McDonald's Corp missed Wall Street estimates for profit for the first time in two years on Tuesday as more investment to spruce up US&nbsp;restaurants and speed up service weighed on the world's biggest fast food chain, sending its shares down 4 per cent.

Rival fast-food chains in the United States have challenged its dominance with value meals and new menu items, including plant-based burgers and meat substitutes launched by rivals including Restaurant Brands International Inc's Burger King and Yum Brands Inc's KFC. McDonald's is seen late in reintroducing chicken sandwiches and rival Wendys Co has started serving breakfast.

In the face of declining customer traffic, McDonald's has been remodeling its 14,000 US&nbsp;restaurants to include digital ordering kiosks, mobile ordering as well as pay-and-pickup services, while partnering with app-based delivery services GrubHub Inc, Uber Eats and DoorDash.

Those investments led to a 2 per cent rise in operating costs to about $3 billion, leading McDonald's to post a smaller-than-expected profit of $2.11 per share versus an average estimate of $2.21, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

"The world is different than it was in 1955," Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook said during a call with investors.

"We're keenly aware we have to be ahead of these changes, investing, executing and growing with a deep sense of urgency and purpose," he said.

US&nbsp;traffic was negative - an industry-wide trend expected to continue through the end of the year, especially due to weakening economic conditions, according to TDn2K research.

Sales at US&nbsp;restaurants open for at least 13 months rose 4.8 per cent in the third quarter ended Sept. 30, below the 5.17% growth expected by analysts, according to Refinitiv data.

"Our gut tells us that McDonald's was outcompeted in the third quarter by Wendy's and Burger King," Cowen analyst Andrew Charles said in a note.

Despite the US&nbsp;miss, Bernstein analyst Sara Senatore said sales "continue to be among the best in the industry" and that benefits from store renovations should build in future quarters.

Globally, the company reported better-than-expected comparable sales growth of 5.9 per cent on strong performance in markets such as the UK and France.

Interest in plant-based burgers has jumped in North America, and consumers have been waiting to see if McDonald's will expand its test of a Beyond Meat Inc burger in Ontario, Canada, to the United States and other markets.

Easterbook gave no clues other than saying they were interested in such products and wanted to get the flavour and marketing right.

"What we're interested in is really how best to position this, get a sense of the flexitarian customer," he said, referring to people who eat mostly, but not entirely, vegetarian diets.

Net income fell 2 per cent to $1.61 billion in the quarter from $1.64 billion a year earlier.

Total revenue, including both US&nbsp;and overseas operations, rose to $5.43 billion, slightly below analysts' expectations of $5.49 billion.

The company also expects selling, general and administrative expenses for 2019 to rise between 1 per cent to 2 per cent excluding the impact of currency fluctuations.

McDonald's expects delivery to drive $4 billion, or roughly 4 per cent, of global sales.

The service is now available from about 23,000 McDonald's restaurants in over 80 countries. On average, guests spend twice as much on delivery orders as they do on in-store checks, Easterbrook said.

"Delivery remains a big frontier for our business, and we still have a long way to go," he said.

McDonald's Corp missed Wall Street estimates for profit for the first time in two years on Tuesday as more investment to spruce up US restaurants and speed up service weighed on the world's biggest fast food chain, sending its shares down 4 per cent.

McDonald's Corp missed Wall Street estimates for profit for the first time in two years on Tuesday as more investment to spruce up US restaurants and speed up service weighed on the world's biggest fast food chain, sending its shares down 4 per cent. Rival fast-food chains in the United States have challenged its dominance with value meals and new menu items, including plant-based burgers and meat substitutes launched by rivals including Restaurant Brands International Inc's Burger King and Yum Brands Inc's KFC. McDonald's is seen late in reintroducing chicken sandwiches and rival Wendys Co has started serving breakfast. In the face of declining customer traffic, McDonald's has been remodeling its 14,000 US restaurants to include digital ordering kiosks, mobile ordering as well as pay-and-pickup services, while partnering with app-based delivery services GrubHub Inc, Uber Eats and DoorDash. Those investments led to a 2 per cent rise in operating costs to about $3 billion, leading McDonald's to post a smaller-than-expected profit of $2.11 per share versus an average estimate of $2.21, according to IBES data from Refinitiv. "The world is different than it was in 1955," Chief Executive Officer Steve Easterbrook said during a call with investors. "We're keenly aware we have to be ahead of these changes, investing, executing and growing with a deep sense of urgency and purpose," he said. US traffic was negative - an industry-wide trend expected to continue through the end of the year, especially due to weakening economic conditions, according to TDn2K research. Sales at US restaurants open for at least 13 months rose 4.8 per cent in the third quarter ended Sept. 30, below the 5.17% growth expected by analysts, according to Refinitiv data. "Our gut tells us that McDonald's was outcompeted in the third quarter by Wendy's and Burger King," Cowen analyst Andrew Charles said in a note. Despite the US miss, Bernstein analyst Sara Senatore said sales "continue to be among the best in the industry" and that benefits from store renovations should build in future quarters. Globally, the company reported better-than-expected comparable sales growth of 5.9 per cent on strong performance in markets such as the UK and France. Interest in plant-based burgers has jumped in North America, and consumers have been waiting to see if McDonald's will expand its test of a Beyond Meat Inc burger in Ontario, Canada, to the United States and other markets. Easterbook gave no clues other than saying they were interested in such products and wanted to get the flavour and marketing right. "What we're interested in is really how best to position this, get a sense of the flexitarian customer," he said, referring to people who eat mostly, but not entirely, vegetarian diets. Net income fell 2 per cent to $1.61 billion in the quarter from $1.64 billion a year earlier. Total revenue, including both US and overseas operations, rose to $5.43 billion, slightly below analysts' expectations of $5.49 billion. The company also expects selling, general and administrative expenses for 2019 to rise between 1 per cent to 2 per cent excluding the impact of currency fluctuations. McDonald's expects delivery to drive $4 billion, or roughly 4 per cent, of global sales. The service is now available from about 23,000 McDonald's restaurants in over 80 countries. On average, guests spend twice as much on delivery orders as they do on in-store checks, Easterbrook said. "Delivery remains a big frontier for our business, and we still have a long way to go," he said.

McDonald's misses profit target as competition delivers breakfast, plant burgers

US&nbsp;state attorneys general probing Alphabet's Google plan to meet next month in Colorado to discuss a probe into whether the search giant's business practices break antitrust law, according to three sources knowledgeable about the meeting.

