Former India player Diana Edulji wants Smriti Mandhana to replace Harman as skipper at the earliest

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Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is considering sacking its entire group of support staff members. Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Indian cricket team dressing room after the Men in Blue lost the Cricket World Cup 2023 final to Australia in Ahmedabad.

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Crackdown on anti-government protesters has intensified in Bangladesh ahead of elections. Over two days, 139 senior opposition party officials and activists have been convicted, said lawyers and prosecutors.

Bangladesh: More than 100 opposition officials and activists convicted in two days

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WhatsApp has started rolling out a new shortcut for AI-powered chatbot with the new beta update for the messaging app to select Android users, according to a report.

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For many years, the bulk of Section 2 cases have been brought before courts by private parties and organizations, not the US government. These lawsuits have contested the redivision of voting districts and other electoral procedures, arguing that people of color's voting power has been diminished.

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Palestinian officials said a field hospital accompanied by 170 personnel sent by Jordan entered the Gaza Strip Monday, the first since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7.

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Donald Trump challenges gag order as legal battles intensify ahead of US elections.

Donald Trump challenges gag order as legal battles intensify ahead of US elections

Sánchez declared, "With four female deputy prime ministers and more female ministers than male ministers, the new government is going to have a marked feminist accent." Nine new ministers will join the Cabinet, but important positions will stay the same. Margarita Robles continues to oversee defense, José Manuel Albares continues to oversee foreign affairs, and Nadia Calviño continues to oversee the economy.

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Joseph Boakai was declared as the winner of Liberia's presidential polls with 50.64 per cent of the vote, unseating President George Weah who got 49.36 per cent, the country's electoral commission announced on Monday (Nov 20) after completing the ballot tally.

Davidetta Browne Lansanah, president of the commission, during a press briefing, said that Boakai won the elections with a margin of 20,567 votes.

Former international football star Weah had already conceded defeat on Friday (Nov 17) taking into consideration the results of more than 99.98 per cent of the polling stations, saying that it was "time to put national interest above personal interest".

"The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that... Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass," Weah said in a speech on national radio late on Friday.

He said his CDC party "has lost the election but Liberia has won," adding: "This is the time for graciousness in defeat".

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<h2>Biden congratulates Boakai&nbsp;</h2>

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Nov 20)&nbsp;congratulated&nbsp;Boakai&nbsp;for winning the presidential elections while also commending incumbent&nbsp;Weah for respecting the "will of people".

"I congratulate Joseph Boakai on his election to be the next president of Liberia," Biden said in a statement. "I also want to commend President Weah for respecting the will of the people, and putting patriotism above politics."

Earlier, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller congratulated Boakai on his victory and President Weah for his "peaceful acceptance of the results".

"We call on all citizens to follow President Weah's example and accept the results," Miller said in a statement.

Earlier, Weah said that he had spoken to Boakai "to congratulate him on his victory".

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"The Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice. However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country," Weah said in his speech.

"Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as one nation and one united people."

Weah, who will continue to remain in power until the power is handed over in January, vowed to continue working "for the good of Liberia".

(With inputs from agencies)

Joseph Boakai was declared as the winner of Liberia's presidential polls with 50.64 per cent of the vote, unseating President George Weah who got 49.36 per cent, the country's electoral commission announced on Monday (Nov 20) after completing the ballot tally.

Joseph Boakai was declared as the winner of Liberia's presidential polls with 50.64 per cent of the vote, unseating President George Weah who got 49.36 per cent, the country's electoral commission announced on Monday (Nov 20) after completing the ballot tally. Davidetta Browne Lansanah, president of the commission, during a press briefing, said that Boakai won the elections with a margin of 20,567 votes. Former international football star Weah had already conceded defeat on Friday (Nov 17) taking into consideration the results of more than 99.98 per cent of the polling stations, saying that it was "time to put national interest above personal interest". "The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that... Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass," Weah said in a speech on national radio late on Friday. He said his CDC party "has lost the election but Liberia has won," adding: "This is the time for graciousness in defeat". Also read: Royal Navy’s submarine averts tragedy, 140 crew on board escape death: Report Biden congratulates Boakai US President Joe Biden on Monday (Nov 20) congratulated Boakai for winning the presidential elections while also commending incumbent Weah for respecting the "will of people". "I congratulate Joseph Boakai on his election to be the next president of Liberia," Biden said in a statement. "I also want to commend President Weah for respecting the will of the people, and putting patriotism above politics." Earlier, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller congratulated Boakai on his victory and President Weah for his "peaceful acceptance of the results". "We call on all citizens to follow President Weah's example and accept the results," Miller said in a statement. Earlier, Weah said that he had spoken to Boakai "to congratulate him on his victory". Also read: Over 200 Italian mobsters convicted in mafia 'maxi trial' "The Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice. However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country," Weah said in his speech. "Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as one nation and one united people." Weah, who will continue to remain in power until the power is handed over in January, vowed to continue working "for the good of Liberia". (With inputs from agencies)

Joseph Boakai declared winner of Liberia presidential election

"On November 21, Russian President Vladimir Putin will participate in an extraordinary BRICS summit (via videoconference) to discuss the Palestinian-Israeli conflict," the Kremlin said, without providing further details. In addition to Russia, the BRICS group includes Brazil, India, China, and South Africa.

