Chile president declares ‘state of exception’ over Mapuche conflict

Chile president declares ‘state of exception’ over Mapuche conflict SANTIAGO, Oct 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Chilean President Sebastian Pinera announced a state of emergency and deployed troops to two southern regions where clashes have broken out between Mapuche indigenous people and security forces. The Mapuche are demanding the restoration of their ancestral…

Covid-19: 11 more deaths, 2,976 new cases in Singapore

People wearing face masks at Ang Mo Kio neighbourhood centre SINGAPORE, Oct 13 (NNN-CNA) — Singapore reported 2,976new COVID-19 cases as of noon on Tuesday as 11more people died from complications due to the virus. This is the third day that the caseload has gone below the 3,000 mark. The…

Iraq claims capture of Daesh financial chief in an operation outside its border

The US had offered a $5m reward for information leading to Sami Jasim al-Jaburi’s capture BAGHDAD,  Oct 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Iraq says it has captured the Daesh’s financial chief in an operation outside its borders. Sami Jasim al-Jaburi was arrested in a “complex external operation” by the Iraqi National Intelligence…

North Korea: Kim Jong-Un vows to build ‘invincible military’

North Korea says it needs to continue developing weapons for its protection  PYONGYANG, Oct 13 (NNN-AGENCIES) — North Korea’s leader has vowed to build an “invincible military” in the face of hostile policies from the United States, according to state media. Kim Jong-un added that weapons development was for self-defence,…

Covid-19: India logs 14,313 fresh cases, 181 new deaths

 NEW DELHI,  Oct 13  (NNN-PTI) — India recorded 14,313 fresh coronavirus cases, the lowest in 224 days, taking the infection tally to 3,39,85,920 on Tuesday, while the national Covid recovery rate increased to 98.04 per cent, according to the Union Health Ministry’s data.        The number of people who…

Brazilian Pres Bolsonaro accused of ‘crimes against humanity’ at ICC

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was accused of “crimes against humanity” at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his alleged role in the destruction of the Amazon THE HAGUE, Oct 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was accused Tuesday of “crimes against humanity” at the International Criminal Court (ICC) for…

Austria gets new Chansellor after Kurz quits amid corruption claims

Alexander Schallenberg (L) was sworn in by President Alexander Van der Bellen (R) at a ceremony on Monday  VIENNA, Oct 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Alexander Schallenberg has taken over as the chancellor of Austria, with the government seeking to move on from a corruption scandal. The foreign minister was sworn in on…

IMF reaffirms ‘full confidence’ in head Georgieva

Embattled IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The IMF Executive Board reaffirmed its “full confidence” in the Washington-based crisis lender’s chief, Kristalina Georgieva, keeping her on as managing director after she was hit with allegations of data tampering. “Having looked at all the evidence presented, the…

Germany unveils first self-driving train

 FRANKFURT, Oct 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — German rail operator Deutsche Bahn and industrial group Siemens on Monday unveiled the world’s first automated, driverless train in the city of Hamburg, billing it as more punctual and energy efficient than traditional trains. Four such trains will join the northern city’s S-Bahn rapid urban…

Covid-19: How Serbia became the world’s latest hotspot

BELGRADE, Oct 12 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Packed bars, few masks and almost no restrictions — in Serbia it seems the pandemic is over. But it’s a cruel illusion, as the Balkan country currently tops the global charts for infection rates. Despite having a variety of jabs available, the country’s vaccination drive…