The meeting, which is being planned for Nov. 11, would be similar to a gathering this week in New York where state and federal enforcers from the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission discussed their probe of Facebook, according to one of the sources.

A second source said that this meeting would touch on organizational issues and was likely to be one in a long series of gatherings to discuss the probe.

The investigation of Google appears to be well underway since Texas sent the search and advertising giant a subpoena asking for information about its ad business. As of earlier this month, Google began sending data to the attorneys general.

The investigation, which involves all state attorneys general except Alabama and California, seeks to dig into the opaque business of online digital advertising, where Google is a dominant player. Attorneys general for the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico are also part of the investigation.

Google, which had no comment for this story, offers free searches, email and other services but much of its revenue is from advertising.

Google has previously said that it was cooperating with federal regulators and with the state probe.

Google faces two other major inquiries - a US&nbsp;Justice Department investigation and a probe by the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee - both of which have broad reviews of the big internet companies underway.

US state attorneys general probing Alphabet's Google plan to meet next month in Colorado to discuss a probe into whether the search giant's business practices break antitrust law, according to three sources knowledgeable about the meeting.

US state attorneys general probing Alphabet's Google plan to meet next month in Colorado to discuss a probe into whether the search giant's business practices break antitrust law, according to three sources knowledgeable about the meeting. The meeting, which is being planned for Nov. 11, would be similar to a gathering this week in New York where state and federal enforcers from the Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission discussed their probe of Facebook, according to one of the sources. A second source said that this meeting would touch on organizational issues and was likely to be one in a long series of gatherings to discuss the probe. The investigation of Google appears to be well underway since Texas sent the search and advertising giant a subpoena asking for information about its ad business. As of earlier this month, Google began sending data to the attorneys general. The investigation, which involves all state attorneys general except Alabama and California, seeks to dig into the opaque business of online digital advertising, where Google is a dominant player. Attorneys general for the District of Columbia, Guam and Puerto Rico are also part of the investigation. Google, which had no comment for this story, offers free searches, email and other services but much of its revenue is from advertising. Google has previously said that it was cooperating with federal regulators and with the state probe. Google faces two other major inquiries - a US Justice Department investigation and a probe by the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee - both of which have broad reviews of the big internet companies underway.

US states plan Google antitrust meeting next month in Colorado: Report

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-targets-innovative-cabinet-taps-gojek-ceo-257279">Indonesian President Joko Widodo</a> unveiled his cabinet for a second term on Wednesday, retaining former World Bank economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister and tapping the leader of the opposition as he seeks to push through reforms.

The CEO and co-founder of ride-sharing and payments firm Gojek as well as a former chairman of Inter Milan soccer club were also named to the cabinet, confirming earlier reports.

The make-up of the cabinet was being closely watched to see how many technocrats - who are more likely to fall in with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesias-jokowi-kicks-off-fresh-term-after-wave-of-crises-256994">Widodo</a>'s plans for boosting growth and investment - were included. In the end, around half of his cabinet of 34 ministers were technocrats with the others having ties to political parties.

"First don't be corrupt, create a clean system. Second, no separate ministerial vision and mission, only the presidential vision and mission," Widodo said while seated on the steps of the palace flanked by his ministers.

Indonesia last month saw the biggest student demonstrations in decades opposing new bills that critics say undermine the fight against corruption and threaten basic rights.

Widodo picked former industry minister Airlangga Hartarto to head his economic team while confirming the reappointment of Indrawati as finance minister, who has now served in various administrations.

After meeting Widodo at the palace a day earlier, Indrawati said she had agreed to ensure policies supported the president's priorities such as improving human resources, creating jobs and executing government budgets well.

Prabowo Subianto, a controversial former general who was opposition leader in Widodo's first term and sole challenger in April's bitterly fought poll, will serve as defence minister, Widodo said.

"I don’t need to tell you about his role. He knows more than me," said Widodo, referring to Prabowo, who used to head the country's special forces and has been accused by human rights activists of abuses against civilians.

His cabinet inclusion is controversial for many supporters of Widodo as well. Prabowo had initially refused to concede defeat in April's vote, going to the constitutional court citing systematic fraud and abuse of power.

He was Widodo's main rival in the 2014 presidential election as well and had also challenged that result.

Political appointees

But after the court ruled against him this year he met Widodo on a number of occasions, including during a well-publicised ride together on Jakarta's new subway system.

With his entry into the cabinet, Widodo should now have the support of about 74% of the seats in parliament, including Prabowo's Gerindra Party.

Yose Rizal Damuri at Jakarta's Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said the presence of political party representatives in the cabinet remained significant, and could hinder Widodo's reform campaign.

"Party representatives may have mandates from their own parties," he said noting that in Widodo's first term "everyone had their own agenda" in the cabinet.

Gojek CEO Nadiem Makarim was named education and culture minister.

Among other important economic posts, Arifin Tasrif, a former head of the state fertilizer maker, was named a minister of energy and mineral resources. Erick Thohir, a billionaire businessman who was chairman of Inter Milan and ran Widodo's re-election campaign, was allotted the minister of state-owned enterprises post.

The president's long-term ally Luhut Pandjaitan retained his role as coordinating minister for maritime affairs, which also oversees the natural resources sector and investment.

