Showing posts with label World. Show all posts
Showing posts with label World. Show all posts

COP28 concludes with an agreement to move away from fossil fuels.

Nations embrace first-ever climate bargain on fossil powers

The agreement reached at the COP28 climate talks in Dubai included a pledge to move away from all fossil fuels for the first time.

Sultan Al Jaber of the United Arab Emirates, who presided over this year's UN-sponsored summit, mediated a deal that was robust enough to win over the US and the European Union to the need to drastically reduce the use of fossil fuels while maintaining the support of Saudi Arabia and other oil producers.

The agreement's requirements, which helped persuade the sceptics, require nations to swiftly and justly transition their energy systems away from fossil fuels. As per the agreement, nations are also expected to participate in a worldwide transition initiative, instead of being strictly forced to undergo that change on their own.

"Together, we have faced the facts and guided the world towards the correct path," stated Al Jaber, who also holds the position of CEO at Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. On Wednesday, one day later than planned, he lowered the gavel to seal the deal. Delegates praised it and gave it cheers.

Even though the result is not as dramatic as most countries had hoped, it is nonetheless a significant step forward: Moving away from oil and gas, the fuels that have supported the world economy for decades, has not been mentioned in any previous COP text.

The speed at which that becomes a reality will be determined by investors, consumers, and national governments, not by the diplomatic wrangling that sealed the deal today. Glasgow promised two years ago to phase out coal use, but consumption has since increased, and it is still very unlikely that global warming will be kept to the 1.5C target set by the Paris Agreement.

Nevertheless, the Dubai ruling represents a significant turning point in the global transition to a low-carbon energy system. By the end of the decade, the text also commits to tripling the amount of renewable energy deployed and tripling the rate of efficiency gains. An earlier COP28 agreement establishes operations as a diligently fought fund to address the losses and damages resulting from climate change.

An agreement is only as good as how it is carried out. Al Jaber declared, "We are what we do, not what we say." "We have to take the required actions to make this agreement a reality."

The environment programme director at the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and a seasoned US climate negotiator, Jonathan Pershing, said that the COP28 language advocating a reduction in the use of fossil fuels will send “a signal” that “the world is now thinking about it” and alter the way investors assess the risk of those ventures.

Diplomatic Win

The last-minute agreement is a diplomatic victory for the UAE and Al Jaber, who was controversially chosen to lead this year's negotiations due to his position at Adnoc. Despite some setbacks, including accusations that he used his position to promote oil deals and a disagreement regarding the science underlying climate change, he will contend that he succeeded in his mission.

Climate activists took issue with Al Jaber's decision to use his presidency to firmly integrate the oil and gas industry into the COP process, as there were more fossil fuel company representatives than at any previous summit.

More than fifty businesses came to an agreement with him to cut emissions from their own operations. It made no mention of the amount of oil and gas produced, but a commitment to cut methane pollution—which is 80 times more hazardous than carbon dioxide—to almost nothing by the end of the decade might have a significant effect on emissions.

Saudi Arabia nevertheless launched a surprise attack to thwart any attempt to incorporate a phase-out of fossil fuels in the text. Bloomberg News asked the kingdom's Energy Minister if he would be pleased to see a phase-down in the text as COP28 got underway.

"It's not at all," he answered.

Subsequently, the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries wrote to its members requesting that they oppose any legislation that emphasises fossil fuels over emissions.

The alliance of oil producers was ultimately left too isolated to oppose, even though the final wording was softened to address their concerns.

Magnitude 7.5 earthquake hits southern Philippines, triggering a tsunami warning

The European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC) reported that an earthquake with a magnitude of 7.5 struck Mindanao, Philippines, on Saturday. The earthquake occurred at a depth of 63 km (39 miles), and tsunamis were predicted to strike Japan and the Philippines soon after.

The waves might reach the Philippines by midnight (1600 GMT), according to the Philippine Seismology Agency Phivolcs, and they might last for hours.

There could be waves up to three metres above the tide line along some Philippine coasts, according to the U.S. Tsunami Warning System.

Phivolcs asked residents residing close to the coast of the provinces of Surigao Del Sur and Davao Oriental to "move farther inland" or "immediately evacuate," adding that "boats already at sea during this period should stay offshore in deep waters until further advised."

By 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, or around 30 minutes later, tsunami waves of up to one metre were predicted to reach Japan's southwest coast, according to the Japanese broadcaster NHK (1630 GMT on Saturday).

Although Phivolcs warned of aftershocks, it stated that it did anticipate significant damage from the tremor itself.

The coastal town of Hinatuan, which is close to the epicentre of the earthquake, has lost power since the earthquake struck, but disaster response teams have not yet reported any casualties or damage, according to Raymark Gentallan, the local police chief.

By 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, or around 30 minutes later, tsunami waves of up to one metre were predicted to reach Japan's southwest coast, according to the Japanese broadcaster NHK (1630 GMT on Saturday).

Although Phivolcs warned of aftershocks, it stated that it did anticipate significant damage from the tremor itself.

The coastal town of Hinatuan, which is close to the epicentre of the earthquake, has lost power since the earthquake struck, but disaster response teams have not yet reported any casualties or damage, according to Raymark Gentallan, the local police chief.

