General news

• Flood rescue teams in Derna set back by communications outage

  20-09-2023 22:31 via theguardian.com
  
  Severed fibre-optic cables hamper search for survivors in eastern Libya where thousands died after dams collapsedA daylong communication outage in the flood-stricken city of Derna in eastern Libya has further complicated the work of teams searching for bodies under the rubble and at sea.The country’s chief prosecutor, meanwhile, vowed to take “serious measures” to deliver justice for the victims of the floods, which killed thousands of people and devastated the coastal city mor
  
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• Yemen’s southern leaders say ‘bad’ peace deal cannot be imposed

  20-09-2023 21:53 via theguardian.com
  
  Leaders seeking south Yemen’s independence say they have been sidelined from talks between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebelsLeaders of the Southern Yemen independence movement have said they have been sidelined from the critical talks held in Riyadh between Saudi Arabia and Houthi rebels on the future of Yemen. They warned any peace deal cannot be imposed upon the south, saying possible Iranian control of the strategic Bab el-Mandeb waterways was at stake.After an unprecedented five days of m
  
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• Canada: legal challenges threaten to derail truck blockade leaders’ trial

  20-09-2023 21:16 via theguardian.com
  
  Trial initially scheduled to last 16 days facing mounting delays amid challenges over the admission of certain evidenceThe trial of two protest leaders who encouraged a truck blockade of Canada’s capital is facing mounting delays as legal arguments threaten to derail the closely watched case.Early last year, the month-long “Freedom Convoy’” protest paralyzed Ottawa after hundreds of large vehicles blocked key thoroughfares. Initially meant as a challenge to coronavirus pu
  
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• Rishi Sunak's shift on green policies - then and now

  20-09-2023 21:11 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Watch what the prime minister has said in the past, and what he's saying now.
  
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• How should UK, US and Australia respond to Canada-India row?

  20-09-2023 20:52 via theguardian.com
  
  Justin Trudeau’s accusation that India may be behind Sikh separatist killing puts western leaders in awkward positionCanada’s accusation on Monday that India may have been behind the car park murder of the Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June – which New Delhi rejects outright – comes at an uncomfortable and unwelcome time for Britain, the US and Australia.London, Washington and Canberra have all been prioritising closer ties with New Delhi, seeing it not just as
  
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• US and Brazil warn of attempt to stop Guatemala president-elect taking power

  20-09-2023 18:56 via theguardian.com
  
  Fears Guatemalan democracy is in peril amid warning of potential coup to block inauguration of anti-corruption crusaderInternational concern over the future of Guatemala’s democracy is growing, as Brazil’s president warned of a possible coup to stop the president-elect taking power and the US denounced unprecedented attempts to undermine the Central American country’s election result.The centre-left anti-corruption crusader Bernardo Arévalo was elected Guatemala’s
  
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• ‘His spirit is still among us’: Sikhs defiant in Canada city where activist was murdered

  20-09-2023 18:40 via theguardian.com
  
  Colleagues say they knew Hardeep Singh Nijjar could be targeted by India for his role in Canada as a community leaderJustin Trudeau may have shocked the world this week when he linked “agents of India” to the murder of a Canadian citizen in British Columbia, but colleagues who worked alongside Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar before he was shot dead this summer said the link was already clear.“We’re not surprised,” said Gurkeerat Singh, a volunteer at the Surrey tem
  
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• Iran approves stricter hijab bill targeting those who ‘mock’ dress code

  20-09-2023 17:55 via theguardian.com
  
  Protestors face 10-year jail terms under new hijab and chastity bill, which UN human rights body says is intended to suppress women into ‘total submission’Iran’s parliament has approved a controversial new bill under which women face up to 10 years in prison if they continue to defy the country’s mandatory hijab rules.As well as harsher penalties on women defying the strict dress code, the draft law also intends to identify those who “promote nudity [or] indecency&r
  
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• UN inquiry into rights in Iran urged to look at detention of dual nationals

  20-09-2023 17:29 via theguardian.com
  
  Free Nazanin campaign says Iran’s ‘hostage diplomacy’ is becoming normalised and calls for more coherent responseA UN inquiry into human rights in Iran has been asked to intervene in the growing detention of Iranian dual nationals and to identify the practice as unlawful state hostage-taking.The inquiry, set up last November by the UN human rights council and being overseen by three lawyers, is due to report in March 2024. A submission from the Free Nazanin campaign, which work
  
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• India urges its citizens to exercise ‘extreme caution’ in Canada

  20-09-2023 17:19 via theguardian.com
  
  India’s foreign ministry issues warning after rejecting Trudeau’s allegations government played role in murder of Sikh activistThe diplomatic row between India and Canada over the murder of a Sikh activist has continued to escalate as New Delhi warned its nationals of “growing anti-India activities and politically condoned hate crimes” in Canada.Justin Trudeau alleged on Monday that there were “credible allegations” that the Indian government played a role in
  
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• Half-million-year-old wooden structure unearthed in Zambia

  20-09-2023 17:10 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Ancient timber preserved in a riverbed suggests humans were building wooden structures 500,000 years ago.
  
