The Paris prosecutor on Wednesday requested a five-year prison sentence and a five-year ban from public office against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, at a trial where she and 24 others are accused of embezzling European Union funds. The trial, which comes almost a decade after initial investigations started, threatens to undermine her party’s efforts […]

[New Times] Achieving rapid private sector growth in Rwanda is unlikely without far-reaching reforms to economic policies, a new report released on November 13, by the World Bank has shown.

[Egypt Online] Egypt's primary focus is achieving a ceasefire and halting Israeli aggression on Lebanon, Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdel Aatty said during his meeting with Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berry in Beirut on Wednesday 13/11/2024.

J Hope is as excited about BTS bandmate Jin’s debut solo album releases as BTS ARMY and K-pop idol himself.In a recent Weverse Live on Tuesday, November 12, J Hope, whose real name is Jung Ho-seok, updated his whereabouts to the curious fans while teasing new projects in the pipeline and...

Cheryl reunites with her 2002 pop band Girls Aloud after many years Liam Payne’s ex-partner Cheryl reunited with her old Girls Aloud bandmates for the 43rd birthday of late bandmate Sarah Harding.The band recorded a concert film on their reunion tour across the UK and Ireland which will...

Kristin Chenoweth expresses feelings of being a wife of 14 years younger husbandKristin Chenoweth, the Emmy-winning actress and singer, spoke from the heart revealing how it feels to be older than her husband, Josh Bryant.Despite the 14 years of age difference between them, the couple have been...

Abdelatty met with a number of key officials in the country and reiterated his support for Lebanon and a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

Connecting Iran's Shetab interbank network to the Russian system enabled collaboration, reducing reliance on the global SWIFT network, which has excluded Iranian banks since 2018.

IDF soldiers operated in both Gaza and southern Lebanon, where they eliminated terrorists and terror infrastructure.

ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Commerce and the World Bank have agreed to form a joint working group on trade to capitalise on the country’s true export potential.

The understanding was reached during a meeting of Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan with a team from the World Bank. Both sides agreed that the working group would meet periodically to advance the goal of realising Pakistan’s export potential of $60 billion.

An official announcement said both sides discussed Pakistan’s export reform agenda, focusing on strategies to enhance export competitiveness and streamline enabling policies.

The discussion also addressed how the World Bank can support these initiatives under the broader country programme.

Mr Kamal highlighted the whole-of-government approach to export enhancement, which promotes a unified policy framework to improve competitiveness and the Ease of Doing Business for exporters.

This strategy emphasises export-led growth by providing crucial enabling factors such as financing, liquidity support, reduced input costs, and regulatory facilitation to empower Pakistan’s export sector.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024

MUMBAI: India’s Supreme Court on Wednesday strongly criticised states which were demolishing properties of suspected criminals, a practice critics say targets mostly minority Muslims, and issued guidelines to authorities.

The verdict came in response to many petitions filed after demolitions in states ruled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in recent years.

BJP governments in the states have torn down what they say are illegal houses or shops of people accused of crimes, many of them Muslims, in what has come to be popularly known as “instant, bulldozer justice”.

Rights groups and opposition parties have denounced the practice, saying it targets mostly poor Muslims while circumventing the judicial process.

Verdict comes in response to many petitions filed after demolitions targeting Muslims

BJP governments have rejected the accusations and said such properties were in violation of local laws and the owners had been served notices.

On Wednesday, a two-judge bench of the Supreme Court ruled that the state and its officials cannot take arbitrary action against suspects or convicts without following the due process of law. It also laid down guidelines, including issuing prior notice and taking a video of the demolition process. “It is not a happy sight to see women, children and aged persons dragged to the streets overnight. Heavens would not fall on the authorities if they hold their hands for some period,” the court said. There was no immediate reaction to the verdict from the BJP.

Bulldozer action

Calls for India to enshrine Hindu supremacy in law have rapidly grown louder after Modi government’s success in 2014. Hindu nationalist groups were emboldened in their campaign against Muslim religious structures.

“Bulldozer action”, popularly known as “bulldozer justice”, were actions observed by many practitioners as a campaign against the Muslim minority, bulldozing their homes, mosques and shopfronts.

The practices were mainly observed after Yogi Adityanath, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and a saffron-robed Hindu monk seen as a potential successor to Prime Minister Modi, championed the bulldozer as a symbol of his commitment to law and order and as a potential tool to use against “trouble-makers” in 2017. Since then “bulldozer politics” have spread elsewhere in the country and demolition campaigns have begun quickly following on the heels of outbreaks of religious unrest.

Officials said the spate of demolitions were lawful as they only targeted buildings constructed without legal approval. But victims of the campaign deny that their dwellings are illegal, and say they are not given the legally required notice period to dispute demolition orders.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024

DHAKA: Bangladesh’s army said on Wednesday it had arrested 2,500 people and recovered 6,000 guns as it seeks to bolster security since the revolution that ousted ex-leader Sheikh Hasina in August.

