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Heavy Snowfall Forces Road Closures in South Africa
Deutsche Welle
22 Sep 2024, 10:07
Photo: AFP
Heavy snowfall caused major disruptions in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province on Saturday. Motorists were forced to spend the night in their vehicles as one of the country's main highways, the N3, was blanketed with unusually thick snow. Roads in the area have been closed, and traffic authorities have warned motorists to delay journeys and keep clear of the area.
Portion of N3 highway closed
"Heavy snowfall continues to blanket the busiest N3 highway, particularly between Warden and Tugela Plaza in KwaZulu-Natal, making travel extremely dangerous," South Africa's Department of Transport said in a statement.
"The ministry is deeply concerned about the situation, especially as many travelers spent the night stranded at filling stations and along the N3, unable to move due to the road closures," the department said, adding that various emergency services were being deployed to the area.
Authorities said that no deaths or injuries had been reported thus far. Road safety organization Arrive Alive warned that visibility along the N3 was poor and that the cold and wet conditions were set to continue. "The risk remains high for more snowfalls and the formation of black ice as temperatures drop into the night," the group warned and made a series of posts on X, showing the extent of the snowfall.
South Africa's Border Management Authority said three border posts with the kingdom of Lesotho had been closed as "the current conditions pose a significant danger."
Many road users posted videos on social media showing cars, trucks and minibusses stuck in deep snow. Motorist Muhammad Goolam told the Newzroom Afrika channel that he and his children had spent the night in his car outside the town of Harrismith, situated 270 kilometers (170 miles) southeast of Johannesburg. "Over 13 hours, food supplies out, I don't see us managing to drive out of here without any assistant from emergency personnel," he said.
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Ambassador Yao Wen Calls on Dr Yunus, Chief Advisor of Bangladesh
Yao Wen, Ambassador of China to Bangladesh, welcomed the formation of the Interim Government, congratulated Professor Muhammad Yunus on his assumption as Chief Adviser, and stressed the support for the Interim Government to build a poverty-free and democratic, prosperous Bangladesh.
He made this call on Sunday (August 25), 2024.
Ambassador Yao said that China strictly follows the principle of non-interference in other countries’ internal affairs, respecting the development path independently chosen by the Bangladesh people, and expects that Bangladesh would realize unity, stability, development and prosperity at an early date. No matter what changes have taken place in the domestic situation of Bangladesh, China’s commitment to develop China-Bangladesh relations remains unchanged.
Ambassador Yao said that China and Bangladesh are traditional friendly neighbors and comprehensive strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral relationship sets up a model of mutual respect, cooperation for win-win results for developing countries. China firmly supports Bangladesh in safeguarding its national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, maintaining national unity and stability, and playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs.
Ambassador Yao stated that both China and Bangladesh are at a crucial stage of development and revitalization, with enormous potential for cooperation. China stands ready to share its experience in reform and development with Bangladesh, implement the agreements and consensus reached by the two sides, and push forward pragmatic cooperationin various sectors.
China is about to import fresh mangoes from Bangladesh, expedite the negotiation for a Free Trade Agreement, optimize the China-Bangladesh Investment Agreement, encourage local currency settlement in bilateral trade and support Chinese enterprises in investing in Bangladesh. China is committed to work with Bangladesh to organize and carry out activities for the 'China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges' in 2025.
China will also maintain visits and exchanges at all levels and in various sectors, elevating the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership to a new height.
Ambassador Yao reiterated that China is determined to encourage and engage with the relevant parties in Myanmar for a cease fire, so as to create amicable conditions for the early repatriation of displaced people from Rakhine State of Myanmar.
Philippines accuses China of ramming supply vessel
The Philippines says Chinese vessels undertook "aggressive" maneuvers against a ship transporting supplies to fishermen. The incident is the latest in a series of confrontations near a disputed South China Sea shoal.
The Philippines on Sunday claimed that Chinese vessels blocked a Filipino ship that was transporting provisions to fishermen in the South China Sea, accusing them of ramming it and using water cannon.
China, in its turn, has accused the Philippines of illegally sending a vessel to the region.
The two nations have had repeated confrontations in the waters near the Sabina Shoal — called Xianbin Reef by China — in recent months.
What do the Philippines and China say about the incident?
Manila's South China Sea task force said in a statement that the Chinese vessels had made "aggressive and dangerous" maneuvers.
The vessel from the Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries (BFAR) "was targeted by the People's Liberation Army Navy ship and multiple China Coast Guard (CCG) ships, which attempted to encircle and block the humanitarian mission," the statement said.
"The CCG vessels made close perilous maneuvers that resulted in ramming, blasted horns, and deployed water cannon against the BFAR vessel, eventually leading to the latter's engine failure," according to the statement.
The CCG said it had taken "control measures" against the Philippine vessel, saying the ship had "illegally" entered the waters near the Sabina Shoal and had repeatedly approached its ships in a dangerous manner.
CCG spokesman Gan Yu said the Filipino vessel then "deliberately collided" with a CCG ship, CCTV quoted Gan as saying, adding that China had "promptly rescued the Philippine personnel who fell into the water."
