Coronavirus: Countries shut borders over new South Africa variant
More countries are tightening their travel restrictions after a new coronavirus variant was identified in South Africa earlier this week.
The UK, Singapore and Japan are among those rushing in stricter quarantine measures and banning flights from South Africa and neighbouring countries.
The EU is proposing to ban flights from the region across the whole bloc.
Scientists still have much to learn about the variant, but say they are very worried about it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it will take a few weeks to understand the impact of the new variant, as scientists work to determine how transmissible it is.
More countries are tightening their travel restrictions after a new coronavirus variant was identified in South Africa earlier this week.
The UK, Singapore and Japan are among those rushing in stricter quarantine measures and banning flights from South Africa and neighbouring countries.
The EU is proposing to ban flights from the region across the whole bloc.
Scientists still have much to learn about the variant, but say they are very worried about it.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has said it will take a few weeks to understand the impact of the new variant, as scientists work to determine how transmissible it is.
Covid: Conspiracy and untruths drive Europe's Covid protests
Further Covid protests are being planned this weekend in Austria and the Netherlands, after recent demonstrations against reimposed coronavirus restrictions tipped over into violence.
Many of the concerns being expressed, both on the streets and in social media posts, contain legitimate questions about recent political decisions, but there is also a plethora of false information being spread by those involved in the protests.
From unfounded accusations that the vaccine is a plot to poison the population, to criticism of governments as "dictatorships on the march" - more extreme sentiments are being shared alongside general anger over political choices.
Further Covid protests are being planned this weekend in Austria and the Netherlands, after recent demonstrations against reimposed coronavirus restrictions tipped over into violence.
Many of the concerns being expressed, both on the streets and in social media posts, contain legitimate questions about recent political decisions, but there is also a plethora of false information being spread by those involved in the protests.
From unfounded accusations that the vaccine is a plot to poison the population, to criticism of governments as "dictatorships on the march" - more extreme sentiments are being shared alongside general anger over political choices.
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Covid: South Africa 'punished' for detecting new Omicron variant
South Africa has complained it is being punished - instead of applauded - for discovering Omicron, a concerning new variant of Covid-19.
The foreign ministry made the statement as countries around the world restrict travel from southern African countries as details of the spread emerged.
Early evidence suggests Omicron has a higher re-infection risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that the new variant was being considered as "of concern".
South Africa has complained it is being punished - instead of applauded - for discovering Omicron, a concerning new variant of Covid-19.
The foreign ministry made the statement as countries around the world restrict travel from southern African countries as details of the spread emerged.
Early evidence suggests Omicron has a higher re-infection risk.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday that the new variant was being considered as "of concern".
Covid: Israel to impose travel ban for foreigners over new variant
Israel is to ban foreigners from entering the country for 14 days and use surveillance to halt the spread of the new Covid strain, local media report.
The ban is expected to come into effect at midnight on Sunday, following full cabinet approval.
Israel has so far confirmed one case of the potentially more infectious Omicron strain first detected in South Africa.
Many countries have since banned travel to South Africa and its neighbours.
Israel is to ban foreigners from entering the country for 14 days and use surveillance to halt the spread of the new Covid strain, local media report.
The ban is expected to come into effect at midnight on Sunday, following full cabinet approval.
Israel has so far confirmed one case of the potentially more infectious Omicron strain first detected in South Africa.
Many countries have since banned travel to South Africa and its neighbours.
Covid: South Africa's president calls for lifting of Omicron travel bans
South Africa's president has condemned travel bans enacted against his country and its neighbours over the new coronavirus variant Omicron.
Cyril Ramaphosa said he was "deeply disappointed" by the action, which he described as unjustified, and called for the bans to be urgently lifted.
The UK, EU and US are among those who have imposed travel bans.
Omicron has been classed as a "variant of concern". Early evidence suggests it has a higher re-infection risk.
South Africa's president has condemned travel bans enacted against his country and its neighbours over the new coronavirus variant Omicron.
Cyril Ramaphosa said he was "deeply disappointed" by the action, which he described as unjustified, and called for the bans to be urgently lifted.
The UK, EU and US are among those who have imposed travel bans.
Omicron has been classed as a "variant of concern". Early evidence suggests it has a higher re-infection risk.
