Latest world news News: Today’s Live Updates 02-Dec-2023

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Latest world news Live Updates 02-Dec-2023 (Reuters)

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• 2 Dec 2023, 09:17:06 PM IST

  Japan issues tsunami alert after powerful quake hits Philippines

  A tsunami alert has been issued for the western coast of Japan following a major earthquake in the Philippines. The Japan Meteorological Agency has estimated that the tsunami, which is expected to be 1 metre high, will reach Japan as early as 1:30 a.m. on Sunday. The alert has prompted warnings to residents in affected areas to evacuate to higher ground. The situation is still developing and updates are expected.

• 2 Dec 2023, 09:00:40 PM IST

  Boris Johnson to issue ‘unreserved apology’ for his handling of Covid crisis: Report

  Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to issue an "unreserved apology" at the Covid public inquiry next week, but will also defend his decisions during the pandemic. In his written testimony, Johnson will admit to some mistakes but argue that the three UK lockdowns came at the right time and prevented health services from being overwhelmed. References to Rishi Sunak, former UK chancellor, will be largely absent from Johnson's testimony. The inquiry has been taking place amid public anger over allegations of parties in Downing Street during lockdown. Johnson will deny claims that he wasn't fully engaged during the early stages of the pandemic.

• 2 Dec 2023, 08:53:01 PM IST

  Israel-Hamas war: Gaza Health Ministry says 15,200 dead

  The death toll from the Israeli offensive in Gaza has risen to over 15,200, with 70% of those killed being women and children, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. The previous toll given by the ministry was over 13,300. More than 40,000 people have been wounded. Israel intensified its offensive following a weeklong truce with Hamas, leading to concerns about civilian casualties. The US has urged Israel to do everything possible to protect civilians. Many of Israel's attacks on Saturday were focused on the Khan Younis area in southern Gaza, where the military said it had struck more than 50 Hamas targets.

• 2 Dec 2023, 08:37:40 PM IST

  Iran claims Israeli strike in Syria killed 2 Revolutionary Guard members

  Two members of Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Syria, according to a report on the Guard's news portal. The report did not provide details about their rank or the area where they were killed. Syrian state media said Israeli airstrikes hit several areas on the outskirts of the capital Damascus, resulting in "material losses". The strikes reportedly hit the southern Damascus suburb of Sayyida Zeinab, where there are military forces working with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. This incident is likely to further increase tensions between Israel and Iran.

• 2 Dec 2023, 08:35:13 PM IST

  7.5 magnitude earthquake strikes Mindanao in Philippines; Tsunami warning issued

  A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck Mindanao, Philippines on Saturday, according to the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The quake had a depth of 63 km (39 miles). The US tsunami warning system issued a warning after the earthquake occurred.

• 2 Dec 2023, 08:21:03 PM IST

  Vladimir Putin orders the Russian military to increase troops to a total of 1.32 million

  Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered an increase in the number of troops by nearly 170,000, bringing the total to 1.32 million, as military action in Ukraine continues. This is the second expansion of the army since 2018, with the previous boost adding 137,000 troops. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that the increase would be gradual and achieved by recruiting more volunteers, rather than through significant conscription. The ministry cited the ongoing military operation in Ukraine and the expansion of NATO as the reasons for the increase. Russia's military casualties in Ukraine remain uncertain, with the West estimating much higher numbers than officially confirmed.

• 2 Dec 2023, 07:44:43 PM IST

  Ukraine claims blackout at nuclear plant risked radiation accident

  Ukraine has stated that two power lines connecting its electricity grid to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant were cut overnight, putting the plant at risk of an "accident". The plant has been at the centre of fighting since it was captured by Russian forces last year. This is the eighth time the plant has been cut off from external power since the conflict began. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned that the most recent power outage is another reminder of the precarious nuclear safety and security situation at the plant. The IAEA continues to monitor the safety of the plant and has called on all parties to not take any action that could further endanger the plant.

• 2 Dec 2023, 06:56:37 PM IST

  Vatican says Pope's health condition improving but…

  Pope Francis, who is suffering from a lung inflammation, will read his Sunday message indoors from his residence in order to avoid exposing himself to temperature changes, the Vatican said. The 86-year-old pontiff's health is improving and he has no fever, according to a statement. Francis was recently forced to cancel a planned trip to Dubai to address the U.N. climate summit, with the Vatican's number two, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, reading the speech on his behalf.