Day 57 of the Israel-Hamas war: Over 175 people are killed by Israeli strikes in Gaza after the ceasefire is broken | Top 10 updates

Following the conclusion of a seven-day cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched attacks on homes and structures, resulting in the deaths of at least 178 people in the first few hours of fighting on Saturday morning throughout the Gaza Strip. Hezbollah militants and Israel engaged in combat as Gazan militants started firing rockets into Israel once more. Israel claimed to have hit over 200 Hamas targets.

Updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict are as follows:

  • Early on Saturday, various locations on the outskirts of Damascus were struck by Israeli airstrikes, according to Syrian official media. According to the report, the Israeli-occupied Syrian Golan Heights was the source of the strikes. Israel began attacking targets in Syria on October 7 and has since carried out multiple strikes there.
  • The truce agreement, which saw Israel suspend most military operations in Gaza and free 300 Palestinian prisoners in return for militants releasing more than 100 hostages held in Gaza, is being renewed by Qatar.
  • According to Israel, there are still 115 adult men, 20 women, and 2 children in captivity.
  • More than 13,300 Palestinians have died since the truce started, with women and minors making up about two-thirds of the dead, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza, which is ruled by Hamas.
  • A senior Hamas official rejected a demand to release female Israeli soldiers on Friday, but stated that his organisation is amenable to exchanging more Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
  • According to the US, Israel will likely start letting some humanitarian aid into Gaza once more. On Friday, the US blocked aid after a temporary cease-fire expired.
  • Three residents of an Israeli town have reportedly perished in Hamas custody, including the oldest hostage. The community of Kibbutz Nir Oz was informed that 56-year-old Maya Goren, 86-year-old Arye Zalmanovich, and 54-year-old Ronan Engel had passed away.
  • An Israeli man who was initially believed to be held captive in Gaza has had his body recovered by the Israeli army. The army said in a statement that Israeli forces had found Ofir Tzarfati's body in Gaza.
  • Israel has started to carry out plans for civilian protection in an effort to lessen Palestinian casualties while it battles Hamas in Gaza, the US said on Friday.
  • Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said on Friday that he had spoken with Israeli Minister Benny Gantz and insisted Israel must respect international law, a day after Israel ordered its ambassador to return to Spain for consultations.
  • The militant Hezbollah organisation in Lebanon claims that on Friday, its fighters ambushed a group of Israeli soldiers near the border with Lebanon. Since Israel and Hezbollah's ally, Hamas, the Palestinian militant organisation, declared a truce last Friday, this is Hezbollah's first attack against Israeli troops along the border.
  • After setting themselves on fire in front of the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, Georgia, a protester in the US is in critical condition. The demonstration on Friday included a Palestinian flag that was discovered there. None of the consular employees was ever in danger, and the police did not think there was a link to terrorism.

The World's Most Gorgeous Women and Their Actual Income


There's no doubting that Hollywood is home to many stunning women. But in terms of their professions, business ventures, and goals, the gorgeous women on this list have surpassed themselves.

Browse this list to discover the most attractive women in Hollywood, along with details about their annual salary, net worth, and—most importantly—if any new films or albums are planned for their devoted following.

1. Beyonce Knowles

Profession: Singing, Acting Est.

Net Worth: $500 million*

Beyonce has long been regarded as one of her generation's greatest entertainers, and it's easy to see why. She and her husband, rapper Jay-Z, have a combined net worth of more than $1 billion as a result of their music careers and business ventures.

Beyonce Knowles @beyonce/Instagram

You undoubtedly have playlists on Spotify and Apple Music featuring Queen Bey's music. In addition to her billions of streams, Beyoncé sells out her concerts, with front-row tickets fetching up to $11,000 for those fortunate enough to purchase them.

MP From Canada Claims Khalistani Plan To Target Temple, Says "Step In, Take Action"

Ottawa: Citizen of India Chandra Arya, a member of parliament from Canada, allegedly recorded Pro Khalistani supporters in Surrey saying they wanted to cause trouble at the local Hindu Laxmi Narayan Mandir. On Monday, she shared the video.

Arya, a member of parliament from Canada, called on the government to intervene in addition to sharing the video on the social media platform X.

He wrote, "According to some reports, last week, supporters of Khalistan verbally assaulted a Sikh family outside a Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey, BC. It seems that the same Khalistan group is now trying to stir up trouble at the Surrey Hindu Laxmi Narayan Mandir."

"The freedom of speech and expression is the reason behind all of these actions. Like a broken record, I beg Canadian authorities to intervene once more and take appropriate action," he continued.

Saying, "Hindu temples have been attacked many times during the last couple of years," Arya highlighted the fact that Hindu temples have continued to be targets for attacks over the years. Hindu Canadians are the target of hate crimes."

"Allowing these things to continue to be done openly and publicly is not acceptable," he stated.

In August of this year, extremists in Canada defaced a Hindu temple with posters supporting the Khalistan referendum.

The poster on the temple gate featured the image of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force and a designated terrorist, who was killed in June of this year.

The assault on a Hindu temple in Canada is not the first of its kind; radical Khalistanis have carried out several such acts. This year alone saw a number of incidents that were reported.

