Author: News Desk

Taiwan: Taiwan’s Defence Minister has called China’s increased military activities around the island “abnormal” and warned that it may lead to an accidental clash and the situation “getting out of hand.” In recent weeks, several Chinese fighter jets, drones, bombers, and other aircraft, as well as warships and the Chinese carrier Shandong, have been found near democratically governed Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory. Defence Minister Mr. Chiu Kuo-cheng commented that the risk of an accidental clash “is something we are very worried about.” “The risks of activities involving aircraft, ships, and weapons will increase, and both sides…

Canada: Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Russia is “committing genocide” and the invasion “must not go unpunished” during his speech on the floor of Canada’s Parliament. “Moscow, now, as always, is bent on controlling Ukraine and makes use of all available means to do that, including genocide,” Mr. Zelenskyy told a packed House of Commons in Ottawa as he continues to rally support for his war-torn country. “It is genocide, what Russian occupiers are doing to Ukraine. And when we want to win, when we call on the world to support us, it is not just about…

France: A new report has found that the global push for clean hydrogen is being delayed due to rising costs and “lagging” policy support from governments. According to the report from the International Energy Agency (IEA), low-emission hydrogen projects are rapidly expanding, but developers are waiting for government support before investing in them. The report noted that the hydrogen made through processes that are clean or less polluting accounts for less than 1 percent of the gas’s total production and use. The IEA Executive Director Mr. Fatih Birol commented that the world had seen “incredible momentum” behind low-emission hydrogen projects…

China: China has reportedly forced three Indian martial arts athletes from Arunachal Pradesh to pull out of the Asian Games, which will be held in Hangzhou, China. It comes as they didn’t receive clearance from the host country. The three female athletes, participating as wushu fighters, hail from the northeastern Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. This region is mostly claimed by Beijing as “South Tibet.” The three athletes were given approval to participate by the Hangzhou Asian Games Organising Committee, as per the report. However, they faced difficulties in downloading their accreditation cards, which serve as entry visas to China.…

London, UK: The UK Labour party has pledged to give more power to Britain’s economic watchdog if they secure victory in the upcoming election. This follows Mr. Liz Truss’s recent budget announcement, made without analysis from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR), resulting in market turmoil and a decline in the pound’s value. According to the proposals, the OBR would have the freedom to release forecasts and analyses alongside any tax and spending adjustments. Labour said the package would “bring stability back to our economy.” Currently, the government usually presents budgets in the spring and follows up with an autumn…

Sudan: Sudan’s army chief Mr. Abdul Fattah al-Burhan has warned the United Nations that months of war in his country could spill over into the region. Mr. Burhan, speaking at the UN following a string of foreign trips, urged the international community to designate the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) as a “terrorist” organisation and to target its sponsors outside Sudan’s borders, indicating ties with Russia’s Wagner mercenaries. According to the army leader, the war is “a threat to regional and international peace and security as those rebels have sought the support of outlaws and terrorist groups from different countries…

Brazil: Brazil’s Supreme Court has blocked attempts to reduce Indigenous land rights. It marks a significant win for the country’s native populations as activists celebrate this historic achievement. Out of the court’s 11 members, nine voted against the “time limit trick,” a move supported by agribusiness that aimed to hinder Indigenous communities from claiming land they weren’t inhabited in 1988, as labeled by rights groups. Outside the Supreme Court in Brasília on September 21, 2023, a majority rallied behind a ruling in favor of Indigenous rights. Activists expressed their joy through tears and dancing. “Long live Indigenous resistance,” tweeted Mr.…

United States: President Mr. Joe Biden has announced that the US will provide Ukraine with an additional $325 million in military aid. The statement was made during a White House meeting with Ukrainian President Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The package includes air defense capabilities, cluster munitions, anti-tank weapons, and other equipment. “Today I approved the next tranche of U.S. security assistance to Ukraine, including more artillery, more ammunition, and more anti-tank weapons. Next week, the first U.S. Abrams tanks will be delivered to Ukraine. We also focused on strengthening Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to protect the critical infrastructure that provides heat…

Canada: India has reportedly halted visa services for Canadians due to a growing dispute over the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian territory. Visa service provider BLS posted a message saying Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice due to “operational reasons.” BLS International is an Indian service provider for government and diplomatic missions worldwide. “Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice,” BLS posted. Tensions escalated this week when Canada stated that it was investigating believable claims linking India to…

London, UK: UK Prime Minister Mr. Rishi Sunak said that Britain has delayed the ban on new petrol and diesel cars. It signals a significant shift in the government’s strategy to achieve net zero by 2050. The Prime Minister has revealed changes in important green policies, including exemptions and delays. The PM also mentioned a 50 percent boost in cash incentives for replacing gas boilers. Mr. Sunak has stated that the government could not impose “unacceptable costs” linked to reducing emissions on British families. This move has sparked strong criticism from the opposition and certain industry leaders. Mr. Sunak has…