• 2 Dec 2023, 06:41:22 PM IST

  Israel's Mossad team visits Qatar to discuss terms of restarting truce in Gaza

  A team from Israel's Mossad intelligence services visited Doha on Saturday for talks with Qatari mediators regarding another pause in the fighting in Gaza. The talks focused on the potential release of new categories of Israeli hostages and the parameters of a truce. The truce, which began on Nov. 24, saw Hamas release Israeli women and children taken hostage on Oct. 7 in exchange for the release of Palestinians, including women, held in Israeli prisons. The truce collapsed on Friday, with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for the breakdown.

• 2 Dec 2023, 05:47:38 PM IST

  US pledges $3 billion to green climate fund at COP28 conference

  Vice President Kamala Harris announced at the UN's COP28 conference that the United States will contribute $3 billion to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This is the first pledge to the fund by the US since 2014. The money, which still needs approval from Congress, will be used to support adaptation and mitigation projects in developing countries. Prior to the US announcement, $13.5 billion had been pledged to the GCF. The contribution comes as developing countries are seeking support from wealthier nations to cope with the impacts of climate change and transition to cleaner energy sources.

• 2 Dec 2023, 01:46:01 PM IST

  Iconic Garisenda Tower in Italy may ‘collapse’ due to excessive leaning: Reports

  The Garisenda Tower in Bologna, Italy, is at risk of collapsing due to excessive leaning, according to media reports. The tower, which is over 150 feet tall and was built in the 12th century, has been steady for almost 1,000 years. However, sensor readings in October 2023 triggered alarms, leading to the urgent shutdown of the area around the tower. The city council has now decided to erect a protective metal cordon to contain any debris from a possible collapse and reduce the vulnerability of surrounding buildings. Authorities are monitoring the tower's movements closely and have raised a "yellow" alert as a precaution.

• 2 Dec 2023, 01:26:37 PM IST

  Rep. Pramila Jayapal spearheads US immigrant visa reform bill to ease Green Card backlogs, Indians to benefit

  A bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by US Representative Pramila Jayapal along with Rep. Rich McCormick and Rep. Raja Krishnamo, have introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives that would eliminate the per-country caps on employment-based green cards and increase the family-based green card limit. The bill, called the HR6542 Act, aims to address the long-standing backlog of green card applicants, especially from countries like India and China, who face decades of waiting to obtain permanent residency in the United States. The bill has received support from various immigration advocacy groups and has a better chance of passing in the current Congress.

• 2 Dec 2023, 01:10:11 PM IST

  'No new infectious diseases found': China amid surge in respiratory illness

  China's National Health Commission has reported that no new infectious diseases have been found in investigations of respiratory illness. This comes as China is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses as it enters its first full winter season since lifting COVID-19 restrictions. The country has been monitoring respiratory illness cases closely to ensure that no new infectious diseases emerge. The announcement provides some reassurance that there are currently no major public health threats in China related to respiratory illnesses. However, ongoing surveillance and monitoring will be necessary to detect any potential new infectious diseases in the future.

• 2 Dec 2023, 12:17:55 PM IST

  3 Khalistan supporters guilty for plot to kill New Zealand radio show host Harnek Singh

  Supporters of the Khalistan movement have been sentenced for the attempted murder of a radio host in Auckland, New Zealand. Sarvjeet Sidhu pleaded guilty to attempted murder, while Sukhpreet Singh was found guilty of being an accessory. The attack, which occurred in December 2020, left the radio host with over 40 stab wounds. The judge emphasized the need for community protection and deterrence against religious fanaticism. The mastermind behind the attack received a sentence of 13-and-a-half years, while Sidhu was sentenced to nine-and-a-half years in prison. Two other individuals await sentencing for their involvement in the attack.

• 2 Dec 2023, 11:56:01 AM IST

  Hamas leader says he doesn't know many hostages still alive, Israel reacts

  A senior Hamas leader's comment about not knowing how many hostages were still alive in Gaza and that the number was not important has prompted a sharp reaction from the Israeli government. The Hamas leader, Ghazi Hamad, made the comment in an interview with CBS news. The Israeli government spokesman, Eylon Levy, responded by saying that Hamas worships death while Israelis value life. Levy also claimed in a social media post that Hamas was currently holding 137 hostages in Gaza. Over the past week, Hamas has released 110 captives as part of a truce agreement.

• 2 Dec 2023, 11:27:44 AM IST

  New book puts out 'proofs' to support Harry, Meghan claims that palace 'pulled out all stops' to quash Williams's affair

  A new book by journalist and royal author Omid Scobie claims that Prince William's affair rumours were met with a strong response from Kensington Palace. Scobie alleges that the palace's press secretary, Christian Jones, tried to suppress a 2019 story that suggested William was unfaithful to his wife, Kate Middleton, with their former friend Rose Hanbury. The rumours affected the friendship between the three, but William and Kate's marriage is described as "solid" in the book. The couple has remained silent about the book, with sources suggesting that William considers it a "spiteful portrayal of the monarchy."