Magdalena Andersson: Sweden's first female PM returns after resignation
Sweden's first female prime minister has been reappointed to the top job after political turmoil forced her to resign within hours of taking the post last week.
MPs backed Social Democratic Party leader Magdalena Andersson by a narrow margin in a new vote on Monday.
She will attempt to lead a one-party government until an election in September next year.
Sweden's first female prime minister has been reappointed to the top job after political turmoil forced her to resign within hours of taking the post last week.
MPs backed Social Democratic Party leader Magdalena Andersson by a narrow margin in a new vote on Monday.
She will attempt to lead a one-party government until an election in September next year.
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey steps down as chief executive
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is stepping down as chief executive of the company.
He will be replaced by the current chief technical officer, Parag Agrawal, Twitter said.
Mr Dorsey, who co-founded Twitter in 2006, has been serving as chief executive of both Twitter and payment firm Square.
Twitter co-founder Jack Dorsey is stepping down as chief executive of the company.
He will be replaced by the current chief technical officer, Parag Agrawal, Twitter said.
Mr Dorsey, who co-founded Twitter in 2006, has been serving as chief executive of both Twitter and payment firm Square.
Leaked papers link top Chinese leaders to Uyghur crackdown
A newly published cache of documents directly links top Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping to the state's crackdown on Uyghur Muslims.
The documents include speeches which analysts say prove senior government leaders called for measures that led to mass internment and forced labour.
China has consistently denied that it is committing genocide against Uyghurs.
Some of the documents were the subject of an earlier report, but the latest leak has previously unseen information.
A newly published cache of documents directly links top Chinese leaders including President Xi Jinping to the state's crackdown on Uyghur Muslims.
The documents include speeches which analysts say prove senior government leaders called for measures that led to mass internment and forced labour.
China has consistently denied that it is committing genocide against Uyghurs.
Some of the documents were the subject of an earlier report, but the latest leak has previously unseen information.
Twitter will remove images tweeted without consent
Twitter has said images or video of private individuals shared without their permission are now against its policies and can be removed on request.
The new rule is an extension of policies to prohibit "doxxing" - the publishing of private information such as home addresses, without consent.
Twitter has said images or video of private individuals shared without their permission are now against its policies and can be removed on request.
The new rule is an extension of policies to prohibit "doxxing" - the publishing of private information such as home addresses, without consent.
Pakistan: Islamists against Muhammad cartoons stage comeback
Last month, Pakistan lifted a ban on the hardline Islamist party, Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP), which has been the face of anti-France protests over the reprinting of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. The TLP's jailed leader, as well as hundreds of his supporters, were released and the party will now be allowed to participate in mainstream politics. Many fear that the move has implications not just for Pakistan's politics but also for the wider region and the rest of the world.
On 31 October, police officer Irfan Ahsan was posted to provide security at Wazirabad town in Pakistan's Punjab Province, where hundreds of TLP protestors had been camping for more than a week with the aim marching to the capital Islamabad to force the government to expel the French envoy over the reprinting of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in a satirical magazine.
Last month, Pakistan lifted a ban on the hardline Islamist party, Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP), which has been the face of anti-France protests over the reprinting of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad. The TLP's jailed leader, as well as hundreds of his supporters, were released and the party will now be allowed to participate in mainstream politics. Many fear that the move has implications not just for Pakistan's politics but also for the wider region and the rest of the world.
On 31 October, police officer Irfan Ahsan was posted to provide security at Wazirabad town in Pakistan's Punjab Province, where hundreds of TLP protestors had been camping for more than a week with the aim marching to the capital Islamabad to force the government to expel the French envoy over the reprinting of caricatures of the Prophet Muhammad in a satirical magazine.
Austria: Doctor fined for amputating wrong leg of patient
A surgeon in Austria has been fined after amputating the wrong leg of a patient earlier this year.
The elderly patient's right leg was removed instead of his left, with the mistake only discovered two days later.
On Wednesday, the court in Linz found the 43-year-old guilty of gross negligence and fined her €2,700 (£2,296).
The widow of the patient, who died before the case came to court, was also awarded €5,000 in damages.
The patient attended the clinic in Freistadt last May to have his leg amputated but the surgeon marked the wrong limb for amputation, AFP news agency reports.