Russia's Putin to take part in virtual BRICS summit on Gaza

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during the coronavirus pandemic, thought that the government should "just let people die" rather than impose&nbsp;a second lockdown, Dominic Cummings, Johnson's most senior adviser during COVID-19, is said to have claimed.

As per a diary entry made by former chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, Cummings made this statement during a meeting on whether to impose a national lockdown or not.

Vallance quoted Cummings in his diary as saying, "Rishi thinks just let people die and that's okay. This all feels like a complete lack of leadership."

A spokesman for Sunak said that the prime minister would set out his stance when he presents evidence to the probe "rather than respond to each one in piecemeal".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joseph-boakai-declared-winner-of-liberia-presidential-election-660910">Joseph Boakai declared winner of Liberia presidential election</a>

<h2>Boris Johnson 'bamboozled' by Covid data</h2>

The then Prime Minister Boris Johnson was "bamboozled" by the COVID-19 data, a public inquiry, which is being held to review the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic that killed more than 220,000 people in Britain, heard on Monday (Nov 20).

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Vallance stated that Johnson at times found it difficult to retain scientific information.

The note made in the diary from May 4, 2020, recalled the meeting with Johnson about schools, where Vallance wrote, "My God, this is complicated. Models will not provide the answer. PM is clearly bamboozled."

Another, written in the same month, said: "PM asking whether we've overdone it on the lethality of this disease. He swings between optimism pessimism, and then this."

Vallance wrote in June that watching Johnson get his head-round stats was hard work. "He finds relative and absolute risk almost impossible to understand," he said.

Vallance said Johnson, who has been criticised at the inquiry by a string of former senior advisers, described the scene as "mad and spooky, we have got to end it".

"Starts challenging numbers and questioning whether they really translate into deaths. Says it is not exponential etc etc," he added, referring to Johnson.

The inquiry is being carried out to review the government's response to the global crisis which claimed the lives of more than 220,000 people in Britain.

(With inputs from the agencies)

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during the coronavirus pandemic, thought that the government should "just let people die" rather than impose a second lockdown, Dominic Cummings, Johnson's most senior adviser during COVID-19, is said to have claimed.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, during the coronavirus pandemic, thought that the government should "just let people die" rather than impose a second lockdown, Dominic Cummings, Johnson's most senior adviser during COVID-19, is said to have claimed. As per a diary entry made by former chief scientific adviser, Patrick Vallance, Cummings made this statement during a meeting on whether to impose a national lockdown or not. Vallance quoted Cummings in his diary as saying, "Rishi thinks just let people die and that's okay. This all feels like a complete lack of leadership." A spokesman for Sunak said that the prime minister would set out his stance when he presents evidence to the probe "rather than respond to each one in piecemeal". Also read: Joseph Boakai declared winner of Liberia presidential election Boris Johnson 'bamboozled' by Covid data The then Prime Minister Boris Johnson was "bamboozled" by the COVID-19 data, a public inquiry, which is being held to review the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic that killed more than 220,000 people in Britain, heard on Monday (Nov 20). Also read: North Korea to launch satellite rocket between Nov 22 and Dec 1, says Japan Vallance stated that Johnson at times found it difficult to retain scientific information. The note made in the diary from May 4, 2020, recalled the meeting with Johnson about schools, where Vallance wrote, "My God, this is complicated. Models will not provide the answer. PM is clearly bamboozled." Another, written in the same month, said: "PM asking whether we've overdone it on the lethality of this disease. He swings between optimism pessimism, and then this." Vallance wrote in June that watching Johnson get his head-round stats was hard work. "He finds relative and absolute risk almost impossible to understand," he said. Vallance said Johnson, who has been criticised at the inquiry by a string of former senior advisers, described the scene as "mad and spooky, we have got to end it". "Starts challenging numbers and questioning whether they really translate into deaths. Says it is not exponential etc etc," he added, referring to Johnson. The inquiry is being carried out to review the government's response to the global crisis which claimed the lives of more than 220,000 people in Britain. (With inputs from the agencies)

UK PM Rishi Sunak reportedly said government should 'let people die', COVID inquiry hears

The United States believes that Israel and Hamas are getting closer to a deal that would secure the release of some hostages held in Gaza, even as the Israeli military's deadly assault on Gaza City continued and rockets were being fired into Israel.

