The Life News South Africa Dec 1, 2020

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News from World, Worldwide readership.

Vol. 01 Issue 11 Dec. 01, 2020

Worldwide Coronavirus Cases Cross 62.84 Million, Death Toll at 1,464,200

Biden names his picks for top economic advisers TL Bureau, Wilmington D.C.

President-elect Joe Biden named his choices for several top economic positions on Monday, including former Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen as nominee for Treasury Secretary and three other women, setting the stage for a more diverse White House, Reuters reported.

Biden named leading members of an economic team that will have to combat the crushing blows to workers and businesses from the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed more than 266,000 people in the United States in nine months.

Yellen, 74, chaired the U.S. central bank from 2014 to 2018 and had served as the chair of President Bill Clinton’s Council of Economic Advisers.

Biden said he would nominate Wally Adeyemo as Yellen’s deputy.

And Biden said he would nominate Neera Tanden to head the Office of Management and Budget.

Biden selected Cecelia Rouse, dean of the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, to chair the Council of Economic Advisers.

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Amazon deforestation in Brazil on the top

TL Bureau and Sources, Manaus City

New Immigration rules in UK from Jan 1, as Brexit TL Bureau, London

Deforestation of the Amazon in Brazil flooded to a 12-year high in 2020, authorities with the country’s space office said.

Inpe, the Brazilian space establishment, detailed Monday that fundamental information demonstrated 4,281 square miles of rainforest was wrecked between August 2019 and July, an expansion of 9.5% from a year earlier and the most rainforest demolished since 2008.

The office said that the number delivered Monday is relied upon to be higher in its last report to be distributed in the primary portion of 2021.

VP Hamilton Mourao said some 30% of the deforestation happened ashore not assigned for one or the other preservation or private use, accusing the rainforest’s decimation for those taking area.

Paul Moutinho, a senior scientist at Inpe, said if no move is made to control this “unlawful attack” the public legacy, all things considered, will be obliterated.

“Public woods must be protected as they are principal to keep up the atmosphere and water equilibrium of the Amazon,” Moutinho said in an articulation.

“It is dire that deforestation there be halted and that these territories be secured.”

The occupation and the deforestation is being driven by land hypothesis by those

attempting to benefit from land gets, the space office stated, calling for more severe approaches to be set up to forestall this training for exacerbating.

“With speculation and arranging, it is conceivable to end deforestation in the Amazon,” said Inpe Executive Direction Andre Guimaraes.

Notwithstanding, researchers and moderate see the expansion in deforestation an aftereffect of the arrangements of President Jair Bolsonaro, who has energized agribusiness and mining inside the rainforest and diminished the strength of the country’s ecological security offices.

Carlos Rittl, a Brazilian preservationist at Germany’s Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, said in the two years of Bolsonaro’s administration, he has transformed the nation into “the world’s top timberland destroyer” and “a worldwide ecological untouchable.”

explanation that Plenkovic was re-tried for the infection on Monday at the suggestion of disease transmission experts, and the outcomes returned positive.

“He is at present inclination well, and the leader keeps on playing out his exercises and duties from

home and will adhere to all the directions of specialists and disease transmission experts,” the assertion said. Plenkovic was at that point in self-disconnection at the sets of his PCPs as his significant other had tried positive for the infection days sooner.

“The movement of Amazon annihilation expanded 47.1% under Bolsonaro,” tweeted Rittl. “The counter ecological plan of President Bolsonaro is conveying its most exceedingly terrible anticipated outcomes for the locale.”

The Observation do Clima said the number’s delivered

by Inpe were not a shock and mirror Bolsonaro’s arrangement “to obliterate the limit of the Brazilian state and administrative bodies to deal with our woodlands and battle wrongdoing in the Amazon.”

“This first rate pulverization venture will cost Brazil beyond a reasonable doubt,” said Marcio Astrini, the chief secretary of the observatory. “We are losing economic accords, transforming our delicate force in a real sense into smoke and expanding our worldwide detachment when the world is entering a basic realignment comparable to battling the atmosphere emergency.”

