Jerusalem (CNN)Israel's military carried out a series of strikes on targets in Syria early Wednesday morning, including a site at the Damascus International Airport used as Iranian headquarters, following the discovery of improvised explosive devices planted in the Golan Heights, according to the Israel Defense Forces.The strikes killed three Syrian military personnel and injured one, according to Syria's state-sun SANA news agency, which said that air defenses had intercepted an "Israeli aggression." Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said the military struck...…Jerusalem (CNN)Israel's military carried out a series of strikes on targets in Syria early Wednesday morning, including a site at the Damascus International Airport used as Iranian headquarters, following the discovery of improvised explosive devices planted in the Golan Heights, according to the Israel Defense Forces.The strikes killed three Syrian military personnel and injured one, according to Syria's state-sun SANA news agency, which said that air defenses had intercepted an "Israeli aggression." Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus said the military struck...WW…

Four million doses of the vaccine developed by and will be available in the by the end of the year.The two-dose candidate has been found to be up to 90 per cent effective in preventing , with some indications that it can also block transmission of the virus.The UK government, which helped to fund the development of the Oxford vaccine, has pre-ordered a total of 100 million doses to be shared between the four nations.AstraZeneca said it expects that 70 million of these will be rolled out by the end of March next year – enough to vaccinate 35 million Britons.From there, the pharmaceutical...…Four million doses of the vaccine developed by and will be available in the by the end of the year.The two-dose candidate has been found to be up to 90 per cent effective in preventing , with some indications that it can also block transmission of the virus.The UK government, which helped to fund the development of the Oxford vaccine, has pre-ordered a total of 100 million doses to be shared between the four nations.AstraZeneca said it expects that 70 million of these will be rolled out by the end of March next year – enough to vaccinate 35 million Britons.From there, the pharmaceutical...WW…

Jerusalem (CNN)An Israeli government official said held his first ever known meeting with on Sunday, but the claim was swiftly denied by Riyadh's top diplomat. Speaking on Israel's Army Radio on Monday, Education Minister Yoav Gallant called the covert meeting, which reportedly took place in the Saudi city of Neom, an "incredible achievement" and congratulated Netanyahu."Let's say that the very existence of the meeting, the fact that it was put out publicly, even if it's half official at the moment, is a matter of great importance from any aspect and matter," a member of Netanyahu's Likud...…Jerusalem (CNN)An Israeli government official said held his first ever known meeting with on Sunday, but the claim was swiftly denied by Riyadh's top diplomat. Speaking on Israel's Army Radio on Monday, Education Minister Yoav Gallant called the covert meeting, which reportedly took place in the Saudi city of Neom, an "incredible achievement" and congratulated Netanyahu."Let's say that the very existence of the meeting, the fact that it was put out publicly, even if it's half official at the moment, is a matter of great importance from any aspect and matter," a member of Netanyahu's Likud...WW…

PARIS -- The trial of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling was suspended Monday less than two hours after it started, to allow a medical report on one of the defendants.Sarkozy is accused of having tried to illegally obtain information from a magistrate about an investigation involving him in 2014.This is the first trial for the 65-year-old politician, who has faced several other judicial investigations since leaving office in 2012.He stands trial in a Paris court along with his lawyer Thierry Herzog, 65, and the magistrate, Gilbert Azibert, 73. They...…PARIS -- The trial of former French President Nicolas Sarkozy for corruption and influence peddling was suspended Monday less than two hours after it started, to allow a medical report on one of the defendants.Sarkozy is accused of having tried to illegally obtain information from a magistrate about an investigation involving him in 2014.This is the first trial for the 65-year-old politician, who has faced several other judicial investigations since leaving office in 2012.He stands trial in a Paris court along with his lawyer Thierry Herzog, 65, and the magistrate, Gilbert Azibert, 73. They...WW…

Hong Kong/New Delhi (CNN Business) is facing a backlash in India over a now-infamous kissing scene in one of its shows.The exchange takes place in the series, "A Suitable Boy," an adaptation of the award-winning novel by Indian author Vikram Seth, which was released on the streaming service last month. The story follows the love life of a young Hindu woman and at one point, depicts her being kissed by a Muslim man at a Hindu temple. That has proven controversial for some viewers in India, including Hindu nationalist politicians. On Sunday, "#BoycottNetflix" was trending on Twitter there,...…Hong Kong/New Delhi (CNN Business) is facing a backlash in India over a now-infamous kissing scene in one of its shows.The exchange takes place in the series, "A Suitable Boy," an adaptation of the award-winning novel by Indian author Vikram Seth, which was released on the streaming service last month. The story follows the love life of a young Hindu woman and at one point, depicts her being kissed by a Muslim man at a Hindu temple. That has proven controversial for some viewers in India, including Hindu nationalist politicians. On Sunday, "#BoycottNetflix" was trending on Twitter there,...WW…