Israel-Hamas War: White House says closer to hostage deal

Upset with the US government sending millions in aid to Ukraine and Israel for their respective ongoing wars with Russia and Hamas, Cardi B said she doesn’t like America cutting budgets for its own people while sending money to other countries for their wars.

Cardi B calls out Dem Mayor Eric Adams over NYC's budget cuts, drops support for Biden

Police in Australia have taken a renewed interest in a 53-year-old cold case after fresh and what has been called 'compelling' information came to light, BBC has reported. The case is about the disappearance of three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer from an Australian beach in Fairy Meadow, a city in Australia. A man has reportedly told the BBC that he saw a teenage boy walking away with a crying toddler on January 12, 1970.&nbsp;

The police always suspected that Cheryl Grimmer was abducted but the case went cold and hasn't yet been solved. The witness, who was seven years old, has been quoted as saying that the incident was "etched in his mind". BBC reported that the man has now been contacted by the police.

Watch | Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles points to increased defence, cricket ties with India

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The witness appeared in BBC's true crime podcast named Fairy Meadow and described the incident in detail.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-australias-deputy-pm-richard-marles-points-to-increased-defence-ties-with-india-660704">Exclusive: Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles points to increased defence ties with India</a>

On January 12, 1970, a rare "southerly buster" wind blew through Fairy Meadow, which made the beachgoers run away from the beach. It is because of this that the witness said he was able to pinpoint the memory to this day.

The man told BBC that he saw an adolescent leaving changing rooms meant for women with a crying toddler in hand. Cheryl had disappeared from the women's changing room when her brother, who was looking after her was distracted for a few seconds.&nbsp;

"When I glanced back at the toilet block, the profile of the guy was sort of full-stride with this baby in his arm, just kind of screaming and yelling at his hip, like low on his hip," the eyewitness told BBC.

The man reportedly asked the BBC to keep his identity private.

"I heard this screaming of the kid. That's what caught my ear. What was that shrieking sound? I turned around and that's what I saw."

On why the eyewitness or his family did not approach the police, he said that at the time of the incident, they had shifted from Eastern Europe and did not speak English.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police in Australia have taken a renewed interest in a 53-year-old cold case after fresh and what has been called 'compelling' information came to light, BBC has reported.

Police in Australia have taken a renewed interest in a 53-year-old cold case after fresh and what has been called 'compelling' information came to light, BBC has reported. The case is about the disappearance of three-year-old Cheryl Grimmer from an Australian beach in Fairy Meadow, a city in Australia. A man has reportedly told the BBC that he saw a teenage boy walking away with a crying toddler on January 12, 1970. The police always suspected that Cheryl Grimmer was abducted but the case went cold and hasn't yet been solved. The witness, who was seven years old, has been quoted as saying that the incident was "etched in his mind". BBC reported that the man has now been contacted by the police. Watch | Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles points to increased defence, cricket ties with India × The witness appeared in BBC's true crime podcast named Fairy Meadow and described the incident in detail. Also Read | Exclusive: Australia's Deputy PM Richard Marles points to increased defence ties with India On January 12, 1970, a rare "southerly buster" wind blew through Fairy Meadow, which made the beachgoers run away from the beach. It is because of this that the witness said he was able to pinpoint the memory to this day. The man told BBC that he saw an adolescent leaving changing rooms meant for women with a crying toddler in hand. Cheryl had disappeared from the women's changing room when her brother, who was looking after her was distracted for a few seconds. "When I glanced back at the toilet block, the profile of the guy was sort of full-stride with this baby in his arm, just kind of screaming and yelling at his hip, like low on his hip," the eyewitness told BBC. The man reportedly asked the BBC to keep his identity private. "I heard this screaming of the kid. That's what caught my ear. What was that shrieking sound? I turned around and that's what I saw." On why the eyewitness or his family did not approach the police, he said that at the time of the incident, they had shifted from Eastern Europe and did not speak English. (With inputs from agencies)

Australia: New clue emerges in 53-year-old cold case of toddler's disappearance

On Monday, a delegation of Democratic senators urged President Biden to collaborate with Israel to persuade the nation to open its borders to humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip, which is ruled by Hamas.

Israel-Hamas war: Democratic senators call for border reopening in a letter to Biden

Lawyers for Donald Trump were met with scepticism Monday (Nov 20) as they urged an appeals court to revoke a gag order in his election interference case -- although the judges appeared inclined to narrow the wording to safeguard his right to criticise his prosecution.

Judge Tanya Chutkan, overseeing the federal case against the former US president in Washington for an alleged criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election, restricted statements that "target" prosecutors, court personnel and witnesses.

