North Korean leader&nbsp;Kim Jong-un shed tears and issued a rare apology for his failure to guide his country properly amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking at the military parade organised to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim Jong-un said&nbsp;“Our people have placed trust, as high as the sky and as deep as the sea, in me, but I have failed to always live up to it satisfactorily. I am really sorry for that.''

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“Although I am entrusted with the important responsibility to lead this country upholding the cause of the great comrades Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il thanks to the trust of all the people, my efforts and sincerity have not been sufficient enough to rid our people of the difficulties in their lives,'' Kim added while citing his father and grandfather.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/not-a-single-person-with-virus-north-korea-conducts-pre-dawn-military-parade-334287">'Not a single person with virus': North Korea conducts pre-dawn military parade</a>

Mixed signals

South Korean officials have seized on conciliatory comments by North Korean leader&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;Jong&nbsp;Un on the weekend as a sign that tension could be easing but also worry the huge number of rockets he showcased is evidence that peace may be elusive.

South Korean ruling party leader and former prime minister Lee Nak-yon said he took hope from&nbsp;Kim's overture to the South as a "positive sign" but worried about what the display of new weapons said about North Korea's intentions.

"North Korea showed advanced weapons including a new ICBM, which indicated it has not abandoned its resolve to develop weapons of mass destruction, and those weapons can threaten peace on the Korean peninsula," Lee told a party meeting.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/disappointing-us-slams-north-korea-over-icbm-display-in-military-parade-334519" hreflang="en">'Disappointing': US slams North Korea over ICBM display in military parade</a>

November's US&nbsp;election is compounding the uncertainty especially as the tone of ties between the two Koreas is often set by the state of North Korea's relations with its old enemy the United States.

When a landmark summit between&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;and US&nbsp;President Donald Trump in 2018 brought an unprecedented easing of tension between those two countries, North Korea's dealings with South Korea also saw a remarkable thaw.

But relations on the peninsula have been tense since a second summit between&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;and Trump collapsed last year, and they took another blow last month when North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries official detained at sea.

'Crocodile tears'

Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy in Seoul, said despite&nbsp;Kim's conciliatory comments towards South Korea, his main message on Saturday was aimed at the United States.

"By showing a new ICBM, the North suggested they can test it any time if things don't go well after the election. Inter-Korean ties don't count to them," Shin said.

The South Korean government said&nbsp;Kim's speech would foster better ties but it urged North Korea to stick to agreements preventing armed clashes and accept a request for a joint investigation into the shooting of the fisheries official.

South Korean opposition leader&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;derided a teary display by&nbsp;Kim&nbsp;as he spoke of the sacrifices made by North Korea's armed forces.

"It was appalling to see him shed crocodile tears after shooting our citizen to death," he said.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shed tears and issued a rare apology for his failure to guide his country properly amid the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking at the military parade organised to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim Jong-un said “Our people have placed trust, as high as the sky and as deep as the sea, in me, but I have failed to always live up to it satisfactorily.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un shed tears and issued a rare apology for his failure to guide his country properly amid the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking at the military parade organised to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the ruling Workers' Party, Kim Jong-un said “Our people have placed trust, as high as the sky and as deep as the sea, in me, but I have failed to always live up to it satisfactorily. I am really sorry for that.'' “Although I am entrusted with the important responsibility to lead this country upholding the cause of the great comrades Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il thanks to the trust of all the people, my efforts and sincerity have not been sufficient enough to rid our people of the difficulties in their lives,'' Kim added while citing his father and grandfather. Also see: 'Not a single person with virus': North Korea conducts pre-dawn military parade Mixed signals South Korean officials have seized on conciliatory comments by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the weekend as a sign that tension could be easing but also worry the huge number of rockets he showcased is evidence that peace may be elusive. South Korean ruling party leader and former prime minister Lee Nak-yon said he took hope from Kim's overture to the South as a "positive sign" but worried about what the display of new weapons said about North Korea's intentions. "North Korea showed advanced weapons including a new ICBM, which indicated it has not abandoned its resolve to develop weapons of mass destruction, and those weapons can threaten peace on the Korean peninsula," Lee told a party meeting. Also read: 'Disappointing': US slams North Korea over ICBM display in military parade November's US election is compounding the uncertainty especially as the tone of ties between the two Koreas is often set by the state of North Korea's relations with its old enemy the United States. When a landmark summit between Kim and US President Donald Trump in 2018 brought an unprecedented easing of tension between those two countries, North Korea's dealings with South Korea also saw a remarkable thaw. But relations on the peninsula have been tense since a second summit between Kim and Trump collapsed last year, and they took another blow last month when North Korean troops shot dead a South Korean fisheries official detained at sea. 'Crocodile tears' Shin Beom-chul, a senior fellow at the Korea Research Institute for National Strategy in Seoul, said despite Kim's conciliatory comments towards South Korea, his main message on Saturday was aimed at the United States. "By showing a new ICBM, the North suggested they can test it any time if things don't go well after the election. Inter-Korean ties don't count to them," Shin said. The South Korean government said Kim's speech would foster better ties but it urged North Korea to stick to agreements preventing armed clashes and accept a request for a joint investigation into the shooting of the fisheries official. South Korean opposition leader Kim derided a teary display by Kim as he spoke of the sacrifices made by North Korea's armed forces. "It was appalling to see him shed crocodile tears after shooting our citizen to death," he said.

'I am really sorry': Kim Jong-un weeps and issues rare apology over failings

Big technology monopoly is facing the heat in the United States after two significant reports on diverse issues highlighted how uniquely powerful they are.

A US&nbsp;House of Representatives panel looking into abuses of market power by four big&nbsp;technology companies found they used "killer acquisitions" to smite rivals, charged exorbitant fees and forced small businesses into "oppressive" contracts in the name of profit.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/key-moments-of-antitrust-hearing-bezos-snack-put-your-mask-on-316939">Key moments of antitrust hearing: Bezos' snack, 'Put your mask on'</a>

The antitrust subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee recommended that Alphabet Inc's&nbsp;Google, Apple Inc, Amazon.com&nbsp;and Facebook,&nbsp;with a combined market value of over $5 trillion, should not both control and compete in related businesses.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-why-the-monopoly-of-big-tech-needs-to-be-broken-334838/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The panel's report revealed that the tech giants have maintained their monopoly position&nbsp;by using the vast amounts of data they have&nbsp;gathered on consumers and other businesses in order to muscle out rivals, gain an advantage in new product markets and reduce innovation by others.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ceos-of-apple-amazon-facebook-and-google-to-testify-in-congress-over-antitrust-issues-310090">CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues</a>

The scathing 449-page report, the result of the first such congressional review of the&nbsp;tech&nbsp;industry - suggested expansive changes to antitrust law and described dozens of instances where the companies misused their power, revealing corporate cultures apparently bent on doing what they could to maintain dominance over large portions of the internet.