Pandjaitan, who spearheaded an acceleration of a nickel ore export ban this year, said on Tuesday Widodo had asked him to continue to expand mineral processing, improve investment in petrochemicals and cut "inefficiencies" in the state energy company Pertamina.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo unveiled his cabinet for a second term on Wednesday, retaining former World Bank economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister and tapping the leader of the opposition as he seeks to push through reforms.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo unveiled his cabinet for a second term on Wednesday, retaining former World Bank economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati as finance minister and tapping the leader of the opposition as he seeks to push through reforms. The CEO and co-founder of ride-sharing and payments firm Gojek as well as a former chairman of Inter Milan soccer club were also named to the cabinet, confirming earlier reports. The make-up of the cabinet was being closely watched to see how many technocrats - who are more likely to fall in with Widodo's plans for boosting growth and investment - were included. In the end, around half of his cabinet of 34 ministers were technocrats with the others having ties to political parties. "First don't be corrupt, create a clean system. Second, no separate ministerial vision and mission, only the presidential vision and mission," Widodo said while seated on the steps of the palace flanked by his ministers. Indonesia last month saw the biggest student demonstrations in decades opposing new bills that critics say undermine the fight against corruption and threaten basic rights. Widodo picked former industry minister Airlangga Hartarto to head his economic team while confirming the reappointment of Indrawati as finance minister, who has now served in various administrations. After meeting Widodo at the palace a day earlier, Indrawati said she had agreed to ensure policies supported the president's priorities such as improving human resources, creating jobs and executing government budgets well. Prabowo Subianto, a controversial former general who was opposition leader in Widodo's first term and sole challenger in April's bitterly fought poll, will serve as defence minister, Widodo said. "I don’t need to tell you about his role. He knows more than me," said Widodo, referring to Prabowo, who used to head the country's special forces and has been accused by human rights activists of abuses against civilians. His cabinet inclusion is controversial for many supporters of Widodo as well. Prabowo had initially refused to concede defeat in April's vote, going to the constitutional court citing systematic fraud and abuse of power. He was Widodo's main rival in the 2014 presidential election as well and had also challenged that result. Political appointees But after the court ruled against him this year he met Widodo on a number of occasions, including during a well-publicised ride together on Jakarta's new subway system. With his entry into the cabinet, Widodo should now have the support of about 74% of the seats in parliament, including Prabowo's Gerindra Party. Yose Rizal Damuri at Jakarta's Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said the presence of political party representatives in the cabinet remained significant, and could hinder Widodo's reform campaign. "Party representatives may have mandates from their own parties," he said noting that in Widodo's first term "everyone had their own agenda" in the cabinet. Gojek CEO Nadiem Makarim was named education and culture minister. Among other important economic posts, Arifin Tasrif, a former head of the state fertilizer maker, was named a minister of energy and mineral resources. Erick Thohir, a billionaire businessman who was chairman of Inter Milan and ran Widodo's re-election campaign, was allotted the minister of state-owned enterprises post. The president's long-term ally Luhut Pandjaitan retained his role as coordinating minister for maritime affairs, which also oversees the natural resources sector and investment. Pandjaitan, who spearheaded an acceleration of a nickel ore export ban this year, said on Tuesday Widodo had asked him to continue to expand mineral processing, improve investment in petrochemicals and cut "inefficiencies" in the state energy company Pertamina.

Indonesia cabinet unveiled, includes president's main rival

The mug shot-style photo of Ovidio Guzman that appeared as he was apprehended oozed defiance. Chin jutting out, eyes trained on the camera, the handsome youth bore a strong resemblance to his infamous father, jailed drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

He had reason to be cocksure. In response to his capture in an upscale neighbourhood, hundreds of heavily-armed Sinaloa Cartel henchmen, guns blazing, were pouring into Culiacan, briefly taking the modern city of about a million people near Mexico’s Pacific coast hostage.

Within hours they had pried him loose from authorities.

It was like nothing Mexico had seen before, a military-style operation that outfoxed and outnumbered security forces, leaving the city shocked and smouldering. The show of strength dashed hopes the cartel was seriously weakened by the life sentence the elder Guzman received in the United States this year.

Not only were the new generation of Guzmans, collectively known as Los Chapitos, keeping alive their family's near-mythical outlaw reputation, they were doing it with a brazenness akin to open warfare.

"We're facing a new generation of organized crime that doesn't respect civilians," Cristobal Castaneda, head of Sinaloa state security, told Reuters after the attacks.

Four surviving sons of El Chapo were already regulars in Culiacan's nightclubs and restaurants, despite US&nbsp;indictments against them, before last Thursday's dramatic act of armed insurrection.

A concrete monument in the parking lot of a Culiacan supermarket marks the spot where a fifth son was gunned down in 2008.

None of the four are older than their mid-thirties. They have already survived kidnappings, arrest attempts and cartel infighting to establish themselves as the city's most prominent traffickers, with the support of cartel elders.

Thursday's attacks showed they were capable of taking on the Mexican army, state police and National Guard. Using a mixture of firepower, speed, discipline and the underlying threat of mass civilian deaths, they won.

Castaneda pointed to how over several hours gunmen stormed into businesses and sprayed police with bullets in crowded areas, on a scale unprecedented in the country’s long-running drug war. Remarkably, the government says just 13 people were killed, including a soldier and several cartel gunmen.

Finally, a humbled Mexican government was forced to order Ovidio's release, opting against a bloodier confrontation that officials later said could have claimed hundreds of lives.

For many, Ovidio's newfound celebrity elevated him, along with his brothers, to the status of Sinaloa Cartel heavyweights, with Ovidio's exploits placing just him a few notches below his father in the pantheon of bandits who outsmarted the government.

A so-called narcocorrido – a style of song about the drug trade set to upbeat tuba and accordion rhythms – was released by Sunday, lionizing Ovidio as a "beast" and proclaiming that "the government was mistaken/they don’t know who they messed with.”

Despite the high profile antics, it is unclear exactly how much influence the Guzmans have over the cartel their father helped found decades ago, however.

Los Chapitos control drug sales in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, including a growing trade in methamphetamine, according to one official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Earlier this year, a fentanyl laboratory was found in the city, suggesting that the Guzmans also have their eye on the lucrative US&nbsp;opiate business.

But the cartel’s bigger interests are still believed to be handled by El Chapo's former partner, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a discrete capo in his early 70s who has never been arrested.

The businesses Zambada handles move billions of dollars, US&nbsp;authorities say, and are diversified across many sectors in dozens of countries, including even niche markets like wildlife and timber smuggling.

Edgardo Buscaglia, an organized crime expert at Columbia University, agrees that Zambada probably still controls the cartel. He described the new generation as more reckless, but certainly not as powerful.

In recent years, the relationship between the family and Zambada has been fraught, with his son testifying against El Chapo at his US&nbsp;trial. In turn, the defense argued Zambada was the real head of the cartel, not El Chapo.

However, Zambada, who is said to be Ovidio's godfather, apparently supported the assault to release him. A statement issued on Tuesday under the cartel's C.D.S insignia was intended as a show of unity between the factions, Buscaglia said.

In one crackly recording circulating online, purportedly of internal Sinaloa Cartel radio communications on Thursday, a supposed gunman celebrates that Zambada was supporting the battle to release Ovidio.

Thursday's antics showed Ovidio commanded sufficient loyalty in the organization for fighters to risk their lives to save him, Buscaglia said. And despite the cartel's head-on fight with the state to release him, he predicted Los Chapitos were smart enough avoid sustained confrontation with security forces.

"They know they would lose in the long term," he said.

