectations of all Lebanese people is the most urgent step".

Representatives from the Washington-based global lender met earlier with embattled President Michel Aoun, who has pledged various reforms to combat corruption following the protests.

The World Bank had forecast a contraction of 0.2 percent before the turmoil, but said Wednesday that it now expected Lebanon's recession "to be even more significant".

Without quick steps to address the crisis, about half of Lebanon's population could fall into poverty and unemployment could "rise sharply", the lender said in a statement.

"With every passing day, the situation is becoming more acute," World Bank regional director Saroj Kumar Jha warned.

Corruption

Even before protests erupted last month, growth in Lebanon had stalled following repeated political deadlocks in recent years, compounded by the war in Syria.

Public debt stood at more than $86 billion, or higher than 150 percent of Gross Domestic Product, according to the finance ministry.

Moody's ratings agency on Tuesday downgraded Lebanon's sovereign debt, saying the anti-government protests had hit investor confidence and threatened macroeconomic stability.

Petrol stations owners said they would meet Thursday over persistent difficulties in paying for hydrocarbon imports due to dollar shortages.

A long list of grievances have spurred exasperated Lebanese to protest, but poor living conditions and corruption are near the top.

On Wednesday, the financial prosecutor asked former premier Fouad Siniora to appear next week over $11 billion allegedly spent between 2006 and 2008 when he was in office, the state-run National News Agency reported.

Siniora denied the accusations.

Last month, another prosecutor pressed charges against former prime minister Najib Mikati over allegations he wrongly received millions of dollars in subsidised housing loans, charges he denies.

Lebanon is ranked 138th out of 175 countries in Transparency International's 2018 corruption perceptions index, with key sectarian leaders accused of running demi-fiefdoms.

After meeting the World Bank on Wednesday, Aoun said no suspect would be exempt from investigations into corruption involving current and former officials.

He said 17 such cases have already been referred for investigation.

"The next government will include competent ministers, who are not suspected of corruption," Aoun said on Twitter, seemingly endorsing the demands of protesters.&nbsp;

'Women's rights not a footnote'

Banks opened again on Wednesday and classes resumed at many schools after a two-week gap, as demonstrators protested in various ways.

On Wednesday evening, thousands of women gathered in a central Beirut square near the seat of government, carrying candles as some banged on saucepans, an AFP correspondent said.

"O patriarchal powers, women's rights are not a footnote," they chanted.

On the Beirut waterfront, security forces and activists clashed after protesters tried to enter a private seaside resort, denouncing what they say is illegal privatisation of public property.

Earlier near the Palace of Justice, hundreds demanded an independent judiciary free from political interference, another AFP correspondent reported.&nbsp;

"We don't want judges who receive orders," read one protester's placard.

Across the country, hundreds of students skipped school, refusing to return to class until protest demands are met.

On pupil in Beirut asked Lebanese TV: "What will I do with a school-leaver's certificate if I don't have a country?"&nbsp;

Economist Nassib Ghobril said protesters' demands were aligned with those of international donors, especially in terms of the "fight against corruption" and achieving "good governance and financial rehabilitation".

"Today, there is an opportunity to see real change," he said.&nbsp;

The World Bank urged protest-hit Lebanon on Wednesday to form a new government quickly, warning that an economic downturn would deepen poverty and worsen unemployment.

The World Bank urged protest-hit Lebanon on Wednesday to form a new government quickly, warning that an economic downturn would deepen poverty and worsen unemployment. Students boycotted classes during the day and anti-government demonstrations continued into the evening. Since October 17, an unprecedented protest movement has targeted a political class deemed incompetent and corrupt. Demonstrations have continued despite the government's resignation last week. The outgoing cabinet is serving in a caretaker capacity as leaders haggle over the make-up of the next government -- a delay donors say the debt-saddled country can ill afford. The World Bank warned Wednesday that a "rapid government formation that meets the expectations of all Lebanese people is the most urgent step". Representatives from the Washington-based global lender met earlier with embattled President Michel Aoun, who has pledged various reforms to combat corruption following the protests. The World Bank had forecast a contraction of 0.2 percent before the turmoil, but said Wednesday that it now expected Lebanon's recession "to be even more significant". Without quick steps to address the crisis, about half of Lebanon's population could fall into poverty and unemployment could "rise sharply", the lender said in a statement. "With every passing day, the situation is becoming more acute," World Bank regional director Saroj Kumar Jha warned. Corruption Even before protests erupted last month, growth in Lebanon had stalled following repeated political deadlocks in recent years, compounded by the war in Syria. Public debt stood at more than $86 billion, or higher than 150 percent of Gross Domestic Product, according to the finance ministry. Moody's ratings agency on Tuesday downgraded Lebanon's sovereign debt, saying the anti-government protests had hit investor confidence and threatened macroeconomic stability. Petrol stations owners said they would meet Thursday over persistent difficulties in paying for hydrocarbon imports due to dollar shortages. A long list of grievances have spurred exasperated Lebanese to protest, but poor living conditions and corruption are near the top. On Wednesday, the financial prosecutor asked former premier Fouad Siniora to appear next week over $11 billion allegedly spent between 2006 and 2008 when he was in office, the state-run National News Agency reported. Siniora denied the accusations. Last month, another prosecutor pressed charges against former prime minister Najib Mikati over allegations he wrongly received millions of dollars in subsidised housing loans, charges he denies. Lebanon is ranked 138th out of 175 countries in Transparency International's 2018 corruption perceptions index, with key sectarian leaders accused of running demi-fiefdoms. After meeting the World Bank on Wednesday, Aoun said no suspect would be exempt from investigations into corruption involving current and former officials. He said 17 such cases have already been referred for investigation. "The next government will include competent ministers, who are not suspected of corruption," Aoun said on Twitter, seemingly endorsing the demands of protesters. 'Women's rights not a footnote' Banks opened again on Wednesday and classes resumed at many schools after a two-week gap, as demonstrators protested in various ways. On Wednesday evening, thousands of women gathered in a central Beirut square near the seat of government, carrying candles as some banged on saucepans, an AFP correspondent said. "O patriarchal powers, women's rights are not a footnote," they chanted. On the Beirut waterfront, security forces and activists clashed after protesters tried to enter a private seaside resort, denouncing what they say is illegal privatisation of public property. Earlier near the Palace of Justice, hundreds demanded an independent judiciary free from political interference, another AFP correspondent reported. "We don't want judges who receive orders," read one protester's placard. Across the country, hundreds of students skipped school, refusing to return to class until protest demands are met. On pupil in Beirut asked Lebanese TV: "What will I do with a school-leaver's certificate if I don't have a country?" Economist Nassib Ghobril said protesters' demands were aligned with those of international donors, especially in terms of the "fight against corruption" and achieving "good governance and financial rehabilitation". "Today, there is an opportunity to see real change," he said.