New movement rules will be “straightforward and adaptable”, clergymen have guaranteed, as the UK’s focuses based post-Brexit framework gets ready to go live.

From Tuesday every single outside public, including from the European Union, who need to work in the UK from 1 January should apply online for a visa.

Those looking for a gifted laborer visa will require a proposition for employment, to be capable in English and procure at any rate £25,600.

Free development from and to the EU will reach a conclusion on 31 December.

EU residents previously living in the UK by 31 December and their families don’t need to experience the new framework however rather can apply to the EU Settlement Scheme, and have until 30 June 2021 to do as such.

In the event that they are fruitful, they will have the option to stay in the UK and guarantee similar advantages as UK residents on the off chance that they become jobless.

Irish residents don’t have to apply to the plan and won’t expect authorization to go to the UK, as the UK and Ireland are both piece of a Common Travel Area.

Croatian PM tests COVID-19 positive

TL Bureau, Zagreb

Andrej Plenkovic, the PM of Croatia, has tried positive for the Covid, turning into the latest head of state to become sick to the pandemic. The public authority of Croatia said Monday in an

Government representative Marko Milic had tweeted on Saturday that Plenkovic was selfconfining for 10 days following his significant other’s test outcomes.

Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the chief general of the World Health Organization, tweeted the

executive his all the best.

“Sorry to learn that you tried positive for COVID-19, my companion Andrej Plenkovic, executive of Croatia,” he said in an early Tuesday proclamation.

“I wish you a quick recuperation.

Take great consideration.”

2

T

he Trump organization on Monday focused on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by authorizing a Chinese innovation organization it blames for supporting the troubled system’s endeavors to sabotage majority rule government in the South American nation.

The U.S. Depository and the State Department reported the United States has assigned the Beijingclaimed China National Electronics Import and Export Corporation, known as CEIEC, which they said helps the Maduro system by limiting Internet administration and directing computerized reconnaissance and digital tasks against political rivals.

“The ill-conceived Maduro system’s dependence on substances like CEIEC to propel its tyrant plan further delineates the system’s prioritization of control over fair qualities and cycles,” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a proclamation. “The United States won’t spare a moment to target anybody assisting with smothering the majority rule will of the Venezuelan public and others around the globe.”

The Treasury said undemocratic governments utilize Chinese-traded advances, for example, those created by CEIEC, to stifle political contradiction and Maduro has been using CEIEC’s administrations since 2017.

It has furnished Venezuela with programming, preparing and specialized ability, including sending

Sanctions on Chinese firms focusing on Venezuelan specialists to state-run media communications supplier Venezuelan National Telephone Company who made a popularized variant of China’s “Fire Firewall” that is utilized to keep up exacting restriction, the Treasury said.

The State Department said this instrument is utilized

by Venezuela to obstruct online free papers and addresses by resistance individuals.“The Maduro system has consistently shown its eagerness to stifle its residents’ popularity based rights, threaten them from communicating their political perspectives or overpower their voices utilizing innovation empowered methods, as buttressed by CEIEC,” the Treasury said in a delivery.

The United States has been endorsing the communist country for over 10 years, yet the exertion has been increased under the Trump organization, which has been looking to expel Maduro following his 2018 re-appointment being announced ill-conceived.

Approximately 160 Venezuelans or Venezuelan-associated people just as its state oil organization, government

and national bank have been authorized under the Trump organization’s two-year exertion, yet Maduro keeps on sticking to control with the help of China, Russia and Cuba, authorities have said. The Trump organization has likewise driven an alliance of in excess of 55 nations in sponsorship resistance pioneer and break President Juan Guaido’s entitlement to the nation’s steerage.

Venezuela has shrugged off the United States’ activities, portraying them as criminal and proof that will be utilized against it in worldwide preliminary.