Narco princes

Up until last week, Ivan Archivaldo, estimated to be 35, and Jesus Alfredo were El Chapo’s better-known sons. Locals say both could be spotted in the city’s trendy nightclubs and restaurants clustered around Culiacan’s upscale Tres Rios neighbourhood, where Ovidio was briefly detained by a force of about 35 soldiers.

Far from hiding in safehouses, they and their friends are known to enjoy tearing through Culiacan’s nearby hills in souped-up all-terrain vehicles, two people said. Two dealerships that sell high-end models are located in the city.

"Yeah, a lot of people here know who they are and see them out and about," said a young clerk at a clothing shop, asking that her name not be used for fear of reprisals.

In 2017, Ivan Archivaldo and Jesus Alfredo were believed to be behind an attack on then-rival Damaso Lopez, a high-level Sinaloa Cartel leader once rumored to be El Chapo’s successor, in the dusty town of Villa Juarez just outside Culiacan.

"It was crazy. The shootout lasted more than two hours. Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta," said a local witness, mimicking the sound of gunfire and pointing to where bullet holes remain visible. Two people died, including a pregnant woman.

More than a decade ago, Ivan Archivaldo was arrested and jailed, but he was released in 2008 due to what a judge called a lack of evidence. That same year, El Chapo’s eldest son, Edgar Guzman, was gunned down in a supermarket parking lot in Culiacan, the spot now marked by a stone cross.

Following the footsteps of El Chapo, who staged two spectacular prison breaks and eluded capture multiple times, Ivan Archivaldo dodged an imminent arrest in 2014 by dressing as a waiter and fleeing through the kitchen of a high-end seafood restaurant in Culiacan, government sources told Mexico's Milenio newspaper.

"It will always be like this," Ivan Archivaldo said in an interview published last year in Belgian magazine Knack, when asked if there was a war between the cartel and the state.

"It is the government's job to fight us, by mandate, they have to fight drug cartels," he said, adding: “There’s a lot of people who protect me and my family.”

The mug shot-style photo of Ovidio Guzman that appeared as he was apprehended oozed defiance. Chin jutting out, eyes trained on the camera, the handsome youth bore a strong resemblance to his infamous father, jailed drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.

The mug shot-style photo of Ovidio Guzman that appeared as he was apprehended oozed defiance. Chin jutting out, eyes trained on the camera, the handsome youth bore a strong resemblance to his infamous father, jailed drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. He had reason to be cocksure. In response to his capture in an upscale neighbourhood, hundreds of heavily-armed Sinaloa Cartel henchmen, guns blazing, were pouring into Culiacan, briefly taking the modern city of about a million people near Mexico’s Pacific coast hostage. Within hours they had pried him loose from authorities. It was like nothing Mexico had seen before, a military-style operation that outfoxed and outnumbered security forces, leaving the city shocked and smouldering. The show of strength dashed hopes the cartel was seriously weakened by the life sentence the elder Guzman received in the United States this year. Not only were the new generation of Guzmans, collectively known as Los Chapitos, keeping alive their family's near-mythical outlaw reputation, they were doing it with a brazenness akin to open warfare. "We're facing a new generation of organized crime that doesn't respect civilians," Cristobal Castaneda, head of Sinaloa state security, told Reuters after the attacks. Four surviving sons of El Chapo were already regulars in Culiacan's nightclubs and restaurants, despite US indictments against them, before last Thursday's dramatic act of armed insurrection. A concrete monument in the parking lot of a Culiacan supermarket marks the spot where a fifth son was gunned down in 2008. None of the four are older than their mid-thirties. They have already survived kidnappings, arrest attempts and cartel infighting to establish themselves as the city's most prominent traffickers, with the support of cartel elders. Thursday's attacks showed they were capable of taking on the Mexican army, state police and National Guard. Using a mixture of firepower, speed, discipline and the underlying threat of mass civilian deaths, they won. Castaneda pointed to how over several hours gunmen stormed into businesses and sprayed police with bullets in crowded areas, on a scale unprecedented in the country’s long-running drug war. Remarkably, the government says just 13 people were killed, including a soldier and several cartel gunmen. Finally, a humbled Mexican government was forced to order Ovidio's release, opting against a bloodier confrontation that officials later said could have claimed hundreds of lives. For many, Ovidio's newfound celebrity elevated him, along with his brothers, to the status of Sinaloa Cartel heavyweights, with Ovidio's exploits placing just him a few notches below his father in the pantheon of bandits who outsmarted the government. A so-called narcocorrido – a style of song about the drug trade set to upbeat tuba and accordion rhythms – was released by Sunday, lionizing Ovidio as a "beast" and proclaiming that "the government was mistaken/they don’t know who they messed with.” Despite the high profile antics, it is unclear exactly how much influence the Guzmans have over the cartel their father helped found decades ago, however. Los Chapitos control drug sales in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, including a growing trade in methamphetamine, according to one official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Earlier this year, a fentanyl laboratory was found in the city, suggesting that the Guzmans also have their eye on the lucrative US opiate business. But the cartel’s bigger interests are still believed to be handled by El Chapo's former partner, Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, a discrete capo in his early 70s who has never been arrested. The businesses Zambada handles move billions of dollars, US authorities say, and are diversified across many sectors in dozens of countries, including even niche markets like wildlife and timber smuggling. Edgardo Buscaglia, an organized crime expert at Columbia University, agrees that Zambada probably still controls the cartel. He described the new generation as more reckless, but certainly not as powerful. In recent years, the relationship between the family and Zambada has been fraught, with his son testifying against El Chapo at his US trial. In turn, the defense argued Zambada was the real head of the cartel, not El Chapo. However, Zambada, who is said to be Ovidio's godfather, apparently supported the assault to release him. A statement issued on Tuesday under the cartel's C.D.S insignia was intended as a show of unity between the factions, Buscaglia said. In one crackly recording circulating online, purportedly of internal Sinaloa Cartel radio communications on Thursday, a supposed gunman celebrates that Zambada was supporting the battle to release Ovidio. Thursday's antics showed Ovidio commanded sufficient loyalty in the organization for fighters to risk their lives to save him, Buscaglia said. And despite the cartel's head-on fight with the state to release him, he predicted Los Chapitos were smart enough avoid sustained confrontation with security forces. "They know they would lose in the long term," he said. Narco princes Up until last week, Ivan Archivaldo, estimated to be 35, and Jesus Alfredo were El Chapo’s better-known sons. Locals say both could be spotted in the city’s trendy nightclubs and restaurants clustered around Culiacan’s upscale Tres Rios neighbourhood, where Ovidio was briefly detained by a force of about 35 soldiers. Far from hiding in safehouses, they and their friends are known to enjoy tearing through Culiacan’s nearby hills in souped-up all-terrain vehicles, two people said. Two dealerships that sell high-end models are located in the city. "Yeah, a lot of people here know who they are and see them out and about," said a young clerk at a clothing shop, asking that her name not be used for fear of reprisals. In 2017, Ivan Archivaldo and Jesus Alfredo were believed to be behind an attack on then-rival Damaso Lopez, a high-level Sinaloa Cartel leader once rumored to be El Chapo’s successor, in the dusty town of Villa Juarez just outside Culiacan. "It was crazy. The shootout lasted more than two hours. Ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta-ta," said a local witness, mimicking the sound of gunfire and pointing to where bullet holes remain visible. Two people died, including a pregnant woman. More than a decade ago, Ivan Archivaldo was arrested and jailed, but he was released in 2008 due to what a judge called a lack of evidence. That same year, El Chapo’s eldest son, Edgar Guzman, was gunned down in a supermarket parking lot in Culiacan, the spot now marked by a stone cross. Following the footsteps of El Chapo, who staged two spectacular prison breaks and eluded capture multiple times, Ivan Archivaldo dodged an imminent arrest in 2014 by dressing as a waiter and fleeing through the kitchen of a high-end seafood restaurant in Culiacan, government sources told Mexico's Milenio newspaper. "It will always be like this," Ivan Archivaldo said in an interview published last year in Belgian magazine Knack, when asked if there was a war between the cartel and the state. "It is the government's job to fight us, by mandate, they have to fight drug cartels," he said, adding: “There’s a lot of people who protect me and my family.”

