The United Nations top court has termed the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories to be completely illegal under international law. In a landmark advisory opinion the International Court of Justice has called the Israeli settlement policies on Palestinian land and the Israeli exploitation of Palestinian natural resources are a clear breach of International law. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: UN top court says Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories is illega

United States former president Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 23) said that he supports&nbsp;IVF treatment, as he joined the list of Republicans who have distanced themselves from a ruling given by an Alabama court over the issue. 
 
The top court of the state last week ruled that frozen embryos have similar rights as children and that people can be held&nbsp;liable for destroying them. After the court's ruling, at least three clinics halted IVF treatment. 
 
Speaking about the issue&nbsp;Trump asked Alabama to find "an immediate solution". 
 
"We want to make it easier for mothers and fathers to have babies, not harder! That includes supporting the availability of fertility treatments like IVF in every State in America," wrote the former president, on his Truth Social platform.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-asks-campaign-aides-to-focus-on-crazy-s-that-trump-says-report-692167">Biden asks campaign aides to focus on ‘crazy s*** that Trump says': Report</a>

"[Like] the VAST MAJORITY of Republicans, Conservatives, Christians, and Pro-Life Americans, I strongly support the availability of IVF for couples who are trying to have a precious baby," he added. 
 
This was the first time Trump commented on the issue and hinted at his opposition to a ruling which, according to some Republicans, can harm them electorally by disturbing their plans to win the support of suburban women and also swing voters.

<h2 lang="en-US">'Ruling not intended&nbsp;to prosecute IVF providers'</h2>

Meanwhile on Friday (Feb 23) Alabama's Republican Attorney General Steve Marshall, in an effort to ease the concerns regarding IVF in the state, said that he does not intend to prosecute either the providers of IVF or the families of those opting for IVF. 
 
The National Republican Senate Committee, distancing itself from the Alabama ruling, sent out a memo to candidates in which it asked them to support IVF and "campaign on increasing access" to the treatment.

Watch:&nbsp;US: Trump seeks to dismiss Mar-a-Lago classified documents case

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"There are zero Republican Senate candidates who support efforts to restrict access to fertility treatments," said the committee's executive director, Jason Thielman, in the memo as reported by BBC. 
 
The memo further cited the data of internal polling conducted by Kellyanne Conway, who once was Trump's White House adviser, to show that access to IVF is popular. 
 
Meanwhile, various Senate candidates, including Kari Lake in Arizona, also came out publicly in support of access to the treatment after the circulation of the memo.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States former president Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 23) said that he supports IVF treatment, as he joined the list of Republicans who have distanced themselves from a ruling given by an Alabama court over the issue.

United States former president Donald Trump on Friday (Feb 23) said that he supports IVF treatment, as he joined the list of Republicans who have distanced themselves from a ruling given by an Alabama court over the issue. The top court of the state last week ruled that frozen embryos have similar rights as children and that people can be held liable for destroying them. After the court's ruling, at least three clinics halted IVF treatment. Speaking about the issue Trump asked Alabama to find "an immediate solution". "We want to make it easier for mothers and fathers to have babies, not harder! That includes supporting the availability of fertility treatments like IVF in every State in America," wrote the former president, on his Truth Social platform. Also Read: Biden asks campaign aides to focus on ‘crazy s*** that Trump says': Report "[Like] the VAST MAJORITY of Republicans, Conservatives, Christians, and Pro-Life Americans, I strongly support the availability of IVF for couples who are trying to have a precious baby," he added. This was the first time Trump commented on the issue and hinted at his opposition to a ruling which, according to some Republicans, can harm them electorally by disturbing their plans to win the support of suburban women and also swing voters. 'Ruling not intended to prosecute IVF providers' Meanwhile on Friday (Feb 23) Alabama's Republican Attorney General Steve Marshall, in an effort to ease the concerns regarding IVF in the state, said that he does not intend to prosecute either the providers of IVF or the families of those opting for IVF. The National Republican Senate Committee, distancing itself from the Alabama ruling, sent out a memo to candidates in which it asked them to support IVF and "campaign on increasing access" to the treatment. Watch: US: Trump seeks to dismiss Mar-a-Lago classified documents case "There are zero Republican Senate candidates who support efforts to restrict access to fertility treatments," said the committee's executive director, Jason Thielman, in the memo as reported by BBC. The memo further cited the data of internal polling conducted by Kellyanne Conway, who once was Trump's White House adviser, to show that access to IVF is popular. Meanwhile, various Senate candidates, including Kari Lake in Arizona, also came out publicly in support of access to the treatment after the circulation of the memo. (With inputs from agencies)

