Australian children react to social media ban for minors
NewsFeed We’ve been talking to children in Australia about the country’s new social media ban for under 16s. Reporting by Soraya Lennie. Published On 29 Nov 202429 Nov 2024 Adblock test (Why?)
UK MPs face crucial vote on divisive assisted dying bill
Many politicians are still undecided on whether the terminally ill should be allowed to end their lives. Lawmakers in Britain are debating divisive legislation on assisted dying for terminally ill patients ahead of what is expected to be a knife-edge vote of conscience. Parliament started a second reading of the Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) bill on Friday, assessing whether mentally competent adults with an incurable illness who have a life expectancy of less than six months should be allowed to end their lives with medical help. Opening the debate, Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who proposed the measure, said changing the law would give terminally ill people “choice, autonomy and dignity at the end of their lives”. Those in favour of the bill, which would apply in England and Wales, argue that it is about shortening the death of those who are terminally ill and giving them more control. Opponents believe vulnerable, ill people will feel pressured to end their lives to avoid being a burden to their families. “Let’s be clear, we’re not talking about a choice between life or death, we are talking about giving dying people a choice about how to die,” Leadbeater said, as supporters of both sides gathered outside parliament. Two polls last week indicated that a majority of people back the proposed legislation, but many members of parliament indicated that they had yet to make up their minds ahead of the free vote, which will see them casting votes according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Protesters opposed to the bill hold placards as they gather outside parliament in London [Mina Kim/Reuters] Leadbeater has said that the bill would include “the strictest safeguards anywhere in the world” – any patient’s wish to die would have to be signed off by a judge and two doctors. But support in parliament appears less secure, with some MPs saying the current proposal lacks detail and needs to be underpinned by more research to study the legal and financial implications of a law change. Speaker Lindsay Hoyle rejected a bid on Friday by a group of MPs to halt further debate on the bill. They had previously lodged a proposed amendment, which could stop the bill from progressing to a vote. If MPs vote in favour of the bill, it will proceed to the next stage of the parliamentary process, and face further votes in 2025. If the United Kingdom eventually passes the law, it will join other countries like Australia, Canada and some US states in launching the major social reform. Since the 1961 Suicide Act, it has been illegal in England and Wales to encourage or assist suicide, and those found guilty face up to 14 years in prison. Adblock test (Why?)
Could the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal be a step towards regional peace?
Pause in hostilities renews a push to end Israel’s genocide in Gaza. A day after announcing the Lebanon ceasefire, US President Joe Biden said he would resume efforts with international partners to end Israel’s war on Gaza. Qatar and Egypt have shown a willingness to join the negotiations. The Palestinian armed group Hamas has indicated it is open to discussions about an agreement that would lead to the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. But the Israeli military has continued to bombard the coastal enclave. Could the pause in hostilities in Lebanon be a sign of things to come in the region? Presenter: Dareen Abughaida Guests: Nadim Houry – Executive director, Arab Reform Initiative Mohammad Marandi – Professor of American studies, University of Tehran Akbar Shahid Ahmed – Senior diplomatic correspondent, HuffPost Adblock test (Why?)
Rain and protest dampen Macy’s annual Thanksgiving Day parade in New York
Pelting rain dampened the 98th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade in the United States, as it cut across New York City on Thursday. But for a second year in a row, the giant balloons and party floats had to navigate another obstacle: protesters. As the procession made its way down West 55th Street, a group of pro-Palestinian demonstrators entered the parade route, briefly blocking a gigantic balloon representing McDonald’s restaurant mascot, the red-headed clown Ronald McDonald. They sought to remind parade-goers of the human toll of Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which has killed at least 44,330 Palestinians, many of them women and children. In the middle of the street, the protesters unfurled a banner that read, “Don’t celebrate genocide! Arms embargo now. Free Palestine!” Several sat cross-legged on the wet pavement, holding up small Palestinian flags. McDonald’s, the fast-food chain whose balloon they blocked, has been the subject of an ongoing boycott after a subsidiary in Israel announced free meals for Israeli military members after the start of the war. The chain, however, has distanced itself from that effort, pointing out that the decision was made by a local franchise, not by the company’s global leadership. Police quickly arrested 21 of the protesters on Thursday, dragging some out of the street in order to let the parade pass. The delay was only a matter of minutes. Last year, a similar demonstration occurred, resulting in the detention of 34 protesters, many of whom were clad in white jumpsuits splattered with fake blood. As then, the protesters this year called for the US to stop supplying Israel with arms. Media reports have indicated the US is planning to greenlight a new $680m arms sale to its Middle East ally, on top of its existing military aid. The parade otherwise continued without a hitch. Beloved cartoon characters like the dog Bluey soared through the air. The Disney character Minnie Mouse made her debut as a balloon. And Broadway stars like Idina Menzel and Billy Porter rode atop floats or mingled among the dancers and marching bands pounding the pavement during the parade. The parade contained 22 big balloons and 34 floats, according to organisers. It is televised live across the US. Last year, the broadcast raked in 28.5 million viewers, a record for the event, according to the publication The Hollywood Reporter. That made it one of the most watched non-sporting events of the year. Adblock test (Why?)