The order sought to put an end to incendiary remarks against individuals by Trump -- who has repeatedly called chief prosecutor Jack Smith "deranged" and his colleagues "thugs" -- and to stop the former president publicly attacking potential witnesses.

Chutkan did recognise Trump's right to criticise his successor Joe Biden, whom the Republican frontrunner will likely face as he bids for a return to the White House in next year's presidential election.

But Trump argues that the gag order, currently temporarily lifted during his appeal, runs up against First Amendment protections guaranteeing free speech.

His lawyers say the restrictions on him in the trial, set to start in March, will have an undue influence on his 2024 campaign.

"There's a balance that has to be undertaken here, and it's a very difficult balance in this context," one of the three judges on the appeals panel said, summarising the stakes of the Washington hearing, which lasted more than two hours.&nbsp;

"And we certainly want to make sure that the criminal trial process and its integrity and its truth-finding function are protected. But we've got to use a scalpel here and not step into really sort of skewing the political arena."

Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump returns to the US-Mexico border, reaches Texas to promote hard-line immigration agenda

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Trump's lawyer, John Sauer, argued that even the smallest restriction on his client's expression would be unconstitutional unless based on "extraordinarily compelling" evidence of damage to the integrity of the trial, and the risk of repeated harm.&nbsp;

"There is near complete overlap between the issues in the case and the issues in the political campaign," he said.

<h2>'Cowards and weaklings'</h2>

The government argues that while there is no problem with Trump broadly criticising his case and the institutions involved in his prosecution, he should not be allowed to go after individuals.

Prosecutors say some of the Republican's statements about his trial "consist of ad hominem attacks using inflammatory language likely to arouse angry or violent feelings in the listener, rather than reasoned argument."

Prosecutor Cecil VanDevender highlighted a "very clear" pattern showing that incendiary personal attacks by Trump led to "threats, intimidation" against his targets by supporters of the ex-president.

The panel suggested that the distinction was sometimes tenuous, noting that the case -- one of four criminal prosecutions faced by Trump -- is sometimes referred to as the "Jack Smith" trial.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-trump-pledges-to-scrap-bidens-asia-trade-initiative-if-elected-660234">Also read:&nbsp;US: Donald Trump pledges to scrap Biden`s Asia trade initiative if elected</a>

The judges also drilled into the prosecution's position that Trump should be banned from assailing potential witnesses, pointing out that this could deny him the right to respond to public criticism by well-known opponents such as former Trump administration officials. &nbsp;

To clarify the restrictions, Chutkan cited a post that Trump made on his Truth Social website questioning whether his former chief of staff Mark Meadows took an immunity deal to testify against him, saying only "weaklings and cowards" would do so.

The judge said that sort of speech should be restricted.

The debate Monday also focused on the exact definition of the word "target" -- described as "vague" by the defense, in comments echoed by influential civil rights campaigners.

The timetable for a decision was not immediately clear but no ruling on the gag order was expected Monday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lawyers for Donald Trump were met with scepticism Monday (Nov 20) as they urged an appeals court to revoke a gag order in his election interference case -- although the judges appeared inclined to narrow the wording to safeguard his right to criticise his prosecution.

Lawyers for Donald Trump were met with scepticism Monday (Nov 20) as they urged an appeals court to revoke a gag order in his election interference case -- although the judges appeared inclined to narrow the wording to safeguard his right to criticise his prosecution. Judge Tanya Chutkan, overseeing the federal case against the former US president in Washington for an alleged criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election, restricted statements that "target" prosecutors, court personnel and witnesses. The order sought to put an end to incendiary remarks against individuals by Trump -- who has repeatedly called chief prosecutor Jack Smith "deranged" and his colleagues "thugs" -- and to stop the former president publicly attacking potential witnesses. Chutkan did recognise Trump's right to criticise his successor Joe Biden, whom the Republican frontrunner will likely face as he bids for a return to the White House in next year's presidential election. But Trump argues that the gag order, currently temporarily lifted during his appeal, runs up against First Amendment protections guaranteeing free speech. His lawyers say the restrictions on him in the trial, set to start in March, will have an undue influence on his 2024 campaign. "There's a balance that has to be undertaken here, and it's a very difficult balance in this context," one of the three judges on the appeals panel said, summarising the stakes of the Washington hearing, which lasted more than two hours. "And we certainly want to make sure that the criminal trial process and its integrity and its truth-finding function are protected. But we've got to use a scalpel here and not step into really sort of skewing the political arena." Watch: Donald Trump returns to the US-Mexico border, reaches Texas to promote hard-line immigration agenda × Trump's lawyer, John Sauer, argued that even the smallest restriction on his client's expression would be unconstitutional unless based on "extraordinarily compelling" evidence of damage to the integrity of the trial, and the risk of repeated harm. "There is near complete overlap between the issues in the case and the issues in the political campaign," he said. 'Cowards and weaklings' The government argues that while there is no problem with Trump broadly criticising his case and the institutions involved in his prosecution, he should not be allowed to go after individuals. Prosecutors say some of the Republican's statements about his trial "consist of ad hominem attacks using inflammatory language likely to arouse angry or violent feelings in the listener, rather than reasoned argument." Prosecutor Cecil VanDevender highlighted a "very clear" pattern showing that incendiary personal attacks by Trump led to "threats, intimidation" against his targets by supporters of the ex-president. The panel suggested that the distinction was sometimes tenuous, noting that the case -- one of four criminal prosecutions faced by Trump -- is sometimes referred to as the "Jack Smith" trial. Also read: US: Donald Trump pledges to scrap Biden`s Asia trade initiative if elected The judges also drilled into the prosecution's position that Trump should be banned from assailing potential witnesses, pointing out that this could deny him the right to respond to public criticism by well-known opponents such as former Trump administration officials. To clarify the restrictions, Chutkan cited a post that Trump made on his Truth Social website questioning whether his former chief of staff Mark Meadows took an immunity deal to testify against him, saying only "weaklings and cowards" would do so. The judge said that sort of speech should be restricted. The debate Monday also focused on the exact definition of the word "target" -- described as "vague" by the defense, in comments echoed by influential civil rights campaigners. The timetable for a decision was not immediately clear but no ruling on the gag order was expected Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Judges signal narrowing wording in 2021 gag order to offer much-needed relief to Trump