"China warns the Philippines to immediately cease its infringing actions, otherwise the Philippines will bear all consequences resulting from this situation," Gan warned.
Maritime tensions
On Monday, both countries also reported a collision between their coast guard ships near the Sabina Shoal, where both sides have stationed coast guard vessels in recent months.
The Philippines fears China is about to build an artificial island at the shoal, as it has elsewhere in the waterway.
On Saturday, the Philippines accused China of firing flares at one of its aircraft earlier this month as it patrolled the South China Sea.
China claims almost the entire sea, ignoring an international tribunal ruling that its claims have no basis in law.
EU 'extremely concerned' over Venezuela election
The EU's top diplomat said the bloc would only recognize "complete and independently verifiable" election results, which the Venezuelan government has not yet provided.
European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borell said on Sunday that the bloc "remains extremely concerned" about the aftermath of last month's presidential elections in Venezuela.
The government-controlled National Electoral Council (CNE) declared incumbent Nicolas Maduro the winner of the July 28 election, but has refused to publish detailed results.
According to CNE figures, Maduro reportedly received 51.2% of the vote, while the joint opposition candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia received 44.2%.
Gonzalez Urrutia's team claims he won with 67%, backed up by 83% of voting machine tallies that they claim they have in their possession. They have rejected the CNE results, saying the organization is an arm of Maduro's ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).
A government crackdown on protests in the wake of the vote has led to at least 2,400 arrests and 23 deaths.
In a statement issued on behalf of the EU on Sunday, Borrell urged the CNE to "publish and independently verify" the voting records or "actas" of all polling stations.
EU does not recognize Maduro's win
Venezuela's top court on Thursday certified Maduro's win. But the court is widely regarded as another institution loyal to Maduro.
Borrell said Caracas has still not provided the "necessary evidence to assess the electoral process."
"Only complete and independently verifiable results will be accepted and recognized," he added.
"The reviewed 'actas' published by the opposition exhibit the security features of the original result protocols, thereby confirming their reliability," Borrell said, adding that Gonzalez Urrutia "would appear to be the winner of the presidential election by a significant majority."
Borrell also called for Venezuelan authorities to "refrain from using excessive force, end the repression and harassment of the opposition and civil society, and release all political prisoners."
"Venezuelan authorities must respect the right of all Venezuelans to peacefully demonstrate and freely express their political opinions without fear of reprisal," he added.
Maduro government summons Gonzalez Urrutia
A UN report last week said at least 1,260 people in Venezuela have been detained and 23 killed since the election amid "fierce repression by the state."
Maduro confirmed earlier this month that some 2,000 people had been arrested and would faced punishment.
Gonzalez Urrutia, who has not been seen publicly since the end of July, is believed to be in hiding.
Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado subsequently led the wave of protests, but she too has since gone into hiding.
Machado was the intended candidate to face Maduro in the August election, but she was barred by the CNE from participating. Gonzalez Urrutia became the replacement candidate, even as Machado has remained the opposition's primary figure and main rival to Maduro.
Government prosecutors have now summoned Gonzalez Urrutia, with Maduro's attorney General Tarek William Saab saying the opposition candidate would have to explain his "disobedience."
Saab said that by posting a detailed breakdown of election results on its website, the opposition had "usurped" the powers of the CNE.
Telegram founder Pavel Durov arrested in France
Telegram founder and CEO Pavel Durov was arrested on a warrant for offenses related to his popular messaging app. Moscow has demanded consular access to the Russian-born billionaire and accused France of non-cooperation.
French police arrested Pavel Durov, the billionaire founder and CEO of the messaging app Telegram, at Le Bourget airport near Paris on Saturday.
Durov was arrested on a warrant for offenses related to the popular messaging app, the AFP news agency reported, citing unnamed officials.
According to French broadcaster TF1, Durov was traveling aboard his private jet from Azerbaijan and was arrested around 8 p.m. local time (1800 GMT).
He is due to appear in court on Sunday.
Why is Durov being investigated?
Durov is suspected of failing to take measures to curb the use of his platform for criminal purposes.
France's OFMIN, an agency tasked with preventing violence against minors, had issued an arrest warrant for Durov as part of a preliminary investigation into alleged offenses including fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organized crime and the promotion of terrorism, one of the sources close to the case said.
"Enough of Telegram's impunity," said one of the investigators. He added that they were surprised that Durov came to Paris, knowing that he was a wanted man.
What is Telegram?
Telegram is one of the most important social media platforms in the world after Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok and Wechat. It currently has the aim of reaching one billion active users by next year.
The Russian-born Durov, 39, reportedly holds French citizenship. He founded Telegram in 2013 with his brother Nikolai.
Durov left Russia in 2014 after refusing to comply with government demands to shut down opposition communities on his social media platform, VK, which he subsequently sold.
After Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Telegram became the main source of unfiltered, sometimes graphic and misleading content from both sides about the war and the politics surrounding the conflict.
How is Russia reacting to Durov's arrest?
The Russian Embassy in Paris on Sunday accused French authorities of "refusing to cooperate" after Durov's arrest.