Graffiti disparaging India was written on the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, in April of this year.

Anti-Indian graffiti was written on the Ram Mandir in Mississauga, Canada, earlier in February. The Indian Consulate General in Toronto denounced the vandalism of the mandir and asked Canadian authorities to look into the matter and take swift action against those who did it.

Anti-Indian graffiti was written on a Hindu temple in Brampton in January, which infuriated the Indian community.

The vandalism at the Gauri Shankar Mandir was denounced by the Indian Consulate General in Toronto, which also noted that the incident had a negative impact on the Indian community's sentiments in Canada.

In the meantime, relations between India and Canada have deteriorated since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated during a debate in the Canadian Parliament that his nation's security services had grounds to suspect that "agents of the Indian government" were responsible for the death of Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who was also the president of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Surrey.

However, India categorically denied the allegations, calling them "motivated" and "absurd." Notably, Canada has not yet made available to the public any proof that Hardeep Singh Nijjar was killed.

On June 18, a Gurdwara in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada, was gunned down in a parking lot. Nijjar was a designated terrorist in India.

Notably, in September, India suspended its visa services until "further notice" due to a diplomatic impasse with Canada. However, following a careful assessment of the security situation that "takes into account some recent Canadian measures in this regard," India decided last month to resume providing visa services for travellers falling under four different categories to Canada.

India opted to resume providing visa services in Canada for four categories: conference, business, medical, and entry visas, effective October 26.

How the Gaza War is related to the Houthis' seizure of a ship headed for India

The British-owned and Japanese-operated cargo ship Galaxy Leader, which was reported to have been captured by Houthis in the Red Sea, is depicted in a file photo.

The Houthis, a Yemeni rebel group, hijacked a ship that was headed for India on Sunday, November 19, adding a new twist to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. All 25 members of the crew were taken hostage when Huthi fighters descended from helicopters onto the ship. The rebels claim that the crew is being treated "by Islamic values."

Israel has called the hijacking "another Iranian act of terrorism" and asserted that the ship is operated by Japan and owned by the British.

Why have the Indian-bound ship's Houthis taken control of it? What responses have different stakeholders given to this? How are the Houthis connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict, and who are they?

What led to the ship's hijacking?

The ship Galaxy Leader had no cargo when it sailed from Turkey to Pipavav in Gujarat. Members of its crew hail from Mexico, the Philippines, Romania, Bulgaria, and the Ukraine.

The hijacking is consistent with the Houthis' previous declaration that should Israel continue its bloodshed in Palestine, they would attack ships associated with Israel in the Red Sea as well as the vital Bab al-Mandeb, a narrow strait that links the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden.

This past week, Abdulmalik al-Houthi, the leader of the group, stated in a broadcast speech that "we are open to constantly monitor and search for any Israeli ship in the Red Sea, especially in Bab al-Mandab, and near Yemeni regional waters," as reported by Reuters.

The chief negotiator and spokesman for the Houthis, Mohammed Abdul-Salam, claimed in an online statement following the hijacking that the Israelis only speak "the language of force," according to AP. "The Israeli ship's detention is a concrete measure that demonstrates the Yemeni military's determination to fight the war at sea, no matter the cost. This marks the start," he continued.

Why is Japan involved, and how has Israel responded?

Israel has declared that neither it nor any of the crew members are Israeli owners or operators of the ship.

The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, "This is another act of terrorism by Iran that represents an escalation in Iran's belligerence against the citizens of the free world, with concomitant international ramifications vis-a-vis the security of global shipping routes."

According to AP, the Israeli military described the hijacking as a "very grave incident of global consequence."

The ship does seem to be connected to an Israeli billionaire, though. As per the Associated Press, the ship's owners were linked to Ray Car Carriers, which was established by Abraham "Rami" Ungar, a prominent figure in Israel, based on ownership details found in public shipping databases.

A ship connected to Ungar experienced an explosion in the Gulf of Oman in 2021. Iran was then held responsible by Israeli media.

The Japanese company Nippon Yusen was in charge of operating the Galaxy Leader. In addition to denouncing the hijack, Japanese officials have stated that they are in talks with the Houthis and are enlisting the aid of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Iran to free the ship and its crew.

What is the purpose of the Houthis' involvement, and who are they?

A civil war has been raging between the Houthis and the Yemeni government for nearly ten years. They control the northern part of Yemen, which includes Sanaa, the official capital. These days, the official government is based in Aden.

The Houthi tribe is the source of the group's name. Iran supports the Houthis, who are Zaydi Shias, while Saudi Arabia, Iran's main adversary, and the West back the Yemeni government. The early 1990s Zaydi religious revival movement is where the group got its start.

Houthis' unwavering hostility to Israel and the West is the basis for their support of "brothers and sisters in Palestine." They have tens of thousands of fighters and a massive arsenal of ballistic missiles and armed drones, making them a formidable fighting force, according to Reuters. The Houthi stronghold in Yemen is too far away from Israel for their fighters and rockets to directly threaten Israel, but they have been launching missiles in the direction of the "enemy country."