 Monday, Nov 23rd 2020| 3.7k The Milky Way Galaxy is being gradually twisted and deformed by the gravitational force of satellite galaxy the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), astronomers claim.Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used a statistical model to calculate the speed of the Milky Way's most distant stars and our galactic neighbour. The discovery turns on its head the belief the Milky Way is relatively static, and so will require the production of new models to describe the evolution of the galaxy. The Milky Way is being pulled by the gravitational force of the dark matter halo...… Monday, Nov 23rd 2020| 3.7k The Milky Way Galaxy is being gradually twisted and deformed by the gravitational force of satellite galaxy the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), astronomers claim.Researchers from the University of Edinburgh used a statistical model to calculate the speed of the Milky Way's most distant stars and our galactic neighbour. The discovery turns on its head the belief the Milky Way is relatively static, and so will require the production of new models to describe the evolution of the galaxy. The Milky Way is being pulled by the gravitational force of the dark matter halo...WW…

By CAIRO (Reuters) - The spokesman of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said on Monday that Iran-aligned Houthis have been implicated in an attack at a fuel tank at a petroleum products distribution station in the Saudi city of Jeddah, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.Spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki added that this “cowardly terrorist attack, does not target the national capabilities of the kingdom, but rather targets the mainstay‮ ‬of the global economy and its supplies as well as global energy security,” SPA said.Al-Malki also added that the coalition is taking the necessary...…By CAIRO (Reuters) - The spokesman of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen said on Monday that Iran-aligned Houthis have been implicated in an attack at a fuel tank at a petroleum products distribution station in the Saudi city of Jeddah, Saudi state news agency SPA reported.Spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki added that this “cowardly terrorist attack, does not target the national capabilities of the kingdom, but rather targets the mainstay‮ ‬of the global economy and its supplies as well as global energy security,” SPA said.Al-Malki also added that the coalition is taking the necessary...WW…

London — And then there were three. U.K. pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, along with its partners at Oxford University, became on Monday the third team to announce positive late stage trial results for a  vaccine. The " was "highly effective'' in preventing disease, with up to 90% efficacy in patients receiving one of the dose regimens used in trials, AstraZeneca announced.The results are based on interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of the vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca.  "There were no hospitalizations or severe cases in anyone who had...…London — And then there were three. U.K. pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, along with its partners at Oxford University, became on Monday the third team to announce positive late stage trial results for a  vaccine. The " was "highly effective'' in preventing disease, with up to 90% efficacy in patients receiving one of the dose regimens used in trials, AstraZeneca announced.The results are based on interim analysis of trials in the U.K. and Brazil of the vaccine developed by Oxford University and manufactured by AstraZeneca.  "There were no hospitalizations or severe cases in anyone who had...WW…

The world is not getting safer, for the United States or for U.S. interests. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the 2017 National Defense Strategy described an international environment of increased global disorder, long-term strategic competition, rapid dispersion of technologies, and eroding U.S. military advantages. Protecting the United States requires a strategy of defense in depth—that is, of identifying and dealing with global problems where they occur rather than waiting for threats to reach American shores.To achieve defense in depth, simply strengthening the U.S. military is...…The world is not getting safer, for the United States or for U.S. interests. Even before the coronavirus pandemic, the 2017 National Defense Strategy described an international environment of increased global disorder, long-term strategic competition, rapid dispersion of technologies, and eroding U.S. military advantages. Protecting the United States requires a strategy of defense in depth—that is, of identifying and dealing with global problems where they occur rather than waiting for threats to reach American shores.To achieve defense in depth, simply strengthening the U.S. military is...WW…

EyewitnessSky News reports from a refugee camp last used during Ethiopia's famine in the 1980s as tens of thousands cross into Sudan.Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video playerThere is a civil war in Ethiopia that is being fought largely in the shadows.The country's prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, and his government have imposed a full blackout as they seek to defeat the leadership of the region of Tigray.The phone lines have been cut and the internet is switched off. The banks are closed and there is no electricity provided to the five million people who live there.But we...…EyewitnessSky News reports from a refugee camp last used during Ethiopia's famine in the 1980s as tens of thousands cross into Sudan.Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video playerThere is a civil war in Ethiopia that is being fought largely in the shadows.The country's prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, and his government have imposed a full blackout as they seek to defeat the leadership of the region of Tigray.The phone lines have been cut and the internet is switched off. The banks are closed and there is no electricity provided to the five million people who live there.But we...WW…