In an online statement, the armed group "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" claimed that one of its fighters had dropped a drone that was set off by a booby-trap on the al-Tanf military base, which is close to Syria's borders with Jordan and Iraq. Without giving any more information, it stated that the drone had struck its target inside the US military installation.

Israel-Hamas war: Iraq's Islamic resistence claims responsibilty for the attacks on US army bases

Every continent has seen extreme weather occurrences, including the most recent "unbearable" hot in Brazil, historically high sea temperatures, and alarming lows in Antarctic sea ice.

Global warming set to reach way beyond goal set by Paris agreement | World News | WION

From the Israel-Hamas war to the latest the offensive continues to pick up as Israel makes inroads into the Gazan territory and civilian casualties continue to ramp up with each passing day. Israel, the United States and Hamas are close to an agreement that would free dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas War: Why is Hezbollah attacks Israeli troops with drones

North Korea has notified Japan that it plans to launch a rocket satellite into space between Wednesday (Nov 22) to Friday (Dec 1) in the direction of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, said Japan's coast guard.

The latest development comes despite South Korea issuing a warning to Pyongyang to immediately halt its preparations to fire a spy satellite into space which would be Pyongyang's third attempt this year.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed government ministries and agencies to fully prepare for a possible North Korean launch, said Tokyo's Kyodo news agency citing the PM's office.

Earlier this month, Seoul's spy agency said that Pyongyang was in its definitive phase of preparations for another effort to launch its spy satellite.

"We sternly warn North Korea to... immediately suspend the current preparations to launch a military spy satellite," Kang Ho-pil, chief director of operations at the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Monday.

"If North Korea goes ahead with the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite despite our warning, our military will take necessary measures to guarantee the lives and safety of the people."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joseph-boakai-declared-winner-of-liberia-presidential-election-660910">Joseph Boakai declared winner of Liberia presidential election</a>

This comes after Pyongyang's failed attempt to launch the spy satellite in August this year.

The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions urging North Korea to stop its nuclear and ballistic projectile programmes since it conducted a nuclear test in 2016 for the very first time.

<h2>Russia and North Korea's connection</h2>

South Korea had earlier released a statement saying that Pyongyang, in exchange for Moscow's space technology, was providing it with arms and ammunition.

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As per analysts, there is a noteworthy technical overlap between space launch abilities and the development of ballistic projectiles.

After a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September, Russian President Vladimir Putin had suggested that his country could help Pyongyang build satellites.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea has notified Japan that it plans to launch a rocket satellite into space between Wednesday (Nov 22) to Friday (Dec 1) in the direction of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, said Japan's coast guard.