Venezuela approves bill targeting domestic supporters of US sanctions
Assembly passes law that would ban officials who support international sanctions from holding office for up to 60 years. Venezuelan lawmakers have approved a measure that would implement steeper penalties for those who support US sanctions against the government of President Nicolas Maduro. On Thursday, the country’s National Assembly passed the so-called Simon Bolivar Liberator law, which bans officials who approve US sanctions against Venezuela from holding office for up to 60 years. “Anyone who promotes, instigates, requests, invokes, favours, facilitates, supports or participates in the adoption of coercive measures … will be punished with imprisonment of 25 to 30 years,” the law also states. The law also allows broadcast media to be shut down if they support sanctions, while text-based media may be hit with fines of up to $51.7m. The bill is the latest effort by the Maduro government to crack down on the country’s political opposition, who maintain that they were the true winners of the July presidential election, in which many cast doubt on Maduro’s claims of victory. The opposition has released precinct data that they say shows a convincing win over Maduro, who has resisted calls by regional governments to release data that could validate his claims of victory. In the time since, protests against the government have been met with a harsh crackdown by police and a series of laws that human rights groups say are aimed at stifling dissent. The Venezuelan National Assembly – dominated by the pro-Maduro governing party – voted in favour of the law after the United States House of Representatives passed the Bolivar Act, which would ban US government bodies from working with anyone who has ties to the Maduro government. The US Senate has yet to approve that bill, which Maduro himself has denounced as “trash”. The US has stepped up pressure on the Maduro government in the last two weeks, recognising opposition leader Edmundo Gonzalez as the country’s rightful leader and announcing a new round of sanctions targeting figures allegedly involved in the post-election crackdown. Gonzalez, who fled to Spain during the post-election crackdown, has said that he intends to return to Venezuela in early January when the winner of the election is set to assume office. Gonzalez has said that he is “morally prepared” to be detained if he returns to the country. Adblock test (Why?)
Is China better prepared for another trade row with the US?
China has moved to support its exporters before tariff hikes, as pledged by US President-elect Donald Trump. China is struggling with a real estate downturn, a local government debt crisis and deflation – all of which are dragging down its economic growth. This has made many Chinese companies shift their focus to sales abroad. But, United States President-elect Donald Trump recently announced raising tariffs by an additional 10 percent on all Chinese imports as soon as he takes office. China has announced measures aimed at supporting its exporters in advance of the start of the second Trump administration. Scott Bessent is Trump’s pick for US treasury secretary. Plus, could Google Chrome be sold? Adblock test (Why?)
Is AI to blame for teen’s suicide?
[unable to retrieve full-text content] Is AI to blame for teen’s suicide?
At least 13 killed, many more feared dead as landslides bury Uganda homes
Dozens of houses in six villages of Bulambuli district in eastern Uganda submerged in landsides triggered by heavy rainfall. More than 10 people have been killed and many others are feared dead after heavy rains caused landslides in eastern Uganda. The Uganda Red Cross Society said on Thursday at least 13 bodies had been recovered after landslides “completely buried” 40 homes in six villages of the mountainous district of Bulambuli the previous night. Images on local media showed huge swaths of fallen earth covering the land in the village of Masugu, about a five-hour drive from the capital, Kampala. Videos and photographs shared on social media purported to show people digging for survivors in the village of Kimono. The Uganda Red Cross Society said the rescue effort was continuing but the death toll was likely to rise. 🆘️ Landslide Alert – Bulambuli District* *November 28th 2024* Following heavy rains on November 27th 2024, a landslide struck the villages of Masubu, Nameche Trading Centre, Mamono, Tangalu, Buzemulili, Masoola in Buluganya Sub-county, Bulambuli District. The incident left… pic.twitter.com/U2dtOFMSSw — Uganda Red Cross Society (@UgandaRedCross) November 28, 2024 “We lost about 30 people,” district commissioner Faheera Mpalanyi told the AFP news agency, adding that six bodies, including that of a baby, had been recovered so far. “Given the devastation and the size of the area affected and from what the affected families are telling us, several people are missing and probably buried in the debris,” she said. The heavy rains in recent days caused flooding in the northwest after a tributary of the Nile River burst its banks, prompting the prime minister’s office to issue a disaster alert on Wednesday, saying that main roads across the country had been cut off. Emergency teams were sent to rescue stranded motorists. A road connecting the country with South Sudan was impassable late on Wednesday, with emergency boat crews deployed near the town of Pakwach. “Unfortunately, one of the boats capsized, resulting in the death of one engineer,” Uganda’s defence forces said on X. Adblock test (Why?)