World Bank urges Lebanon to form government, warns of recession

Height became a problem in finding accommodation for an Afghani man who flew down to watch one-day international cricket series between Afghanistan and West Indies here.

Sher Khan, who is 8 feet and two-inch tall, visited several hotels in search of a place to stay but no hotel allegedly agreed to rent him a room courtesy to his height.

Disappointed and alone in a new city, Khan approached police for help which took him to a Hotel Rajdhani in Naka area where he spent Tuesday night.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the hotel to see the tall who is a resident of Kabul.

"As many as 200 people have come to see him. He is very disturbed," hotel owner Ranu told ANI on Wednesday.

Due to the people gathered outside the hotel, the police had to escort Khan to Ekana Stadium where the international match is being played. Ranu said the man will be staying in the city for the next four to five days.&nbsp;

Height became a problem in finding accommodation for an Afghani man who flew down to watch one-day international cricket series between Afghanistan and West Indies here.

Height became a problem in finding accommodation for an Afghani man who flew down to watch one-day international cricket series between Afghanistan and West Indies here. Sher Khan, who is 8 feet and two-inch tall, visited several hotels in search of a place to stay but no hotel allegedly agreed to rent him a room courtesy to his height. Disappointed and alone in a new city, Khan approached police for help which took him to a Hotel Rajdhani in Naka area where he spent Tuesday night. Hundreds of people gathered outside the hotel to see the tall who is a resident of Kabul. "As many as 200 people have come to see him. He is very disturbed," hotel owner Ranu told ANI on Wednesday. Due to the people gathered outside the hotel, the police had to escort Khan to Ekana Stadium where the international match is being played. Ranu said the man will be staying in the city for the next four to five days.

Eight-feet tall Afghan cricket fan struggles to find accommodation in India

Tata Steel on Wednesday reported a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 3,302 crore for the quarter and half year ended September 30.

Gross debt during the quarter has been pegged at Rs 1,11,549 crore, while net debt stood at Rs 1,06,952 crore.

In a statement, Tata Steel said that during the quarter, the company had a favourable tax impact of Rs 4,233 crore, of which Rs 2,425 crore was on adoption of the new corporate tax rate by Tata Steel Standalone and some subsidiaries in India and Rs 1,808 crore was on account of recognition/reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities in offshore subsidiaries.

"The liquidity position of the group remains robust at Rs 11,858 crore comprising Rs 4,596 crore cash and cash equivalents, and Rs 7,262 crore undrawn bank lines," said the company, adding that gross debt during the quarter was Rs 1,11,549 crore, and net debt stood at Rs 1,06,952 crore.

The company said the consolidated steel production stood at 6.95 million tonne, while deliveries grew by 3 per cent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to 6.53 million tonne.

"Consolidated revenues were Rs 34,579 crore while India revenues stood at Rs 20,204 crore. Consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was Rs 4,018 crore and India`s adjusted EBITDA was Rs 3,817 crore.

Regarding the company`s European operations, the statement said: "In 2QFY20, Tata Steel Europe liquid steel production was impacted by weak market conditions, planned summer shutdowns and unplanned outages. Revenue from operations decreased to Rs 14,035 crore in 2QFY20 due to weaker steel prices, partially offset by marginally better sales volumes."T V Narendran, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Steel, said:

"The business environment in India and other geographies continued to be challenging and weighed heavily on steel prices. Tata Steel worked closely with customers across business segments to drive sales and maintain volumes."

"We are focused on driving productivity improvements across our various operations as well as the supply chain to reduce costs and minimise the impact on margins. We hope the end of monsoon season and the onset of festive demand leads to a pick-up in overall consumption and the steel demand," he said.

Koushik Chatterjee, Executive Director and CFO, said: "Amidst a very challenging economic environment which saw steel prices drop by over $100 per tonne, Tata Steel reported consolidated revenue of Rs 34,579 crore and consolidated adjusted EBITDA of Rs 4,018 crore.