Donald Trump extends support to IVF treatment after Alabama ruling

Republican front runner Donald Trump has shown Support over the availability of the Invitro fertilization on Friday. This came in the wake of a controversial Alabama Court ruling. Last week the court had said that Frozen embryos have the same rights as children and people can be held liable for destroying them. Following the court orders many clinics suspended the treatment. The move has deepened concerns among Republicans over abortions and Reproductive Services. watch to know more!

Republican front-runner Trump asks court to protect IVF procedure

A woman in the United Kingdom&nbsp;has been jailed for life&nbsp;for the murder of her fiancé, following a party in May 2022. The incident occurred after the couple - Alice Wood and Ryan Watson - had an argument. The verdict, delivered last month at Chester Crown Court, led to Wood's life sentence, as reported by the BBC.

The couple attended a party organised by brain injury charity Headway, where Watson worked as a support worker.

Tensions arose when Watson connected with another woman, causing Wood to become upset. CCTV footage showed Watson enjoying the party, while witnesses described Wood as appearing distant and cold.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-teens-set-for-sentencing-in-frenzied-ferocious-knife-killing-of-transgender-girl-686403">Also read |&nbsp;UK teens set for sentencing in 'frenzied, ferocious' knife killing of transgender girl</a>

<h2>Alcohol-fuelled dispute and tragic outcome</h2>

Under the influence of alcohol, the couple argued over who would drive home. Wood, a student with scholarship prospects at Cambridge, accused Watson of flirting.

Back home, witnesses reported hearing heated arguments, slamming doors, and a revving car engine. Wood used her car as a weapon, attempting to strike Watson three times. The third attempt resulted in Watson being dragged for 158 metres.

Judge Michael Leeming sentenced Wood, expressing certainty about her intent to kill Watson. Wood, who was found well above the legal driving limit when breathalysed, showed no true remorse during the proceedings. The judge dismissed claims of provocation or fear of violence from Watson, emphasising his vulnerability during the attack.

Also watch |&nbsp;US: 3 Indian students killed within a week

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Watson's family, after Wood's conviction, spoke about the emotional toll of watching CCTV footage repeatedly.

They highlighted the betrayal of trust, noting that the person Watson trusted the most had violently taken his life.

Despite the lengthy prison term, the family believes no sentence can compensate for the profound loss and unfulfilled dreams of Ryan Watson.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

A woman in the United Kingdom has been jailed for life for the murder of her fiancé, following a party in May 2022. The incident occurred after the couple - Alice Wood and Ryan Watson - had an argument.

A woman in the United Kingdom has been jailed for life for the murder of her fiancé, following a party in May 2022. The incident occurred after the couple - Alice Wood and Ryan Watson - had an argument. The verdict, delivered last month at Chester Crown Court, led to Wood's life sentence, as reported by the BBC. The couple attended a party organised by brain injury charity Headway, where Watson worked as a support worker. Tensions arose when Watson connected with another woman, causing Wood to become upset. CCTV footage showed Watson enjoying the party, while witnesses described Wood as appearing distant and cold. Also read | UK teens set for sentencing in 'frenzied, ferocious' knife killing of transgender girl Alcohol-fuelled dispute and tragic outcome Under the influence of alcohol, the couple argued over who would drive home. Wood, a student with scholarship prospects at Cambridge, accused Watson of flirting. Back home, witnesses reported hearing heated arguments, slamming doors, and a revving car engine. Wood used her car as a weapon, attempting to strike Watson three times. The third attempt resulted in Watson being dragged for 158 metres. Judge Michael Leeming sentenced Wood, expressing certainty about her intent to kill Watson. Wood, who was found well above the legal driving limit when breathalysed, showed no true remorse during the proceedings. The judge dismissed claims of provocation or fear of violence from Watson, emphasising his vulnerability during the attack. Also watch | US: 3 Indian students killed within a week Watson's family, after Wood's conviction, spoke about the emotional toll of watching CCTV footage repeatedly. They highlighted the betrayal of trust, noting that the person Watson trusted the most had violently taken his life. Despite the lengthy prison term, the family believes no sentence can compensate for the profound loss and unfulfilled dreams of Ryan Watson. (With inputs from agencies)