A surgeon in Austria has been fined after amputating the wrong leg of a patient earlier this year.
The elderly patient's right leg was removed instead of his left, with the mistake only discovered two days later.
On Wednesday, the court in Linz found the 43-year-old guilty of gross negligence and fined her €2,700 (£2,296).
The widow of the patient, who died before the case came to court, was also awarded €5,000 in damages.
The patient attended the clinic in Freistadt last May to have his leg amputated but the surgeon marked the wrong limb for amputation, AFP news agency reports.
Russia Ukraine: Lavrov warns of return to military confrontation nightmare
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that Europe could be returning to what he called the "nightmare of military confrontation".
At a European security conference in Sweden, Mr Lavrov floated the idea of a new European security pact to try to stop Nato from expanding further east.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of "serious consequences" if Russia sought conflict with Ukraine.
The meeting comes as Russia boosts its military near Ukraine's border.
Ukraine says Russia has amassed more than 90,000 troops there.
Moscow denies it is preparing an attack on Ukraine and accuses Kyiv of its own military build-up.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has warned that Europe could be returning to what he called the "nightmare of military confrontation".
At a European security conference in Sweden, Mr Lavrov floated the idea of a new European security pact to try to stop Nato from expanding further east.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned of "serious consequences" if Russia sought conflict with Ukraine.
The meeting comes as Russia boosts its military near Ukraine's border.
Ukraine says Russia has amassed more than 90,000 troops there.
Moscow denies it is preparing an attack on Ukraine and accuses Kyiv of its own military build-up.
China app giant Didi plans US stock market exit in move to Hong Kong
Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Global has announced plans to take its shares off the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and move its listing to Hong Kong.
The firm has come under intense pressure since its US debut in July.
Within days of the initial public offering (IPO) Beijing announced a crackdown on technology companies listing overseas.
Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Global has announced plans to take its shares off the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and move its listing to Hong Kong.
The firm has come under intense pressure since its US debut in July.
Within days of the initial public offering (IPO) Beijing announced a crackdown on technology companies listing overseas.
Israel PM: Nuclear talks must end over Iran ‘blackmail’ tactics
Israel's prime minister has urged world powers to immediately end nuclear talks with Iran, after it decided to start using advanced machines to enrich uranium at an underground plant.
Naftali Bennett warned the US that Iran was "carrying out 'nuclear blackmail' as a negotiation tactic".
Iran said diplomats in Vienna "won't take instruction" from Israel.
They are trying to save a 2015 deal that curbed Iran's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions.
It has been close to collapse since then-US President Donald Trump pulled out and reinstated sanctions three years ago.
Israel's prime minister has urged world powers to immediately end nuclear talks with Iran, after it decided to start using advanced machines to enrich uranium at an underground plant.
Naftali Bennett warned the US that Iran was "carrying out 'nuclear blackmail' as a negotiation tactic".
Iran said diplomats in Vienna "won't take instruction" from Israel.
They are trying to save a 2015 deal that curbed Iran's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions.
It has been close to collapse since then-US President Donald Trump pulled out and reinstated sanctions three years ago.
Ethiopia closes schools to boost civil war effort
Ethiopian authorities have closed all secondary schools so pupils can harvest crops for those on the frontline of the civil war, state-affiliated media says.
The closure will last for one week, according to the education minister.
More than 2 million pupils were already out of school due to the war which started in the northern region of Tigray last year, the government says.
As the fighting intensifies, government troops say they are taking towns from the Tigray rebels.
On Wednesday state forces announced they had recaptured the historic town of Lalibela, which contains churches that are Unesco world heritage sites.
Ethiopian authorities have closed all secondary schools so pupils can harvest crops for those on the frontline of the civil war, state-affiliated media says.
The closure will last for one week, according to the education minister.
More than 2 million pupils were already out of school due to the war which started in the northern region of Tigray last year, the government says.
As the fighting intensifies, government troops say they are taking towns from the Tigray rebels.
On Wednesday state forces announced they had recaptured the historic town of Lalibela, which contains churches that are Unesco world heritage sites.
Indonesia volcano: Residents flee as Mt Semeru spews huge ash cloud
Residents on the Indonesian island of Java have been fleeing a vast plume of ash as an active volcano erupted for the second time in months.