Our India operations reported an adjusted EBITDA of Rs 3,817 crore, which is an EBIDTA margin of 18.9 per cent.""While our gross debt has increased during the quarter due to an increase in working capital, we have renewed our focus on cash flow maximisation through operational improvements, working capital reduction and rationalization of capex which will help us deleverage," added Chatterjee.&nbsp;

Tata Steel on Wednesday reported a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 3,302 crore for the quarter and half year ended September 30. Gross debt during the quarter has been pegged at Rs 1,11,549 crore, while net debt stood at Rs 1,06,952 crore.

Tata Steel on Wednesday reported a consolidated profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 3,302 crore for the quarter and half year ended September 30. Gross debt during the quarter has been pegged at Rs 1,11,549 crore, while net debt stood at Rs 1,06,952 crore. In a statement, Tata Steel said that during the quarter, the company had a favourable tax impact of Rs 4,233 crore, of which Rs 2,425 crore was on adoption of the new corporate tax rate by Tata Steel Standalone and some subsidiaries in India and Rs 1,808 crore was on account of recognition/reversal of deferred tax assets and liabilities in offshore subsidiaries. "The liquidity position of the group remains robust at Rs 11,858 crore comprising Rs 4,596 crore cash and cash equivalents, and Rs 7,262 crore undrawn bank lines," said the company, adding that gross debt during the quarter was Rs 1,11,549 crore, and net debt stood at Rs 1,06,952 crore. The company said the consolidated steel production stood at 6.95 million tonne, while deliveries grew by 3 per cent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to 6.53 million tonne. "Consolidated revenues were Rs 34,579 crore while India revenues stood at Rs 20,204 crore. Consolidated adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) was Rs 4,018 crore and India`s adjusted EBITDA was Rs 3,817 crore. Regarding the company`s European operations, the statement said: "In 2QFY20, Tata Steel Europe liquid steel production was impacted by weak market conditions, planned summer shutdowns and unplanned outages. Revenue from operations decreased to Rs 14,035 crore in 2QFY20 due to weaker steel prices, partially offset by marginally better sales volumes."T V Narendran, CEO and Managing Director, Tata Steel, said: "The business environment in India and other geographies continued to be challenging and weighed heavily on steel prices. Tata Steel worked closely with customers across business segments to drive sales and maintain volumes." "We are focused on driving productivity improvements across our various operations as well as the supply chain to reduce costs and minimise the impact on margins. We hope the end of monsoon season and the onset of festive demand leads to a pick-up in overall consumption and the steel demand," he said. Koushik Chatterjee, Executive Director and CFO, said: "Amidst a very challenging economic environment which saw steel prices drop by over $100 per tonne, Tata Steel reported consolidated revenue of Rs 34,579 crore and consolidated adjusted EBITDA of Rs 4,018 crore. Our India operations reported an adjusted EBITDA of Rs 3,817 crore, which is an EBIDTA margin of 18.9 per cent.""While our gross debt has increased during the quarter due to an increase in working capital, we have renewed our focus on cash flow maximisation through operational improvements, working capital reduction and rationalization of capex which will help us deleverage," added Chatterjee.

Tata Steel reports Rs 3,302 crore Q2 profit

Arsenal conceded a stoppage-time equaliser as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Portugal's Vitoria Guimaraes in Europa League Group F on Wednesday.

The Premier League club looked to be on course for victory when defender Shkodran Mustafi headed home Nicolas Pepe's 80th-minute free-kick but Bruno Duarte struck from close range to end Arsenal's 100 per cent&nbsp;record in the group.

Arsenal's fourth consecutive draw in all competitions will increase the pressure on manager Unai Emery following a difficult week in which Granit Xhaka was also stripped of the captaincy.

The English team still top the group standings on 10 points and will qualify for the last 32 of Europe's second-tier club competition if Standard Liege lose to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

Arsenal conceded a stoppage-time equaliser as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Portugal's Vitoria Guimaraes in Europa League Group F on Wednesday. The Premier League club looked to be on course for victory when defender Shkodran Mustafi headed home Nicolas Pepe's 80th-minute free-kick but Bruno Duarte struck from close range to end Arsenal's 100 per cent record in the group.

Arsenal conceded a stoppage-time equaliser as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at Portugal's Vitoria Guimaraes in Europa League Group F on Wednesday. The Premier League club looked to be on course for victory when defender Shkodran Mustafi headed home Nicolas Pepe's 80th-minute free-kick but Bruno Duarte struck from close range to end Arsenal's 100 per cent record in the group. Arsenal's fourth consecutive draw in all competitions will increase the pressure on manager Unai Emery following a difficult week in which Granit Xhaka was also stripped of the captaincy. The English team still top the group standings on 10 points and will qualify for the last 32 of Europe's second-tier club competition if Standard Liege lose to Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday.

Europa League: Arsenal held as Guimaraes grab last-gasp equaliser

Bayern Munich clinched their place in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Champions League</a> last 16 by beating Olympiakos 2-0 at home on Wednesday as second-half strikes from Robert Lewandowski and Ivan Perisic secured their fourth win in Group B.

Playing their first game since coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bayern-munich-part-company-with-kovac-259760">Niko Kovac was sacked</a> after the humiliating 5-1 drubbing at Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern out-played the Greek champions but lacked composure in the area for large parts of the game.

They finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute through Lewandowski, who continued his remarkable run of scoring in every Bundesliga and Champions League game this season.