"To put it simply, companies that once were scrappy, underdog startups that challenged the status quo have become the kinds of&nbsp;monopolies&nbsp;we last saw in the era of oil barons and railroad tycoons," the report said.

In anticipation of the report, Amazon warned in a blog post Tuesday against "fringe notions of antitrust" and market interventions that "would kill off independent retailers and punish consumers by forcing small businesses out of popular online stores, raising prices and reducing consumer choice."

Google said in a statement that it competes "fairly in a fast-moving and highly competitive industry. We disagree with today’s reports, which feature outdated and inaccurate allegations from commercial rivals about Search and other services."

Facebook called itself "an American success story" in response to the report. "We compete with a wide variety of services with millions, even billions, of people using them. Acquisitions are part of every industry, and just one way we innovate new&nbsp;technologies to deliver more value to people," the social network said.

Apple said, "Scrutiny is reasonable and appropriate but we vehemently disagree with the conclusions." The company also defended its commission rates and said it would issue a more extensive response in the coming days.

After more than a year of investigation involving 1.3 million documents and more than 300 interviews, the committee led by Democratic Congressman David Cicilline found companies were running marketplaces where they also competed, creating "a position that enables them to write one set of rules for others, while they play by another."

Coming just weeks before the November&nbsp;3 presidential election, the content of the report became increasingly political, an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to boost their credibility in the fight against market domination by big&nbsp;tech&nbsp;companies.

That said, Congress is unlikely to act on the findings this year. Since the report reflects the views of the Democratic majority in the House, it sends a clear signal that should Joe Biden win the White House, the pressure on the companies could well continue.

Also, the report is likely to inform existing antitrust probes against the companies. Counsels for the committee, who did not wish to be identified, said they have been speaking to the Federal Trade Commission, which is investigating Facebook and Amazon. Also, Chairman Cicilline has been in contact with state attorneys general, who are investigating Facebook and Google, they said.

Separately, the US&nbsp;Justice Department is investigating large&nbsp;technology companies and is expected to bring a lawsuit against Google soon.

US lawmakers believe that&nbsp;tech platforms have used data to perpetuate a cycle of dominance that accrues to them more and more power. To keep their power in check punitive actions need to be taken.

Recommendations

The panel recommended companies be prohibited from operating in closely aligned businesses. While they did not name any one company, this recommendation would suggest that Google, which runs the auctions for online ad space and participates in those auctions, should potentially be required to separate clearly, or not even operate, the two businesses. For a factbox, click

Facebook's acquisition of Instagram in 2012 is another example of this. Instagram at the time was small and insignificant, but Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg saw its potential and noted that it was "building networks that are competitive with our own" and "could be very disruptive to us," the report said.

As part of the report, the committee staff drew up a menu of potential changes in antitrust law. The suggestions ranged from the aggressive, such as potentially barring companies like Amazon.com from operating the markets in which they also compete, to the less controversial, like increasing the budgets of the agencies that enforce antitrust law: the Justice Department's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission.

The report also urged Congress to allow antitrust enforcers more leeway in stopping companies from purchasing potential rivals, something that is now difficult.

The antitrust panel will take up the majority report after the October recess for formal adoption and will have a vote on it, the counsels for the committee said.

Big technology monopoly is facing the heat in the United States after two significant reports on diverse issues highlighted how uniquely powerful they are. A US House of Representatives panel looking into abuses of market power by four big technology companies found they used "killer acquisitions" to smite rivals, charged exorbitant fees and forced small businesses into "oppressive" contracts in the name of profit.

Big technology monopoly is facing the heat in the United States after two significant reports on diverse issues highlighted how uniquely powerful they are. A US House of Representatives panel looking into abuses of market power by four big technology companies found they used "killer acquisitions" to smite rivals, charged exorbitant fees and forced small businesses into "oppressive" contracts in the name of profit. Also see: Key moments of antitrust hearing: Bezos' snack, 'Put your mask on' The antitrust subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee recommended that Alphabet Inc's Google, Apple Inc, Amazon.com and Facebook, with a combined market value of over $5 trillion, should not both control and compete in related businesses. The panel's report revealed that the tech giants have maintained their monopoly position by using the vast amounts of data they have gathered on consumers and other businesses in order to muscle out rivals, gain an advantage in new product markets and reduce innovation by others. Also read: CEOs of Apple, Amazon, Facebook and Google to testify in Congress over antitrust issues The scathing 449-page report, the result of the first such congressional review of the tech industry - suggested expansive changes to antitrust law and described dozens of instances where the companies misused their power, revealing corporate cultures apparently bent on doing what they could to maintain dominance over large portions of the internet. "To put it simply, companies that once were scrappy, underdog startups that challenged the status quo have become the kinds of monopolies we last saw in the era of oil barons and railroad tycoons," the report said. In anticipation of the report, Amazon warned in a blog post Tuesday against "fringe notions of antitrust" and market interventions that "would kill off independent retailers and punish consumers by forcing small businesses out of popular online stores, raising prices and reducing consumer choice." Google said in a statement that it competes "fairly in a fast-moving and highly competitive industry. We disagree with today’s reports, which feature outdated and inaccurate allegations from commercial rivals about Search and other services." Facebook called itself "an American success story" in response to the report. "We compete with a wide variety of services with millions, even billions, of people using them. Acquisitions are part of every industry, and just one way we innovate new technologies to deliver more value to people," the social network said. Apple said, "Scrutiny is reasonable and appropriate but we vehemently disagree with the conclusions." The company also defended its commission rates and said it would issue a more extensive response in the coming days. After more than a year of investigation involving 1.3 million documents and more than 300 interviews, the committee led by Democratic Congressman David Cicilline found companies were running marketplaces where they also competed, creating "a position that enables them to write one set of rules for others, while they play by another." Coming just weeks before the November 3 presidential election, the content of the report became increasingly political, an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to boost their credibility in the fight against market domination by big tech companies. That said, Congress is unlikely to act on the findings this year. Since the report reflects the views of the Democratic majority in the House, it sends a clear signal that should Joe Biden win the White House, the pressure on the companies could well continue. Also, the report is likely to inform existing antitrust probes against the companies. Counsels for the committee, who did not wish to be identified, said they have been speaking to the Federal Trade Commission, which is investigating Facebook and Amazon. Also, Chairman Cicilline has been in contact with state attorneys general, who are investigating Facebook and Google, they said. Separately, the US Justice Department is investigating large technology companies and is expected to bring a lawsuit against Google soon. US lawmakers believe that tech platforms have used data to perpetuate a cycle of dominance that accrues to them more and more power. To keep their power in check punitive actions need to be taken. Recommendations The panel recommended companies be prohibited from operating in closely aligned businesses. While they did not name any one company, this recommendation would suggest that Google, which runs the auctions for online ad space and participates in those auctions, should potentially be required to separate clearly, or not even operate, the two businesses. For a factbox, click Facebook's acquisition of Instagram in 2012 is another example of this. Instagram at the time was small and insignificant, but Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg saw its potential and noted that it was "building networks that are competitive with our own" and "could be very disruptive to us," the report said. As part of the report, the committee staff drew up a menu of potential changes in antitrust law. The suggestions ranged from the aggressive, such as potentially barring companies like Amazon.com from operating the markets in which they also compete, to the less controversial, like increasing the budgets of the agencies that enforce antitrust law: the Justice Department's Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission. The report also urged Congress to allow antitrust enforcers more leeway in stopping companies from purchasing potential rivals, something that is now difficult. The antitrust panel will take up the majority report after the October recess for formal adoption and will have a vote on it, the counsels for the committee said.