Pakistan determined to host full ICC Champions Trophy despite India impasse
PCB chief says he will ‘make the best decision for Pakistan’ at the ICC board meeting on November 29 to decide the tournament’s fate. Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi says he will “make the best decision for Pakistan” at the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) board meeting, which is expected to make a final call on the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan is set to host the eight-team men’s cricket tournament from February 19 to March 9, but India’s refusal to travel across the border has thrown the competition’s logistics into disarray. Naqvi has remained adamant that the PCB will not accept a “hybrid” model, wherein all fixtures involving India are played at a neutral venue, insisting that the full tournament must be played in Pakistan. “The Champions Trophy will be held in Pakistan,” the PCB chief told reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. “Our stance remains the same: a hybrid model will not be accepted and we’ll do whatever is in the best interest of Pakistan,” he said. Earlier this month, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informed the ICC that its team will not travel to Pakistan upon the instructions of its government. For many years, India’s government has barred the national cricket team from travelling to Pakistan because of ongoing political tensions between the neighbours. India has not visited Pakistan since 2008, and the rivals play each other only at multi-team events. The impasse has led to a conundrum for cricket’s governing body, which will now call upon all board members to resolve the issue at a meeting on Friday. The ICC is expected to present the PCB with the option of hosting India’s matches in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) or another neutral venue, but Naqvi said Pakistan “will not sell out” and agree to monetary compensation in return for accepting a hybrid model. “How can it be [fair] that we always go to India to play cricket but [they] don’t come to Pakistan?” he said. “Whatever happens must be on equal terms and we have made our stance very clear to the ICC.” The PCB earlier wrote to the ICC, asking for a copy of the BCCI’s concerns about travelling to Pakistan. It has also sought advice from Pakistan’s government on tackling the issue, and Mohsin said the board will do “whatever the government says”. The Champions Trophy will be Pakistan’s first professional men’s ICC tournament since 1996, when it co-hosted the World Cup with India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan hosted the six-team Asian Cricket Council’s (ACC) Asia Cup in 2023, but India’s matches were played in Sri Lanka after their government did not allow the team to travel to Pakistan. Adblock test (Why?)
China says top military official suspended, placed under investigation
Probe into Miao Hua comes as China slams earlier reports of investigation into defence minister as ‘slanderous’. China has suspended a high-ranking military official suspected of “serious violations of discipline”, the latest in a series of senior figures targeted in a widening crackdown on corruption in the armed forces. The Ministry of Defence said on Thursday that Miao Hua, director of the political work department on the powerful Central Military Commission that oversees the People’s Liberation Army, was being investigated for disciplinary breaches, commonly read as a euphemism for corruption. The governing Communist Party “has decided to suspend Miao Hua from duty pending investigation”, ministry spokesperson Wu Qian told a news briefing. Wu did not provide further details about the charges against Miao, one of five high-ranking officials on the commission that oversees the military and is headed by President Xi Jinping. Xi’s campaign against corruption has focused in the past year on the armed forces, with nearly 20 military and defence industry officials removed since 2023, as well as defence ministers. Wu, the spokesperson, also criticised media reports that Defence Minister Dong Jun had been placed under investigation for corruption. British newspaper The Financial Times reported on Wednesday that Dong, who oversaw a recent thaw in military ties between China and the United States, had been caught up in the country’s sweeping anticorruption purge, quoting current and former US officials familiar with the situation. “The rumour mongers are ill-intentioned. China expresses its strong dissatisfaction with such slanderous behaviour,” Wu told reporters in a direct reference to the FT report. China’s former Defence Minister Li Shangfu at the 20th IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore prior to his disappearance from public view [File: Caroline Chia/Reuters] While reports on the investigation into Dong remain unconfirmed, two other defence ministers have been caught in the anticorruption dragnet. Dong’s predecessor, Li Shangfu, was removed after seven months into the job, and then expelled from the Communist Party, for offences that included bribery, according to state media. He has not been seen in public since. Li’s predecessor, Wei Fenghe, was also kicked out of the party after serving in the post from 2018 to 2023, and referred to prosecutors for alleged corruption. A Communist Party statement at the time said the pair “betrayed the trust of the party and the Central Military Commission, seriously polluted the political environment of the military, and caused great damage to … the image of its senior leaders”. They were found to have received huge sums of money in bribes and to have “sought personnel benefits” for others, it said. Adblock test (Why?)