The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh is planning to levy a cess to raise money for the welfare of the cow, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Sunday. Addressing a public meeting in Agar Malwa, Mr. Chouhan invoked “Indian culture” to explain the rationale behind the likely move to impose the “gaumata” tax. “I am thinking of imposing some minor tax to raise money for the welfare of the ‘gaumata’ (cow) welfare and for the upkeep of cow sheds....Is it alright?” the BJP leader asked while the people replied in the affirmative. ”...We used to feed the first ‘roti’ (baked in households)...…The BJP government in Madhya Pradesh is planning to levy a cess to raise money for the welfare of the cow, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Sunday. Addressing a public meeting in Agar Malwa, Mr. Chouhan invoked “Indian culture” to explain the rationale behind the likely move to impose the “gaumata” tax. “I am thinking of imposing some minor tax to raise money for the welfare of the ‘gaumata’ (cow) welfare and for the upkeep of cow sheds....Is it alright?” the BJP leader asked while the people replied in the affirmative. ”...We used to feed the first ‘roti’ (baked in households)...WW…

The southern n state of has been forced to backtrack on plans for a tough new defamation law, which critics feared would be used in a crackdown on social media content deemed “offensive” by the authorities.The new ordinance would have given Kerala police powers to prosecute anyone publishing content that is “threatening, abusive, humiliating or defamatory” through “any mode of communication”, widely seen as referring to online platforms.Chief minister had insisted the law would not be used against “free speech” or “impartial journalism”, but nonetheless faced a major public backlash for a...…The southern n state of has been forced to backtrack on plans for a tough new defamation law, which critics feared would be used in a crackdown on social media content deemed “offensive” by the authorities.The new ordinance would have given Kerala police powers to prosecute anyone publishing content that is “threatening, abusive, humiliating or defamatory” through “any mode of communication”, widely seen as referring to online platforms.Chief minister had insisted the law would not be used against “free speech” or “impartial journalism”, but nonetheless faced a major public backlash for a...WW…

Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has denied reports that a meeting took place between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israeli officials on Sunday.“I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo. No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi,” Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud wrote on Twitter on Monday.Israeli media earlier that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held secret talks in Saudi Arabia on Sunday with Crown Prince Mohammed, also known as MBS.The reports by...…Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has denied reports that a meeting took place between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Israeli officials on Sunday.“I have seen press reports about a purported meeting between HRH the Crown Prince and Israeli officials during the recent visit by @SecPompeo. No such meeting occurred. The only officials present were American and Saudi,” Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud wrote on Twitter on Monday.Israeli media earlier that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held secret talks in Saudi Arabia on Sunday with Crown Prince Mohammed, also known as MBS.The reports by...WW…

Melbourne - Justalf The state's last active case, a man in his 90s, was discharged from hospital on Monday.Source: AAP - SBSVictoria has no active coronavirus cases for the first time since February.The state's last active case, a man in his 90s, was discharged from hospital on Monday.AdvertisementVictoria has gone 25 days without virus deaths or new cases.Also on Monday, Victorians were reunited with cut-off interstate relatives, loved ones and friends, as the NSW border re-opened to end more than four months of exile.READ MORESweeping changes have come into effect across Victoria this...…Melbourne - Justalf The state's last active case, a man in his 90s, was discharged from hospital on Monday.Source: AAP - SBSVictoria has no active coronavirus cases for the first time since February.The state's last active case, a man in his 90s, was discharged from hospital on Monday.AdvertisementVictoria has gone 25 days without virus deaths or new cases.Also on Monday, Victorians were reunited with cut-off interstate relatives, loved ones and friends, as the NSW border re-opened to end more than four months of exile.READ MORESweeping changes have come into effect across Victoria this...WW…

© 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015-2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reservedByPUBLISHED November 23, 2020…© 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, © 2015-2020 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reservedByPUBLISHED November 23, 2020WW…