UK woman sentenced to life for fatally running over fiancé in car

The High Court of Justice in Israel has overturned the appointment of Shas leader Aryeh Deri from the posts of interior minister and health minister in its&nbsp;latest ruling, with 10 judges backing the order and one voting against it. The judges consider Deri's appointment as “unreasonable in the extreme” in light of the numerous corruption charges against him, reported the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

Deri, who took the oath alongside the rest of the government on December 29, must therefore be fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in accordance with the court's verdict.

Together with Uzi Vogelman, Anat Baron, Daphne Barak-Erez, Yael Willner, and others, Court President Esther Hayut voted&nbsp;to revoke Deri's appointment. 
 
The ruling deepens a rift over the power of courts in Israel and could turn out to be the first coalition crisis for&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Also watch |&nbsp;US supplies reportedly kept in Israel to help Ukraine

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The high court ruled that Deri, the influential head of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party who has served repeatedly in Netanyahu's previous governments, is disqualified from serving as a minister after he was convicted last year for tax offenses and placed on probation as part of a plea deal.&nbsp; 
 
The verdict spells trouble for the coalition&nbsp;as some Shas members urged PM Netanyahu to find a solution so that Deri retains the title he deserves as head of a mid-sized party or else&nbsp;they could bolt the coalition, shrinking 64-seat majority by 11 seats in the 120-member Knesset. 
 
Talking to&nbsp;Kan public radio, Yakov Margi, a Shas Cabinet minister, said, "if Aryeh Deri isn't in the government, there isn't a government." 
 
Judge Yosef Elron was&nbsp;the only contrarian, arguing that Deri ought to be made to file an appeal with the Central Election Committee, which should then decide the case.&nbsp;Following covert warnings that the coalition would hasten its efforts to significantly curtail the court's authority in the event that Deri is found ineligible, it is unclear how the new administration will respond.

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The High Court of Justice in Israel has overturned the appointment of Shas leader Aryeh Deri from the posts of interior minister and health minister in its latest ruling, with 10 judges backing the order and one voting against it.

The High Court of Justice in Israel has overturned the appointment of Shas leader Aryeh Deri from the posts of interior minister and health minister in its latest ruling, with 10 judges backing the order and one voting against it. The judges consider Deri's appointment as “unreasonable in the extreme” in light of the numerous corruption charges against him, reported the Times of Israel. Deri, who took the oath alongside the rest of the government on December 29, must therefore be fired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in accordance with the court's verdict. Together with Uzi Vogelman, Anat Baron, Daphne Barak-Erez, Yael Willner, and others, Court President Esther Hayut voted to revoke Deri's appointment. The ruling deepens a rift over the power of courts in Israel and could turn out to be the first coalition crisis for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Also watch | US supplies reportedly kept in Israel to help Ukraine The high court ruled that Deri, the influential head of the ultra-Orthodox Shas party who has served repeatedly in Netanyahu's previous governments, is disqualified from serving as a minister after he was convicted last year for tax offenses and placed on probation as part of a plea deal. The verdict spells trouble for the coalition as some Shas members urged PM Netanyahu to find a solution so that Deri retains the title he deserves as head of a mid-sized party or else they could bolt the coalition, shrinking 64-seat majority by 11 seats in the 120-member Knesset. Talking to Kan public radio, Yakov Margi, a Shas Cabinet minister, said, "if Aryeh Deri isn't in the government, there isn't a government." Judge Yosef Elron was the only contrarian, arguing that Deri ought to be made to file an appeal with the Central Election Committee, which should then decide the case. Following covert warnings that the coalition would hasten its efforts to significantly curtail the court's authority in the event that Deri is found ineligible, it is unclear how the new administration will respond. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Israel’s high court strikes down Shas leader Aryeh Deri’s appointment as minister over tax offenses