• 2 Dec 2023, 11:05:51 AM IST

  Endgame: 5 shocking revelations about British Royal Family in tell-all book

  A book by royal journalist and author Omid Scobie has reignited the racism debate surrounding the British monarchy. In "Endgame," Scobie claims that there are racist conversations taking place within Buckingham Palace. The book reveals that staff members of colour have experienced "casual racism" from members of the Royal Family. Additionally, it is alleged that two members of the family asked about the skin colour of Archie, the son of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The book also suggests that the Royal Family exploited the popularity of Princess Diana after her death and portrays King Charles III as having frequent "temper tantrums."

• 2 Dec 2023, 10:32:06 AM IST

  Missing Indian student found dead in London river, relatives launch fundraiser

  A 23-year-old Indian student who went missing in the UK last month has been found dead in the river Thames. Mitkumar Patel arrived in the UK in September for higher studies but was reported missing on 17 November. His body was discovered in the river near the Canary Wharf area of east London on 21 November. The Metropolitan Police have said that his death is not believed to be suspicious. A relative has launched an online fundraiser to support Patel's family and to send his body back to India. The fundraiser has already raised over £4,500 ($5,950).

• 2 Dec 2023, 10:30:20 AM IST

  What is new Covid variant that has tripled in size over last three months

  A new variant of Covid-19, called BA.2.86, is spreading in the US, accounting for about 10 percent of new cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This is a significant increase from two weeks ago when it was only 3 percent. However, experts say there is no need to worry as BA.2.86 is replacing other variants rather than causing a new surge. The variant has more than 30 changes to its spike proteins, raising concerns that it might evade the immune response from vaccines. However, studies have shown that the vaccines still offer some protection against the variant.

• 2 Dec 2023, 10:06:23 AM IST

  Pro-Palestine protestor sets self on fire outside Israeli consulate in US

  A protester set themself on fire outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta, leaving them in critical condition. A security guard who attempted to intervene was also injured. A Palestinian flag was found at the scene, suggesting that the act was a political protest rather than an act of terrorism. Police believe that none of the consulate staff were in danger and that the incident was an isolated event. Authorities have not released any information about the protester's identity. Tensions have been running high in the Jewish and Muslim communities in the US due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

• 2 Dec 2023, 09:53:53 AM IST

  Interference in satellites would be ‘declaration of war’: North Korea warns US

  North Korea has warned that any interference with its satellite operations will be seen as a declaration of war and will result in the mobilisation of its war deterrence. The warning comes after North Korea successfully launched its first military spy satellite in November, which it claims has transmitted photos of military installations in the US mainland, Japan, and Guam. North Korea’s defence ministry spokesperson stated that if the US were to violate its territory by weaponising technology, North Korea would take action to undermine or destroy US spy satellites. The US has stated that it has the capability to deny an adversary’s space capabilities.

• 2 Dec 2023, 09:44:58 AM IST

  Earthquake of magnitude 5.8 strikes Bangladesh

  An earthquake with a magnitude of 5.8 struck the Bangladesh region on Saturday, according to the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The earthquake occurred at a depth of 10 km (6.2 miles). No further information is available at this time.

• 2 Dec 2023, 09:15:17 AM IST

  Three homeless men murdered in Los Angeles, LAPD launch manhunt for ‘hooded figure’

  A series of shootings targeting homeless people in Los Angeles has left three men dead and sparked a manhunt for the killer. The attacks occurred within a span of four days and police believe the same person is responsible. The victims were all alone and in open areas when they were approached and shot by the suspect, who was seen on surveillance video wearing hooded clothing and driving a dark-colored sedan. The LAPD has set up a task force and a tip line to catch the killer and has increased patrols in areas where homeless people congregate.

• 2 Dec 2023, 08:24:26 AM IST

  BBC accused Kate Middleton and King Charles in 'royal racists' allegations over Archie's skin colour

  The BBC has confirmed that King Charles III and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, were the senior members of the royal family who allegedly made racist remarks about the skin colour of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s son Archie. The names were revealed following a blunder by a Dutch publisher who accidentally printed the names in a translation of journalist Omid Scobie’s book. Buckingham Palace and Kensington Palace have not commented on the matter, but insiders have revealed that legal action is being considered. The naming of the royals has sparked a fierce debate in the UK, with some defending them and others condemning them for their alleged racism.