The Polish striker prodded home a cross from Kingsley Coman from close range for his 21st strike in all competitions, setting interim boss Hansi Flick on the way to victory in his first game since being put in temporary charge.

Croatian winger Perisic claimed Bayern's second in the 89th to seal the win, slamming the ball home with his first touch less than 60 seconds after coming off the bench.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-bayern-must-pull-themselves-together-after-kovac-sacking-260232">Bayer</a>n top Group B with 12 points from four games and will be confirmed as group winners if Red Star Belgrade's match with Tottenham Hotspur later on Wednesday ends in a draw.

"I'm very happy with the performance and that we have progressed. The situation hasn't been easy for the team but we managed to put into practice all the things we have been working on in training," Flick said.

"I think in the first half we didn't create enough clear-cut chances, so we need to try to do better there.

"The win was important as we wanted to qualify for the last 16 today. We managed that. It was also important how we played."

Olympiakos coach Pedro Martins was not pleased with his side's display as they struggled to work Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

"Bayern pressured us a lot, constricting us on the pitch," he said. "We should have been faster in order to escape their stranglehold. We lost many balls. I was expecting more from my team. We could have done better."

Bayern Munich clinched their place in the Champions League last 16 by beating Olympiakos 2-0 at home on Wednesday as second-half strikes from Robert Lewandowski and Ivan Perisic secured their fourth win in Group B.

Bayern Munich clinched their place in the Champions League last 16 by beating Olympiakos 2-0 at home on Wednesday as second-half strikes from Robert Lewandowski and Ivan Perisic secured their fourth win in Group B. Playing their first game since coach Niko Kovac was sacked after the humiliating 5-1 drubbing at Eintracht Frankfurt, Bayern out-played the Greek champions but lacked composure in the area for large parts of the game. They finally broke the deadlock in the 69th minute through Lewandowski, who continued his remarkable run of scoring in every Bundesliga and Champions League game this season. The Polish striker prodded home a cross from Kingsley Coman from close range for his 21st strike in all competitions, setting interim boss Hansi Flick on the way to victory in his first game since being put in temporary charge. Croatian winger Perisic claimed Bayern's second in the 89th to seal the win, slamming the ball home with his first touch less than 60 seconds after coming off the bench. Bayern top Group B with 12 points from four games and will be confirmed as group winners if Red Star Belgrade's match with Tottenham Hotspur later on Wednesday ends in a draw. "I'm very happy with the performance and that we have progressed. The situation hasn't been easy for the team but we managed to put into practice all the things we have been working on in training," Flick said. "I think in the first half we didn't create enough clear-cut chances, so we need to try to do better there. "The win was important as we wanted to qualify for the last 16 today. We managed that. It was also important how we played." Olympiakos coach Pedro Martins was not pleased with his side's display as they struggled to work Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. "Bayern pressured us a lot, constricting us on the pitch," he said. "We should have been faster in order to escape their stranglehold. We lost many balls. I was expecting more from my team. We could have done better."

Champions League: Bayern seal last-16 berth as Lewandowski strikes again

Substitute Douglas Costa scored an exquisite stoppage-time goal to give Juventus a 2-1 win away to Lokomotiv Moscow on Wednesday, which clinched their place in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Champions League</a> round of 16 with two games to spare.

The Brazilian collected the ball outside the area and raced past three defenders, exchanged passes with Gonzalo Higuain who backheeled the return to him and then left two more players in his wake before beating goalkeeper Guilherme to silence the Lokomotiv stadium.

Juventus top Group D with 10 points, three ahead of Atletico Madrid who are away to Bayer Leverkusen later on Wednesday while Lokomotiv have three points and Leverkusen none. The Serie A champions remain unbeaten in all competitions under Maurizio Sarri who took over during the close season.

Guilherme had gifted Juventus the lead after four minutes when he allowed Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful free kick from an unlikely position near the touchline to squirm through his legs before Aaron Ramsey touched the ball over the line.

Juventus forward <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-cristiano-ronaldo-hits-late-juventus-winner-as-napoli-rage-at-potato-peeling-referees-258933">Cristiano Ronaldo</a> was substituted in the second half for Paulo Dybala after feeling a twinge in his knee, according to Juventus coach Sarri.

"He's been feeling it for a few days and I preferred to take him off to avoid running any risks, even though he was angry," Sarri said.

"It wasn't one of our best performances. We allowed the opposition to win too many balls, we were too open in the first half and in the second we were too slow in moving the ball around."

Aleksei Miranchuk levelled eight minutes later for the Railwayman, scoring from the rebound after his own header hit the post.

On a rainy Moscow evening, Guilherme then atoned for his mistake by making two saves in quick succession from Higuain.

The Brazil-born goalkeeper was almost caught out after another Ronaldo free kick bounced awkwardly in front of him early in the second half but then made another brilliant save to turn away the Portuguese forward's powerful drive.

Far from outclassed, Lokomotiv nearly went ahead in the 78th minute but Joao Mario saw his shot cleared off the line by Leonardo Bonucci with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny caught out of his ground.

In the end, Sarri's substitutions paid off as Juventus took all the points thanks to an inspired moment from Costa.

"We had chances to win this game and I think I would have been happy with a draw," said Lokomotiv's 72-year-old coach Yuri Semin, who is in his fourth stint in the job. "We played a really good match, defended well, but it was still not enough in the end."

Substitute Douglas Costa scored an exquisite stoppage-time goal to give Juventus a 2-1 win away to Lokomotiv Moscow on Wednesday, which clinched their place in the Champions League round of 16 with two games to spare.

