Author: News Desk

Amnesty stops work in India due to government ‘witch hunt’ Amnesty International has stopped its Indian operations after its bank accounts were frozen in what they say is a government “witch-hunt” against rights groups.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration has long been accused of harassing non-governmental organisations for highlighting rights abuses, including in Indian-administered Kashmir.  Amnesty said they found out on September 10 that its Indian bank accounts were frozen, forcing them to let go of staff and pause all campaign and research work.  “This is the latest in the incessant witch-hunt of human rights organizations by the Government of…

Tuesday 29 Septmeber coronavirus updates BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFINGTuesday 29 September 2020 News Briefing – Today’s headlines are dominated by the global Coronavirus Pandemic. As of 6:30 am (GMT), these are the global active numbers.Global COVID-19 UPDATECoronavirus Cases: 33,552,483Deaths: 1,006,381Recovered: 24,881,156 One million lives lost World counts cost of Covid-19 pandemicMexico revises cases and death tollUber wins right to operate in LondonNetherlands tightens restrictions amid surge in casesCDC was pushed to play down the risks of Covid-19 in reopening schools, former Pence staffer saysPandemic to keep Asia’s growth at lowest since 1967New rapid covid test to give results in…

Bella Hadid cleans out her closet for a good cause Bella Hadid’s ultra-luxe wardrobe featuring brands like Dior, Off-White and Vivienne Westwood is up for grabs! The part-Palestinian model this week decided to take part in the Sidewalk Sale for Social Justice in Brooklyn by donating a slew of her own clothing items to the good cause.  The Sidewalk Sale for Social Justice, which took place on Sunday, benefits a variety of causes such as Black Lives Matter, which Hadid has voiced her support.  The supermodel documented the charitable event via her Instagram Stories and showcased the “lil rack of…

Paris knife attack suspect wanted to avenge Hebdo cartoon Police in France are studying a video in which the man suspected of attacking people with a meat cleaver on Friday says he will commit an act of “resistance” after the republication of cartoons mocking the Prophet Muhammad in a satirical magazine.  The suspect – who is from Pakistan – was arrested soon after two people were wounded in front of the old offices of the Charlie Hedbo magazine. Officials said his clothes were splattered in blood.  According to French media, the video in question was found on the suspect’s phone.…

Pakistan arrests opposition leader ahead of planned protest Pakistan’s anti-graft body arrested an opposition leader Monday over his alleged involvement in a money laundering case. A court rejected bail for him, a move coming just before planned protests next month by his party looking to force PM Imran Khan’s resignation.  Shahbaz Sharif of the Pakistan Muslim Leauge party was arrested at court after being denied bail, said Faisal Raza Bukhari, a lawyer for the National Accountability Bureau. The anti-graft body will now question Sharif at their jail, Bujharu said. The Pakistan Muslim Leauge party criticised his arrest as being politically…

‘Struggling’ students in Scotland told they can return home after Covid-19 spike Students who are struggling at university accommodation have been told they can return home due to recent outbreaks of Covid-19.  The Education Minister said he does not expect a “mass exodus” after updated guidance was published by the Scottish government.  The guidance states students can visit parents if there is a “reasonable excuse” such as a family emergency. But with no reasonable excuse, short stays are still deemed an “offence.” The updated guidelines come after a lot of complaints from students who felt they were trapped in university…

Joaquin Phoenix names his newborn after his late brother River Phoenix Actor Joaquin Phoenix has welcomed his newborn son with longtime love Rooney Mara and they named their son after someone very special. Joaquin and Rooney‘s newborn child is reportedly named River, after his late brother actor River Phoenix, who passed away in 1993 from a drug overdose. Director Victor Kossakovsky revealed the happy baby news at the 2020 Zurich Film Festival over the weekend during a Q&A session with the audience following a screening of Gunda. Joaquin is an executive producer on the film. “He just got a baby,…

Trump ‘paid $750 in federal income taxes in both 2016 and 2017’ and paid no income tax at all in 10 of 15 years -NY Times claims  Donald Trump paid just $750 in federal income tax in 2016 and 2017 according to the New York Times. The paper has obtained tax records for Trump and his companies over two decades and claims he paid no income tax in 10 of the previous 15 years.  The records reveal “chronic losses and years of tax avoidance,” it says.  The President has called the report “fake news.” “Actually I paid tax. And you’ll…

Monday 28 September coronavirus updates BRIEF – ME! – DAILY NEWS BRIEFING Monday 28 September 2020 News Briefing – Today’s headlines are dominated by the global Coronavirus Pandemic. As of 6:30 am (GMT), these are the global active numbers. Global COVID-19 UPDATE Coronavirus Cases: 33,307,363 Deaths: 1,002,401 Recovered: 24,638,480 Cases growing in NYC Greece reports first Covid-19 refugee death since pandemic began US sanctions are harming Iran’s Covid-19 response India coronavirus cases pass 6 million New Covid fines of up to £10,000 come into force Gebran Bassil infected with coronavirus Previous Next Headlines: What the papers…

You’d be a fool to write off Trump: Supreme Court nomination, the Indian-American vote, pro-Trump rally https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX1b7RFZA94 A GUIDE TO THE 2020 US ELECTION WHEN IS THE ELECTION? The US presidential election always falls on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This year’s election will be on 3 November. The US Presidential election is held every four years. US presidents can only serve two terms – so a total of 8 years. THE CANDIDATES The US is unlike most countries when it comes to the political system. The US system is dominated by only two parties, Democrats and Republicans…