The primary risk posed by the Houthis' actions is that their participation may intensify the fighting and possibly involve Iran. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia may be forced to intervene in the conflict if Israel decides to launch rockets over the country in retaliation against the Houthis. Many other nations with an interest in the maritime trade in the area may also be involved in the seizure of vessels in the sea.

Israel-Hamas conflict: Biden says he thinks an agreement to free the hostages in Gaza is close.

According to Reuters, US President Joe Biden stated on Monday that he thinks an agreement to exchange a truce for the release of some of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza is near. During a Thanksgiving ceremony at the White House, the US President responded, "I believe so," when asked if a deal was imminent.

Last week, Reuters revealed that Qatari mediators were trying to broker an agreement between Israel and Hamas to swap 50 hostages for a three-day cease-fire. The agreement, according to the mediators, would facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza's civilian population.

About 240 people—including women and children—were captured on October 7 as Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Israel. There are perhaps 33 kids among the hostages. Israeli data indicates that this surprise attack by Hamas, the bloodiest in Israel's 75-year history, claimed the lives of roughly 1,200 Israelis, the majority of whom were civilians. Israel, which views Hamas as an Islamist militant organisation, invaded Palestinian territory in response to this unexpected attack in order to destroy the organisation.

Since then, the Israeli army's relentless bombardment of Palestinians has resulted in the deaths of at least 13,000 people, including 5,500 children, according to the Hamas-run government in Gaza.

In the meantime, the Hamas-run health ministry said that Israel had carried out a fatal attack on the Indonesian hospital in Gaza, forcing 28 preterm babies to be evacuated from the war-torn region to Egypt.

The WHO revised by one the number provided by Egyptian media, saying that 28 preterm newborns rescued from Gaza's largest hospital, Al-Shifa, had been transferred to safety in Egypt through the Rafah crossing.

Although the Israeli army claimed to have "helped facilitate" the transfer, the WHO stated that "all babies are fighting serious infections and continue needing health care."

Israel claims that Hamas has employed extensive military tunnel networks beneath Al-Shifa. Additionally, it has displayed weapons that have been retrieved, and on Sunday, Israel declared that it had found a tunnel but had not yet found any indications of a significant military headquarters underground.

Kukis fighting for Israel and opposing Hamas far from the Northeast of India

Over 200 Kukis are prepared for battle, their community is praying for them, and they are a part of a force tasked with reacting to horrific acts of brutality committed by armed organizations - and this is happening in...Israel.

The tale of Kukis who serve in the Israel Defense Force (IDF) is obscured by the deluge of news about Israel's military response to Hamas in the international media.

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The 3,60,000 reserve soldiers that Israel has mobilized include 206 Kukis who are originally from Manipur and Mizoram. These Kukis and roughly 5,000 other members of their group reside in Israel as a result of their immigration under the nation's policy of open doors for people belonging to what Tel Aviv refers to as a "lost Jewish tribe."

And as it happens, when Hamas militants entered Israel, this small village was right in the line of fire. The majority of Kukis reside in Sderot, which is near to Gaza and experienced some of the worst violence. No one was hurt, however one family's home was destroyed by fire.

The Hebrew name for this group is Bnei Menashe, which means "children of Manasseh." Menashe was the first child of Joseph, who was regarded in Jewish tradition as the first prophet, according to Shavei Israel, an NGO that aids "lost tribe" Jewish communities emigrate to Israel.


The Bnei Menashe, according to Shavei Israel, are descended from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, who were exiled by the Assyrian Empire more than 27 centuries ago. According to Shavei Israel, these tribes "wove through Central Asia and the Far East for centuries before settling in what is now northeastern India, along the border with Burma (Myanmar) and Bangladesh."

There are about 5,000 members of his community in India, with 4,000 living in Manipur and 1,000 in Mizoram, according to Lalam Hangshing, chairman of the Bnei Menashe Council, India. Many Kukis from this village have been uprooted by the ethnic violence in Manipur, according to Hangshing.

Over the course of 30 years, 5,000 of these Kukis have immigrated to Israel, according to Hangshing. However, they have blended in wonderfully. "Dozens of our boys are regular soldiers in the IDF," he stated. "The exact number is not put out by Israeli armed forces."

"A few days ago, I received a list of 206 boys from our community who have been called for duty, joining those who are already in the IDF," Hangshing stated. He emphasizes that "many of the boys in the IDF have received commendations".

According to Hangshing, 5,000 of these Kukis had relocated to Israel over the span of 30 years. They have, nevertheless, assimilated beautifully. "Dozens of our boys are regular soldiers in the IDF," he said. "The exact number is not put out by Israeli armed forces."

"A few days ago, I received a list of 206 boys from our community who have been called for duty, joining those who are already in the IDF," Hangshing said. The fact that "many of the boys in the IDF have received commendations" is stressed by him.

After no low-blow claim, the WBA rejected Daniel Dubois' request to have Oleksandr Usyk's defeat reversed.

The WBA denied Daniel Dubois' request to have his loss to Oleksandr Usyk altered to a no-contest because of a disputed low-blow call.

Usyk successfully defended his WBA, IBF, and WBO heavyweight titles in August, but the fight's outcome was overshadowed by the moment when he was wobbly and dropped to the ground.