Smartphones in India might become expensive; tech giant Google has warned. Google also warned about the potential threat to users' security.

Android smartphones might become expensive due to CCI's ruling, says Google

Amid the ongoing abortion rights row, US President Joe Biden has signed an executive order to ease access to abortion medicines. Women rights activists welcomed the move.

US President Joe Biden calls SCOTUS 'out of control' as he signs an executive order

US President Joe Biden calls SCOTUS 'out of control'

Amid the ongoing abortion rights row in the US, President Joe Biden advocates for abortion rights. He also said that Republicans will try to ban abortions nationwide.

US abortion rights row: US President Joe Biden advocates abortion rights

With Roe Vs Wade overturned, US Democrats are taking the abortion battle to November midterms. They are warning of grim consequences for women, contraception and gay marriage if Republicans regain control of Congress. Molly Gambhir decodes whether this strategy will work for the Democrats.

WION Fineprint | US Democrats bet on Roe's ballot power

The US Supreme Court decision ending the right to abortion established by Roe Vs Wade in 1973 has put other hard-won rights at risk, including the rights to same-sex marriage and contraception. Could same-sex marriage go the way of abortion? Molly Gambhir tells you.

WION Fineprint | Could Same-Sex Marriage Go the Way of Abortion?

The United States is witnessing widespread protest against the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the landmark Roe vs Wade ruling. It was overturned after 50 years.

Protest in the US against abortion ruling by the Supreme Court

The US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, holding that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion. US President Joe Biden said that it is a sad day for the United States.

Historic abortion ruling overturned: US President Joe Biden says it is a sad day for the United States

After the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, making abortion illegal in most US states, people from across the world are criticising it. UN warns that women's health is at risk.

Global outrage over SCOTUS ruling on abortion rights: UN warns women's health at risk

After the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, making abortion illegal in most US states, people from across the world are criticising it. However, the Vatican praised the new abortion ruling.

Amid global outrage over SCOTUS ruling, Vatican praises new abortion ruling

The US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, holding that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion. Now, Trump says God made this decision.

US abortion law overturned after 50 years: Trump says God made this decision

The US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, holding that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion. Now, What's next for women in America?

The US ends 50 years of abortion rights: What's next for women in America?

The US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, holding that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion. Pro-life activists cheer SCOTUS ruling.

US top court overturns abortion rights in majority ruling

The US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, holding that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion. Now, Mike Pence says that life won after the SCOTUS ruling.

Mike Pence: Life won after SCOTUS ruling

After the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, holding that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion, US companies bat for women's rights. Several firms say that they will cover their employees' travel costs for abortion.

Several US companies say that they will cover their employees' travel costs for abortion

The US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, holding that there is no longer a federal constitutional right to an abortion. Now, Americans are deeply divided over the SCOTUS ruling. The US is witnessing widespread protests over the decision.