SectionsMoreShowsrn rnF.BrandsIsraeli public broadcaster Kan and other media said Netanyahu and Mossad spy agency chief Yosef Meir Cohen had met the de facto Saudi ruler, together with US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, in the Red Sea city of Neom on SundayFile image of Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. ReutersJerusalem: Israeli media reports and a government source said on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had met for landmark in Saudi Arabia with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but Riyadh denied that the meeting took place.The reports fuelled speculation that the...…SectionsMoreShowsrn rnF.BrandsIsraeli public broadcaster Kan and other media said Netanyahu and Mossad spy agency chief Yosef Meir Cohen had met the de facto Saudi ruler, together with US secretary of state Mike Pompeo, in the Red Sea city of Neom on SundayFile image of Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu. ReutersJerusalem: Israeli media reports and a government source said on Monday that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had met for landmark in Saudi Arabia with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, but Riyadh denied that the meeting took place.The reports fuelled speculation that the...WW…

By SYDNEY (Reuters) - Tension between Australia and China has been driven by incorrect assumptions shaped by rivalry between China and the United States but Australia has its own interest and independent views, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday.Australia’s relationship with China soured in 2018 when it became the first country to publicly ban China’s Huawei from its 5G network, and worsened this year when Australia called for an enquiry into the origins of the novel coronavirus.As ties deteriorated, China imposed tariffs on Australian barley and slowed its imports of Australian...…By SYDNEY (Reuters) - Tension between Australia and China has been driven by incorrect assumptions shaped by rivalry between China and the United States but Australia has its own interest and independent views, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said on Monday.Australia’s relationship with China soured in 2018 when it became the first country to publicly ban China’s Huawei from its 5G network, and worsened this year when Australia called for an enquiry into the origins of the novel coronavirus.As ties deteriorated, China imposed tariffs on Australian barley and slowed its imports of Australian...WW…

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has denied that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to the Gulf kingdom on Sunday to secretly meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman."No such meeting occurred," .Mr Netanyahu has declined to comment on . It would be the first known meeting between leaders of the historical foes.US President Donald Trump has been pressing them to normalise relations after brokering deals between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan in recent months.Saudi Arabia cautiously welcomed those moves, but indicated it would wait until there was a peace...…Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has denied that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flew to the Gulf kingdom on Sunday to secretly meet Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman."No such meeting occurred," .Mr Netanyahu has declined to comment on . It would be the first known meeting between leaders of the historical foes.US President Donald Trump has been pressing them to normalise relations after brokering deals between Israel and the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Sudan in recent months.Saudi Arabia cautiously welcomed those moves, but indicated it would wait until there was a peace...WW…

A 102-year-old Vancouver woman says she's received phone calls from as far away as England after clinching the Guinness World Record for oldest curler this month.CBC NewsWith files from On the CoastReport Typo or ErrorAdd some “good” to your morning and evening.A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you.To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.By submitting a comment, you...…A 102-year-old Vancouver woman says she's received phone calls from as far away as England after clinching the Guinness World Record for oldest curler this month.CBC NewsWith files from On the CoastReport Typo or ErrorAdd some “good” to your morning and evening.A variety of newsletters you'll love, delivered straight to you.To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.By submitting a comment, you...WW…

The last COVID-19 patient in a Victorian hospital has been discharged, bringing Victoria closer to officially eliminating the virus.Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the man, who was the only active case remaining in the state, was cleared of the virus and discharged from Monash Medical Centre yesterday."This is a very significant day, and every Victorian can be proud of the part they've played in beating the second wave," Mr Andrews said.The man's wife, who had also been hospitalised with the virus, was discharged last week.The Department of Health and Human Services says the last time...…The last COVID-19 patient in a Victorian hospital has been discharged, bringing Victoria closer to officially eliminating the virus.Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the man, who was the only active case remaining in the state, was cleared of the virus and discharged from Monash Medical Centre yesterday."This is a very significant day, and every Victorian can be proud of the part they've played in beating the second wave," Mr Andrews said.The man's wife, who had also been hospitalised with the virus, was discharged last week.The Department of Health and Human Services says the last time...WW…

AP NEWSADVERTISEMENThttps://apnews.com/article/technology-pakistan-media-social-media-asia-2d9071247273bf0f1a9758aaaa1efe85Click to copyhttps://apnews.com/article/technology-pakistan-media-social-media-asia-2d9071247273bf0f1a9758aaaa1efe85Click to copyRelated topicsISLAMABAD (AP) — Internet and technology companies have threatened to leave Pakistan after the government granted blanket powers to authorities to censor digital content, a move critics say was aimed at curtailing freedom of expression in the conservative Islamic nation.Thursday’s warning from the Asia Internet Coalition, which...…AP NEWSADVERTISEMENThttps://apnews.com/article/technology-pakistan-media-social-media-asia-2d9071247273bf0f1a9758aaaa1efe85Click to copyhttps://apnews.com/article/technology-pakistan-media-social-media-asia-2d9071247273bf0f1a9758aaaa1efe85Click to copyRelated topicsISLAMABAD (AP) — Internet and technology companies have threatened to leave Pakistan after the government granted blanket powers to authorities to censor digital content, a move critics say was aimed at curtailing freedom of expression in the conservative Islamic nation.Thursday’s warning from the Asia Internet Coalition, which...WW…

