Author: REUTERS
REUTERS
Reuters is a British news agency founded in 1851, but owned by Thomson Reuters Corporation, a Canadian conglomerate. As a news agency, Reuters covers a diversity of topics from around the world.
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin emphasized the importance of safeguarding civilians and ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need during a recent phone call with Israel Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant. The Pentagon stated this conversation took place before any potential military operation in Rafah. Austin highlighted the “unquestionable necessity” of these measures, underlining the significance of protecting innocent lives and providing essential aid. Published 17 May 2024, 02:19 IST In a recent development, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed the critical need to protect civilians and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid during a conversation with Israel’s Minister of…
Washington: The United States finds “deeply problematic” China’s essential reconstitution of Russia’s defense industrial base and will take appropriate action on the issue when necessary, US State Department deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel said on Thursday. China’s Xi Jinping and Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Thursday pledged a “new era” of partnership between the two most powerful rivals of the United States which they cast as an aggressive Cold War hegemon that was sowing chaos across the world. Patel, speaking at a daily press briefing, was answering a question about the Xi-Putin meeting. Published 16 May 2024, 21:04 IST In a recent…
Israel is facing a political dilemma over the issue of conscription exemptions for ultra-Orthodox Jews. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes two ultra-Orthodox parties, is at odds with former army chief Benny Gantz over a proposed bill to increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox community. The ultra-Orthodox Jews, who make up 13% of Israel’s population, argue that conscription waivers are essential to preserving their conservative values and faith. However, critics believe the exemptions keep many ultra-Orthodox individuals out of the workforce, creating a growing welfare burden for taxpayers. Gantz, a potential challenger to Netanyahu, dismissed the previous parliament’s…
By REUTERS Former Nigerian central bank governor, Godwin Emefiele, faces charges of illegally printing new banknotes and unauthorized withdrawals of billions of naira without proper approval. Emefiele, who is already embroiled in a separate fraud trial, pleaded not guilty to these new charges in court. State prosecutors allege that between October 2022 and March 2023, Emefiele ordered the printing of new denominations without necessary approvals, causing economic disruption and hardship for citizens leading up to the presidential election won by Bola Tinubu. Emefiele was also accused of approving a large sum withdrawal from a government fund in violation of prescribed…
By REUTERS A former government minister from Gambia, Ousman Sonko, was convicted by a Swiss court of crimes against humanity committed under the dictatorship of Yahya Jammeh and sentenced to 20 years in prison. The court found Sonko guilty of intentional homicide, torture, and false imprisonment but acquitted him of rape charges. This marks the highest-ranking official to be tried in Europe using universal jurisdiction, allowing the prosecution of serious crimes anywhere. Advertisement The verdict can be appealed, but this trial represents a significant step towards justice for Jammeh’s victims. Sonko fell out with Jammeh before the dictator’s forced flee…
By REUTERS South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a bill into law to provide universal health coverage. The National Health Insurance (NHI) bill aims to reform the healthcare system, reduce inequality, and improve access to quality care. However, critics argue that it lacks adequate funding and may strain public finances. The NHI will gradually phase out private insurance, establish a public fund for free care, and regulate pricing for NHI-funded services. While supporters view it as a vital step towards equality, opponents fear it could lead to limited choices and impact healthcare professionals. Opposition parties and industry groups plan to…
By REUTERS More than half of Zimbabwe’s population will need food aid this year due to a severe drought, leading to crop failure and widespread hunger. Around 6 million people in rural areas and 1.7 million in urban areas require assistance, as reported by the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee (Zimlac). Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi are among the worst hit countries by the El Nino-induced drought in Southern Africa. With Zimbabwe facing its worst drought in 40 years, maize production has decreased by 77 percent, resulting in a significant food deficit. Advertisement The government plans to import maize to cover the…
YouTube to Block 32 Video Links in Compliance with Hong Kong Court Decision In response to a Hong Kong court decision, Alphabet’s YouTube has announced that it will block access to 32 video links containing prohibited content. The court order, granted by Hong Kong’s Court of Appeal, includes a ban on a protest anthem titled “Glory to Hong Kong.” Expressing disappointment with the ruling, YouTube stated that it will comply with the removal order while considering options for an appeal to ensure access to information. The geoblocking of videos will be implemented immediately for viewers in Hong Kong, following an…
Gunmen wearing balaclavas ambushed a prison van in northern France on Tuesday to free a drug dealer known as “The Fly”, killing two prison guards, severely wounding three and triggering a major police manhunt. The brazen attack at a toll booth in Incarville underlines the threat of drug crime in Europe, the leading cocaine market. The fugitive inmate, Mohamed Amra, is a 30-year-old drug dealer from northern France with ties to a powerful gang in Marseille. French police officers stand guard at the Incarville toll station in the north of France on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE The violent escape attempt involved…
By REUTERS The Democratic Republic of Congo has lifted the suspension on a copper and cobalt operation majority-owned by China’s Zijin Mining Group Co Ltd, following high radiation levels investigation. The Ministry of Mines halted Commus project’s activities to inspect mineral products returned from South Africa. On Monday, the Ministry confirmed the lifting of the suspension after receiving the investigation report and emphasized the importance of maintaining radiation levels within standards. Commus, located near Kolwezi, Congo, is a significant copper and cobalt producer, with 129,000 tonnes of copper and 2,200 tons of cobalt produced in 2023. This development marks a…