Americans deeply divided over SCOTUS ruling on abortion rights as it sparks widespread protests

Donald Trump seems to be in dire straits as his lawyer’s request to end a contempt of court order against the former US president has been denied by a judge in New York on Friday. &nbsp;

As if this was not enough, the judge has also upheld the $10,000-a-day fine for his failure to comply with a subpoena, which has been issued by the state attorney general in the investigation of the business practices of family company of the Trump, the Trump Organization. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-conflict-russia-is-behind-schedule-in-donbas-says-pentagon-official-475072" hreflang="en">Ukraine conflict: Russia is 'behind schedule' in Donbas, says Pentagon official</a>

In New York state court in Manhattan, Justice Arthur Engoron said he was not convinced with an affidavit, which was provided by Trump. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Engoron said there was no evidence the former president conducted a search for the records, which were sought by Letitia James, attorney general, New York. &nbsp;

“I am surprised he doesn’t seem to have any documents, they’re all with the organization,” he said. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US economy shrinks in first quarter of 2022

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“I will consider your request to terminate the fine. But if you don’t hear from me, the clock is still ticking,” the judge told Alina Habba, Trump’s lawyer. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In this case, Trump has denied wrongdoing. He calls the probe to be politically motivated as Trump is a Republican and James is a Democrat. &nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Donald Trump seems to be in dire straits as his lawyer’s request to end a contempt of court order against the former US president has been denied by a judge in New York on Friday.

Donald Trump seems to be in dire straits as his lawyer’s request to end a contempt of court order against the former US president has been denied by a judge in New York on Friday. As if this was not enough, the judge has also upheld the $10,000-a-day fine for his failure to comply with a subpoena, which has been issued by the state attorney general in the investigation of the business practices of family company of the Trump, the Trump Organization. Also Read | Ukraine conflict: Russia is 'behind schedule' in Donbas, says Pentagon official In New York state court in Manhattan, Justice Arthur Engoron said he was not convinced with an affidavit, which was provided by Trump. Engoron said there was no evidence the former president conducted a search for the records, which were sought by Letitia James, attorney general, New York. “I am surprised he doesn’t seem to have any documents, they’re all with the organization,” he said. Watch: US economy shrinks in first quarter of 2022 × “I will consider your request to terminate the fine. But if you don’t hear from me, the clock is still ticking,” the judge told Alina Habba, Trump’s lawyer. In this case, Trump has denied wrongdoing. He calls the probe to be politically motivated as Trump is a Republican and James is a Democrat. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Tough luck: US judge quashes Donald Trump’s request to end contempt of court ruling, upholds hefty fine

The silencing of church bells in a recent court ruling seems to have not gone down well in a small town in northern Italy. &nbsp;

The decision to remove the bells was taken by a judge in nearby Trieste. It had also preceded a petition to put an end to “loud and excessive” ringing. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Now, the row has led to anger among the population of 4,800 in Dolina, which is close to Italy’s border with Slovenia. It also has a minority Slovene community. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/14-year-old-boy-loses-life-after-getting-stung-by-box-jellyfish-at-australian-beach-457334" hreflang="en">14-year-old boy loses life after getting stung by box jellyfish at Australian beach</a>

In the town, some people miss bells of Sant’Ulderico church while others claim to have got the much-needed respite. Now, there have been accusations of personal vendettas as well. &nbsp;

Some people are calling on the European Commission to act to “protect traditions”. They said that bells used to serve as a clock and inform people about the start of mass or a feast day. &nbsp;

“Fines have been given to Italian parishes if bells are too noisy, but they have never been confiscated before. This reaction was a bit too heavy,” said the parish priest, Klemen Zalar. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-half-of-biden-admins-500-million-free-covid-tests-for-public-remain-unclaimed-in-us-457316" hreflang="en">Nearly half of Biden admin’s 500 million free Covid tests for public remain unclaimed in US</a>

The issue began during Covid lockdown in 2020 when the automatically operated bells became intolerable for some people, who were stuck at home. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“It was bam-bam, bam-bam all day long,” said Mauro Zerial, the organiser of the petition, who counted 550 strokes in a day between Monday and Saturday, and 1,350 on a Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

“It would start at 6am, with 70 strokes for the Ave Maria, then seven at 7am, and then every 15 minutes until another long ring for the start of evening mass. It was crazy. But nobody wanted the bells to be silenced, we just wanted them to be operated within the norms. And in no way was this an attack against Slovenian traditions,” said Zerial. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The silencing of church bells in a recent court ruling seems to have not gone down well in a small town in northern Italy. The decision to remove the bells was taken by a judge in nearby Trieste.