Thousands of weapons were looted in the deadly violence during the student-led revolution that toppled Hasina and the immediate chaos after she escaped mass protests and fled to India by helicopter.

More than 3,700 weapons were handed in during an amnesty that ended in early September, with the security forces then launching a weapons sweep to collect the guns.

Colonel Intekhab Haider Khan told reporters that a total of 6,000 illegally held firearms had been collected, along with 200,000 rounds of ammunition. “Our operation is still ongoing,” Khan said.

The interim government that took over after Hasina granted the armed forces judicial power, allowing them to engage in day-to-day enforcement activities like the police. “There has been no directive from the government regarding the army’s withdrawal,” Khan said.

The army rejected reports four people had died in military custody since August, insisting troops were “strictly adhering” to rules. “Should any complaints arise, we will take necessary action,” he said.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2024

Some Scotiabank customers are still unable to access their online banking accounts after what the company called "scheduled maintenance" turned into a service outage that crept into Wednesday, sparking online anger and a proposed class action lawsuit.

1. SC bans ‘bulldozer justice’, calls it unconstitutional, drafts norms  The Times of India
2. Poetry To UK Precedent: What Went Into Landmark 'Bulldozer Justice' Verdict  NDTV
3. Right To Shelter A Facet Of Article 21; State Must Satisfy Why Entire Property Needs To Be Demolished :...  Live Law - Indian Legal News
4. Supreme Court verdict on bulldozer demolitions: Jamiat hails verdict, victims seek compensation  The Hindu
5. SC lays down path, timeline that bulldozers must follow  The Times of India

A neighborhood watch group in a Christian Beirut neighborhood is on the lookout for militant operatives, which could make the area a target for Israeli airstrikes.

PARIS — Israeli officials are insisting on maintaining a capacity to strike Lebanon at any moment as part of conditions to secure a ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah, France's foreign minister said on Wednesday (Nov 13). Speaking to a parliamentary hearing after holding talks in Israel last week in Jerusalem, Jean-Noel Barrot said it was a condition increasingly voiced among Israeli officials. "Today we hear in Israel voices calling for it to keep a capacity to strike at any moment or even enter Lebanon, as is the case with its neighbour Syria," said Barrot, who held talks with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and new Defence Minister Israel Katz last week. "That is not compatible with the sovereignty of a strong country," Barrot said, referring to broader efforts to help strengthen Lebanon's governance. Several diplomats said that it would be all but impossible to get Hezbollah or Lebanon to accept any proposal that included this demand.

MindaRyn performs "Remaining Story" theme song, specifically written for video

Marine Le Pen would be banned from standing for president again at the next election if convicted.

CityHub, the urban lifestyle hotel brand, is bringing its signature blend of cutting-edge technology and sustainable design to the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik this November. Officially opening in the heart of the Hverfisgata district on 16th November, and with bookings already available through its website, CityHub Reykjavik promises a unique, digitally-driven stay perfect for tech-savvy travellers looking to explore Iceland like a local. Known for reinventing the traditional hotel experience, CityHub offers modern, pod-style ’Hubs’, prefabricated units designed in collaboration with Studio Uberdutch, for ultimate comfort and privacy. With 89 Hubs and 4 accessible rooms equipped with smart technology, guests can fully personalise their stay. Key features of the Reykjavik location include: Rooftop hot tub: Inspired by Iceland’s hot springs, guests can relax in CityHub’s rooftop hot tub after a day of exploring the city with stunning views and, if you’re lucky, a glimpse of the iconi...

Luxury and budget skiers and adventurers can stay atop Tortin Glacier, high above the ski resort town of Verbier, thanks to a two-level accommodation strategy at the new Cabane Tortin, opening December 15. Whether you choose the uber-luxurious option or go the more budget-friendly route, you’ll have unlimited access to the famed powder fields and off-piste, backcountry skiing at 9,500 feet elevation. Luxury Option: Cabane Tortin, approximately $70,000 (60,000 CHF)/3 nights full board/up to 8 guests ($8,750 per person)The upper levels of the architect-designed Cabane Tortin provide a peak experience with luxurious amenities and panoramic views of the snow-covered Swiss Alps. Book the three-bedroom cabane chalet as your own, with tailor-made itineraries and a personal staff. A private chef prepares meals and ski picnics, pairing wines from the wine cellar for evening apres-ski gatherings. A mountain ski guide designs and accompanies ski adventures, and in-chalet spa treatments can be ar...