Substitute Douglas Costa scored an exquisite stoppage-time goal to give Juventus a 2-1 win away to Lokomotiv Moscow on Wednesday, which clinched their place in the Champions League round of 16 with two games to spare. The Brazilian collected the ball outside the area and raced past three defenders, exchanged passes with Gonzalo Higuain who backheeled the return to him and then left two more players in his wake before beating goalkeeper Guilherme to silence the Lokomotiv stadium. Juventus top Group D with 10 points, three ahead of Atletico Madrid who are away to Bayer Leverkusen later on Wednesday while Lokomotiv have three points and Leverkusen none. The Serie A champions remain unbeaten in all competitions under Maurizio Sarri who took over during the close season. Guilherme had gifted Juventus the lead after four minutes when he allowed Cristiano Ronaldo's powerful free kick from an unlikely position near the touchline to squirm through his legs before Aaron Ramsey touched the ball over the line. Juventus forward Cristiano Ronaldo was substituted in the second half for Paulo Dybala after feeling a twinge in his knee, according to Juventus coach Sarri. "He's been feeling it for a few days and I preferred to take him off to avoid running any risks, even though he was angry," Sarri said. "It wasn't one of our best performances. We allowed the opposition to win too many balls, we were too open in the first half and in the second we were too slow in moving the ball around." Aleksei Miranchuk levelled eight minutes later for the Railwayman, scoring from the rebound after his own header hit the post. On a rainy Moscow evening, Guilherme then atoned for his mistake by making two saves in quick succession from Higuain. The Brazil-born goalkeeper was almost caught out after another Ronaldo free kick bounced awkwardly in front of him early in the second half but then made another brilliant save to turn away the Portuguese forward's powerful drive. Far from outclassed, Lokomotiv nearly went ahead in the 78th minute but Joao Mario saw his shot cleared off the line by Leonardo Bonucci with goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny caught out of his ground. In the end, Sarri's substitutions paid off as Juventus took all the points thanks to an inspired moment from Costa. "We had chances to win this game and I think I would have been happy with a draw," said Lokomotiv's 72-year-old coach Yuri Semin, who is in his fourth stint in the job. "We played a really good match, defended well, but it was still not enough in the end."

Champions League: Costa's stoppage-time gem sends Juventus into last 16

Mauro Icardi was again in the right place at the right time to earn Paris St Germain a 1-0 home victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday as the French champions booked their spot in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-oxlade-chamberlain-strike-gives-liverpool-win-over-genk-260251">Champions League</a> last 16.

Icardi netted his eighth goal in his last seven games to put PSG on a maximum 12 points in Group A, five ahead of Real Madrid who thrashed Galatasaray 6-0.

Brugge, who missed a second-half penalty, are third on two points with Galatasaray eliminated on one point.

PSG travel to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/la-liga-benzema-stars-as-real-madrid-put-five-past-limp-leganes-258930">Real Madrid</a> and the Belgian side face Galatasaray away in the penultimate round of matches on Nov. 26.

Icardi was preferred up front to Edinson Cavani alongside Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe, and the Argentine forward struck in the 22nd minute, tapping in from Colin Dagba's cross.

Now unbeaten in their last 23 group home games in the competition, PSG showed little in the second half as the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser but Keylor Navas made sure the Ligue 1 side kept their perfect defensive record in the group.

Brugge were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute after Thiago Silva brought down Mbaye Diagne in the area, only for Navas to block the Senegalese's spot-kick.

While Icardi had another night to remember, Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture, proved clumsy throughout and was replaced by Julian Draxler seven minutes from time.

Mauro Icardi was again in the right place at the right time to earn Paris St Germain a 1-0 home victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday as the French champions booked their spot in the Champions League last 16.

Mauro Icardi was again in the right place at the right time to earn Paris St Germain a 1-0 home victory over Club Brugge on Wednesday as the French champions booked their spot in the Champions League last 16. Icardi netted his eighth goal in his last seven games to put PSG on a maximum 12 points in Group A, five ahead of Real Madrid who thrashed Galatasaray 6-0. Brugge, who missed a second-half penalty, are third on two points with Galatasaray eliminated on one point. PSG travel to Real Madrid and the Belgian side face Galatasaray away in the penultimate round of matches on Nov. 26. Icardi was preferred up front to Edinson Cavani alongside Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe, and the Argentine forward struck in the 22nd minute, tapping in from Colin Dagba's cross. Now unbeaten in their last 23 group home games in the competition, PSG showed little in the second half as the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser but Keylor Navas made sure the Ligue 1 side kept their perfect defensive record in the group. Brugge were awarded a penalty in the 76th minute after Thiago Silva brought down Mbaye Diagne in the area, only for Navas to block the Senegalese's spot-kick. While Icardi had another night to remember, Mbappe, who scored a hat-trick in the reverse fixture, proved clumsy throughout and was replaced by Julian Draxler seven minutes from time.

Champions League: Icardi strikes again as PSG beat Brugge to reach last 16

Mexico&nbsp;alleged Wednesday that a drug cartel called "La&nbsp;Linea"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-calls-for-war-on-cartels-as-mormons-murdered-in-mexico-260206"> massacred nine&nbsp;Mormon</a>&nbsp;women and children in a case of mistaken identity, but devastated relatives insisted their loved ones were deliberately targeted.