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• ‘Oldest wooden structure’ discovered on border of Zambia and Tanzania

  20-09-2023 17:00 via theguardian.com
  
  Logs shaped with sharp tools on border of river predate rise of modern humans and may have formed walkway or platformResearchers have discovered remnants of what is thought to be the world’s oldest known wooden structure, an arrangement of logs on the bank of a river bordering Zambia and Tanzania that predates the rise of modern humans.The simple structure, made by shaping two logs with sharp stone tools, may have formed part of a walkway or platform for human ancestors who lived along the
  
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• Gymnastic World Championships: Simone Biles qualifies for sixth Championships

  20-09-2023 16:22 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Simone Biles will compete for her 20th world title at the upcoming World Championships in Antwerp.
  
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• Viral series about Chinese teapot escaping from British Museum to become film

  20-09-2023 16:21 via theguardian.com
  
  Series with 370m views echoes Chinese state media calls for return of cultural relicsA viral series on the Chinese version of TikTok about a jade teapot that turns into a woman and escapes from the British Museum is to be adapted into an animated film.The plot of Escape from the British Museum, a series made by two social media influencers, echoes Chinese state media calls for the British government to make amends for “historical sins” and return Chinese cultural relics. Continue rea
  
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• India warns citizens in Canada to be cautious

  20-09-2023 16:21 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The advisory comes a day after tensions between the countries escalated over the killing of a Sikh separatist.
  
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• MohBad: Nigerian fans demand justice after Afrobeat star's death

  20-09-2023 15:51 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Demonstrators want to know how popular 27-year-old singer Mohbad died last week.
  
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• Fortnite: Parents in US offered refunds for game purchases

  20-09-2023 15:35 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Parents in the US whose children made unintended in-game purchases will be offered $245m (£198m) in refunds.
  
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• Violent tornado sends sparks flying on streets of Chinese city

  20-09-2023 14:58 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A tornado rips through the city of Suqian in eastern China, sending debris flying through the air.
  
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• Violent tornado sends debris flying across eastern Chinese city

  20-09-2023 14:58 via bbc.co.uk
  
  A tornado ripped through the city of Suqian in eastern China, sending debris flying through the air.
  
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• WATCH: Plankton bloom dyes Thailand's seas green

  20-09-2023 14:56
  
  Marine life and fisheries in Thailand are under threat from a very severe plankton bloom.
  
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• WATCH: Thousands of dolphins form ‘mega-pod’ in California

  20-09-2023 14:50
  
  Incredible aerial footage shows a vast "mega-pod" of dolphins swimming in California's Monterey Bay.
  
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• Iran hijab bill: Women face 10 years in jail for 'inappropriate' dress

  20-09-2023 14:50 via bbc.co.uk
  
  MPs back a draft law that seeks harsh punishments against those who are "inappropriately" dressed.
  
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• Nagorno-Karabakh forces agree Azerbaijan demand to disarm

  20-09-2023 14:46 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Twenty-four hours into an Azerbaijan army offensive, ethnic-Armenian forces agree terms for a ceasefire.
  
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• Spain players agree to end football boycott

  20-09-2023 14:11 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Most of the Spain team agree to end their boycott, says secretary of state for sports Victor Francos.
  
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• London church unveils artwork to commemorate African-born abolitionist

  20-09-2023 13:56 via theguardian.com
  
  Che Lovelace paintings in St James’s church are first permanent art commission to honour Quobna Ottobah CugoanoA permanent artwork to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the baptism of Quobna Ottobah Cugoano, one of Britain’s most important abolitionists, has been unveiled at a church in central London.The paintings by the Trinidad-based artist Che Lovelace, displayed at St James’s church, Piccadilly, are the first permanent art commission to commemorate Cugoano, a significant
  
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• Ukraine and Kenya plan 'grain hub' for East Africa to help tackle food insecurity

  20-09-2023 13:55 via bbc.co.uk
  
  President Volodymyr Zelensky says establishing grain facilities in Africa will boost food security.
  
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• Man Utd: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer criticises some players from time in charge at Old Trafford

  20-09-2023 13:34 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Ole Gunnar Solskjaer criticises the behaviour of some players during his time as Manchester United manager, saying they were not as good as they thought they were.
  
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• US child dies from fentanyl kept under nursery nap mat

  20-09-2023 13:31 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Nicholas Dominici, one, who had attended the daycare for just a week, died of a suspected overdose.
  
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• Nagorno-Karabakh: Conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenians explained

  20-09-2023 13:28 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The region is at the heart of a long-running conflict between ethnic Armenians and Azerbaijanis.
  
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• Police officer faces murder charge over London shooting

  20-09-2023 13:16 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The 24-year-old was shot dead during a police operation in south London on 5 September 2022.
  
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• Selena Gomez: Huge Instagram following is 'a big responsibility'

  20-09-2023 13:08 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The actress and singer became the most-followed woman on Instagram earlier this year.
  
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• Ferromex: Mexican railway operator suspends routes amid migrant deaths

  20-09-2023 12:40 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Migrants heading to the US often hitch rides on freight trains, with many injured or killed.
  