North Korea has notified Japan that it plans to launch a rocket satellite into space between Wednesday (Nov 22) to Friday (Dec 1) in the direction of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea, said Japan's coast guard. The latest development comes despite South Korea issuing a warning to Pyongyang to immediately halt its preparations to fire a spy satellite into space which would be Pyongyang's third attempt this year. Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida instructed government ministries and agencies to fully prepare for a possible North Korean launch, said Tokyo's Kyodo news agency citing the PM's office. Earlier this month, Seoul's spy agency said that Pyongyang was in its definitive phase of preparations for another effort to launch its spy satellite. "We sternly warn North Korea to... immediately suspend the current preparations to launch a military spy satellite," Kang Ho-pil, chief director of operations at the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Monday. "If North Korea goes ahead with the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite despite our warning, our military will take necessary measures to guarantee the lives and safety of the people." Also read: Joseph Boakai declared winner of Liberia presidential election This comes after Pyongyang's failed attempt to launch the spy satellite in August this year. The United Nations Security Council has adopted many resolutions urging North Korea to stop its nuclear and ballistic projectile programmes since it conducted a nuclear test in 2016 for the very first time. Russia and North Korea's connection South Korea had earlier released a statement saying that Pyongyang, in exchange for Moscow's space technology, was providing it with arms and ammunition. Also read: NIA books Khalistani terrorist Pannun over threats to Air India passengers As per analysts, there is a noteworthy technical overlap between space launch abilities and the development of ballistic projectiles. After a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September, Russian President Vladimir Putin had suggested that his country could help Pyongyang build satellites. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korea to launch satellite rocket between Nov 22 and Dec 1, says Japan

The greenhouse gas reduction pledges adopted by the countries are insufficient to attain the pre-industrial level global temperatures, the United Nations said in its report on Monday (Nov 19).

The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) annual Emissions Gap report said that based on existing policies and emissions-cutting efforts, the planet’s temperature could still go up to a catastrophic 2.9 degrees Celsius by 2100.

The report, which was released just ahead of crucial COP28 climate talks, warns that nations' decarbonisation plans would still see the planet heat between 2.5C and 2.9C by this century.

It also noted that 2023 would be the hottest in human history, adding that “the world is witnessing a disturbing acceleration in the number, speed and scale of broken climate records”.

“Due to the failure to stringently reduce emissions in high-income and high-emitting countries (which bear the greatest responsibility for past emissions) and to limit emissions growth in low- and middle-income countries (which account for the majority of current emissions), unprecedented action is now needed by all countries,” the report said.

<h2>World continues to pump record levels of emissions&nbsp;</h2>

It said that the world continues to pump record levels of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, with emissions up 1.2 per cent from 2021 to 2022, thanks to the burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes.

UNEP chief Inger Andersen urged the G20 nations – the world’s wealthiest economies responsible for around 80 per cent of emissions –to lead on reductions, but noted some were in “snooze mode”.

“It is absolutely critical that the G-20 step up,” she said, according to AFP news agency.

The UNEP report stated that the Paris Agreement goals can still be fulfilled if countries adopt strong mitigation measures this decade to narrow the emissions gap.

<h2>Silver lining&nbsp;</h2>

Under the 2015 deal, countries had agreed to limit global warming at “well below” 2 degrees C above pre-industrial times – with a safer limit of 1.5 degrees C if possible.

However till this year, countries have already emitted nearly 1.2 degrees C of global heating, the impact of which could be seen across the planet, the report said.

UNEP said temperatures have gone above 1.5 degrees C for more than 80 days already in 2023, although the Paris warming thresholds will be measured as an average over several decades.

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However, the UNEP chief expressed optimism in making progress in the upcoming COP28 summit on Nov 30 in Dubai, despite the fissures caused by the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts.

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“Countries and delegations understand that irrespective of these deep divisions that do exist and that are undeniable, the environment doesn’t wait and climate most certainly will not,” she said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The greenhouse gas reduction pledges adopted by the countries are insufficient to attain the pre-industrial level global temperatures, the United Nations said in its report on Monday (Nov 19).

The greenhouse gas reduction pledges adopted by the countries are insufficient to attain the pre-industrial level global temperatures, the United Nations said in its report on Monday (Nov 19). The UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) annual Emissions Gap report said that based on existing policies and emissions-cutting efforts, the planet’s temperature could still go up to a catastrophic 2.9 degrees Celsius by 2100. The report, which was released just ahead of crucial COP28 climate talks, warns that nations' decarbonisation plans would still see the planet heat between 2.5C and 2.9C by this century. It also noted that 2023 would be the hottest in human history, adding that “the world is witnessing a disturbing acceleration in the number, speed and scale of broken climate records”. “Due to the failure to stringently reduce emissions in high-income and high-emitting countries (which bear the greatest responsibility for past emissions) and to limit emissions growth in low- and middle-income countries (which account for the majority of current emissions), unprecedented action is now needed by all countries,” the report said. World continues to pump record levels of emissions It said that the world continues to pump record levels of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, with emissions up 1.2 per cent from 2021 to 2022, thanks to the burning of fossil fuels and industrial processes. UNEP chief Inger Andersen urged the G20 nations – the world’s wealthiest economies responsible for around 80 per cent of emissions –to lead on reductions, but noted some were in “snooze mode”. “It is absolutely critical that the G-20 step up,” she said, according to AFP news agency. The UNEP report stated that the Paris Agreement goals can still be fulfilled if countries adopt strong mitigation measures this decade to narrow the emissions gap. Silver lining Under the 2015 deal, countries had agreed to limit global warming at “well below” 2 degrees C above pre-industrial times – with a safer limit of 1.5 degrees C if possible. However till this year, countries have already emitted nearly 1.2 degrees C of global heating, the impact of which could be seen across the planet, the report said. UNEP said temperatures have gone above 1.5 degrees C for more than 80 days already in 2023, although the Paris warming thresholds will be measured as an average over several decades. Also read | Explained | Boardroom battle: Timeline of Sam Altman’s quick journey from OpenAI to Microsoft However, the UNEP chief expressed optimism in making progress in the upcoming COP28 summit on Nov 30 in Dubai, despite the fissures caused by the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas conflicts. Also read | Who is Abraham Rami Ungar—Israeli businessman whose vessel was hijacked by Houthis? “Countries and delegations understand that irrespective of these deep divisions that do exist and that are undeniable, the environment doesn’t wait and climate most certainly will not,” she said. (With inputs from agencies)