Usyk was given nearly four minutes to recover before dominating the rest of the bout. Referee Luis Pabon promptly determined that Dubois' vicious right hook in the fifth round was below the waist.

Pabon's decision enraged Dubois and his crew, prompting promoter Frank Warren to file an official appeal last month, urging the WBA to overturn the verdict and order an instant rematch.

However, an independent panel supported Pabon's decision, while the WBA, in announcing its decision to uphold the original result, disclosed that the referee has the last say in these circumstances.

Pabon's decision enraged Dubois and his crew, prompting promoter Frank Warren to file an official appeal last month, urging the WBA to overturn the verdict and order an instant rematch.

However, an independent panel supported Pabon's decision, while the WBA, in announcing its decision to uphold the original result, disclosed that the referee has the last say in these circumstances.


"With the supervisor's approval, the WBA decided to refer the case to the International Officials Committee, who issued their review on September 11 and found that there was no clear and conclusive evidence that Pabon's original decision on Dubois' punch to Usyk was incorrect."

"They also came to the conclusion that no TV clip provided evidence that the decision was incorrect." Furthermore, they claimed that "the original decision of the low blow must stand because there is no indispensable evidence to prove otherwise."

"On the other hand, the WBA rules determine that the decision of a low blow and whether a boxer who receives it can continue are strict competences of the referee and he is the only one authorised to make these decisions."


Usyk, who knocked Dubois down twice to extend his unblemished professional record to 21 wins from 21 fights, is poised to face WBC champion Tyson Fury next.

A contract for a fight involving all four main world titles was reached last month, though the date of the match, which will take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has yet to be revealed.

Two airports in Syria were struck by Israel, according to reports, activating air defence.

 


Syrian state media reported that Israeli strikes on Thursday targeted Syria's two main airports. This was the first such attack since a Hamas attack on Israel at the weekend sparked violent fighting.

Without going into further detail, the state media stated on the messaging service Telegram that "Israeli aggression strikes the airports in Damascus and Aleppo."

According to sources, Israel's airstrikes struck Syrian airport runways in the already-devastated cities caused by the war, triggering the nation's air defence systems.

The reports further stated that all flights into and out of Syria have been cancelled.

Flights at the airports in Aleppo and the capital Damascus, both of which are under the control of the government of war-torn Syria, have frequently been grounded as a result of Israeli strikes.

The most recent attacks occurred as Hamas and Israel continued their six-day-long heavy-fire exchange after hundreds of Hamas armed men entered Israel from Gaza on Saturday, killing more than 1,000 civilians.

These also occurred during US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Israel and only hours after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi called on Arab and Islamic nations to band together to combat Israel over the phone with his Syrian counterpart, Bashar al-Assad.

Israel has launched hundreds of airstrikes on its northern neighbour over the more than ten-year conflict in Syria, largely focusing on Hezbollah fighters, Iranian-backed troops, and Syrian army sites.

Israel seldom discusses specific operations it conducts in Syria, but it has frequently stated that it will not permit its arch-enemy Iran, which backs Assad's government, to increase its presence there.

Iran, which supports Hamas, praised Hamas' attack on Israel on Saturday even though it stated it had nothing to do with it.

"No electricity, no food, no water": Israel imposes a "complete siege" on Gaza.

Jerusalem: Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant Monday ordered a "whole siege" at the Gaza Strip because the army pounded the Palestinian territory with air strikes.

"We are placing a whole siege on Gaza... No electricity, no food, no water, no gas -- it is all closed," Yoav Gallant stated in a video message, relating to the enclave this is overcrowded with 2.three million humans.


At least seven-hundred humans had been killed in southern Israel whilst Hamas terrorists charged throughout the border on Saturday, taking pictures humans withinside the groups and cities close to Gaza earlier than Israeli safety forces started preventing back.


An envisioned 250 humans had been killed with the aid of using Hamas gunmen at a tune pageant attended with the aid of using younger Israelis and foreigners close to Kibbutz Reim, near Gaza, in step with an enterprise that helped to get better the bodies.


"We are preventing animals and are appearing accordingly," Yoav Gallant stated in Hebrew

The 2030 FIFA World Cup will be hosted in six countries across three continents.

 

FIFA and world football officials agreed Wednesday to accept a single offer that extended from Spain-Portugal to include Morocco, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay in a tournament that would take place on three continents and in six nations.

Among the most important concerns was how to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the World Cup in Uruguay, where the initial tournament final was staged in 1930.

Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay are vying to host the first matches of the 2030 World Cup, with a special goal of playing in Montevideo, Uruguay's capital and site of the 1930 Cup final.

"The centennial World Cup could not be far from South America, where everything began," said Alejandro Dominguez, head of South American soccer governing body CONMEBOL. "The 2030 World Cup will be played in three continents."

Paraguay’s Soccer Association President Robert Harrison, left, FIFA delegate Ignacio Alonso, center, Conmebol President Alejandro Dominguez, third from left, and Conmebol Vice President Claudio Tapia hold the World Cup trophy in Luque, Paraguay, on October 4, 2023. | Photo Credit: AP
FIFA will allow all six of those countries' national teams to receive automatic entries, and Morocco will be the first North Africa nation to host the event.