The European Union is developing compliance guidance for its new law on AI. As part of that process it’s launched a consultation (here) seeking input in two areas. The first is how the law defines AI systems (as opposed to “simpler traditional” software). It’s asking people in the AI industry, business, academics, and civil society […]

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(BY SRI B.V.ACHARYA, SPL.PP A/W SRI V.G.BHANUPRAKASH, AAG AND SRI THEJESH P., HCGP FOR R-1 TO R-4;

SRI P.PRASANNA KUMAR, SPL.PP FOR R-5;

PROF.RAVI VARMA KUMAR, SR.ADVOCATE FOR SRI ADITYA BHAT, ADVOCATE FOR R-6;

SRI SUDHANVA D.S., ADVOCATE FOR I.A.NO. 1/2024 FOR IMPLEADING APPLICANT ) THIS WRIT PETITION IS FILED UNDER ARTICLES 226 AND 227 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA READ WITH SECITON 482 OF CR.P.C., PRAYING TO DIRECT THE RESPONDENT NO.1 TO 3 TO TRANSFER AND ENTRUST THE INVESTIGATION OF THE CASE CRIME NO. 118/2024 VIDE ANNEXURE - Q, LEVELING OFFENCES PUNISHABLE UNDER SECTIONS 149, 409, 420, 467, 468, 471 OF THE INDIAN PENAL CODE TO THE RESPONDENT NO.4-CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION AND FURTHER DIRECT THE R-4 TO CARRY OUT SPEEDY AND EXPEDITIOUS INVESTIGATION IN THE AFOREMENTIONED CASE WITHIN A SPECIFIED TIME.

Commerzbank analizează opțiunea de a achiziționa o bancă germană de dimensiuni medii ca parte a strategiei de a evita o posibilă preluare de către UniCredit, potrivit Reuters. Planurile sunt într-o etapă incipientă, iar posibilele ținte ar putea include Hamburg Commercial Bank sau Oldenburgische Landesbank. Potrivit surselor Reuters, Commerzbank încearcă să conceapă un plan de apărare, ...

The post Commerzbank ia în considerare achiziționarea unui rival german pentru a respinge UniCredit appeared first on Forbes Romania.

Ambani News: దేశీయ వ్యాపారవేత్త బిలియనీర్ ముఖేష్ అంబానీకి భారీ ఊరట లభించింది. రిలయన్స్ పెట్రోలియం లిమిటెడ్ కి సంబంధించిన ఆరోపించిన షేర్ మానిప్యులేషన్‌ వ్యవహారంలో అంబానీ తాజాగా సానుకూలతను పొందారు. వాస్తవానికి షేర్ల మానిప్యులేషన్‌ విషయంలో రూ.25 కోట్ల పెనాల్టీపై సెక్యూరిటీస్ అండ్ ఎక్స్ఛేంజ్ బోర్డ్ ఆఫ్ ఇండియా చేసిన విజ్ఞప్తిని సుప్రీంకోర్టు సోమవారం తిరస్కరించింది.

Reliance Power Stock: అనిల్ అంబానీ పరిస్థితి కూడా ఇటీవలి కాలంలో చూస్తుంటే గౌతమ్ అదానీ మాదిరిగానే మారింది. అంబానీ తన వ్యాపారాలను తిరిగి పునః నిర్మిస్తున్న వేళ అనేక అడ్డంకులను ఎదుర్కొంటున్నారు. గత ఏడాది నుంచి అదానీ సైతం హిండెన్ బర్గ్ వంటి అనేక ఆరోపణలను ఎదుర్కొన్న సంగతి తెలిసిందే. అయితే తన ప్రయత్న లోపం

Bank Nifty futures is now testing the support at 51,000

Police say 29 cases have been registered. Probe by district joint registrar of Cooperative department finds 26 persons, mostly members of previous director boards, accountable for irregularities to the tune of ₹33.33 crore

Afghanistan’s first delegation at United Nations climate talks since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan

Israeli warplanes launched a strike at dawn targeting a residential apartment in a building in the Dawhet

Although public opinion favours outlawing bullfighting in France, a bid to ban the practice failed in 2022

Two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and other slow-moving vehicles, such as tractors, are prohibited as per the Gazette Notifications dated June 14, 2018, and January 15, 2021

Higher D-SIB surcharge fixed for SBI and HDFC Bank, will be applicable from April 01, 2025

Afghanistan’s first delegation at United Nations climate talks since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021 has arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan

Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had stated, in Wayanad in Kerala, that the government would take all possible measures to lift night traffic ban through Bandipur, which had riled wildlife conservationists in Karnataka

Before the election, the three Jarkiholi brothers — Satish (Congress MLA), Ramesh (BJP MLA), and Balachandra (BJP MLA) — met in a private hotel in Belagavi to discuss the names of candidates

‘Banking Regulations Act does not empower banks to seek transfer of probe into criminal cases registered by States to agency of its choice’

Siddhant Banthia broke serve dropping one point, and served out at love in the next game, to gain a stranglehold over the proceedings. He ran up a 5-1 lead in the second set before closing it out without any trouble

Vision Funds (SVF1 and SVF2) sold investments totalling $1.85 billion for the six-month period ended September 30