In Mexico, El Chapo's sons add brash new chapter to crime family

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-blocks-almost-a-quarter-of-accredited-foreign-news-sites-watchdog-257490">Beijing</a> is drawing up a plan to remove <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-abandons-speech-after-heckles-from-lawmakers-256227">Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive Carrie Lam</a>, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest.

The pro-Beijing leader has faced sustained criticism from protesters in the semi-autonomous city.

So far the central government in Beijing has given its support to her and the <a href="http://wionews.com/world/hong-kong-government-pledges-more-aid-to-battered-city-no-end-in-sight-to-unrest-257531">Hong Kong</a> police, calling the demonstrators "rioters" and condemning the violence.&nbsp;

But according to the FT report, which quoted unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, the Chinese government is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive.

However, sources told the newspaper that the plan would be dependent on the situation in the city first stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence.

Lam's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report.

Hong Kong has now been battered by 20 weeks of protests and with no political solution in sight, clashes have intensified each month.

Earlier this month, Lam -- who has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters -- invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks, setting off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network.

If President Xi Jinping decided to go ahead with the plan to remove Lam, the report said her replacement would be installed by March.

Leading candidates being considered to replace Lam reportedly include Norman Chan, former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory’s financial secretary and chief secretary for administration.&nbsp;

A leaked audio recording emerged in September of Lam saying she would quit if she had a choice -- although she later said she had not contemplated standing down.

Lam has faced a series of political difficulties since the city's legislature returned for a new session last week.&nbsp;

She was unable to give her State of the Union-style policy speech after pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly interrupted her, forcing her to deliver the address via a pre-recorded video.

Beijing is drawing up a plan to remove Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive Carrie Lam, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest.

Beijing is drawing up a plan to remove Hong Kong's beleaguered chief executive Carrie Lam, the Financial Times reported Wednesday, after nearly five months of pro-democracy unrest. The pro-Beijing leader has faced sustained criticism from protesters in the semi-autonomous city. So far the central government in Beijing has given its support to her and the Hong Kong police, calling the demonstrators "rioters" and condemning the violence. But according to the FT report, which quoted unnamed figures briefed on the deliberations, the Chinese government is drawing up a plan to replace her with an interim chief executive. However, sources told the newspaper that the plan would be dependent on the situation in the city first stabilising so that Beijing is not seen as giving in to violence. Lam's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report. Hong Kong has now been battered by 20 weeks of protests and with no political solution in sight, clashes have intensified each month. Earlier this month, Lam -- who has refused to grant any major concessions to protesters -- invoked a colonial-era emergency law to ban face masks, setting off a new wave of protests and vandalism that shut down much of the city's transport network. If President Xi Jinping decided to go ahead with the plan to remove Lam, the report said her replacement would be installed by March. Leading candidates being considered to replace Lam reportedly include Norman Chan, former head of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, and Henry Tang, who has also served as the territory’s financial secretary and chief secretary for administration. A leaked audio recording emerged in September of Lam saying she would quit if she had a choice -- although she later said she had not contemplated standing down. Lam has faced a series of political difficulties since the city's legislature returned for a new session last week. She was unable to give her State of the Union-style policy speech after pro-democracy lawmakers repeatedly interrupted her, forcing her to deliver the address via a pre-recorded video.

China plans to replace Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam: Report

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/indonesia-president-targets-innovative-cabinet-taps-gojek-ceo-257279">Indonesia's Joko Widodo</a> is set to announce a new cabinet Wednesday in a line-up that could include his election arch-rival, a multi-billion-dollar startup co-founder and the former owner of Inter Milan.

Widodo, popularly known as <a href="http://wionews.com/world/indonesias-jokowi-kicks-off-fresh-term-after-wave-of-crises-256994">Jokowi</a>, beat Prabowo Subianto -- a former military general accused of rights violations -- in April elections to secure another term as president of the world's third-biggest democracy.

The victory followed a bitter campaign plagued by fake news online and claims from Subianto that the government staged a "massive, systematic and fraudulent" election, which sparked deadly post-poll riots.

But the pair have since appeared together in apparently friendly public meetings, including on Monday when Subianto, 68, hinted that he and another member of his Gerindra party were tapped for top government posts.

"We've been asked to strengthen his cabinet and I earlier said that we, Gerindra, were ready to help if asked," Subianto told reporters in Jakarta.

"(Jokowi) allowed me to say that he asked me to help in the defence sector," he added, without elaborating.

Senior Gerindra official Edhy Prabowo told AFP that the potential job for Subianto was defence minister.

Jokowi has yet to confirm any ministerial appointment.

At least nine people were killed in Jakarta's post-election riots, which included Subianto supporters.

A rights group warned against appointing the former general to a top public job.