Witnesses said a thick rain of volcanic ash from Mt Semeru was blotting out the Sun in two local districts.
No casualties have yet been reported and evacuations are under way, officials said.
Meanwhile a monitoring body issued a warning to airlines of an ash cloud rising up to 15,000m (50,000 ft).
Residents on the Indonesian island of Java have been fleeing a vast plume of ash as an active volcano erupted for the second time in months.
Witnesses said a thick rain of volcanic ash from Mt Semeru was blotting out the Sun in two local districts.
No casualties have yet been reported and evacuations are under way, officials said.
Meanwhile a monitoring body issued a warning to airlines of an ash cloud rising up to 15,000m (50,000 ft).
Chris Cuomo: CNN fires presenter over help he gave politician brother
US anchor Chris Cuomo has been fired by CNN for help he gave his brother, ex-New York governor Andrew Cuomo, while he was battling harassment allegations.
The decision came after CNN said additional information had emerged over the extent of Chris Cuomo's involvement in his older brother's defence.
Andrew Cuomo resigned in August after prosecutors said he had harassed staff.
Chris Cuomo, 51, said in a statement that he was disappointed and it was "not how I want my time at CNN to end".
He had worked for the network since 2013 and became one of its most recognisable news presenters, most recently leading CNN's coverage of the 2020 US presidential election.
US anchor Chris Cuomo has been fired by CNN for help he gave his brother, ex-New York governor Andrew Cuomo, while he was battling harassment allegations.
The decision came after CNN said additional information had emerged over the extent of Chris Cuomo's involvement in his older brother's defence.
Andrew Cuomo resigned in August after prosecutors said he had harassed staff.
Chris Cuomo, 51, said in a statement that he was disappointed and it was "not how I want my time at CNN to end".
He had worked for the network since 2013 and became one of its most recognisable news presenters, most recently leading CNN's coverage of the 2020 US presidential election.
Military truck rams into group of Myanmar protesters in Yangon
Several people have been injured after a military truck rammed into a crowd of protesters in Myanmar's commercial capital, Yangon.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the soldiers then opened fire on some fleeing protesters, and beat others.
Since February's coup, more than 1,200 people have been killed during protests and thousands more imprisoned.
The military said it arrested 11 people at this latest protest. Three were injured - one is in critical condition.
The military did not confirm whether a truck had driven into the group, but said it had dispersed a "rioting" crowd.
Several people have been injured after a military truck rammed into a crowd of protesters in Myanmar's commercial capital, Yangon.
Eyewitnesses told local media that the soldiers then opened fire on some fleeing protesters, and beat others.
Since February's coup, more than 1,200 people have been killed during protests and thousands more imprisoned.
The military said it arrested 11 people at this latest protest. Three were injured - one is in critical condition.
The military did not confirm whether a truck had driven into the group, but said it had dispersed a "rioting" crowd.
Eric Zemmour: Far-right French presidential candidate grabbed at rally
Far-right French presidential candidate Eric Zemmour has been attacked at his first campaign rally.
As the 63-year-old moved through the crowd to the stage, a man briefly grabbed him by the neck before security officers intervened.
Local media report his wrist was injured and that his doctors have ordered nine days of rest.
The former journalist and pundit is known for his controversial views on migrants and World War Two.
In the past, the child of Jewish Algerian immigrants has claimed the French state protected Jews during the conflict, when in reality the collaborationist Vichy regime shipped thousands of French Jews to Nazi death camps.
Far-right French presidential candidate Eric Zemmour has been attacked at his first campaign rally.
As the 63-year-old moved through the crowd to the stage, a man briefly grabbed him by the neck before security officers intervened.
Local media report his wrist was injured and that his doctors have ordered nine days of rest.
The former journalist and pundit is known for his controversial views on migrants and World War Two.
In the past, the child of Jewish Algerian immigrants has claimed the French state protected Jews during the conflict, when in reality the collaborationist Vichy regime shipped thousands of French Jews to Nazi death camps.
US diplomats to boycott 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics
The US has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
The White House said no official delegation would be sent to the Games because of concerns about China's human rights record.
But it said US athletes could attend and would have the government's full support.
The US has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
The White House said no official delegation would be sent to the Games because of concerns about China's human rights record.
But it said US athletes could attend and would have the government's full support.