Why United States wants to break apart tech monopoly

China, Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Nepal and Uzbekistan are among the candidates vying for four seats on the&nbsp;UN human rights council on Tuesday.

If the countries get elected, the move is bound to leave human right campaigners in the countries aghast and they might plead to European&nbsp;Union States as a last resort.

''The situation is equivalent of allowing five convicted arsonists to join the fire brigade,'' said NGO UN Watch.

With the seats grouped into five regions, the UN has 15 three-year term vacancies. However, due to secretive back room deals, the only regional group in which the seats are being contested are in the Pacific and Asia.

A country gets defeated if it gets the votes of less than 97 countries in a secret ballot at the UN general assembly in New York.

A briefing was organised by UN Watch before the voting took place. Human right campaigners of the candidates spoke out against the atrocities they have been subjected to.

“China was involved in the annihilation of&nbsp;political freedom in Hong Kong. By any standards China has grossly abused the UN human rights founding principles,'' said&nbsp;Yang Jianli, the president of Citizen Power Initiatives for China and a former political prisoner.

''If this were an election for a UN human rights abusers council, it would be more than proper to vote for China, since it leads the world in violating human rights.”

''Regimes in Libya, Sudan and in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq had in the past been elected to the council,'' said&nbsp;Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian dissident who was twice poisoned.

“Yet we still find it astonishing that Russia is considered a legitimate candidate let alone that it is likely to be elected,” he said.&nbsp;

He also pointed out that “It has … been confirmed … that [the Russian opposition leader]&nbsp;Alexei Navalny has been poisoned&nbsp;by a highly controlled military grade nerve agent produced by the Russian state that has been used for years by the Russian security services, leaving no doubt who was behind this attack.”

US President Donald Trump had withdrawn from the council two years ago. Campaigners believe that it has strengthened the authoritarian view that human rights should be measured not only on the criteria on economics but also on the grounds of personal freedom.

China, Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Nepal and Uzbekistan are among the candidates vying for four seats on the UN human rights council on Tuesday. If the countries get elected, the move is bound to leave human right campaigners in the countries aghast and they might plead to European Union States as a last resort.

China, Russia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Cuba, Nepal and Uzbekistan are among the candidates vying for four seats on the UN human rights council on Tuesday. If the countries get elected, the move is bound to leave human right campaigners in the countries aghast and they might plead to European Union States as a last resort. ''The situation is equivalent of allowing five convicted arsonists to join the fire brigade,'' said NGO UN Watch. With the seats grouped into five regions, the UN has 15 three-year term vacancies. However, due to secretive back room deals, the only regional group in which the seats are being contested are in the Pacific and Asia. A country gets defeated if it gets the votes of less than 97 countries in a secret ballot at the UN general assembly in New York. A briefing was organised by UN Watch before the voting took place. Human right campaigners of the candidates spoke out against the atrocities they have been subjected to. “China was involved in the annihilation of political freedom in Hong Kong. By any standards China has grossly abused the UN human rights founding principles,'' said Yang Jianli, the president of Citizen Power Initiatives for China and a former political prisoner. ''If this were an election for a UN human rights abusers council, it would be more than proper to vote for China, since it leads the world in violating human rights.” ''Regimes in Libya, Sudan and in Saddam Hussein’s Iraq had in the past been elected to the council,'' said Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian dissident who was twice poisoned. “Yet we still find it astonishing that Russia is considered a legitimate candidate let alone that it is likely to be elected,” he said. He also pointed out that “It has … been confirmed … that [the Russian opposition leader] Alexei Navalny has been poisoned by a highly controlled military grade nerve agent produced by the Russian state that has been used for years by the Russian security services, leaving no doubt who was behind this attack.” US President Donald Trump had withdrawn from the council two years ago. Campaigners believe that it has strengthened the authoritarian view that human rights should be measured not only on the criteria on economics but also on the grounds of personal freedom.

China, Russia and Pakistan set to join UN human rights council

The World Health Organization chief Tedros&nbsp;Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday called the&nbsp;herd immunity approach&nbsp;''unethical''.

He cautioned that&nbsp;allowing the new coronavirus to spread in the hope of achieving of this immunity was immoral.

"Herd&nbsp;immunity&nbsp;is a concept used for vaccination, in which a population can be protected from a certain virus if a threshold of vaccination is reached," he pointed out during a virtual press briefing.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-will-go-away-because-of-herd-mentality-says-donald-trump-327960">COVID-19 will go away because of 'herd mentality', says Donald Trump</a>

Herd&nbsp;immunity&nbsp;is achieved by protecting people from a virus, not by exposing them to it," Tedros said.