The three women and six children, who had dual US-Mexican citizenship, were killed in a hail of bullets Monday as they drove on a rural road between the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, which border the United States.

Eight other children managed to escape, six of them wounded. The case has caused a shock on both sides of the border and prompted US President Donald Trump to call for a "war" on Mexican cartels.

The head of the Mexican military's joint chiefs of staff, Homero Mendoza, said authorities now believe the massacre was perpetrated by&nbsp;La&nbsp;Linea&nbsp;(The Line), a drug cartel based in Chihuahua.

He said investigations indicated the&nbsp;group&nbsp;had sent a squadron to the lawless mountain region where the attack occurred to fend off potential incursions by a rival gang, Los Salazar, which is based in Sonora, after recent clashes between the two.

But relatives rejected a case of mistaken identity, saying they believe their family was deliberately targeted.

"I have to emphasize there was no duelling cartels and there was no crossfire that our family were caught up in. They were murdered -- massacred -- solely by one acting cartel from Chihuahua," family member Lafe Langford Jr. told AFP.

Adran LeBaron, the father and grandfather of some of the victims, said that according to two of the surviving children, their aunt exited her SUV, arms raised in surrender, only to be mowed down with gunfire.

"So where is the mistaken identity? There was no mistake here," he told Mexican TV network Televisa.

The two families involved, the LeBarons and Langfords, have been targeted by criminal groups in the past.

Benjamin LeBaron, the founder of a crime-fighting&nbsp;group&nbsp;called SOS Chihuahua, was assassinated in 2009 after he led protests over the kidnapping of his 16-year-old brother, who was released after the family refused to pay a ransom.

The families are part of a large&nbsp;group&nbsp;of US Mormons who emigrated to&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;in the late 19th century, fleeing persecution for their traditions, including polygamy.

As they prepared to hold a funeral Thursday for their slain loved ones, details continued to pour in on the eight surviving children's harrowing ordeal.

Lafe Langford told CNN that after riddling the cars with bullets and setting one of them alight, the gunmen pulled survivors from one of the cars and told them to flee.

Realizing their shot and bleeding siblings would not make it far, two adolescent children helped others to hide in the brush. One then went for help, he said.

"The details that are coming from them are just -- they're just hard to hear, the heroic actions, the loneliness they felt in those mountains for hours and hours all shot up and wounded, carrying each other in their arms. And just the effort by these six children to survive and come home to their father," he said.

"I mean, what they went through, what they experienced, I don't -- we don't have the capacity just to imagine what these children went through."

The victims ranged in age from eight months to 12 years.

Another child, a three-month-old baby, was found wounded but alive on the floor of one of the cars, where her mother had put her when the shooting began.

An eight-year-old girl was also missing for more than 10 hours, before being found unharmed several kilometres&nbsp;away.

Information on the case remains murky.

Authorities had initially blamed a different criminal&nbsp;group&nbsp;active in the region, Los Jaguares, but had moved beyond that theory by Wednesday.

Mexican Security Minister Alfonso Durazo said investigators found more than 200 .223 calibre bullet casings manufactured by American gunmaker Remington at the scene.

That type of round is commonly used in military-style assault rifles.

He said&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;and the United States would soon launch a bilateral program "to control arms trafficking from the US to&nbsp;Mexico."

He added that 70 per cent of the guns linked to crimes in&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;come from the United States.

The attack has highlighted the lawlessness in much of the border region, the scene of frequent turf wars between cartels fighting over lucrative drug trafficking routes into the United States.

Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;"will share information" with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the ongoing probe.

Mexico alleged Wednesday that a drug cartel called "La Linea" massacred nine Mormon women and children in a case of mistaken identity, but devastated relatives insisted their loved ones were deliberately targeted.

Mexico alleged Wednesday that a drug cartel called "La Linea" massacred nine Mormon women and children in a case of mistaken identity, but devastated relatives insisted their loved ones were deliberately targeted. The three women and six children, who had dual US-Mexican citizenship, were killed in a hail of bullets Monday as they drove on a rural road between the states of Sonora and Chihuahua, which border the United States. Eight other children managed to escape, six of them wounded. The case has caused a shock on both sides of the border and prompted US President Donald Trump to call for a "war" on Mexican cartels. The head of the Mexican military's joint chiefs of staff, Homero Mendoza, said authorities now believe the massacre was perpetrated by La Linea (The Line), a drug cartel based in Chihuahua. He said investigations indicated the group had sent a squadron to the lawless mountain region where the attack occurred to fend off potential incursions by a rival gang, Los Salazar, which is based in Sonora, after recent clashes between the two. But relatives rejected a case of mistaken identity, saying they believe their family was deliberately targeted. "I have to emphasize there was no duelling cartels and there was no crossfire that our family were caught up in. They were murdered -- massacred -- solely by one acting cartel from Chihuahua," family member Lafe Langford Jr. told AFP. Adran LeBaron, the father and grandfather of some of the victims, said that according to two of the surviving children, their aunt exited her SUV, arms raised in surrender, only to be mowed down with gunfire. "So where is the mistaken identity? There was no mistake here," he told Mexican TV network Televisa. The two families involved, the LeBarons and Langfords, have been targeted by criminal groups in the past. Benjamin LeBaron, the founder of a crime-fighting group called SOS Chihuahua, was assassinated in 2009 after he led protests over the kidnapping of his 16-year-old brother, who was released after the family refused to pay a ransom. The families are part of a large group of US Mormons who emigrated to Mexico in the late 19th century, fleeing persecution for their traditions, including polygamy. As they prepared to hold a funeral Thursday for their slain loved ones, details continued to pour in on the eight surviving children's harrowing ordeal. Lafe Langford told CNN that after riddling the cars with bullets and setting one of them alight, the gunmen pulled survivors from one of the cars and told them to flee. Realizing their shot and bleeding siblings would not make it far, two adolescent children helped others to hide in the brush. One then went for help, he said. "The details that are coming from them are just -- they're just hard to hear, the heroic actions, the loneliness they felt in those mountains for hours and hours all shot up and wounded, carrying each other in their arms. And just the effort by these six children to survive and come home to their father," he said. "I mean, what they went through, what they experienced, I don't -- we don't have the capacity just to imagine what these children went through." The victims ranged in age from eight months to 12 years. Another child, a three-month-old baby, was found wounded but alive on the floor of one of the cars, where her mother had put her when the shooting began. An eight-year-old girl was also missing for more than 10 hours, before being found unharmed several kilometres away. Information on the case remains murky. Authorities had initially blamed a different criminal group active in the region, Los Jaguares, but had moved beyond that theory by Wednesday. Mexican Security Minister Alfonso Durazo said investigators found more than 200 .223 calibre bullet casings manufactured by American gunmaker Remington at the scene. That type of round is commonly used in military-style assault rifles. He said Mexico and the United States would soon launch a bilateral program "to control arms trafficking from the US to Mexico." He added that 70 per cent of the guns linked to crimes in Mexico come from the United States. The attack has highlighted the lawlessness in much of the border region, the scene of frequent turf wars between cartels fighting over lucrative drug trafficking routes into the United States. Mexican Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said Mexico "will share information" with the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the ongoing probe.