Current climate pledges could still see Earth warming up to 'catastrophic' 2.9C: UN report

Ukraine's&nbsp;largest private energy company DTEK is ready for another&nbsp;winter&nbsp;and Russian attacks, but its&nbsp;power&nbsp;plants&nbsp;need&nbsp;more&nbsp;missile&nbsp;defence&nbsp;systems to operate safely, Chief Executive Officer Maxim Timchenko told Reuters.

Since Russia's February 2022 invasion, Europe, including members of the former Soviet Union and the ex-Communist bloc, has supplied hundreds of transformers, miles of cables and thousands of diesel generators&nbsp;needed for light and heat in the country in&nbsp;winter, when temperatures fall well below freezing point

However, the experience of the past 12 months has prompted Ukraine to seek more air&nbsp;defence&nbsp;systems to protect its critical infrastructure.

"We&nbsp;need&nbsp;more Patriots, more IRIS systems. We cannot protect ourselves against ballistic&nbsp;missiles if we don't have air&nbsp;defence&nbsp;systems," Timchenko told Reuters in an interview in Warsaw.

"I know that our president and our government have been doing everything that they can to bring the message that we&nbsp;need&nbsp;this equipment to protect our energy system."

In the first 10 months of this year, DTEK’s&nbsp;power&nbsp;plants&nbsp;produced enough electricity to meet the demand of around 4.1 million households.

Every one of DTEK's 13&nbsp;power&nbsp;stations has come under fire from Russia, which has launched sustained attacks on the country's&nbsp;power&nbsp;grid. In recent weeks alone, Russia has attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure with different weapons 60 times.

In total, 13 of DTEK's&nbsp;power&nbsp;units, with a total capacity of 2.3 gigawatts, have been damaged, destroyed, or occupied, causing blackouts, Timchenko said.

Since April, DTEK has managed to bring back eight out of 13&nbsp;power&nbsp;units, two are under repair, while two coal-fired&nbsp;plants&nbsp;that were mothballed are also set to work during the&nbsp;winter.

The company will have brought all of its lost capacity back into operation, Timchenko said.

DTEK has also secured enough coal and gas to feed its&nbsp;power&nbsp;plants, including 280,000 metric tons of coal from Poland, which could be increased to as much as 400,000 tons.

"Coal from Poland is more expensive than the fuel that could be sourced in Amsterdam but it's definitely less expensive than in Ukraine," he added. BETTING ON LNGDTEK, the largest private gas producer in the country, last year produced 2 billion cubic metres of gas or about 10% of&nbsp;Ukraine's&nbsp;total consumption. Gas usage has fallen by 30-35% since the start of the war, but the company has managed production to maintain a balance between supply and demand, Timchenko said.

The company's trading arm, D.Trading is now exploring opportunities in the liquefied gas trading business, betting on expectations that LNG will play a crucial market role after Europe reduced supplies of pipeline gas from Russia.

Last summer, several traders opted to store gas in Ukraine to profit from the summer-winter&nbsp;spread. In September, spot gas in the TTF Dutch gas futures market traded at about 30 euros ($32.96) per megawatt-hour, while forward prices for the first quarter of 2024 stood at 49 euros.

The move was a sign that the trading community had trust in Ukraine, Timchenko said. Stored gas can only be treated as a contingency reserve in case of destruction of infrastructure and, as of today, Ukraine has met its entire&nbsp;winter&nbsp;demand with gas produced in the country.

Meanwhile, D.Trading is expanding in Europe. The company is trading energy from Kyiv, Zagreb, Poland, Switzerland and Amsterdam and is now looking to develop transition products, such as emissions trading, Timchenko said.