"Never in the history of public health has&nbsp;herd&nbsp;immunity&nbsp;been used as a strategy for responding to an outbreak, let alone a pandemic," he insisted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/swedens-herd-immunity-policy-fails-falls-short-on-required-antibodies-300343">Sweden's 'herd immunity' policy fails; falls short on required antibodies</a>

The new coronavirus has killed well over one million people and infected more than 37.5 million since it first surfaced in China late last year.

Relying on naturally obtaining&nbsp;herd&nbsp;immunity&nbsp;in such a situation would be "scientifically and ethically problematic", Tedros said.

"Allowing a dangerous virus that we don’t fully understand to run free is simply unethical. It's not an option."

The herd immunity approach was touted by US President Donald Trump as a possible cure of the novel coronavirus.

Herd immunity&nbsp;occurs when a large enough percentage of a population becomes immune to a virus, either through infection or vaccination, thus preventing further spread throughout the group.

Nordic country Sweden had also adopted the&nbsp;policy but it failed as it fell&nbsp;short on required antibodies.

The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday called the herd immunity approach ''unethical''. He cautioned that allowing the new coronavirus to spread in the hope of achieving of this immunity was immoral.

The World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday called the herd immunity approach ''unethical''. He cautioned that allowing the new coronavirus to spread in the hope of achieving of this immunity was immoral. "Herd immunity is a concept used for vaccination, in which a population can be protected from a certain virus if a threshold of vaccination is reached," he pointed out during a virtual press briefing. Also read: COVID-19 will go away because of 'herd mentality', says Donald Trump Herd immunity is achieved by protecting people from a virus, not by exposing them to it," Tedros said. "Never in the history of public health has herd immunity been used as a strategy for responding to an outbreak, let alone a pandemic," he insisted. Also read: Sweden's 'herd immunity' policy fails; falls short on required antibodies The new coronavirus has killed well over one million people and infected more than 37.5 million since it first surfaced in China late last year. Relying on naturally obtaining herd immunity in such a situation would be "scientifically and ethically problematic", Tedros said. "Allowing a dangerous virus that we don’t fully understand to run free is simply unethical. It's not an option." The herd immunity approach was touted by US President Donald Trump as a possible cure of the novel coronavirus. Herd immunity occurs when a large enough percentage of a population becomes immune to a virus, either through infection or vaccination, thus preventing further spread throughout the group. Nordic country Sweden had also adopted the policy but it failed as it fell short on required antibodies.

World Health Organization chief calls herd immunity approach 'unethical'

Germany on Tuesday cautioned Turkey against its "cycle of detente and provocation"&nbsp;in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The warning came after&nbsp;Turkey redeployed&nbsp;a research ship at the centre of tensions with Greece over energy and maritime rights.

"If there should be renewed Turkish gas exploration in the more controversial sea areas in the eastern Mediterranean, this would be a serious setback for efforts to de-escalate," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said ahead of a trip to Cyprus and Greece.

"Ankara must end the cycle of detente and provocation if the government is interested in talks," said Maas, whose country heads the rotating presidency of the European Union.

The Turkish navy said the Oruc Reis ship will restart activities in the region, including the south of Kastellorizo, until October 22 in a message sent to the maritime alert system NAVTEX late on Sunday.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Greece refused to hold&nbsp;talks with Turkey on defusing tension in the&nbsp;Mediterranean region unless Ankara withdraws an energy research ship from contested areas.

"(Greece) will not sit at the table for exploratory talks while the Oruc Reis and escorting warships are out there," Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Parapolitika radio.

He said Athens would "emphatically" raise the dispute at a European council meeting starting Thursday.

The deployment of&nbsp;Oruc Reis by Turkey had&nbsp;triggered diplomatic tensions and rival naval manoeuvres in August when it searched for oil and gas deposits, before Turkey pulled it back to shore last month.

Germany on Tuesday cautioned Turkey against its "cycle of detente and provocation" in the Eastern Mediterranean. The warning came after Turkey redeployed a research ship at the centre of tensions with Greece over energy and maritime rights.

Germany on Tuesday cautioned Turkey against its "cycle of detente and provocation" in the Eastern Mediterranean. The warning came after Turkey redeployed a research ship at the centre of tensions with Greece over energy and maritime rights. "If there should be renewed Turkish gas exploration in the more controversial sea areas in the eastern Mediterranean, this would be a serious setback for efforts to de-escalate," Foreign Minister Heiko Maas said ahead of a trip to Cyprus and Greece. "Ankara must end the cycle of detente and provocation if the government is interested in talks," said Maas, whose country heads the rotating presidency of the European Union. The Turkish navy said the Oruc Reis ship will restart activities in the region, including the south of Kastellorizo, until October 22 in a message sent to the maritime alert system NAVTEX late on Sunday. Meanwhile, Greece refused to hold talks with Turkey on defusing tension in the Mediterranean region unless Ankara withdraws an energy research ship from contested areas. "(Greece) will not sit at the table for exploratory talks while the Oruc Reis and escorting warships are out there," Minister of State George Gerapetritis told Parapolitika radio. He said Athens would "emphatically" raise the dispute at a European council meeting starting Thursday. The deployment of Oruc Reis by Turkey had triggered diplomatic tensions and rival naval manoeuvres in August when it searched for oil and gas deposits, before Turkey pulled it back to shore last month.

Mediterranean crisis: Germany warns Turkey against 'provocation'

The national capital's air quality was in the very poor category on Tuesday morning, the first time this season, with calm winds and low temperatures allowing accumulation of pollutants.

According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences'Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, an increase in farm fires in Punjab, Haryana and neighbouring regions of Pakistan is also going to impact the air quality in Delhi-NCR.

The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 304 at 9:30 am, which falls in the 'very poor'&nbsp;category. The 24-hour average AQI was 261 on Monday, the worst since February. It was 216 on Sunday and 221 on Saturday.

Wazirpur (AQI 380), Vivek Vihar (AQI 355) and Jahangirpuri (AQI 349) recorded the highest pollution levels.

An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'.

A senior scientist at the Delhi Pollution Control Committee said the dip in the air quality can be attributed to low wind speed and temperatures which allowed accumulation of pollutants.

''Stubble burning has also increased in neighbouring states. Also, the ventilation index is low,''&nbsp;he said.

