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.
Syria blames Israel for rare air strike on main port of Latakia
Israel carried out a rare air strike on Syria's main port of Latakia, destroying shipping containers and causing a fire, Syrian state media say.
A Syrian military source told Sana news agency that warplanes flying over the Mediterranean Sea fired several missiles at the port's container yard overnight. No casualties were reported.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) monitoring group said the target was an Iranian weapons shipment.
Israel carried out a rare air strike on Syria's main port of Latakia, destroying shipping containers and causing a fire, Syrian state media say.
A Syrian military source told Sana news agency that warplanes flying over the Mediterranean Sea fired several missiles at the port's container yard overnight. No casualties were reported.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) monitoring group said the target was an Iranian weapons shipment.
Biden warns Putin of 'strong measures' amid Ukraine invasion fears
The US says it is preparing "robust responses" over fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, after President Biden's rare talks with Vladimir Putin.
In a video link, Mr Biden voiced deep concerns over Russian troop build-ups and threatened "strong economic and other measures", Washington said.
Russia says it will not attack Ukraine.
Mr Putin accused Kyiv of provocation, and sought guarantees against eastward Nato expansion and deployment of offensive weapons close to Russia.
The US says it is preparing "robust responses" over fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine, after President Biden's rare talks with Vladimir Putin.
In a video link, Mr Biden voiced deep concerns over Russian troop build-ups and threatened "strong economic and other measures", Washington said.
Russia says it will not attack Ukraine.
Mr Putin accused Kyiv of provocation, and sought guarantees against eastward Nato expansion and deployment of offensive weapons close to Russia.
Bipin Rawat: India's top general dies in helicopter crash
India's top military commander has died in a helicopter crash in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the air force says.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others were killed after the Mi-17V5 helicopter came down in hills near Coonoor city.
One survivor is being treated for his injuries in hospital.
Gen Rawat, 63, was appointed India's first-ever Chief of Defence Staff in January 2019.
The Indian Air Force said it had ordered an investigation into the accident. A cabinet security committee is to hold an emergency session, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
India's top military commander has died in a helicopter crash in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the air force says.
Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, his wife and 11 others were killed after the Mi-17V5 helicopter came down in hills near Coonoor city.
One survivor is being treated for his injuries in hospital.
Gen Rawat, 63, was appointed India's first-ever Chief of Defence Staff in January 2019.
The Indian Air Force said it had ordered an investigation into the accident. A cabinet security committee is to hold an emergency session, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Russia Ukraine: Sending US troops not on table - Biden
US President Joe Biden has said that putting American troops on the ground in Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion is "not on the table".
But Mr Biden warned of severe consequences if Russia did invade.
He was speaking a day after two hours of talks by video link with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The virtual summit was aimed at reducing tensions in the region after a major Russian troop build-up along Ukraine's eastern border.
Russia has accused Ukraine of provocation, and sought guarantees against eastward Nato expansion and deployment of weapons close to Russia.
Ukrainian authorities have said Moscow could be planning a military offensive at the end of January, although US officials say it is not yet clear whether President Putin has made a decision.
US President Joe Biden has said that putting American troops on the ground in Ukraine in the event of a Russian invasion is "not on the table".
But Mr Biden warned of severe consequences if Russia did invade.
He was speaking a day after two hours of talks by video link with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The virtual summit was aimed at reducing tensions in the region after a major Russian troop build-up along Ukraine's eastern border.
Russia has accused Ukraine of provocation, and sought guarantees against eastward Nato expansion and deployment of weapons close to Russia.
Ukrainian authorities have said Moscow could be planning a military offensive at the end of January, although US officials say it is not yet clear whether President Putin has made a decision.
Delhi pollution: Indoor air worse than outside, says study
India's capital Delhi has alarmingly high levels of indoor air pollution, new research has found.
The study found that the levels of PM2.5, the lung-damaging tiny particles in the air, indoors were "substantially higher" than those found on the nearest outdoor government monitors.
But despite that, most households have been unwilling to adopt defence measures, the report added.
Delhi city routinely tops the list of "world's most polluted capitals".
The study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), conducted between 2018 and 2020, surveyed thousands of Delhi households across varying socio-economic backgrounds and found that rich and poor households were equally affected.