"We immediately asked French authorities to explain the reasons for this detention and demanded that his rights be protected and that consular access be granted. Up to now, the French side is refusing to cooperate on this question," the embassy said in a statement reported by Ria Novosti news agency.
The messaging app is one of the most important online networks in Russia. Many authorities and politicians use it for communication.
India's response to media queries regarding Farakka Barrage
The External Affairs Ministry has said that the opening of Farakka barrage gates allowing the flow of water downstream of the river in its natural course into the Ganga and Padma rivers is normal seasonal development.
In response to media queries regarding Farakka barrage, the Official Spokesperson, Shri Randhir Jaiswal said,
'We have seen media reports of the opening of Farakka barrage gates that will allow the flow of over 11 lakh cusecs of water downstream of the river in its natural course into the Ganga/Padma river.
This is a normal seasonal development that takes place due to increased inflow from heavy rainfall in the Ganga river basin catchment areas upstream.
It is to be understood that Farakka is only a barrage and not a dam. Whenever, water level reaches the pond level, whatever inflow comes that passes. It is merely a structure to divert 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka canal that is carefully done using a system of gates on the main Ganga/Padma river, while the balance water flows into the main river to Bangladesh.
Data, as per protocol, is shared with the concerned Joint River Commission officials in Bangladesh on a regular and timely basis. It has been done this time as well.
We have seen fake videos, rumours and fear mongering to create misunderstanding. This should be firmly countered with facts.'
Australian police carry out massive nationwide drug bust
Police in Australia say more than 1,600 people have been arrested in an anti-drug operation. A spokesman said the action highlighted 'the seemingly insatiable demand' for illicit drugs in the country.
Australian police said on Tuesday that they had concluded an operation across the country aimed at tackling illegal drug trafficking and organized crime, with more than 1,600 people arrested.
The operation from August 19 to August 23 also involved police from regional neighbor New Zealand.
In a joint statement, the participating police forces and authorities said the prevalence of illicit drugs in society 'translates into road trauma, family violence, homicides, shootings and other violent offending.'
'Illicit drug use also contributes to high levels of community harm through drug driving, drug-fuelled assaults, drug-fuelled family violence and heightened risk-taking,' it said.
What did police say?
Police said they had made 1,611 drug-related arrests and laid 2,962 drug-related charges during the nationwide action, dubbed Operation Vitreus.
Almost 1,400 kg (more than 3,000 lb) of illicit drugs and more than 2,500 cannabis plants were seized, they said, worth in the region of 93 million Australian dollars (€57 million, $63 million) street value in total.
Altogether 71 guns were seized, along with more than 2.2 million Australian dollars in cash, according to the statement.
'Over $93M worth of illicit drugs were seized throughout the country last week alone, and whilst it's an incredible result, it aptly highlights the seemingly insatiable demand there is in Australia for illicit substances,' said Dave Cowan, a spokesman for the police force in the eastern state of Victoria.
'We are at a pivotal point in this fight against illicit drugs, and ultimately, we must challenge the attitudes around the use of illicit drugs in our community,' he said.
Diverse range of drugs
Among the seized drugs were heroin, methylamphetamine, cocaine, MDMA and ketamine.
According to data from the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC), the most-consumed drugs in Australia are cannabis and methylamphetamine.
But the ACIC's Katie Willis said there was also a rise in the use of nitazenes, a type of synthetic opiod.
'Nitazenes pose a greater threat to the Australian community than fentanyl,' said Willis. 'We have seen a rise in overdoses, some of which have been fatal, adulteration of other drugs, and links to serious and organized crime.'
Malaysia charges ex-PM Muhyiddin over alleged royal insult
Muhyiddin Yassin, an opposition leader and former prime minister, has been accused of insulting Malaysia's former king. The rotating monarchy in the country is held in deep respect.
Malaysia has brought sedition charges against opposition leader and former Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin for allegedly insulting the country's former king in a political speech on August 15.
Muhydiddin, who governed the country between 2020 and 2021 and leads Malaysia's conservative, Malay-centric opposition bloc, has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Remarks seen as denigrating the country's largely ceremonial and highly revered royalty can be prosecuted under a Sedition Act stemming from the colonial era.
Under Malaysia's unique form of monarchy, nine sultans take turns on the royal throne every five years.
Muhyiddin is already facing corruption and money laundering charges in a separate case filed against him last year that the 77-year-old has called politically motivated.
What is Muhyiddin accused of?
Prosecutors say Muhyiddin questioned why former King Al-Sultan Abdullah had not invited him to be sworn in as the country's premier after a 2022 general election that resulted in a hung parliament, despite his claiming to have the backing of enough lawmakers.
Al-Sultan Abdullah, who stepped down from his five-year reign in January, instead appointed then opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim as prime minister in November 2022 after Anwar gained the support of rival parties to build a unity government.
Muhyiddin's remarks during a by-election campaign in the northeastern state of Kelantan are being seen by prosecutors as a slight to the former king's credibility.
Al-Sultan Abdullah himself has made no public comment on the reported remarks by Muhyiddin, but his son has said they were dangerous and undermined faith in the monarchy.
If found guilty, Muhyiddin could face up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of 5,000 ringit (€1,030, $1,148), according to his lawyer.