Ventilation index is the speed at which pollutants can get dispersed. A ventilation index lower than 6000 sqm/second, with average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants.

PM10 levels in Delhi-NCR stood at 300 microgram per cubic meter (g/m3) at 9 am -- the highest this season so far, according to CPCB data. PM10 levels below 100 ?g/m3 are considered safe in India.

PM10 is particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers and is inhalable into the lungs. These particles include dust, pollen and mold spores.?

The levels of PM2.5 ? finer particles which can even enter the bloodstream&nbsp;were 129 g/m3. PM2.5 levels up to 60 ?g/m3 are considered safe.

NASA's satellite imagery showed a large cluster of fires near Amritsar and Firozpur in Punjab and Patiala, Ambala and Kaithal in Haryana.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, farm fires contributed 3 percent particulate matter to Delhi's PM2.5 concentration on Monday.

It is likely to be 'negligible? for the next two days due to a change in the?wind direction from northwesterly to southeasterly, the government agency said.

On Tuesday morning, the maximum wind speed was 4 kilometers per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department.

Low temperatures and stagnant winds help in accumulation of pollutants near the ground, affecting air&nbsp;quality.

With Delhi-NCR bracing for months of poor air&nbsp;quality, experts have warned that high levels of air pollution can aggravate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Severe airpollution in Delhi is a year-round problem, which can be attributed to unfavourable meteorological conditions, farm fires in neighbouring regions and local sources of pollution.

According to an analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, a Delhi-based think tank, transportation contributes the most -- 18 to 39 percent -- to Delhi's air pollution.

Road dust is the second largest source of?air?pollution in the city (18 to 38 percent), followed by industries (2 to 29 percent), thermal power plants (3 to 11 percent) and construction (8 percent).

This year, the Delhi government has launched a massive anti-air pollution campaign 'Yuddh Pradushan Ke Viruddh' which is being led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Environment Minister Gopal Rai.

A 'green war room'&nbsp;with a 10-member expert team has been set up at the Delhi Secretariat to monitor the steps being taken to deal with high levels of air pollution in winters.

The environment department has also taken stern action against project proponents at large construction and demolition sites flouting dust control norms.

The government will also start the spraying of 'Pusa bio-decomposer'&nbsp;solution in non-basmati rice fields in the national capital, on Tuesday.

The solution, experts say, can turn the stubble into manure in 15 to 20 days and therefore, can prevent stubble burning.

Starting October 15, stricter measures to fight air&nbsp;pollution will also come into force in Delhi and its neighbourhood as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.

The national capital's air quality was in the very poor category on Tuesday morning, the first time this season, with calm winds and low temperatures allowing accumulation of pollutants.

The national capital's air quality was in the very poor category on Tuesday morning, the first time this season, with calm winds and low temperatures allowing accumulation of pollutants. According to the Ministry of Earth Sciences'Air Quality Early Warning System for Delhi, an increase in farm fires in Punjab, Haryana and neighbouring regions of Pakistan is also going to impact the air quality in Delhi-NCR. The city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 304 at 9:30 am, which falls in the 'very poor' category. The 24-hour average AQI was 261 on Monday, the worst since February. It was 216 on Sunday and 221 on Saturday. Wazirpur (AQI 380), Vivek Vihar (AQI 355) and Jahangirpuri (AQI 349) recorded the highest pollution levels. An AQI between 0 and 50 is considered 'good', 51 and 100 'satisfactory', 101 and 200 'moderate', 201 and 300 'poor', 301 and 400 'very poor', and 401 and 500 'severe'. A senior scientist at the Delhi Pollution Control Committee said the dip in the air quality can be attributed to low wind speed and temperatures which allowed accumulation of pollutants. ''Stubble burning has also increased in neighbouring states. Also, the ventilation index is low,'' he said. Ventilation index is the speed at which pollutants can get dispersed. A ventilation index lower than 6000 sqm/second, with average wind speed less than 10 kmph, is unfavourable for dispersion of pollutants. PM10 levels in Delhi-NCR stood at 300 microgram per cubic meter (g/m3) at 9 am -- the highest this season so far, according to CPCB data. PM10 levels below 100 ?g/m3 are considered safe in India. PM10 is particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers and is inhalable into the lungs. These particles include dust, pollen and mold spores.? The levels of PM2.5 ? finer particles which can even enter the bloodstream were 129 g/m3. PM2.5 levels up to 60 ?g/m3 are considered safe. NASA's satellite imagery showed a large cluster of fires near Amritsar and Firozpur in Punjab and Patiala, Ambala and Kaithal in Haryana. According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research, farm fires contributed 3 percent particulate matter to Delhi's PM2.5 concentration on Monday. It is likely to be 'negligible? for the next two days due to a change in the?wind direction from northwesterly to southeasterly, the government agency said. On Tuesday morning, the maximum wind speed was 4 kilometers per hour, according to the India Meteorological Department. Low temperatures and stagnant winds help in accumulation of pollutants near the ground, affecting air quality. With Delhi-NCR bracing for months of poor air quality, experts have warned that high levels of air pollution can aggravate the COVID-19 pandemic. Severe airpollution in Delhi is a year-round problem, which can be attributed to unfavourable meteorological conditions, farm fires in neighbouring regions and local sources of pollution. According to an analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water, a Delhi-based think tank, transportation contributes the most -- 18 to 39 percent -- to Delhi's air pollution. Road dust is the second largest source of?air?pollution in the city (18 to 38 percent), followed by industries (2 to 29 percent), thermal power plants (3 to 11 percent) and construction (8 percent). This year, the Delhi government has launched a massive anti-air pollution campaign 'Yuddh Pradushan Ke Viruddh' which is being led by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Environment Minister Gopal Rai. A 'green war room' with a 10-member expert team has been set up at the Delhi Secretariat to monitor the steps being taken to deal with high levels of air pollution in winters. The environment department has also taken stern action against project proponents at large construction and demolition sites flouting dust control norms. The government will also start the spraying of 'Pusa bio-decomposer' solution in non-basmati rice fields in the national capital, on Tuesday. The solution, experts say, can turn the stubble into manure in 15 to 20 days and therefore, can prevent stubble burning. Starting October 15, stricter measures to fight air pollution will also come into force in Delhi and its neighbourhood as part of the Graded Response Action Plan, which was first implemented in Delhi-NCR in 2017.