"It would be a dark day for human rights in this country" if Subianto is appointed, said Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid.

Subianto, a former son-in-law of Indonesia's late dictator Suharto, was accused of rights violations -- including the kidnapping and disappearance of several pro-democracy activists -- in the lead up to massive street demonstrations that brought down the regime in 1998.

Subianto has never been charged in relation to the allegations.

Among dozens of other posts, former World Bank managing director Sri Mulyani Indrawati was widely expected to serve another term as finance minister.

Nadiem Makarim, 35, co-founder of ride-hailing startup Gojek, told reporters Monday that he'd been tipped for an unspecified ministerial post. Makarim has announced his resignation from running a firm valued at some $10 billion.

Media mogul Erick Thohir -- a former owner of Italian football club Inter Milan and the 2018 Asian Games organising committee chief -- is also widely expected to land a cabinet job.

Indonesia's Joko Widodo is set to announce a new cabinet Wednesday in a line-up that could include his election arch-rival, a multi-billion-dollar startup co-founder and the former owner of Inter Milan.

Indonesia's Joko Widodo is set to announce a new cabinet Wednesday in a line-up that could include his election arch-rival, a multi-billion-dollar startup co-founder and the former owner of Inter Milan. Widodo, popularly known as Jokowi, beat Prabowo Subianto -- a former military general accused of rights violations -- in April elections to secure another term as president of the world's third-biggest democracy. The victory followed a bitter campaign plagued by fake news online and claims from Subianto that the government staged a "massive, systematic and fraudulent" election, which sparked deadly post-poll riots. But the pair have since appeared together in apparently friendly public meetings, including on Monday when Subianto, 68, hinted that he and another member of his Gerindra party were tapped for top government posts. "We've been asked to strengthen his cabinet and I earlier said that we, Gerindra, were ready to help if asked," Subianto told reporters in Jakarta. "(Jokowi) allowed me to say that he asked me to help in the defence sector," he added, without elaborating. Senior Gerindra official Edhy Prabowo told AFP that the potential job for Subianto was defence minister. Jokowi has yet to confirm any ministerial appointment. At least nine people were killed in Jakarta's post-election riots, which included Subianto supporters. A rights group warned against appointing the former general to a top public job. "It would be a dark day for human rights in this country" if Subianto is appointed, said Amnesty International Indonesia executive director Usman Hamid. Subianto, a former son-in-law of Indonesia's late dictator Suharto, was accused of rights violations -- including the kidnapping and disappearance of several pro-democracy activists -- in the lead up to massive street demonstrations that brought down the regime in 1998. Subianto has never been charged in relation to the allegations. Among dozens of other posts, former World Bank managing director Sri Mulyani Indrawati was widely expected to serve another term as finance minister. Nadiem Makarim, 35, co-founder of ride-hailing startup Gojek, told reporters Monday that he'd been tipped for an unspecified ministerial post. Makarim has announced his resignation from running a firm valued at some $10 billion. Media mogul Erick Thohir -- a former owner of Italian football club Inter Milan and the 2018 Asian Games organising committee chief -- is also widely expected to land a cabinet job.

Indonesia's Jokowi set to announce new cabinet

British police said 39 bodies were found near London Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria.

Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London. Early indications suggest the victims are 38 adults and one teenager.

A 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement.

"Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened."

The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40 am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park.

"We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner.

"We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," said Mariner.

He said it was thought the truck entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland.

"We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue."

British police said 39 bodies were found near London Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria. Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London.

British police said 39 bodies were found near London Wednesday in the container of a truck thought to have come from Bulgaria. Essex Police said the people were all pronounced dead at the scene in an industrial park in Grays, east of London. Early indications suggest the victims are 38 adults and one teenager. A 25-year-old man from Northern Ireland has been arrested on suspicion of murder. "This is a tragic incident where a large number of people have lost their lives," Essex Police chief superintendent Andrew Mariner said in a statement. "Our enquiries are ongoing to establish what has happened." The police said they were alerted by the ambulance service shortly before 1:40 am (0040 GMT) following the discovery of a truck container with people inside at the Waterglade Industrial Park. "We are in the process of identifying the victims. However I anticipate that this could be a lengthy process," said Mariner. "We believe the lorry is from Bulgaria," said Mariner. He said it was thought the truck entered Britain on Saturday at Holyhead on the northwest tip of Wales -- one of the main ports for ferries from Ireland. "We have arrested the lorry driver in connection with the incident who remains in police custody as our enquiries continue."

39 bodies found near London in truck container: UK police

New Zealand lawmakers narrowly backed a plan Wednesday to hold a referendum on legalising euthanasia alongside next year's general election.

The proposal to put the issue to a public vote passed 63-57 during a heated late-night debate in parliament.

It means when Kiwis go to the polls late next year they will not only be voting for their preferred government but also on two referendums, one on legalising euthanasia and the other on allowing recreational marijuana use.

While a final vote to confirm a referendum on the End of Life Choice Bill will be held in November, it is considered a formality after the plan won crucial backing from the New Zealand First (NZF) Party.

"This is an emotive topic. It's a divisive topic... &nbsp;but we should have the courage to allow the voting public to participate in this conversation," NZF's Jenny Marcroft told parliament.

NZF had threatened to pull support for the bill if the referendum proposal was rejected and parliament tried to simply pass the legislation.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has publicly stated her support for euthanasia reform and reluctantly voted for the referendum, saying earlier this week that it was the only way of advancing the legislation.

Members of Ardern's centre-left Labour Party were given a conscience vote on the issue, as were members of parliament's largest party, the conservative Nationals.

National lawmaker Harete Hipango described the euthanasia legislation as "abhorrent, repugnant and also dangerous".

"This is a kill bill. My focus and my intention is&nbsp;that I seek to kill this bill because of the repugnancy of what it intends to do," he said.&nbsp;

"The state has a duty of care to protect our most vulnerable."

The lawmaker behind the bill, libertarian David Seymour, said the proposal had safeguards to protect the vulnerable.

"This is a bill only for people who have a terminal illness as diagnosed by two doctors," he said.&nbsp;

"It is for people who are, sadly, at the end of their lives, and it is a choice... &nbsp;only the person whose life it is can make the choice." 
&nbsp;

New Zealand lawmakers narrowly backed a plan Wednesday to hold a referendum on legalising euthanasia alongside next year's general election. The proposal to put the issue to a public vote passed 63-57 during a heated late-night debate in parliament.