India's capital Delhi has alarmingly high levels of indoor air pollution, new research has found.
The study found that the levels of PM2.5, the lung-damaging tiny particles in the air, indoors were "substantially higher" than those found on the nearest outdoor government monitors.
But despite that, most households have been unwilling to adopt defence measures, the report added.
Delhi city routinely tops the list of "world's most polluted capitals".
The study by the Energy Policy Institute at the University of Chicago (EPIC), conducted between 2018 and 2020, surveyed thousands of Delhi households across varying socio-economic backgrounds and found that rich and poor households were equally affected.
Ethiopia war: UN halts food aid in two towns after warehouses looted
The World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended distribution of food aid in two northern Ethiopian towns after gunmen looted its warehouses.
Looters from rebel Tigrayan forces held aid staff at gunpoint in the town of Kombolcha, the United Nations said.
They stole large quantities of essential food supplies - including some for malnourished children.
Northern Ethiopia is facing mass starvation amid an ongoing civil war between Tigrayan and government forces.
After more than a year of fighting, more than nine million people are in need of critical food supplies, the UN says.
A spokesman for the UN, which runs the WFP, said its staff there had faced "extreme intimidation" during days of looting.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended distribution of food aid in two northern Ethiopian towns after gunmen looted its warehouses.
Looters from rebel Tigrayan forces held aid staff at gunpoint in the town of Kombolcha, the United Nations said.
They stole large quantities of essential food supplies - including some for malnourished children.
Northern Ethiopia is facing mass starvation amid an ongoing civil war between Tigrayan and government forces.
After more than a year of fighting, more than nine million people are in need of critical food supplies, the UN says.
A spokesman for the UN, which runs the WFP, said its staff there had faced "extreme intimidation" during days of looting.
Woman fined €1,200 for causing Tour de France pile-up
A French woman has been fined €1,200 ($1,357; £1,028) for causing a huge crash at the Tour de France by waving a cardboard sign in the riders' path.
The peloton was 45km (28 miles) from the end of the first stage, when her sign clipped German rider Tony Martin.
He fell to the ground and caused dozens of other riders to follow suit, in one of the tournament's worst ever crashes.
The woman, 31, was also ordered to pay a symbolic one euro fine to France's professional cyclist association.
The identity of the woman, who was a spectator at the elite race, was withheld after she was targeted by a torrent of online abuse, the AFP news agency reported.
A French woman has been fined €1,200 ($1,357; £1,028) for causing a huge crash at the Tour de France by waving a cardboard sign in the riders' path.
The peloton was 45km (28 miles) from the end of the first stage, when her sign clipped German rider Tony Martin.
He fell to the ground and caused dozens of other riders to follow suit, in one of the tournament's worst ever crashes.
The woman, 31, was also ordered to pay a symbolic one euro fine to France's professional cyclist association.
The identity of the woman, who was a spectator at the elite race, was withheld after she was targeted by a torrent of online abuse, the AFP news agency reported.
Julian Assange can be extradited to the US, court rules
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange can be extradited from the UK to the US, the High Court has ruled.
The US won its appeal against a January UK court ruling that he could not be extradited due to concerns over his mental health.
Judges were reassured by US promises to reduce the risk of suicide. His fiancee said they intended to appeal.
Mr Assange is wanted in the US over the publication of thousands of classified documents in 2010 and 2011.
Senior judges found the lower judge had based her decision in January on the risk of Mr Assange being held in highly restrictive prison conditions if extradited.
However, the US authorities later gave assurances that he would not face those strictest measures unless he committed an act in the future that merited them.
Wikileaks founder Julian Assange can be extradited from the UK to the US, the High Court has ruled.
The US won its appeal against a January UK court ruling that he could not be extradited due to concerns over his mental health.
Judges were reassured by US promises to reduce the risk of suicide. His fiancee said they intended to appeal.
Mr Assange is wanted in the US over the publication of thousands of classified documents in 2010 and 2011.
Senior judges found the lower judge had based her decision in January on the risk of Mr Assange being held in highly restrictive prison conditions if extradited.
However, the US authorities later gave assurances that he would not face those strictest measures unless he committed an act in the future that merited them.