Mexico probes narco group 'La Linea' in Mormon murders

U.N. peacekeepers should progressively withdraw from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-shipment-of-new-ebola-vaccine-arrives-in-dr-congo-259539">DR&nbsp;Congo</a>&nbsp;by the end of 2022 at the earliest, a strategic review said Wednesday, in the first tentative timeline to exit a country grappling with militia violence and Ebola.

The report comes as 10 civilians were killed in an attack in the eastern&nbsp;Democratic Republic of&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;blamed on an Islamist-rooted armed group based in Uganda, as the army launches a sweeping offensive against militancy that has plagued the troubled region for nearly a quarter of a century.

The United Nations's MONUSCO mission to the country,&nbsp;one of its biggest deployments encompassing some 16,000 peacekeepers,&nbsp;began two decades ago and has an annual budget of over $1 billion.&nbsp;

Its latest mandate comes to an end on December 31 and the decision to renew is made the&nbsp;U.N. Security Council.&nbsp;

A review for the Council said that the "timeline for an exit of MONUSCO should be an absolute minimum of three years", in an assessment of the&nbsp;U.N. presence in the country in the wake of the election of new President Felix Tshisekedi.

"With a departure at the end of 2022, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-nations-chief-urges-myanmar-to-ensure-safe-return-of-rohingya-259659">U.N.</a> would be in a better position to ensure a responsible transition, if the reforms announced by the new authorities remain on track and the conditions for the best-case scenario materialise," the report said.&nbsp;

It noted, however, that there should be "red lines" that would cause the withdrawal to be paused and suggested a political mission to help "prevent a resurgence of conflict".&nbsp;

During a visit to eastern Beni in September,&nbsp;U.N. chief Antonio Guterres stressed his support for extending MONUSCO's mandate beyond the year-end and said a strategic review would help make the mission "more useful still to the Congolese people" in terms of security but also politically.

"We will do everything to bring an end to the scourge of insecurity," he said.

The&nbsp;DR&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;army announced last week that it had launched "large-scale operations" against armed militias in the country's troubled east.

In the most recent violence, members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) crossed the border from Uganda late on Tuesday and "killed 10 civilians, some with knives and others with firearms," in the locality of Kokola, Donat Kibwana, a local administrator in the restive Beni region, told AFP.

An army spokesman in the region, Major Mak Hazukay, said the ADF were "cornered" by army fire.

"That's why they try to cause terror among the population," he told AFP, declining to give a casualty toll for Tuesday's attack.

The impoverished central African country has been wracked by conflict near its eastern border, with many of the militias have evolved from the two&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;wars (1996-1997 and 1998-2003).

The Islamist-rooted ADF, which arose in western Uganda in 1995, has targeted Beni, killing hundreds of civilians over the last five years.

But there are also home-grown militia and other armed groups,&nbsp;some 130 roam the North and South Kivu provinces of&nbsp;DR&nbsp;Congo, a vast country the size of western continental Europe.

Five Great Lakes countries,&nbsp;the&nbsp;Democratic Republic of&nbsp;Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda,&nbsp;decided last month to combine their military operations in the region.

The&nbsp;U.N.'s peacekeeping mission in&nbsp;DR&nbsp;Congo&nbsp;has supported DRC troops in the region, but has ruled out backing any foreign intervention.

The Beni region, in the North Kivu province which borders Uganda and Rwanda, has been particularly affected by militia violence.

Beni is also stricken by the country's Ebola outbreak, which has killed more than 2,000 people in a year,&nbsp;two-thirds of those infected.&nbsp;

U.N. peacekeepers should progressively withdraw from DR Congo by the end of 2022 at the earliest, a strategic review said Wednesday, in the first tentative timeline to exit a country grappling with militia violence and Ebola.