Delhi's air quality hits 'very poor' level, first time this season

Underground 'Parthenon' protecting Tokyo from floods

The Supreme Court Monday allowed National Testing Agency to conduct second round of the NEET (UG) for the COVID-19 affected students and those in containment zones on October 14.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde passed the order after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought the top court's nod in the issue citing special circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic.

''In view of the circumstances which have necessitated postponement of the examination in the past and in view of the prevailing circumstances, we consider it appropriate to grant permission to the National Testing Agency to conduct a second part of the NEET (UG) 2019 for the COVID affected students and for those in containment zones on October 14, 2020,''&nbsp;the bench said.

The bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian,said the result may be declared on October 16, 2020.

The crucial National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), which is a pen and paper based test unlike engineering entrance exam JEE, was held on September 13 after being deferred twice in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The exam was originally scheduled for May 3, but was pushed to July 26, and then to September 13.

The apex court had earlier dismissed a plea seeking postponement of JEE (Main) April 2020 and NEET-Undergraduate examinations, which are scheduled to be conducted in September, amid spurt in number of COVID-19 cases, saying precious year of students "cannot be wasted" and life has to go on.

The top court had said career of students "cannot be put under jeopardy for long".

Later, the apex court had dismissed a review plea of ministers of six opposition-ruled states seeking review of its August 17 order allowing holding of NEET and JEE exams physically.

The ministers had claimed that the top court order failed to secure students'' "right to life" and ignored "teething logistical difficulties" to be faced in conducting the exams during the pandemic.

The Supreme Court Monday allowed National Testing Agency to conduct second round of the NEET (UG) for the COVID-19 affected students and those in containment zones on October 14.

The Supreme Court Monday allowed National Testing Agency to conduct second round of the NEET (UG) for the COVID-19 affected students and those in containment zones on October 14. A bench headed by Chief Justice S A Bobde passed the order after Solicitor General Tushar Mehta sought the top court's nod in the issue citing special circumstances due to the coronavirus pandemic. ''In view of the circumstances which have necessitated postponement of the examination in the past and in view of the prevailing circumstances, we consider it appropriate to grant permission to the National Testing Agency to conduct a second part of the NEET (UG) 2019 for the COVID affected students and for those in containment zones on October 14, 2020,'' the bench said. The bench, also comprising Justices A S Bopanna and V Ramasubramanian,said the result may be declared on October 16, 2020. The crucial National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), which is a pen and paper based test unlike engineering entrance exam JEE, was held on September 13 after being deferred twice in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. The exam was originally scheduled for May 3, but was pushed to July 26, and then to September 13. The apex court had earlier dismissed a plea seeking postponement of JEE (Main) April 2020 and NEET-Undergraduate examinations, which are scheduled to be conducted in September, amid spurt in number of COVID-19 cases, saying precious year of students "cannot be wasted" and life has to go on. The top court had said career of students "cannot be put under jeopardy for long". Later, the apex court had dismissed a review plea of ministers of six opposition-ruled states seeking review of its August 17 order allowing holding of NEET and JEE exams physically. The ministers had claimed that the top court order failed to secure students'' "right to life" and ignored "teething logistical difficulties" to be faced in conducting the exams during the pandemic.

SC allows NTA to conduct second round of NEET exams on October 14

KP&nbsp;Sharma Oli's government in Nepal is facing increasing heat and is under pressure from several quarters to speak up against the boundary encroachment by China. 
 
Recent reports have suggested that China has encroached upon Nepali territory in Humla district and one boundary pillar no 12 has been constructed by the Chinese without notice of the Nepalese side. 
 
Without a bilateral agreement, no boundary pillar can be repaired by either side. 
 
A team of the Nepali Congress, the opposition party of Nepal, led by a lawmaker Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, recently visited the northern border of Nepal, spent 11 days in the treacherous Himalayan region and found that pillar no 12 was damaged and erected inside Nepali territory. 
 
Now ruling party leaders have also begun to speak against land encroached by China in Nepal`s Humla district. 
 
The local elected representatives have also accused China of encroaching upon Nepali territory and asked with the government to send a fact-finding team to find out the truth. 
 
Shahi told IANS the China side has recently replaced the boundary pillar no 12 so that a large chunk of Nepali territory has slipped into China. 
 
Though the Oli administration in Nepal has kept denying that China has encroached on Nepali territory, a senior ruling party leader, Bhim Rawal, on Monday urged the government to make public the facts about the Nepal-China border issue. 
 
He also demanded an on-site study on the Nepal-China border in Namkha Rural Municipality of Humla, Limi Lolungjang by a team comprising government officials , including the Department of Survey and Ministry of Foreign Affairs among others. 
 
Rawal, who is a staunch opponent of Oli, said that the issue related to the territorial integrity of the country should be resolved through an objective way. 
 
About his findings, Shahi said that China has unilaterally repaired and replaced the boundary pillar which is against the border protocol signed between two countries in the past. 
 
"A team of experts should visit the Nepal-China border in Humla district to make a scientific assessment of what China has done. Our findings have clearly shown that China has entered into one and half kilometre inside our territory after replacing the boundary pillar," said Shahi. 
 
During the inspection across the border, when the Shahi-led team reached nearby pillar no 11, the Chinese side allegedly fired tear gas shells targeting them. "We noticed that a huge Chinese force was deployed across Nepal-China border," said Shahi, "We have poor presence on the border. Since the disputed area is far from human settlement, the Nepali side hardly rarely goes across for inspection owing to high-altitude, difficult geographical terrain, cold weather among others," he added. 
 
"Some of our team members who had visited close to the pillar area had felt a burning sensation in his eyes and suspected that it might have been caused by tear gas canisters," he further said.

KP Sharma Oli's government in Nepal is facing increasing heat and is under pressure from several quarters to speak up against the boundary encroachment by China.

