The BRICS Summit has kicked off in Russia's Kazan, with a bilateral meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. This marks their first face-to-face meeting in five years, following an agreement to resume patrolling along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The two leaders had earlier met at a formal dinner hosted by Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
Source: https://www.wionews.com/world/brics-summit-pm-modi-xi-jinping-meet-begins-in-russias-kazan-770069
US Presidential race: Democrats concerned about Kamala Harris's chances
The US presidential election is just weeks away, and Democratic circles are expressing concerns that the race may be slipping away from Vice President Kamala Harris. According to recent polls, margins between Harris and Republican candidate Donald Trump are close in seven battleground states. While some strategists remain optimistic about Harris's chances, others fear that cracks in the "blue wall" of Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin could impact the outcome.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has responded to allegations that Labour Party officials sought to interfere in the US presidential election. The former US President's campaign accused Labour of "blatant foreign interference" after volunteers travelled to the United States to help campaign for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris. Starmer denied any wrongdoing, stating that the volunteers paid their own way and that the Labour party has a long history of international cooperation.
A long-awaited lawsuit against mining giant BHP has begun in a London court, seeking billions of dollars in damages for victims of Brazil's worst environmental disaster. The 2015 dam collapse in the Mariana region killed 19 people and contaminated the Rio Doce river, affecting hundreds of thousands of people. The class-action lawsuit demands compensation for those affected by the toxic sludge, which traveled as far as the Atlantic Ocean. BHP owns a 50% stake in the company operating the mine where the dam ruptured.
A trial is underway in France, where a woman has accused her ex-husband of recruiting men online to rape her while she was under heavy sedation. The accused, Dominique Pelicot, has admitted to the crime and several defendants have denied raping her, claiming they did not realize she was unconscious. The case has raised questions about consent and the blurred lines between what is considered "rape" and what is not.
Tensions escalate in the Middle East as Israel carries out air strikes on Lebanon's Tyre, a city near ancient Roman ruins. The strikes target areas close to Hezbollah strongholds, with no immediate reports of casualties. This comes after Israel expanded evacuation orders to central neighborhoods and warned civilians to leave. Tens of thousands have already fled the city in recent weeks.
A sudden death investigation is underway at a Walmart store in Halifax, Canada, after a teenage employee was found dead inside a walk-in oven. The incident occurred on Saturday evening, and police are working with occupational health and safety authorities and the medical examiner's service to determine the cause and manner of death. The investigation is considered complex and may take time to complete. The Walmart store has been closed until further notice as the investigation continues.
Breaking news: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin claims that North Korean troops are deployed in Russia, fighting against Ukraine. This comes after South Korea's national intelligence agency estimated 3,000 North Korean troops in Russia, with the deployment expected to be completed by December. Meanwhile, Ukraine has called on any North Korean troops to surrender.
A recent report by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation reveals a halt in progress on African governance, with 21 countries experiencing democratic backsliding. The report highlights the impact of war and instability on governance, as well as the global trend towards "strongman politics" emboldening autocrats. Despite improvements in areas like infrastructure and women's equality, falling scores in rule of law, rights, and security undermine these gains.
Protesters in Bangladesh demand President's resignation over recent comments on former PM. Hundreds took to the streets, blocking roads and clashing with police. The Anti-Discrimination Student Movement is leading the campaign, citing five key demands including removal of President Shahabuddin. Authorities launched lathi charges and fired tear gas shells to disperse the crowd.
At the ongoing BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of diplomacy and cooperation in addressing global challenges. He urged fellow leaders to work together against terrorism and its financing, stating that a joint front is necessary to combat these issues. Modi also called for reforms in international institutions like the UN Security Council and WTO, highlighting the need for timely change.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban's popularity stems from his governance model, rather than geopolitics. He has gained a cult following in Eastern Europe and elsewhere, with some countries seeking his mediation services for EU membership. While some criticize his ties to Russia and China, others admire his ability to pick and choose from the post-1989 order. Orban's appeal may be waning at home, but he remains strong on the international stage.
The Biden administration is under scrutiny for potentially prosecuting Elon Musk over a $1 million daily lottery he's holding in battleground states. The giveaway requires voters to register and sign his petition supporting free speech and the Second Amendment. Critics argue it could be illegal, citing federal laws that prohibit payment for voter registration or voting. While experts doubt prosecution would occur, legal experts say the Justice Department has the power to bring a case.
The crisis in Gaza has led to a heartbreaking situation for parents, where children's clothes and shoes are falling apart due to wear and tear. Many families have been displaced and struggling to make ends meet, leading to a severe shortage of new clothing and footwear. Tailors and cobblers are working tirelessly to repair and alter what little clothing exists, but even these essential services are limited. The situation is dire, with parents forced to sacrifice their own belongings to keep their children dressed and comfortable.
A dramatic incident occurred in Cornwall, England, where a woman found herself caught between two stags engaged in an antler-locking fight on the road. She sustained injuries and was rushed to hospital for treatment. According to eyewitnesses, the motorist got trapped between the entangled stags as they fought over territorial issues during deer rutting season.
Luxury fashion brand Fendi has apologized after a customer, Annie Datouzai, claimed that staff at one of its outlets in Tokyo removed her shawl without permission. According to Datouzai's blog post, the incident occurred when she was trying on a woolen shawl and asked sales reps to retrieve another piece from the stock. When a senior sales representative took the shawl off her shoulders without explanation, Datouzai was left feeling stunned and ignored. The issue escalated with the store manager apologizing in person and Fendi's headquarters sending an apology email.
North Korea has allegedly sent an additional 1,500 troops to Russia, bringing the total number of North Korean soldiers in Russia to 3,000. According to South Korea's National Intelligence Service (NIS), around 10,000 soldiers are expected to be deployed by December. The deployment is believed to be part of a larger-scale troop deployment to help Russia in its war against Ukraine.
The NIS has also revealed that Russian military instructors are providing training to the North Korean troops on the use of military equipment, including drone operation and other technical skills. However, experts warn that the lack of understanding of modern warfare tactics may result in significant casualties if North Korean forces are deployed to the frontlines.
Belarus President Lukashenko to Seek Seventh Term in January Vote, Opposition Calls for Non-Recognition. The country's Central Election Commission announced that a presidential vote will be held on January 26, with incumbent Alexander Lukashenko likely to secure another term. The opposition has called for the international community to reject the election, citing widespread fraud and manipulation of previous votes.
As the US presidential election approaches, polls are showing a tight race between Trump and Harris. According to FiveThirtyEight's daily election poll tracker, Vice President Harris is currently leading in national polls by 1.9 percentage points. However, in crucial swing states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Nevada, the margins are razor-thin, with Trump holding a slight lead in some areas.
A surprising video has gone viral showcasing a woman getting stranded in Dubai's desert and booking a camel ride via Uber. The unexpected rescue was facilitated by an "Uber Camel driver" who arrived with a camel, saying he helps people who get lost. While some users questioned the authenticity of the video, others praised the innovative solution.