The 2030 decision has sped up the process of finding a home for the 2034 World Cup, which is to be held in Asia or Oceania, likely in November and December. Saudi Arabia now becomes the primary candidate for the 2034 edition.

The 2030 FIFA agreement still must meet formal approval in 2024 during a meeting of the 211 member federations.

"In 2030," according to a statement issued by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, "we will have a unique global footprint, three continents —Africa, Europe and South America — six countries — Argentina, Morocco, Paraguay, Portugal, Spain and Uruguay —welcoming and uniting the world while celebrating together the beautiful game, the centenary and the FIFA World Cup."

The current World Cup field of 32 teams will be reduced to 48 for the 2026 edition, which will be contested in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Football Supporters Europe, a fan organisation legally recognized by the Union of European Football Associations, voiced its discontent with the long distances necessary in 2030 and feels this will help Saudi Arabia's 2034 candidacy.

"FIFA continues its cycle of destruction against the greatest tournament on the planet," according to an FSE statement. "Horrendous for supporters, disregards the environment and rolls the red carpet out to a host for 2034 with an appalling human rights record."

The 104-match 2030 tournament will take place in June and July.

Turkey requests that Sweden take "concrete actions" against terrorism in order to earn support for its NATO candidature.

Turkey has warned Sweden that it must take "concrete steps" against terrorism, which Ankara claims Stockholm supports in the name of free speech, if it wants to join the US-led NATO alliance amid Russia's ongoing offensive in Ukraine.

"We don't see a satisfactory level of implementation," Turkey's vice president Cevdet Yilmaz was quoted as saying by the Financial Times.

Turkey is fighting a resurgence of Kurdish insurgents, as evidenced by an attack near the parliamentary building in Ankara on Sunday (Oct 1), just before the start of a parliament session.

Sweden's NATO bid and Turkey's opposition: Latest sequence of events

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated in July that Ankara would no longer oppose Sweden's request to join NATO.

However, Erdogan's purported commitment to allow Sweden to join NATO must be ratified by the Swedish parliament. The parliament reconvened on Sunday, but the agenda was overshadowed by a suicide bombing near the parliamentary premise.

During the NATO summit in July, while Erdogan agreed to allow Sweden to join the US-led military alliance, his Justice and Development Party (AKP) allies in parliament asserted that Stockholm must act against alleged Kurdish separatists if it is to join NATO.

The Kurdish group Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) is accused of orchestrating a coup attempt in 2016.

Ylmaz also warned Sweden that, because these issues are so important to Ankara, the parliament would be put under a lot of pressure if Stockholm did not take significant steps. Sweden agreed with Turkey last year to take tough measures against extremist organisations, including the Kurdish militant group.

"Because there is public opinion in Turkey," Ylmaz said, "our parliament is very sensitive about these issues."

"If we don't see enough progress in practise, the parliament will be put under tremendous strain."

Ylmaz went on to say that if "real concrete steps are taken," it would be fairly dependent on parliamentary approval.

Reliance Retail will acquire the South Asian licences of UK-based Superdry.

MUMBAI: Reliance Retail Ventures will pay 40 million pounds to purchase the ailing I-JK-based Superdry brand and related trademarks in three Asian countries.

The Superdry brand, trademarks, and other intellectual property assets encompassing India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh will be transferred to a new entity in which Reliance Retail's indirect subsidiary, Reliance Brands Holding I-JK, would control 76% and Superdry Plc will keep 24%.

Reliance Retail's relationship with Superdry dates back to 2012, when the former acquired the I-JK-based clothier's India franchise rights. According to a filing with the London Stock Exchange, Superdry will invest around 10 million pounds in the new entity, which will be offset by the 40 million pounds received from Reliance Retail.

Superdry's intellectual property assets encompassing the three South Asian areas accounted for around 1.8% of total sales in the fiscal year ending April 30, generating approximately 11 million pounds in revenue and 2.6 million pounds in operating profit, according to the company.

According to Superdry, the agreement with Reliance Retail will also involve intellectual property rights for its new designs. It thinks that the acquisition would give its brand with the "greatest chances" in South Asia, allowing it to "concentrate on building its brand and generating sales in its more established areas, where it has the most experience."

Reliance Retail, owned by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has over 18,000 outlets in India, offering over 50 distinct fashion brands. In India, it also holds the intellectual property rights for the Gas and Iconix brands. Iconix represents 23 brands, including Ed Hardy, London Fog, Umbro, and Hydraulic.

Julian Dunkerton and James Holder founded Superdry after visiting Tokyo in 2003. The arrangement with Reliance Retail would also assist the British firm enhance its liquidity, strengthen its balance sheet, and support its continuing working capital requirements as part of its recovery strategy, according to the company.

During her husband Rishi Sunak's event, Akshata Murty "gatecrashed" and stole his thunder.

In a surprise appearance before the Conservative Party conference in Manchester on Wednesday, Akshata Murty introduced her "best buddy" Rishi Sunak for his first speech in that capacity.


New Delhi: Akshata Murty, the first lady of the UK of Indian descent, provided some insight into her relationship with her husband Rishi Sunak in her widely shared political debut speech.