This content is not available in your regionShare this articleTurkey has blocked a German military vessel from inspecting a cargo ship suspected of carrying weapons on its way to Libya.On Sunday evening, the German frigate Hamburg stopped the Turkish-flagged cargo ship, Roseline A, as part of a European Union mission called Operation Irini.But the search had to be abandoned after Ankara protested and denied permission for the vessel to be probed.Turkey's Foreign Ministry denounced the inspection as "unauthorised and forceful" and says all crewmembers of the freighter were forcibly...…This content is not available in your regionShare this articleTurkey has blocked a German military vessel from inspecting a cargo ship suspected of carrying weapons on its way to Libya.On Sunday evening, the German frigate Hamburg stopped the Turkish-flagged cargo ship, Roseline A, as part of a European Union mission called Operation Irini.But the search had to be abandoned after Ankara protested and denied permission for the vessel to be probed.Turkey's Foreign Ministry denounced the inspection as "unauthorised and forceful" and says all crewmembers of the freighter were forcibly...WW…

Read full articlePope Francis took aim Monday at protests against coronavirus restrictions, contrasting them with the "healthy indignation" seen in the global demonstrations against racism after the death of George Floyd."Some groups protested, refusing to keep their distance, marching against travel restrictions -- as if measures that governments must impose for the good of their people constitute some kind of political assault on autonomy or personal freedom!" he wrote in a new book.In "Let Us Dream", derived from conversations with his British biographer Austen Ivereigh, he railed...…Read full articlePope Francis took aim Monday at protests against coronavirus restrictions, contrasting them with the "healthy indignation" seen in the global demonstrations against racism after the death of George Floyd."Some groups protested, refusing to keep their distance, marching against travel restrictions -- as if measures that governments must impose for the good of their people constitute some kind of political assault on autonomy or personal freedom!" he wrote in a new book.In "Let Us Dream", derived from conversations with his British biographer Austen Ivereigh, he railed...WW…

Gain a global perspective on the US and go beyond with curated news and analysis from 600journalists in 50+ countries covering politics, business, innovation, trends and more.Try full digital access and see why over 1 million readers subscribe to the FT$1.00 for 4 weeksThen $67.00 per month.New customers onlyCancel anytime during your trialRead moreBe informed with the essentialnews and opinion$39.50 per monthOR$369.20 for 1 yearRead moreFT print edition delivered Monday - Saturday along with ePaper access$50.00 for 3 monthsThen $74.75 every 3 monthsRead morePremium FT.com access for...…Gain a global perspective on the US and go beyond with curated news and analysis from 600journalists in 50+ countries covering politics, business, innovation, trends and more.Try full digital access and see why over 1 million readers subscribe to the FT$1.00 for 4 weeksThen $67.00 per month.New customers onlyCancel anytime during your trialRead moreBe informed with the essentialnews and opinion$39.50 per monthOR$369.20 for 1 yearRead moreFT print edition delivered Monday - Saturday along with ePaper access$50.00 for 3 monthsThen $74.75 every 3 monthsRead morePremium FT.com access for...WW…

EU lacks defence capabilities to meet ‘strategic autonomy’ goalsBy | (updated: )The EU’s first-ever defence review painted a gloomy picture for the bloc’s ability to achieve ‘strategic autonomy. Experts also believe the EU is not doing enough to address major shortfalls.“The EU does not have all the required military capabilities available in order to fulfil (its) level of ambition,” stated the annual Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), conducted by the bloc’s defence agency.The report assessed national defence planning and capability development efforts of 26 member states, minus...…EU lacks defence capabilities to meet ‘strategic autonomy’ goalsBy | (updated: )The EU’s first-ever defence review painted a gloomy picture for the bloc’s ability to achieve ‘strategic autonomy. Experts also believe the EU is not doing enough to address major shortfalls.“The EU does not have all the required military capabilities available in order to fulfil (its) level of ambition,” stated the annual Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), conducted by the bloc’s defence agency.The report assessed national defence planning and capability development efforts of 26 member states, minus...WW…