Jorge Arreaza, Venezuela’s unfamiliar pastor, portrayed the approvals against CEIEC on Monday as “coercive measures” utilized to

editorial

disturb endeavors in front of parliamentary races on Dec. 6. Venezuela “won’t be scared,” he said in an explanation, depicting the authorizations as “endeavors to make nervousness and assault the working of the general population.”

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo cautioned in a proclamation that the races in Venezuela, including forthcoming parliamentary votes, will nor be free nor reasonable because of “Maduro’s edgy endeavors to control the majority rule measure.” The Treasury said it has allowed organizations 45 days to slow down associations with CEIEC, which has 200 auxiliaries and workplaces around the world. The authorizations freeze all property and in interests in property of CEIEC in the United States and squares U.S. residents from working with the Chinese organization.

“We remain with interval President Guaido and the Venezuelan individuals who have battled for quite a long time to reestablish popular government and freedom to Venezuela,” he said.

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3 Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Meets with His Bahraini Counterpart TL Bureau, Kuwait

Kuwaiti Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Nasser AlMohammad Al-Sabah met here today with Bahraini Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Abdullatif AlZayani. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and the latest developments in the region.

UAE Vice President Meets with Indian Minister of External Affairs TL Bureau, Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Dubai, met today with Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

During the meeting, they discussed means of enhancing bilateral relations.

Jordan Condemns Afghanistan Terrorist Attack

TL Bureau, Amman Jordan denounced today the terrorist attack that struck an army base in Afghanistan’s Ghazni province, killing and injuring scores of people. In a statement, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates voiced Jordan’s solidarity with the Afghan people and government in the face of terrorism and blind violence that target Afghanistan’s security and stability. The ministry expressed Jordan’s firm rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism which know no religion or race.

world

Eurogroup statement on Greece of 30 November 2020

TL Bureau , Brussels

The Eurogroup discussed Greece’s progress with reform implementation and its macroeconomic outlook, on the basis of the eighth enhanced surveillance report published on 18 November.

As in the rest of the European Union, the pandemic has had substantial social and economic consequences in Greece. The Commission’s Autumn forecast shows a strong contraction in economic activity and rising unemployment in 2020, though a partial recovery is projected for 2021. We commend the Greek authorities for the large set of timely, targeted and temporary support measures taken to date to cushion the effect of the pandemic on businesses, workers and the healthcare sector.

We welcome the progress made with reform implementation in these difficult circumstances,

in particular the adoption of the major reform of the Greek insolvency framework, which is expected to contribute to resolving the key challenges in the financial sector. Other areas in which good progress has been achieved include public administration, the energy sector, public revenue and social welfare. At the same time, the authorities have taken steps to address delays with key reforms due to the pandemic and most notably reforms in the healthcare sector.

The increased uncertainty entailed by the pandemic continues to underscore the need to tackle decisively the existing mediumterm risks and challenges identified in the enhanced surveillance report. We therefore call on Greece to maintain and where necessary strengthen reform efforts to further support the economic recovery, improve the resilience of the economy and to underpin the

WFP Delegation Reviews Progress of “My Skills My Livelihood” Project to Support Families of Orphans in Marib, Yemen

TL Bureau, Marib

A delegation from the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) has been briefed on the progress of the second “My Skills My Livelihood” Project to support families of orphans in Marib Governorate, Yemen, being funded by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief).

The delegation has also been briefed on the project’s activities, the implementation plan and the criteria

for selecting the beneficiaries, as well as the impressions of the beneficiaries. The delegation expressed its admiration for the training services being provided

by KSrelief to support families of orphans. “My Skills My Livelihood” Project aims to create economic opportunities for orphans and their families by training 500 beneficiaries in eight professional fields. The project will be concluded by providing resources and equipment needed for establishing small projects.

commitment to improve longterm potential growth. In this context, we furthermore highlight the importance of using the funds available under the Recovery and Resilience Facility to maximum effect by implementing an ambitious pro-growth reform agenda. We also call on the Greek authorities to address remaining vulnerabilities in the financial sector, to continue implementing reforms in the area of public administration and public revenue administration and to proceed with the arrears clearance plan.