In a surprise appearance before the Conservative Party conference in Manchester on Wednesday, Ms. Murty introduced her "best buddy" Rishi Sunak for his first address in that capacity. She stated that her spouse was ignorant of her "gate-crashing" as the warm-up act before the annual conference's centrepiece during her lighthearted and frank address.


Here are some of the quotes from Akshata Murty 's speech:

We are best friends, one team

I could not image being anywhere else than here today to express my support for Rishi and the party because we are each other's greatest friends.

Struck by two things about him


"When we were both 24 years old and studying abroad in America, Rishi and I first connected. Two things about him stood out to me right away: his ardent love for his own country of the United Kingdom and his genuine desire to provide as many people as possible the chance to experience the same possibilities he was fortunate enough to enjoy. He felt utterly energised by it. The decision to be with Rishi was the simplest I've ever made ".

During tough times

"I occasionally remind Rishi that he is fighting for his principles when things become difficult. that despite the difficulties ahead, he is fighting for the principles of our party. That success is a difficult one ".

His incredible zest for life


"He has an amazing enthusiasm for living. His moral rectitude, forthrightness, and ability to distinguish right from wrong were what pulled me to him the most. It's what I continue to be pulled to even now, 14 years into my marriage."

A proud wife


"Rishi, you are aware that doing the right thing over the long run, despite difficulty, is the best course of action. I hope you are also aware of how happy you make our daughters and me every day ".

'Canada is not aiming to aggravate the issue,' says Justin Trudeau, as India demands over 40 ambassadors to leave.

Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to media outside his office on Parliament Hill in Ottawa (REUTERS)

On Tuesday, Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated that his country was "not aiming to aggravate the issue" with India. The statements came only hours after New Delhi was reported to have summoned more than 40 ambassadors to leave the country.

"Canada has no intention of escalating the issue with India." Will continue to interact with New Delhi in a responsible and productive manner. "We want to be on the ground in India to assist Canadian families," Trudeau said, according to Reuters.

The Financial Times reported earlier on Tuesday that India has requested the return of 41 diplomats by October 10. Individuals who do not comply with the deadline risk having their diplomatic immunity withdrawn.

During a press conference on Tuesday, Trudeau, however, failed to confirm the claims of expulsion.

For several weeks, relations between India and Canada have been strained after Trudeau stated that there were "credible claims" of New Delhi's participation in the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. In June, masked gunmen assassinated the 45-year-old Sikh separatist leader, a Canadian citizen. Indian officials vigorously refuted the charges, even as Ottawa backed up its assertions.

Since then, both governments have removed a senior diplomat, and India has cancelled Canadian visas. During the G20 conference in New Delhi earlier this month, Trudeau had heated exchanges with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A few days later, Canada cancelled a scheduled trade trip to India for the fall.

Nijjar's death was the subject of intelligence. According to a New York Times story citing sources, Trudeau's charges were motivated by "shared intelligence among Five Eyes allies."

Meanwhile, American authorities are reported to have informed Ottawa with intelligence on Nijjar's death. According to a New York Times story citing sources, Trudeau's charges were motivated by "shared intelligence among Five Eyes allies." The claims have left the Joe Biden administration in an untenable diplomatic position, with officials admitting the issue but avoiding assigning blame.

(With agency contributions)

Mahira Khan wedding: THIS is how Pakistani star met Salim Karim for the first time

Image Source : SCREENGRAB

After speculations for months, Pakistani star Mahira Khan finally got married to her close friend Salim Karim. The couple tied the knot in a destination wedding in Pakistan's Murree in the presence of their close friends and family. Hopping onto the trend of a minimal wedding look, both Khan and Karim opted for blue pastel shades for their special day. 

While the actor slipped into an blue-tinted exquisite lehenga, Karim wore a blue sherwani and completed his look with a sky-blue turban around his head. The videos of their wedding ceremony are now doing rounds on the internet. 

Watch the video here:



Who is Salim Karim?

Hailing from Pakistan, Salim Karim is said to be the CEO of the popular startup Simpaisa. The platform is for a variety of merchants from different sectors in more than 15 countries. Reports said Karim is also a professional DJ. 

Mahira Khan and Salim Karim's first meeting

Several Pakistani media reported that Mahira Khan and Salim Karim first met during an event hosted by Tapmad TV. They sparked dating rumours soon after they were spotted together, however, the couple kept their relationship under wraps and never spoke about it officially. In 2020, the actor first confessed to dating Karim and shared details about him during an Instagram Live with Hassan Sheheryar Yasin. 

In August 2023, rumours were rife that Mahira Khan was all set to wed Salim Karim. However, her manager called it an 'irresponsible journalism.' Cut to October 2023, the couple finally tied the knot.

Mahira Khan's first marriage

The Pakistani star, who was paired with Shah Rukh Khan in Raees, was first married to Ali Askari. They got married in 2007 and later welcomed their first child, Azlan R. In 2015, their marriage ended. 