U.N. peacekeepers should progressively withdraw from DR Congo by the end of 2022 at the earliest, a strategic review said Wednesday, in the first tentative timeline to exit a country grappling with militia violence and Ebola. The report comes as 10 civilians were killed in an attack in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo blamed on an Islamist-rooted armed group based in Uganda, as the army launches a sweeping offensive against militancy that has plagued the troubled region for nearly a quarter of a century. The United Nations's MONUSCO mission to the country, one of its biggest deployments encompassing some 16,000 peacekeepers, began two decades ago and has an annual budget of over $1 billion. Its latest mandate comes to an end on December 31 and the decision to renew is made the U.N. Security Council. A review for the Council said that the "timeline for an exit of MONUSCO should be an absolute minimum of three years", in an assessment of the U.N. presence in the country in the wake of the election of new President Felix Tshisekedi. "With a departure at the end of 2022, the U.N. would be in a better position to ensure a responsible transition, if the reforms announced by the new authorities remain on track and the conditions for the best-case scenario materialise," the report said. It noted, however, that there should be "red lines" that would cause the withdrawal to be paused and suggested a political mission to help "prevent a resurgence of conflict". During a visit to eastern Beni in September, U.N. chief Antonio Guterres stressed his support for extending MONUSCO's mandate beyond the year-end and said a strategic review would help make the mission "more useful still to the Congolese people" in terms of security but also politically. "We will do everything to bring an end to the scourge of insecurity," he said. The DR Congo army announced last week that it had launched "large-scale operations" against armed militias in the country's troubled east. In the most recent violence, members of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) crossed the border from Uganda late on Tuesday and "killed 10 civilians, some with knives and others with firearms," in the locality of Kokola, Donat Kibwana, a local administrator in the restive Beni region, told AFP. An army spokesman in the region, Major Mak Hazukay, said the ADF were "cornered" by army fire. "That's why they try to cause terror among the population," he told AFP, declining to give a casualty toll for Tuesday's attack. The impoverished central African country has been wracked by conflict near its eastern border, with many of the militias have evolved from the two Congo wars (1996-1997 and 1998-2003). The Islamist-rooted ADF, which arose in western Uganda in 1995, has targeted Beni, killing hundreds of civilians over the last five years. But there are also home-grown militia and other armed groups, some 130 roam the North and South Kivu provinces of DR Congo, a vast country the size of western continental Europe. Five Great Lakes countries, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda, decided last month to combine their military operations in the region. The U.N.'s peacekeeping mission in DR Congo has supported DRC troops in the region, but has ruled out backing any foreign intervention. The Beni region, in the North Kivu province which borders Uganda and Rwanda, has been particularly affected by militia violence. Beni is also stricken by the country's Ebola outbreak, which has killed more than 2,000 people in a year, two-thirds of those infected.

U.N. mulls slow DR Congo drawdown despite ongoing bloodshed

The United Arab Emirates' top legislative body on Wednesday approved a&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;term in office for reclusive&nbsp;President&nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, state media reported.

"The Supreme Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates renewed its confidence in His Highness&nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;bin Zayed Al-Nahyan... for the&nbsp;fourth&nbsp;mandate&nbsp;of five years, in accordance with the constitution," official news agency WAM reported.

Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;took over as the&nbsp;UAE's second&nbsp;president&nbsp;in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of &nbsp;Abu Dhabi, the federation's richest emirate.

The 71-year-old has rarely been seen in public since 2014, when he had surgery following a stroke, although he has continued to issue rulings.

His brother, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-in-abu-dhabi-seeking-13-billion-in-investments-256090">Abu Dhabi</a> Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, has been seen as the de facto ruler of the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;in recent years.&nbsp;

But&nbsp;Sheikh&nbsp;Khalifa&nbsp;was at the helm of the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;as it began its global rise, with services-oriented Dubai emerging as a global tourism and trade hub and Abu Dhabi pumping around 90 per cent of the OPEC member's crude.

His rule has also seen the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;extend its regional influence as far as Yemen, the Horn of Africa and Libya while taking a particularly hostile stance on the Arab Spring uprisings.

He was ranked by Forbes as 37th on its list of "the world's most powerful people" in 2015.

The United Arab Emirates' top legislative body on Wednesday approved a fourth term in office for reclusive President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, state media reported.

The United Arab Emirates' top legislative body on Wednesday approved a fourth term in office for reclusive President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, state media reported. "The Supreme Federal Council of the United Arab Emirates renewed its confidence in His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan... for the fourth mandate of five years, in accordance with the constitution," official news agency WAM reported. Sheikh Khalifa took over as the UAE's second president in November 2004, succeeding his father as the 16th ruler of Abu Dhabi, the federation's richest emirate. The 71-year-old has rarely been seen in public since 2014, when he had surgery following a stroke, although he has continued to issue rulings. His brother, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, has been seen as the de facto ruler of the UAE in recent years. But Sheikh Khalifa was at the helm of the UAE as it began its global rise, with services-oriented Dubai emerging as a global tourism and trade hub and Abu Dhabi pumping around 90 per cent of the OPEC member's crude. His rule has also seen the UAE extend its regional influence as far as Yemen, the Horn of Africa and Libya while taking a particularly hostile stance on the Arab Spring uprisings. He was ranked by Forbes as 37th on its list of "the world's most powerful people" in 2015.

UAE approves fourth mandate for President Sheikh Khalifa

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