The silencing of church bells in a recent court ruling seems to have not gone down well in a small town in northern Italy. The decision to remove the bells was taken by a judge in nearby Trieste. It had also preceded a petition to put an end to “loud and excessive” ringing. Now, the row has led to anger among the population of 4,800 in Dolina, which is close to Italy’s border with Slovenia. It also has a minority Slovene community. Also Read: 14-year-old boy loses life after getting stung by box jellyfish at Australian beach In the town, some people miss bells of Sant’Ulderico church while others claim to have got the much-needed respite. Now, there have been accusations of personal vendettas as well. Some people are calling on the European Commission to act to “protect traditions”. They said that bells used to serve as a clock and inform people about the start of mass or a feast day. “Fines have been given to Italian parishes if bells are too noisy, but they have never been confiscated before. This reaction was a bit too heavy,” said the parish priest, Klemen Zalar. Also Read: Nearly half of Biden admin’s 500 million free Covid tests for public remain unclaimed in US The issue began during Covid lockdown in 2020 when the automatically operated bells became intolerable for some people, who were stuck at home. “It was bam-bam, bam-bam all day long,” said Mauro Zerial, the organiser of the petition, who counted 550 strokes in a day between Monday and Saturday, and 1,350 on a Sunday. “It would start at 6am, with 70 strokes for the Ave Maria, then seven at 7am, and then every 15 minutes until another long ring for the start of evening mass. It was crazy. But nobody wanted the bells to be silenced, we just wanted them to be operated within the norms. And in no way was this an attack against Slovenian traditions,” said Zerial. (With inputs from agencies)

Silencing of church bells in recent court ruling triggers uneasiness in Italian town

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) unveiled on Tuesday its manifesto for an October&nbsp;31 election with a focus on ending the coronavirus pandemic, promises to rebuild the middle class and defend against an increasingly assertive China.

The party's leader, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, enjoys a reasonable level of public support a week into the job, polls show, boding well for his goal of maintaining a lower house&nbsp;majority for the LDP and its Komeito party coalition partner.

"We would like to show solid measures and appeal to the people, first, how to confront the coronavirus&nbsp;and to bring peace of mind and hope to the people," LDP policy chief Sanae Takaichi told a news conference.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-kishida-vows-to-devote-himself-to-ending-covid-19-crisis-419051">Japan PM Kishida vows to devote himself to ending COVID-19 crisis</a>

Voters will want to see a government with plans for decisive action to bring an end to the pandemic and rebuild a weak economy.

A recent Sankei newspaper poll showed that about 48 per cent&nbsp;say they want the Kishida administration to work on coronavirus most, followed by economic recovery and employment.

The manifesto highlighted coronavirus measures including supplying oral antiviral medication this year, as well as Kishida's vision of realising a "new capitalism" that focuses on economic growth and redistribution of wealth.

The LDP said in its manifesto it would expand support for small and medium businesses hit by the pandemic and offer subsidies for enterprises if they move into new industries.

Fortunately for Kishida, the coronavirus situation has improved, with the smallest number of new cases on Monday since the middle of last year.

But Kishida is taking nothing for granted and told parliament earlier on Tuesday the government would plan for a worst-case coronavirus scenario by securing more health resources and preparing to start giving booster shots in December.

Asked about how the government would respond to excessive yen declines, Kishida said he would closely watch the impact of currency moves, noting that a weak yen increases costs for companies by pushing up import prices.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-gauge-timing-for-restarting-subsidised-travel-programme-418299">Japan to gauge timing for restarting subsidised travel programme</a>

&nbsp;More on defence

On security, the LDP said it would "reconsider" its response to an increase in China's military activity around the Taiwan strait and islets in the western Pacific controlled by Japan but also claimed by China. 
The government would aim to raise its defence budget "with an eye to bringing it even above two percent" of gross domestic product (GDP), the party said.

