Lime-flavoured memories drive innovation on Saudi farm
Farmers in Saudi Arabia are being encouraged to adopt new irrigation techniques as water and land resources are put under increasing pressure.
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UN rights chief urges accountability for post-electoral violence in Venezuela
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on Friday reiterated the need for accountability for post-electoral violence in Venezuela and alleged excessive use of force during protests that left at least 28 people dead.
Gaza: ‘Sickening normalisation’ of suffering, amid attacks on people and aid convoys
Ongoing military operations by Israeli forces in Gaza continue to cause devastation for civilians trying to escape the fighting, with mounting casualties and a critical lack of humanitarian aid for the desperate population.
UN Special Envoy continues shuttle diplomacy on Syria
The UN Special Envoy for Syria travelled to Jordan on Friday for discussions on the tumultuous events that have seen a new transitional authority take charge in Damascus in recent days, with more high-level meetings planned over the weekend.
Iran: UN experts call for strict new hijab law to be repealed
Iranian women and girls now face prison terms of up to 15 years and possible death sentences for failing to wear a hijab, through a new strict law on religious dress and behaviour that was due to take effect on Friday.
Climate shocks, humanitarian crises and political division plague Central Africa
Central African nations continue to grapple with multidimensional crises, including security threats, extreme weather events and geopolitical tensions, a senior UN official said on Friday, calling for renewed solidarity with nations in the region.
Volkswagen India unit faces $1.4 billion tax evasion notice
Reuters was first to report that India has issued a notice to German automaker Volkswagen for allegedly evading $1.4 billion in taxes by “wilfully” paying lesser import tax on components for its Audi, VW and Skoda cars. Volkswagen shares fell as much as 2.13% on the Frankfurt stock exchange after the Reuters report. Why it matters News about the potential liability, which could be as high as $2.8 billion with penalties, could strain VW’s India business. The company is a small player in India but has plans to invest $1.8 billion to build EVs and hybrids in Maharashtra. The Wolfsburg-based carmaker is also locked in an escalating dispute with its labour in Germany over plant closures and layoffs while Chinese competitors are attacking Europe’s established carmakers on their home turf. The post Volkswagen India unit faces $1.4 billion tax evasion notice appeared first on Reuters News Agency. Source: Reuters News Agency
Worldline attracts early stage interest from private equity firms
French payments group Worldline has attracted early stage takeover interest from private equity firms, as it grapples with a falling share price, profit warnings and leadership change, five people with knowledge of the matter told Reuters. Why it matters Discussions about a potential deal come during a challenging period for Worldline. Its shares have fallen by 92% since July, 2021 when investor enthusiasm for payments companies peaked, after recording three profit warnings within a year. The post Worldline attracts early stage interest from private equity firms appeared first on Reuters News Agency. Source: Reuters News Agency
At least 68 journalist killings in 2024, UNESCO reports
For the second consecutive year, conflict zones have proven dangerous for journalists and media workers, with 2024 seeing at least 68 deaths in the line of duty, according to new data from the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Syria: UN chief calls for urgent de-escalation by Israeli forces, withdrawal from Golan buffer zone
The UN Secretary-General has expressed concern over the hundreds of Israeli airstrikes against targets in Syria since the overthrow of the Assad regime, calling for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the demilitarized zone in the strategically important Golan.
Taliban’s pursuit of ‘Islamic vision’ eroding freedoms in Afghanistan: Security Council
The Taliban’s continued imposition of strict interpretations of Islamic law and Afghan culture has resulted in unprecedented restrictions on women and girls, the UN envoy for the country warned on Thursday.
World News in Brief: Gaza medical challenge, justice for Africa, rising violence in Myanmar
Ongoing hostilities across the Gaza Strip are making it extremely difficult, if not impossible, for trauma patients to get the critical care they need, the UN said on Thursday.