KP Sharma Oli's government in Nepal is facing increasing heat and is under pressure from several quarters to speak up against the boundary encroachment by China. Recent reports have suggested that China has encroached upon Nepali territory in Humla district and one boundary pillar no 12 has been constructed by the Chinese without notice of the Nepalese side. Without a bilateral agreement, no boundary pillar can be repaired by either side. A team of the Nepali Congress, the opposition party of Nepal, led by a lawmaker Jeevan Bahadur Shahi, recently visited the northern border of Nepal, spent 11 days in the treacherous Himalayan region and found that pillar no 12 was damaged and erected inside Nepali territory. Now ruling party leaders have also begun to speak against land encroached by China in Nepal`s Humla district. The local elected representatives have also accused China of encroaching upon Nepali territory and asked with the government to send a fact-finding team to find out the truth. Shahi told IANS the China side has recently replaced the boundary pillar no 12 so that a large chunk of Nepali territory has slipped into China. Though the Oli administration in Nepal has kept denying that China has encroached on Nepali territory, a senior ruling party leader, Bhim Rawal, on Monday urged the government to make public the facts about the Nepal-China border issue. He also demanded an on-site study on the Nepal-China border in Namkha Rural Municipality of Humla, Limi Lolungjang by a team comprising government officials , including the Department of Survey and Ministry of Foreign Affairs among others. Rawal, who is a staunch opponent of Oli, said that the issue related to the territorial integrity of the country should be resolved through an objective way. About his findings, Shahi said that China has unilaterally repaired and replaced the boundary pillar which is against the border protocol signed between two countries in the past. "A team of experts should visit the Nepal-China border in Humla district to make a scientific assessment of what China has done. Our findings have clearly shown that China has entered into one and half kilometre inside our territory after replacing the boundary pillar," said Shahi. During the inspection across the border, when the Shahi-led team reached nearby pillar no 11, the Chinese side allegedly fired tear gas shells targeting them. "We noticed that a huge Chinese force was deployed across Nepal-China border," said Shahi, "We have poor presence on the border. Since the disputed area is far from human settlement, the Nepali side hardly rarely goes across for inspection owing to high-altitude, difficult geographical terrain, cold weather among others," he added. "Some of our team members who had visited close to the pillar area had felt a burning sensation in his eyes and suspected that it might have been caused by tear gas canisters," he further said.

Oli government under pressure to speak up against China's encroachment in Nepal

China on Tuesday announced&nbsp;new rules for Muslims embarking upon the annual Haj pilgrimmage to&nbsp;Saudi Arabia.

Stipulating that the pilgrimage should be organised only by the country's Islamic Association, Bejing has ordered Chinese Muslims not to&nbsp;oppose the regulations.

China has a Muslim population of around&nbsp;20 million which includes&nbsp;Uyghur Turks who hails from East Turkestan and&nbsp;Hui Muslims, who are of Chinese ethnic origin.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-formally-admits-death-of-uyghur-man-held-in-xinjiang-camp-332505">China formally admits death of Uyghur man held in Xinjiang camp</a>

&nbsp;

This year, about 11,500 Chinese Muslims are expected&nbsp;to head to Saudi Arabia for Hajj,&nbsp;a slow decline from 14,500 in 2016 and 12,800 last year.

The new regulation issued for Haj pilgrimage has a total of 42 articles, including one that stipulates that Chinese Muslims' pilgrimage should be organised in accordance with laws, and the Chinese Islamic Association is the only organisation that is authorised to arrange for Chinese Muslims to go to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/silence-pak-turkey-chinese-repression-uyghur-muslims-outrageous-us-lawmakers-168352">Silence of Pak, Turkey on Chinese repression of Uyghur Muslims outrageous: US lawmakers</a>

No other organisation or individual should organise the trips, and Chinese citizens should meet basic requirements when applying for the Haj, the regulation, which would be implemented from December 1, stipulates, state-run Global Times reported.

People who go overseas to perform Haj should abide by China's and the destination country's laws and regulations, and oppose religious extremism, according to the regulations.

The related government departments are requested to fulfil their responsibilities and ban illegal Haj activities, the report said.

The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam which every Muslim is required to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so.

China since last year faced severe international criticism, including from the UN and western countries, over allegations that it is holding over a million people, mostly ethnic Uyghurs, in internment camps in Muslim-majority Xinjiang province in a bid to wean them away from religious extremism.

Resource-rich Xinjiang province is home to over 10 million Turkic speaking Uighur Muslims. The province is restive for several years over settlements of Han Chinese in the region.

China defends the camps, describing the facilities as re-education centres aimed at de-radicalising sections of the Uyghur Muslim population from extremism and separatism.

China on Tuesday announced new rules for Muslims embarking upon the annual Haj pilgrimmage to Saudi Arabia. Stipulating that the pilgrimage should be organised only by the country's Islamic Association, Bejing has ordered Chinese Muslims not to oppose the regulations.

China on Tuesday announced new rules for Muslims embarking upon the annual Haj pilgrimmage to Saudi Arabia. Stipulating that the pilgrimage should be organised only by the country's Islamic Association, Bejing has ordered Chinese Muslims not to oppose the regulations. China has a Muslim population of around 20 million which includes Uyghur Turks who hails from East Turkestan and Hui Muslims, who are of Chinese ethnic origin. Also read: China formally admits death of Uyghur man held in Xinjiang camp This year, about 11,500 Chinese Muslims are expected to head to Saudi Arabia for Hajj, a slow decline from 14,500 in 2016 and 12,800 last year. The new regulation issued for Haj pilgrimage has a total of 42 articles, including one that stipulates that Chinese Muslims' pilgrimage should be organised in accordance with laws, and the Chinese Islamic Association is the only organisation that is authorised to arrange for Chinese Muslims to go to Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform Haj. Also read: Silence of Pak, Turkey on Chinese repression of Uyghur Muslims outrageous: US lawmakers No other organisation or individual should organise the trips, and Chinese citizens should meet basic requirements when applying for the Haj, the regulation, which would be implemented from December 1, stipulates, state-run Global Times reported. People who go overseas to perform Haj should abide by China's and the destination country's laws and regulations, and oppose religious extremism, according to the regulations. The related government departments are requested to fulfil their responsibilities and ban illegal Haj activities, the report said. The Haj is one of the five pillars of Islam which every Muslim is required to complete at least once in their lifetime if they are healthy enough and have the means to do so. China since last year faced severe international criticism, including from the UN and western countries, over allegations that it is holding over a million people, mostly ethnic Uyghurs, in internment camps in Muslim-majority Xinjiang province in a bid to wean them away from religious extremism. Resource-rich Xinjiang province is home to over 10 million Turkic speaking Uighur Muslims. The province is restive for several years over settlements of Han Chinese in the region. China defends the camps, describing the facilities as re-education centres aimed at de-radicalising sections of the Uyghur Muslim population from extremism and separatism.