We welcome the commitment

by Greece to adopt as soon as possible secondary legislation for the insolvency reform and to implement the necessary IT system to ensure an effective enforcement of all collateral when the new insolvency rules enter into force. This will continue to be monitored in the context of enhanced surveillance.

Against this background, the Eurogroup welcomes the assessment by the European institutions that taking into account the adverse circumstances caused by the pandemic, Greece has taken the necessary actions to achieve its specific reform commitments, and that the necessary conditions are in place to confirm the release of the fourth tranche of policycontingent debt measures. Subject to the completion of national procedures, the Eurogroup Working Group and the Board of Directors of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF) are expected to approve the transfer of SMP-ANFA income equivalent amounts and the reduction to zero of the step-up interest margin on certain EFSF loans, which are worth EUR 767 million in total. We look forward to the ninth enhanced surveillance report, which is expected to be published in February 2021.

Egypt denounces two terrorist attacks in Afghanistan

TL Bureau, Cairo

Egypt denounced the two terrorist attacks which targeted an Afghan army base in Ghazna province in eastern Afghanistan and a motorcade of a governmental official in Zabel province, resulting in the killing and injury of dozens of army forces personnel and civilians. In a statement today, the foreign

ministry of Egypt confirmed its stance and solidarity with Afghanistan in this painful circumstances to combat the phenomenon of terror, violence and extremism in all its forms and manifestations, expressing sincere condolence to the government and people and families of the victims of the two terrorist operations and wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

President Charles Michel on the high-level video Transnational access to electronic evidence for criminal cases: conference with the G5 Sahel

trends and latest developments within the EU and beyond TL Bureau, The Hague

Europol, Eurojust and the European Judicial Network publish today the second annual edition of the SIRIUS EU Digital Evidence Situation Report.

The report outlines the status of EU authorities in retrieving electronic data held by foreignbased online service providers (OSPs) in 2019. Cross-border access to digital information is paramount to an ever-increasing number of investigations, ranging from economic crimes and drug trafficking to terrorism, cybercrime and child sexual exploitation. In one case mentioned in the report, law enforcement officers were able to find an abducted child after requesting GPS data from a social media platform. This report encompasses extensive information gathered from over 325 surveyed officials of EU

Member States’ law enforcement and judicial authorities, together with relevant input coming from a dozen major OSPs and reference to national legislation. Increased relevance of electronic evidence in criminal investigations The volume of cross-border requests submitted by EU authorities to OSPs increased significantly in 2019 with a large majority of them issued

by Germany (37.7% of requests), France (17.9%) and the UK (16.4%). Requests to access electronic data doubled in Poland and nearly tripled in Finland. Furthermore, emergency disclosure requests increased by nearly half in one year.

Datasets needed and challenges in retrieving them In order to better inform authorities and advance future investigations and prosecutions, the report focuses on the most important

types of data in criminal cases.

However, the acquisition of basic information on users (such as IP addresses used at registration, email addresses or phone numbers) suffers specific challenges. These relate for example to the length of the procedures in place, the very limited amount of time in which data is available and the fact that companies have different standards when cooperating with authorities.

Criminal activity arising from online gaming platforms In the last two years, EU authorities have observed an increase in the relevance of online gaming platforms in criminal cases.

Cybercriminals can use online games to steal and sell data, to groom minors or as an avenue for money laundering, for example. In 2019, a third of law enforcement authorities requested the disclosure of data to foreign-based online game companies at least once.

TL Bureau, Strasbourg

The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El-Ghazouani, current Chair of the G5 Sahel, cochaired the high-level video conference on 30 November 2020. The Secretary General of the United Nations and the African Union Commission Chairperson also participated.

The video conference is a follow-up to the one held on 28 April 2020.

Participants took stock of the implementation of the commitments adopted on that occasion, on the fight against terrorism, in strengthening security and defence capabilities in the G5 Sahel countries, in restoring state presence and

basic services in fragile areas throughout the territory, and in increasing development efforts.The video conference also addressed the issue of COVID-related debt relief, in particular following the European Council’s commitment at its 15-16 October 2020 meeting to further international debt relief for African countries within the relevant multilateral frameworks.