Japan's defence spending has stayed around one per cent&nbsp;of GDP in recent decades. 
Kishida, a former foreign minister seen as a safe if lacklustre pair of hands, has a 49 per cent&nbsp; approval rating, according to poll published by state-run broadcaster NHK late on Monday.

That is lower than the approval enjoyed by some predecessors at the beginning of their tenures but support for Kishida's government was higher than the most recent ratings for that of his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-compile-big-extra-budget-after-polls-says-ldp-heavyweight-417867">Japan to compile big extra budget after polls, says LDP heavyweight</a>

Suga grew deeply unpopular as he struggled to contain a fifth wave of coronavirus infections and stepped down last month after only a year in office.

Kishida can take more cheer from the Sankey survey published on Monday that showed 63 per cent&nbsp; of respondents supported his administration, with many voters saying there was no better person than him for the job of prime minister.

The poll showed a solid 45 per cent&nbsp; rate of voter support for the LDP, with backing for opposition parties hovering around the single digits.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) unveiled on Tuesday its manifesto for an October 31 election with a focus on ending the coronavirus pandemic, promises to rebuild the middle class and defend against an increasingly assertive China.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) unveiled on Tuesday its manifesto for an October 31 election with a focus on ending the coronavirus pandemic, promises to rebuild the middle class and defend against an increasingly assertive China. The party's leader, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, enjoys a reasonable level of public support a week into the job, polls show, boding well for his goal of maintaining a lower house majority for the LDP and its Komeito party coalition partner. "We would like to show solid measures and appeal to the people, first, how to confront the coronavirus and to bring peace of mind and hope to the people," LDP policy chief Sanae Takaichi told a news conference. Also Read | Japan PM Kishida vows to devote himself to ending COVID-19 crisis Voters will want to see a government with plans for decisive action to bring an end to the pandemic and rebuild a weak economy. A recent Sankei newspaper poll showed that about 48 per cent say they want the Kishida administration to work on coronavirus most, followed by economic recovery and employment. The manifesto highlighted coronavirus measures including supplying oral antiviral medication this year, as well as Kishida's vision of realising a "new capitalism" that focuses on economic growth and redistribution of wealth. The LDP said in its manifesto it would expand support for small and medium businesses hit by the pandemic and offer subsidies for enterprises if they move into new industries. Fortunately for Kishida, the coronavirus situation has improved, with the smallest number of new cases on Monday since the middle of last year. But Kishida is taking nothing for granted and told parliament earlier on Tuesday the government would plan for a worst-case coronavirus scenario by securing more health resources and preparing to start giving booster shots in December. Asked about how the government would respond to excessive yen declines, Kishida said he would closely watch the impact of currency moves, noting that a weak yen increases costs for companies by pushing up import prices. Also Read | Japan to gauge timing for restarting subsidised travel programme More on defence On security, the LDP said it would "reconsider" its response to an increase in China's military activity around the Taiwan strait and islets in the western Pacific controlled by Japan but also claimed by China. The government would aim to raise its defence budget "with an eye to bringing it even above two percent" of gross domestic product (GDP), the party said. Japan's defence spending has stayed around one per cent of GDP in recent decades. Kishida, a former foreign minister seen as a safe if lacklustre pair of hands, has a 49 per cent approval rating, according to poll published by state-run broadcaster NHK late on Monday. That is lower than the approval enjoyed by some predecessors at the beginning of their tenures but support for Kishida's government was higher than the most recent ratings for that of his predecessor, Yoshihide Suga. Also Read | Japan to compile big extra budget after polls, says LDP heavyweight Suga grew deeply unpopular as he struggled to contain a fifth wave of coronavirus infections and stepped down last month after only a year in office. Kishida can take more cheer from the Sankey survey published on Monday that showed 63 per cent of respondents supported his administration, with many voters saying there was no better person than him for the job of prime minister. The poll showed a solid 45 per cent rate of voter support for the LDP, with backing for opposition parties hovering around the single digits.

Japan's ruling party unveils manifesto with focus on coronavirus, defence

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