• 2 Dec 2023, 07:12:12 AM IST

  Donald Trump no longer immune from civil lawsuits over 6th January Capitol attack, says US appeals court

  Former US President Donald Trump has lost his bid to avoid civil lawsuits over his role in inciting the 6 January 2021 attack on the Capitol by his supporters. A US appeals court rejected his claim that he is immune from such lawsuits because he was acting as president at the time. The court ruled that Trump was acting “in his personal capacity as a presidential candidate” when he told his supporters to march to the Capitol. The decision opens the door for Trump to face lawsuits from police officers and lawmakers who were injured or threatened by his supporters during the riot.

• 2 Dec 2023, 06:02:59 AM IST

  Impose China travel ban to prevent mystery illness spread: US senators to Joe Biden

  Five Republican senators, led by Marco Rubio, have called on President Joe Biden's administration to ban travel between the US and China amid a surge in respiratory illnesses and clusters of pneumonia in children in China. The senators argue that travel restrictions should be implemented until more is known about the dangers posed by the new illness. The World Health Organization (WHO) has requested China to share more information on the situation. The surge in respiratory illnesses comes as China prepares for its first full winter season since lifting strict COVID-19 restrictions in December 2020.

• 2 Dec 2023, 06:01:11 AM IST

  US Senator John Fetterman calls to oust Senator Bob Menendez following the expulsion of George Santos

  US Senator John Fetterman has called for the expulsion of Senator Bob Menendez from the US Senate due to his involvement in a bribery scheme. Fetterman made this statement following the recent expulsion of Rep. George Santos from the House of Representatives. Fetterman argued that Menendez's actions were worse than Santos', who was expelled due to charges of wire fraud, identity theft, and credit card fraud. Menendez faces federal charges for accepting bribes from businessmen in return for using his power and influence to help them and the Egyptian government. Fetterman is among the 14 Senate Democrats calling for Menendez's resignation.

• 2 Dec 2023, 01:47:08 AM IST

  Russia to increase size of military but says no mobilisation

  Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree to expand the country's armed services amid the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The total number of armed forces will increase to 2.2 million people, of which 1.3 million will be servicemen. This will add 170,000 people to the number of servicemen. The decree cites the ongoing war in Ukraine and the "expansion" of NATO as reasons for the increase. However, the Defense Ministry clarified that this is not a mobilization. Putin previously ordered an increase in the size of the armed forces to 2.04 million people in August 2022, just before Russia declared a "partial mobilization."

• 2 Dec 2023, 12:51:06 AM IST

  Israel-Hamas war starts again. Who are the hostages still remaining Gaza?

  The weeklong cease-fire between Israel and Hamas has ended, and fighting has resumed. Questions are now emerging about who remains in captivity in the Gaza Strip. According to the Israeli military, 136 hostages remain in Gaza, including 119 men and 17 women and children. Of the hostages, 11 are foreign nationals. Families of the hostages who have not been released are desperate for their loved ones to come home and are concerned about their well-being. The military has reported that four hostages have died in captivity, including the oldest person held hostage. Families are anxiously waiting for news about their relatives and pleading for their safe return.

• 2 Dec 2023, 12:37:56 AM IST

  SpaceX launches South Korean first spy satellite from California

  A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched South Korea's first spy satellite from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base on Friday. The launch comes after North Korea successfully launched its own military reconnaissance satellite last month. SpaceX ended its livestream of the mission shortly after liftoff, without showing the deployment of the South Korean payload. South Korea has contracted with SpaceX to launch a total of five spy satellites by 2025, in an effort to accelerate its goal of having continuous surveillance over the Korean peninsula. North Korea has not released any imagery from its satellite, and its full capabilities remain unknown.

• 2 Dec 2023, 12:09:02 AM IST

  New Zealand records 1st brown wild kiwi births in Wellington in 150 years

  Conservationists in New Zealand have registered the first wild kiwi births in Wellington in over 150 years. Two brown kiwi chicks were found in the suburb of Makara, just 25 minutes from the city center. This brings the total number of kiwis in the region to 65. The Capital Kiwi Project aims to restore a large-scale wild kiwi population to Wellington and protect them from predators such as stoats. Kiwi populations have declined at an average rate of 2% per year, largely due to predation. Around 95% of wild-born kiwis in New Zealand are killed before reaching adulthood.

• 2 Dec 2023, 12:06:21 AM IST

  Three killed in Lebanon as Israel, Hezbollah resume fire after end of Gaza truce

  Israeli shelling killed three people in southern Lebanon on Friday, according to Lebanon's state news agency. This comes as the truce between Israel and Hamas collapsed, leading to a resumption of hostilities at the frontier. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, later announced that one of its fighters was among those killed. The group conducted several attacks on Israeli military positions at the border in support of Palestinians in Gaza. The Israeli army stated that its artillery struck sources of fire from Lebanon and intercepted two launches. Sirens warning of possible incoming rockets sounded in several towns in northern Israel, prompting residents to seek shelter.