New Zealand lawmakers narrowly backed a plan Wednesday to hold a referendum on legalising euthanasia alongside next year's general election. The proposal to put the issue to a public vote passed 63-57 during a heated late-night debate in parliament. It means when Kiwis go to the polls late next year they will not only be voting for their preferred government but also on two referendums, one on legalising euthanasia and the other on allowing recreational marijuana use. While a final vote to confirm a referendum on the End of Life Choice Bill will be held in November, it is considered a formality after the plan won crucial backing from the New Zealand First (NZF) Party. "This is an emotive topic. It's a divisive topic... but we should have the courage to allow the voting public to participate in this conversation," NZF's Jenny Marcroft told parliament. NZF had threatened to pull support for the bill if the referendum proposal was rejected and parliament tried to simply pass the legislation. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has publicly stated her support for euthanasia reform and reluctantly voted for the referendum, saying earlier this week that it was the only way of advancing the legislation. Members of Ardern's centre-left Labour Party were given a conscience vote on the issue, as were members of parliament's largest party, the conservative Nationals. National lawmaker Harete Hipango described the euthanasia legislation as "abhorrent, repugnant and also dangerous". "This is a kill bill. My focus and my intention is that I seek to kill this bill because of the repugnancy of what it intends to do," he said. "The state has a duty of care to protect our most vulnerable." The lawmaker behind the bill, libertarian David Seymour, said the proposal had safeguards to protect the vulnerable. "This is a bill only for people who have a terminal illness as diagnosed by two doctors," he said. "It is for people who are, sadly, at the end of their lives, and it is a choice... only the person whose life it is can make the choice."

New Zealand parliament backs euthanasia referendum

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces.

The protestors said that a large number of political activists and intellectuals were being abducted illegally by security forces from various parts of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan.

Relatives of Rashid Hussain, who was abducted from UAE and later deported to Pakistan also joined the protest. His mother along with other missing person <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/balochistan-women-protest-against-enforced-disappearances-in-quetta-253945">families protested in Quetta</a> for his safe return and release of other Baloch missing persons.

Hussain was handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year.

He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being.

An online campaign has also been launched to demand the release of Hussain. Social media users are raising their voice using hashtag #SaveRashidHussain and #SaveBalochMissingPersons.

The protesters were also joined by Mama Qadir Baloch, of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons', who has been running a campaign for thousands of missing Baloch people.

Similar protests against enforced disappearances were held in Quetta earlier this month.

Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces.

Relatives of missing Baloch people on Tuesday held a protest rally in Quetta city to demand the immediate release of their family members who have been illegally abducted by security forces. The protestors said that a large number of political activists and intellectuals were being abducted illegally by security forces from various parts of Balochistan province in southwestern Pakistan. Relatives of Rashid Hussain, who was abducted from UAE and later deported to Pakistan also joined the protest. His mother along with other missing person families protested in Quetta for his safe return and release of other Baloch missing persons. Hussain was handed over to Pakistan's law enforcement agencies in June this year. He has since been kept in an undisclosed location that has further added to the miseries of his family regarding Rashid's safety and well being. An online campaign has also been launched to demand the release of Hussain. Social media users are raising their voice using hashtag #SaveRashidHussain and #SaveBalochMissingPersons. The protesters were also joined by Mama Qadir Baloch, of 'Voice for Baloch Missing Persons', who has been running a campaign for thousands of missing Baloch people. Similar protests against enforced disappearances were held in Quetta earlier this month. Enforced disappearances still take place in Balochistan with full immunity and the Pakistani state institutions have repeatedly failed to act against such inhuman crimes of state agencies.

Baloch women, children hold protest against enforced disappearances

Russia's navy said Tuesday it had discovered five new islands revealed by melting glaciers in the remote Arctic.

An expedition in August and September charted the islands, which have yet to be named and were previously hidden under glaciers, said the head of the northern fleet, Vice Admiral Alexander Moiseyev.

"Mainly this is of course caused by changes to the ice situation," Moiseyev, who headed the expedition, said at a press conference in Moscow.

"Before these were glaciers; we thought they were (part of) the main glacier."

"Melting, collapse and temperature changes led to these islands being uncovered."

Glacier loss in the Arctic in the period from 2015 to 2019 was more than in any other five-year period on record, a United Nations report on global warming said last month.

Russia has opened a string of military and scientific bases in the Arctic in recent years, with interest in the region growing as rising temperatures open up shipping routes and make hitherto inaccessible mineral resources easier to exploit.

This summer's expedition to two archipelagoes -- Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya -- involved some 60 people including civilians from the Russian Geographic Society and was the first aboard a rescue towboat instead of an icebreaker.

Video of expedition members encountering an angry walrus that attacked their inflatable landing craft went viral last month.

"The two months this year when we held our expedition to Franz Josef Land can be described as warm," said Denis Krets, commander of the northern fleet's expedition force.

"We were very lucky because we could land on islands where not every year the shore and the inshore water is free of ice."

During the expedition, the defence ministry announced it had found five new islands in Vize Bay off Novaya Zemlya, a vast mountainous archipelago with two main islands.&nbsp;

The islands had previously been seen on satellite images but the expedition was the first to see them.

It also said it had also confirmed the existence of an island that had been previously mapped as a peninsula of Hall Island, part of the Franz Josef Land archipelago, west of Novaya Zemlya.

Moiseyev said names for the new islands were "upcoming".

"Of course each island will receive a name but first you have to lay out the case for it."

Russia's navy said Tuesday it had discovered five new islands revealed by melting glaciers in the remote Arctic. An expedition in August and September charted the islands, which have yet to be named and were previously hidden under glaciers, said the head of the northern fleet, Vice Admiral Alexander Moiseyev.