Russia-Ukraine war: List of key events, day 586

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy visits the Memory Wall of Fallen Defenders of Ukraine to mark Defenders of Ukraine Day [Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via Reuters]


Fighting

  • Ukraine said its air defence systems shot down 16 of about 30 drones launched by Russia on Sunday. Authorities said civilian infrastructure and grain storage warehouses were damaged in the Cherkasy region as well as the southern Mykolaiv and eastern Dnipropetrovsk regions.
  • Russia’s defence ministry said its forces’ air defences in eastern Ukraine had intercepted five United States-made HIMARS shells, an air-launched JDAM bomb and 37 Ukrainian drones. Kyiv began a counteroffensive in June to retake Ukrainian land occupied by Russia since it launched its full-scale invasion of the country in February 2022.
  • Russia’s defence ministry said it shot down six Ukrainian drones over Russian regions and two Ukrainian missiles over Crimea, which Moscow annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
  • Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Oleksandr Kubrakov said five more ships were on their way to Ukrainian seaports using a new corridor for agricultural exports after Moscow withdrew from the United Nations and Turkey-brokered Black Sea grain deal that allowed safe passage for Ukraine’s grain.
  • UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak backpedalled on a comment by his defence minister that the United Kingdom could send military instructors to Ukraine. Grant Shapps told the Sunday Telegraph that as well as training Ukrainian troops in the UK, he wanted to deploy British instructors to Ukraine. Hours later, Sunak said there were no such plans. “That’s something for the long term, not the here and now. There are no British soldiers that will be sent to fight in the current conflict,” he said.
  • After Shapps’s comments were published, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev who is now deputy chairman of the country’s Security Council, said any UK soldiers training Ukrainian troops in Ukraine would be seen as legitimate targets for Russian forces.
  • The UK’s Ministry of Defence said leaked Russian defence spending documents suggested Moscow was “preparing for multiple further years of fighting in Ukraine. The documents said defence spending for 2024 was likely to account for 30 percent of total public expenditure.

Saudi Arabia condemns Quran burning in Sweden

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Islamic holy book of the Quran in the Swedish city of Malmo



Riyadh: Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the burning of a copy of the Islamic holy book of the Quran in the Swedish city of Malmo, a move which the kingdom says was carried out with “the knowledge of the local authorities”.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry on Sunday “reiterated the kingdom’s rejection of such flagrant acts,” and said such a move had inflamed the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide, Xinhua news agency reported, citing the Saudi Press Agency. 

The ministry called on the Swedish authorities to deal with Quran desecrations in a timely manner and stop giving permission to those who plan to take similar actions. Salwan Momika, an individual of Iraqi origin, tore pages of the Quran and burnt it in Malmo on Saturday.

The Swedish police detained some individuals and turned away some others who tried to stop the move, Swedish media reported.

Over the past months, copies of the Quran have been repeatedly desecrated by anti-Islam individuals or groups in countries including Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, sparking outrage and criticism in Muslim-majority countries worldwide.

Sweden gangs: Army to help police after surge in killings

The army will be officially tasked with assisting the police with gangs next Thursday

The Swedish army is stepping in to support police in tackling a recent surge in gang killings, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has announced.

He said that from next week the army would start providing assistance with analysis and logistics, as well as in handling explosives and forensic work.

Mr Kristersson added that Sweden's laws also needed updating to enable more military involvement.

So far this month, 12 people have been killed in gang violence in the country.

This is the highest number since December 2019, according to the Dagens Nyheter newspaper.

On Wednesday night alone, two young men were shot dead in Stockholm, and a woman - who police say had no links to gang crime - was killed in blast at home some 80km (50 miles) north of the capital.

The 24-year-old woman, named as Soha Saad by local media, was a newly qualified teacher and thought to be a neighbour of the target of the explosion.

HARDtalk with Foreign Minister Tobias Billström: Controversy in Sweden

Mr Kristersson made the announcement after crisis talks on Friday with Sweden's army chief Micael Byden, police chief Anders Thornberg and Justice Minister Gunnar Strommer.

He said the government would ask the army to help the police "in cases where the armed forces' specialist skills can help".

"This could be many things: help with explosives and helicopter logistics, analysis skills... IT forensic analysis."

The prime minister added that the country's current legislation had to change to address "grey-zone situations where it's not obvious what kind of threat Sweden is facing".

Soha Saad, 24, was killed in the early hours of Thursday after a blast tore through her home

Swedish media have connected the recent surge in deaths to a conflict involving a gang known as the Foxtrot network, which has been rocked by infighting and split into two rival factions.

On Thursday, Mr Kristersson said Sweden had not seen anything like it before and that "no other country in Europe" was experiencing this kind of situation.

Children and innocent bystanders, he stressed, were increasingly being caught up in such violence.

Last year, more than 60 people died in shootings in Sweden - the highest on record - and this year is set to be the same or worse.

An official government report published in 2021 stated that four in every million inhabitants were dying in shootings each year in Sweden - compared with 1.6 people per million across Europe.

Police have linked the violence to poor integration of immigrants, a widening gap between rich and poor and drug use.

Mr Kristersson's centre-right minority government, which came to power last year with the support of the anti-immigration Sweden Democrats, has not yet been able to stem the violence.

He has vowed to push ahead with more surveillance, harsher penalties for breaking gun laws, stronger deportation powers and stop and search zones - insisting that "everything is on the table".

Some critics have argued these measures fail to address underlying social issues including child poverty and underfunded community services.

Source: BBC

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