China announces new regulations for Muslims visiting Saudi Arabia for Haj

Israel's cabinet on Tuesday authorised its peace treaty with United Arab Emirates after&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke on the phone.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
During a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we discussed strengthening bilateral ties and examined prospects for peace and the need for stability, cooperation and development in the region.
— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/1315570177556316162?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The United States had brokered&nbsp;a "historic peace agreement" between the two countries called the 'Abraham Accord'.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-the-world-reacted-to-the-israel-uae-peace-agreement-320602">How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement</a>

Netanyahu, for his part, told the Israeli cabinet that he had spoken at the weekend with his "friend" Sheikh Mohammed, who is crown prince of Abu Dhabi and effective ruler.

"I invited him to visit&nbsp;Israel, he invited me to visit Abu Dhabi, but before that we'll see here a delegation from the UAE, and another delegation of ours will go there," the prime minister said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Over the weekend, I spoke with my friend, UAE Crown Prince Sheikh <a href="https://twitter.com/MohamedBinZayed?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MohamedBinZayed</a>. I invited him to visit Israel. He invited me to visit Abu Dhabi.
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1315614663288254465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The normalisation deals signed the same day with both the United Arab Emirates and fellow Gulf state Bahrain "reflect the dramatic change in&nbsp;Israel's regional standing", he said.

In a sign of burgeoning Israel-UAE cooperation, a ship from the UAE docked on Monday at Israel's port of Haifa, carrying a cargo of 15 containers along a shipping line between India, the UAE, Israel and the United States.

While the normalisation accord has already inspired commercial deal-making with the Gulf's trade, finance, tourism and travel hub, Israeli officials have objected to the UAE's potential purchase of U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets in a separate side deal.

Israel is the only Middle East country flying the advanced warplane and has voiced concern its supply to other nations in the region could jeopardise its military edge.

Israel's cabinet on Tuesday authorised its peace treaty with United Arab Emirates after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke on the phone.

Israel's cabinet on Tuesday authorised its peace treaty with United Arab Emirates after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the UAE's Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke on the phone. During a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, we discussed strengthening bilateral ties and examined prospects for peace and the need for stability, cooperation and development in the region. — محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) October 12, 2020 × The United States had brokered a "historic peace agreement" between the two countries called the 'Abraham Accord'. Also see: How the world reacted to the Israel-UAE peace agreement Netanyahu, for his part, told the Israeli cabinet that he had spoken at the weekend with his "friend" Sheikh Mohammed, who is crown prince of Abu Dhabi and effective ruler. "I invited him to visit Israel, he invited me to visit Abu Dhabi, but before that we'll see here a delegation from the UAE, and another delegation of ours will go there," the prime minister said. Over the weekend, I spoke with my friend, UAE Crown Prince Sheikh @MohamedBinZayed. I invited him to visit Israel. He invited me to visit Abu Dhabi. — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) October 12, 2020 × The normalisation deals signed the same day with both the United Arab Emirates and fellow Gulf state Bahrain "reflect the dramatic change in Israel's regional standing", he said. In a sign of burgeoning Israel-UAE cooperation, a ship from the UAE docked on Monday at Israel's port of Haifa, carrying a cargo of 15 containers along a shipping line between India, the UAE, Israel and the United States. While the normalisation accord has already inspired commercial deal-making with the Gulf's trade, finance, tourism and travel hub, Israeli officials have objected to the UAE's potential purchase of U.S.-made F-35 stealth fighter jets in a separate side deal. Israel is the only Middle East country flying the advanced warplane and has voiced concern its supply to other nations in the region could jeopardise its military edge.

Israel's cabinet authorises peace treaty with United Arab Emirates

People might be unaware that the savings in their bank accounts are being utilised for contribution towards climate crisis.

Major financial institutions regularly extend financing to fossil fuel companies and other polluting industries.

However, two former executives, Yan Swiderski and Jasper Judd, founders of the&nbsp;global returns project, are asking individuals to commit 0.25 per cent of their&nbsp;savings to combat global warming,&nbsp;with the goal of raising a regular annual total of $10 billion within the next decade.

Mixing investment with philanthropy, the global returns project aims to use a small percentage of people’s savings to help groups fighting climate change.

But, the question is, would you commit 0.25 per cent of your savings to save the planet for future generations?

Judd and Swiderski plan to partner with banks and other financial-services providers to show them the importance of offering clients an easy way to direct more of their savings and investments to help the environment.

“Funding not-for-profit climate solutions yields returns just like any other investment,” said Swiderski, who founded the investment firm Finisterre capital before deciding in 2014 to run an organic farm. “The returns are externalised and shared, but they are real, identifiable and global.”

The men said that all of the investors’ contributions will go to charities including Ashden, Clientearth, global canopy, rainforest trust, and trillion trees, which focus on a range of climate issues from preventing deforestation to enacting environmental policies and funding clean-energy innovations.

People might be unaware that the savings in their bank accounts are being utilised for contribution towards climate crisis. Major financial institutions regularly extend financing to fossil fuel companies and other polluting industries.

People might be unaware that the savings in their bank accounts are being utilised for contribution towards climate crisis. Major financial institutions regularly extend financing to fossil fuel companies and other polluting industries. However, two former executives, Yan Swiderski and Jasper Judd, founders of the global returns project, are asking individuals to commit 0.25 per cent of their savings to combat global warming, with the goal of raising a regular annual total of $10 billion within the next decade. Mixing investment with philanthropy, the global returns project aims to use a small percentage of people’s savings to help groups fighting climate change. But, the question is, would you commit 0.25 per cent of your savings to save the planet for future generations? Judd and Swiderski plan to partner with banks and other financial-services providers to show them the importance of offering clients an easy way to direct more of their savings and investments to help the environment. “Funding not-for-profit climate solutions yields returns just like any other investment,” said Swiderski, who founded the investment firm Finisterre capital before deciding in 2014 to run an organic farm. “The returns are externalised and shared, but they are real, identifiable and global.” The men said that all of the investors’ contributions will go to charities including Ashden, Clientearth, global canopy, rainforest trust, and trillion trees, which focus on a range of climate issues from preventing deforestation to enacting environmental policies and funding clean-energy innovations.

Would you give up 0.25% of your savings to help save the planet?

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Vyomica Berry

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