Russia's navy said Tuesday it had discovered five new islands revealed by melting glaciers in the remote Arctic. An expedition in August and September charted the islands, which have yet to be named and were previously hidden under glaciers, said the head of the northern fleet, Vice Admiral Alexander Moiseyev. "Mainly this is of course caused by changes to the ice situation," Moiseyev, who headed the expedition, said at a press conference in Moscow. "Before these were glaciers; we thought they were (part of) the main glacier." "Melting, collapse and temperature changes led to these islands being uncovered." Glacier loss in the Arctic in the period from 2015 to 2019 was more than in any other five-year period on record, a United Nations report on global warming said last month. Russia has opened a string of military and scientific bases in the Arctic in recent years, with interest in the region growing as rising temperatures open up shipping routes and make hitherto inaccessible mineral resources easier to exploit. This summer's expedition to two archipelagoes -- Franz Josef Land and Novaya Zemlya -- involved some 60 people including civilians from the Russian Geographic Society and was the first aboard a rescue towboat instead of an icebreaker. Video of expedition members encountering an angry walrus that attacked their inflatable landing craft went viral last month. "The two months this year when we held our expedition to Franz Josef Land can be described as warm," said Denis Krets, commander of the northern fleet's expedition force. "We were very lucky because we could land on islands where not every year the shore and the inshore water is free of ice." During the expedition, the defence ministry announced it had found five new islands in Vize Bay off Novaya Zemlya, a vast mountainous archipelago with two main islands. The islands had previously been seen on satellite images but the expedition was the first to see them. It also said it had also confirmed the existence of an island that had been previously mapped as a peninsula of Hall Island, part of the Franz Josef Land archipelago, west of Novaya Zemlya. Moiseyev said names for the new islands were "upcoming". "Of course each island will receive a name but first you have to lay out the case for it."

Russia discovers five Arctic islands uncovered by melting ice

President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia would aim to double trade with Africa over the next five years, at the opening of a summit aimed at reviving Moscow's ties with the continent.

"We currently export to Africa $25 billion worth of food -- which is more than we export in arms, at $15 billion. In the next four to five years I think we should be able to double this trade, at least," he told African leaders at the Black Sea resort of Sochi.

"In Africa, there are very many potential partners with good prospects."

Putin said the current level of trade between Moscow and the continent was "not enough".&nbsp;

"African countries are attracting ever more attention from Russian businesses," the president added, highlighting a number of major Russian companies that were already working on the continent.&nbsp;

Dozens of African leaders are in Sochi for the first Russia-Africa Summit, as Moscow seeks greater influence on a continent where the West and China have a firm foothold.

The two-day event will see more than 3,000 delegates prepare deals and discuss topics from nuclear technology to mineral extraction.

President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia would aim to double trade with Africa over the next five years, at the opening of a summit aimed at reviving Moscow's ties with the continent.

President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Russia would aim to double trade with Africa over the next five years, at the opening of a summit aimed at reviving Moscow's ties with the continent. "We currently export to Africa $25 billion worth of food -- which is more than we export in arms, at $15 billion. In the next four to five years I think we should be able to double this trade, at least," he told African leaders at the Black Sea resort of Sochi. "In Africa, there are very many potential partners with good prospects." Putin said the current level of trade between Moscow and the continent was "not enough". "African countries are attracting ever more attention from Russian businesses," the president added, highlighting a number of major Russian companies that were already working on the continent. Dozens of African leaders are in Sochi for the first Russia-Africa Summit, as Moscow seeks greater influence on a continent where the West and China have a firm foothold. The two-day event will see more than 3,000 delegates prepare deals and discuss topics from nuclear technology to mineral extraction.

Russia aims to double trade with Africa in 5 years: Putin

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sourav-ganguly-takes-charge-as-president-of-board-for-control-of-cricket-in-india-257654">Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly</a> on Wednesday took over as the BCCI president and said that he is here to fulfil the role to the best of his ability.&nbsp; 
In his very first press conference as the BCCI president, Ganguly said that he is honoured to have taken up the role and described it as "new start".

"There will be no compromise on the credibility and zero tolerance toward corruption," Ganguly told media today.

Calling Virat Kohli "the most important man in Indian cricket", Ganguly said that he will be meeting him tomorrow and offer him "support in all possible ways".&nbsp;

The incoming BCCI president added that he will ensure that the Ranji Trophy is competitive.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Sourav Ganguly after taking charge as the President of Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in Mumbai: I will speak to him (Virat Kohli) tomorrow. He is the captain of India. He is the most important man in Indian cricket. We will support him in every possible way. <a href="https://t.co/4f6SSWApuO">pic.twitter.com/4f6SSWApuO</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1186930049947033604?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Ganguly is set to serve as the top BCCI boss for the next 10 months.

Ganguly is the 39th president of the BCCI. After 33 months of Committee of Administrators (CoA) being in charge, Ganguly was elected the president unopposed.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Sourav Ganguly while addressing media after taking charge as the President of Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in Mumbai: I got this (blazer) when I was the Captain of India. So, I decided to wear it today. But, I didn't realize it's so loose. <a href="https://t.co/FgwYmfsyO8">pic.twitter.com/FgwYmfsyO8</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1186934054064517120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Since 2017, the BCCI is being run by administrators appointed by the Supreme Court after its office-bearers failed to implement administrative reforms within the world’s richest national cricket body.&nbsp;

The former left-handed batsman, who played 113 tests and 311 one-day internationals and led India to 21 test wins, has already been an administrator for his home state association. 
&nbsp;

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday took over as the BCCI president and said that he is here to fulfil the role to the best of his ability.

Former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly on Wednesday took over as the BCCI president and said that he is here to fulfil the role to the best of his ability. In his very first press conference as the BCCI president, Ganguly said that he is honoured to have taken up the role and described it as "new start". "There will be no compromise on the credibility and zero tolerance toward corruption," Ganguly told media today. Calling Virat Kohli "the most important man in Indian cricket", Ganguly said that he will be meeting him tomorrow and offer him "support in all possible ways". The incoming BCCI president added that he will ensure that the Ranji Trophy is competitive. Sourav Ganguly after taking charge as the President of Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in Mumbai: I will speak to him (Virat Kohli) tomorrow. He is the captain of India. He is the most important man in Indian cricket. We will support him in every possible way. pic.twitter.com/4f6SSWApuO — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2019 × Ganguly is set to serve as the top BCCI boss for the next 10 months. Ganguly is the 39th president of the BCCI. After 33 months of Committee of Administrators (CoA) being in charge, Ganguly was elected the president unopposed. #WATCH Sourav Ganguly while addressing media after taking charge as the President of Board of Control for Cricket (BCCI) in Mumbai: I got this (blazer) when I was the Captain of India. So, I decided to wear it today. But, I didn't realize it's so loose. pic.twitter.com/FgwYmfsyO8 — ANI (@ANI) October 23, 2019 × Since 2017, the BCCI is being run by administrators appointed by the Supreme Court after its office-bearers failed to implement administrative reforms within the world’s richest national cricket body. The former left-handed batsman, who played 113 tests and 311 one-day internationals and led India to 21 test wins, has already been an administrator for his home state association.

'Zero tolerance toward corruption,' says Ganguly after taking charge as BCCI President

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