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• Six Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in West Bank and Gaza

  20-09-2023 12:01 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Israeli forces killed five men during raids in Jenin and Jericho, while one died at a protest in Gaza.
  
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• Indonesia: TikToker jailed for two years over pork video

  20-09-2023 11:10 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Lina Lutfiawati, who identifies as Muslim, said an Islamic phrase before eating crispy pork skin.
  
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• Cricket World Cup 2023: New Zealand's Tim Southee a doubt over thumb injury

  20-09-2023 10:13 via bbc.co.uk
  
  New Zealand fast bowler Tim Southee is to undergo thumb surgery, leaving his World Cup participation in doubt.
  
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• Union Berlin: From second tier to Real Madrid away with 'terror football from Kopenick'

  20-09-2023 08:07 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Five years ago Union Berlin were playing in the German second tier. On Wednesday they make their Champions League debut at Real Madrid.
  
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• The world’s largest – and stinkiest – flower in danger of extinction, scientists say

  20-09-2023 08:00 via theguardian.com
  
  The 42 known species of the parasitic plant Rafflesia,known as the corpse flower, are endangered due to destruction of forest habitatsParasitic, elusive and emitting an overwhelming odour of putrefying flesh, Rafflesia – often called the corpse flower – has intrigued botanists for centuries. Now, scientists are warning that it is at risk of extinction and calling for action to save it.The blooms of the Rafflesia have become famous for their odour of decaying meat, produced to attract
  
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• Seal pups trapped in fishing nets cut free by South Africa beachgoers

  20-09-2023 07:30 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Baby seals caught up in fishing nets are rescued on a South African beach.
  
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• Elephants on the march across African borders as fatalities are on the rise

  20-09-2023 07:30 via theguardian.com
  
  More carcasses found as animals roam long distances and clash with local people in search for waterThe climate crisis is pushing elephants on a forced migration across borders in southern Africa in search of water, creating problems for national parks and conservation efforts.In recent weeks, Zimbabwe’s elephants have been crossing the country’s borders into Botswana, officials said on Tuesday. Exactly how many elephants are affected is not yet known. The development comes as a surve
  
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• Rugby World Cup 2023: What to look out for in week three in France

  20-09-2023 07:16 via bbc.co.uk
  
  The world's top two teams collide and Wales face a crunch game with Australia - what to watch in week three of the Rugby World Cup.
  
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• Japan swelters through ‘abnormal’ autumn, with warnings of more heat to come

  20-09-2023 07:07 via theguardian.com
  
  After experiencing a record-breaking number of ‘extremely hot’ days in summer, the unusually high temperatures are due to continueMatsutake mushrooms and persimmons have appeared on supermarket shelves, along with seasonal beers and sakes. In Tokyo neighbourhoods, residents carry portable shrines through the streets at festivals to mark the end of summer, and children get ready for school sports days.Autumn, though, has yet to make an appearance in Japan. Instead, experts are warning
  
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• FDA rejects first needle-free alternative to EpiPens, calling for additional research

  20-09-2023 05:25 via nbcnews.com
  
  The nasal-spray Neffy was rejected by the FDA. The epinephrine nasal spray would've been the first needle-free alternative to EpiPens, but the FDA said additional research was needed.
  
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• Bijou Phillips to divorce Danny Masterson after rape sentencing - reports

  20-09-2023 04:23 via bbc.co.uk
  
  She cites irreconcilable differences, two weeks after the convicted rapist blew a kiss to her in court.
  
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• Ohio Supreme Court rules 'unborn child' wording can remain in abortion ballot language

  20-09-2023 04:20 via nbcnews.com
  
  The ruling finalizes the text on a November ballot measure that, if passed, will enshrine abortion access in the state's constitution.
  
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• Americans freed from Iran make emotional return to the U.S. after prisoner swap

  20-09-2023 03:37 via nbcnews.com
  
  Five Americans who were released after being wrongfully imprisoned in Iran for years have arrived back on U.S. soil after a prisoner swap.
  
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• Henry Diltz: Rock's 'accidental photographer' wins lifetime achievement prize

  20-09-2023 03:30 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Henry Diltz, who shot some of rock's most iconic images, will be honoured at Abbey Road on Thursday.
  
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• Quobna Cugoano: London church honours Ghanaian-born freed slave and abolitionist

  20-09-2023 03:24 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Quobna Cugoano was captured by slavers aged 13 but later played a big part in the UK abolition movement.
  
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• 'I was in Iran's police - then joined protesters'

  20-09-2023 03:02 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Omid Moradi used to break up demonstrations, but ended up switching sides.
  
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• Asteroid that passes nearby could hit Earth in the future, NASA says

  20-09-2023 03:01
  
  An asteroid NASA's been tracking for nearly 25 years could impact Earth in the future, a new report reveals.
  
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• Patriots fan was punched in head before he died at stadium, witness says

  20-09-2023 02:59 via nbcnews.com
  
  A New England Patriots fan who died at a home game Sunday was punched in the head twice before the medical emergency, a witness said Tuesday.
  
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