"I think that we've doubled our trading team over the past 12 months, we have about 100 people working in trading and analytics today," Timchenko said.

<h2>Grid synchronisation</h2>

DTEK is also working with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSOE) to expand&nbsp;power&nbsp;transit capacity with neighbouring grids in Europe.

At present, transmission lines allow Ukraine to export as much as 2,000 megawatts of&nbsp;power&nbsp;daily, but in practice exports are usually only around 350-400 megawatts, due in part to insufficient connections and regulatory issues. Imports amount to about 1.3 gigawatts.

Regulation guiding joint auctions for&nbsp;power&nbsp;capacity at its borders is&nbsp;needed, Timchenko said.

"We hope that it can be done during the next year," he added.

Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK is ready for another winter and Russian attacks, but its power plants need more missile defence systems to operate safely, Chief Executive Officer Maxim Timchenko told Reuters.

Ukraine's largest private energy company DTEK is ready for another winter and Russian attacks, but its power plants need more missile defence systems to operate safely, Chief Executive Officer Maxim Timchenko told Reuters. Since Russia's February 2022 invasion, Europe, including members of the former Soviet Union and the ex-Communist bloc, has supplied hundreds of transformers, miles of cables and thousands of diesel generators needed for light and heat in the country in winter, when temperatures fall well below freezing point However, the experience of the past 12 months has prompted Ukraine to seek more air defence systems to protect its critical infrastructure. "We need more Patriots, more IRIS systems. We cannot protect ourselves against ballistic missiles if we don't have air defence systems," Timchenko told Reuters in an interview in Warsaw. "I know that our president and our government have been doing everything that they can to bring the message that we need this equipment to protect our energy system." In the first 10 months of this year, DTEK’s power plants produced enough electricity to meet the demand of around 4.1 million households. Every one of DTEK's 13 power stations has come under fire from Russia, which has launched sustained attacks on the country's power grid. In recent weeks alone, Russia has attacked Ukrainian energy infrastructure with different weapons 60 times. In total, 13 of DTEK's power units, with a total capacity of 2.3 gigawatts, have been damaged, destroyed, or occupied, causing blackouts, Timchenko said. Since April, DTEK has managed to bring back eight out of 13 power units, two are under repair, while two coal-fired plants that were mothballed are also set to work during the winter. The company will have brought all of its lost capacity back into operation, Timchenko said. DTEK has also secured enough coal and gas to feed its power plants, including 280,000 metric tons of coal from Poland, which could be increased to as much as 400,000 tons. "Coal from Poland is more expensive than the fuel that could be sourced in Amsterdam but it's definitely less expensive than in Ukraine," he added. BETTING ON LNGDTEK, the largest private gas producer in the country, last year produced 2 billion cubic metres of gas or about 10% of Ukraine's total consumption. Gas usage has fallen by 30-35% since the start of the war, but the company has managed production to maintain a balance between supply and demand, Timchenko said. The company's trading arm, D.Trading is now exploring opportunities in the liquefied gas trading business, betting on expectations that LNG will play a crucial market role after Europe reduced supplies of pipeline gas from Russia. Last summer, several traders opted to store gas in Ukraine to profit from the summer-winter spread. In September, spot gas in the TTF Dutch gas futures market traded at about 30 euros ($32.96) per megawatt-hour, while forward prices for the first quarter of 2024 stood at 49 euros. The move was a sign that the trading community had trust in Ukraine, Timchenko said. Stored gas can only be treated as a contingency reserve in case of destruction of infrastructure and, as of today, Ukraine has met its entire winter demand with gas produced in the country. Meanwhile, D.Trading is expanding in Europe. The company is trading energy from Kyiv, Zagreb, Poland, Switzerland and Amsterdam and is now looking to develop transition products, such as emissions trading, Timchenko said. "I think that we've doubled our trading team over the past 12 months, we have about 100 people working in trading and analytics today," Timchenko said. Grid synchronisation DTEK is also working with the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSOE) to expand power transit capacity with neighbouring grids in Europe. At present, transmission lines allow Ukraine to export as much as 2,000 megawatts of power daily, but in practice exports are usually only around 350-400 megawatts, due in part to insufficient connections and regulatory issues. Imports amount to about 1.3 gigawatts. Regulation guiding joint auctions for power capacity at its borders is needed, Timchenko said. "We hope that it can be done during the next year," he added.

Ukraine's power plants need missile defence ahead of winter, DTEK CEO says

Fresh efforts are underway in the rescue mission to evacuate the 41 workers trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in India's Uttarakhand. Our latest report looks at the multi-pronged strategy being pursued to save them from this harrowing ordeal.

Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse: Rescue efforts continue for trapped tunnel workers

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