** US Climate Envoy Speaks Out on Election Results and Commitment to Climate Action
US climate envoy John Podesta expressed disappointment over last week's election results, but emphasized that the work to combat global warming will continue despite potential setbacks. At the UN climate summit in Azerbaijan, Podesta praised President-elect Joe Biden's commitment to rejoining the Paris agreement and noted that Trump's administration may try to slow down climate action.
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Hezbollah's Rocket Attack on Israel's Haifa Bay Area: Multiple Perspectives and Context
On November 11, Hezbollah launched over 90 rockets at the Galilee and Haifa Bay area in Israel, resulting in four injuries and damage to homes and vehicles. This attack comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that most of the rockets were intercepted by air defences, while a few struck inside towns.
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Russia's Basmanny District Court has ordered the arrest in absentia of International Criminal Court (ICC) Judge Haykel Ben Mahfoudh. This move comes after Mahfoudh and two other ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Russian military leaders over alleged war crimes in Ukraine. Russia does not recognize the ICC's jurisdiction.
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Russian Court Rejects Appeal in 'Treason' Case Against US-Russian Woman, Upholding 12-Year Sentence for Donating to Pro-Ukraine Charity.
** Russia Faces Wave of Bankruptcies as Borrowing Costs Skyrocket
The Russian economy is bracing for a potential wave of bankruptcies, with borrowing costs soaring and companies struggling to refinance debts. The Central Bank's aggressive interest rate hikes have led to a surge in borrowing costs, making it increasingly difficult for businesses to stay afloat.
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"Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reports fighting against nearly 50,000 Russian troops in Russia's Kursk region. The conflict has led to civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. Tensions remain high as Ukraine and Russia engage in a protracted war. International leaders continue to provide support to Ukraine."
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US House results indicate a close contest between Republicans and Democrats, with Republicans leading by 214 seats. Eighteen races remain undecided, but even if the Democrats win all 10 leading contests, they would still fall short of the majority. The outcome could impact President Trump's legislative agenda.
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Taiwan investigators have cleared Taiwanese individuals and firms of involvement in deadly Lebanon device blasts. The investigation found no evidence of nationals or domestic companies participating in the September attack targeting Hezbollah communications devices. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office previously confirmed Israel's role in the operation.
** Israel and Lebanon Report Progress in Ceasefire Talks, No Deal Reached Yet
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar claims "certain progress" has been made in ceasefire talks with Lebanon, while Hezbollah says it hasn't received a proposal. Diplomatic efforts are ongoing, but questions remain about the intent behind Israel's military actions.
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** Khalistani Terrorist Threatens India's Ram Mandir, Warns of Attacks on Hindu Temples
A video statement by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a designated terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), has threatened attacks on Hindu temples, including the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The video was reportedly recorded in Brampton, Canada, and warns of an attack on November 16 and 17.
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Russia has blocked screenings of a new Trump biopic, "The Apprentice," after its local distributor failed to receive a screening license from authorities. The film, which depicts Trump as a young man under the mentorship of Roy Cohn, had previously stirred controversy over a scene showing Trump raping his first wife Ivana.
Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/11/11/russia-blocks-screenings-of-new-trump-biopic-a86978
US President Joe Biden is facing pressure to take decisive action on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank. The Biden Administration has warned Israel that unless it takes tangible steps to relieve the catastrophic conditions, it risks having its pipeline of American arms turned off.
** The 2024 global climate summit, COP29, has kicked off in Azerbaijan's capital Baku. Activists, including Greta Thunberg, have criticized the event as a "greenwash conference" due to the host country's fossil fuel-based economy. The summit aims to address funding for green energy and climate change mitigation programs worldwide.
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Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth acknowledges his coalition's defeat in parliamentary election. Final results are pending, but opposition leader Navin Ramgoolam's party appears set to take power.
US President-elect Donald Trump has appointed two key officials ahead of his return to the White House in January. Tom Homan, a former acting director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), will serve as Trump's "border tsar," overseeing border security and deportation policy. Elise Stefanik, a New York Congresswoman, has been nominated as ambassador to the United Nations. Their appointments come amid speculation about Trump's administration and control of the US Congress.
** US President-elect Donald Trump appoints Tom Homan as "border czar" to oversee deportation efforts. Homan, former ICE Director, will be responsible for enforcing immigration policies on the Southern Border, Northern Border, Maritime, and Aviation Security.
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** Mauritius Parliamentary Election Update: Opposition Leader Navin Ramgoolam on Track to Win Prime Minister's Post
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US President Joe Biden Stumbles While Walking on Beach, Raises Health Concerns
** Russia Prepares for Mass Government Layoffs Amid Digitization Efforts and Salary Increases
Russias government plans to resume mass layoffs of public sector employees next year, with around 400,000 people at risk of losing their jobs. The move aims to free up funding for remaining employees' higher salaries. President Vladimir Putin signed a decree last month ordering territorial branches of federal agencies to cut staff by 10% no later than July 1, 2025.
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Source: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2024/11/11/russia-preparing-mass-government-layoff-a86976
Republicans near majority control in US House, key races still undecided