During the video conference, President Michel said: “Debt relief is part of the response to the COVID-19 crisis. I have referred the matter to the members of the European Council, which has committed itself to advancing, in a coordinated manner in the relevant multilateral fora, international efforts to relieve the debt of African countries”.

4

world

Bahrain Condemns Massacre Perpetrated

by Terrorist Houthis in Yemen TL Bureau, Manama

The Kingdom of Bahrain strongly condemned the bloody massacre carried out by the Iranian-backed terrorist Houthi militia in the Al-Durayhimi District in the brotherly Republic of Yemen, which led to the killing and wounding of dozens of innocent people, most of whom were women and children, Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported.

The Foreign Ministry affirmed that this terrorist crime, which

contradicts all religious and humanitarian principles, demonstrates the persistence of the terrorist Houthi militia to continue violence and terrorism and obstruct all efforts aimed at reaching a lasting peace and a political solution that preserves the unity and stability of the Republic of Yemen. It expresses the condolences of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the families of the victims and the brotherly Yemeni people, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery.

UAE announces 1,107 new COVID-19 cases, 714 recoveries, and 2 deaths

TL Bureau, Abu Dhabi

The Ministry of Health and Prevention, MoHAP, announced that it conducted 87,514 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours, using state-of-the-art medical testing equipment, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.

In a statement on Monday, the Ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment.

As part of its intensified testing campaign, MoHAP announced 1,107 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases in the UAE to 168,860.

According to the Ministry, the

Resolutions to reduce emissions from air traffic and maritime and inland waterway transport sent out for comments TL Bureau, Helsinki

The two resolutions consolidate the Government’s shared view on the means of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from air traffic and maritime and inland waterway transport. They also outline Finland’s priorities for exerting influence internationally and targets for reducing emissions.

The Ministry of Transport and Communications requests comments by 15 January 2021.

The resolutions are based on the drafting of the roadmap for fossil-free transport, which was the first national analysis of emission reduction possibilities and their effects, covering a wide range of transport modes, including air traffic and maritime and inland waterway transport.

infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and are receiving the necessary care.

MoHAP also announced 2 deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 572. The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences to the family of the deceased and wished COVID-19 patients a speedy and full recovery, calling on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all.

MoHAP also noted an additional 714 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 154,899.

Operation In Our Sites takes down 21 910 websites selling counterfeit goods TL Bureau, The Hague

As part of the international operation ‘In Our Sites’ (IOS) XI, law enforcement authorities from 26 EU Member States and third parties have seized together with Europol and the US National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Centre over 21 910 domain names offering counterfeit and pirated items over the internet. More than €2.5 million worth of such products have been seized, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals and pirated films, illegal television streaming, music, software and other bogus products.

In its eleventh edition, this joint international operation was facilitated by Eurojustand INTERPOL. Tackling the website domains selling counterfeit commodities, or involved with online piracy, has become a growing concern for all law enforcement bodies due to the versatility of the criminals, who can easily make large profits and deleting their internet tracks in a very short period of time.

Results of the seizures in brief 22 614 cosmetic products 22 042 accessories for mobile phones 69 657 perfume bottles 8 929 clothing articles 7 480 detergent boxes

Statement by the Prime Minister on the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji

TL Bureau, Ottawa

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to mark the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji: “Today, Sikhs in Canada and around the world will celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikhism and the first Sikh Guru.

“The anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s birth is an important day for Sikh Canadians. It celebrates his life and his teachings of unity, equality, selflessness, and service.

“This year, as we continue to fight the global COVID-19 pandemic, those teachings have never been more important. Whether it is supporting a local charity, being there for neighbours, or helping those who are more

vulnerable, Sikh Canadians continue to show selfless service.

“This year will look different as we follow public health guidelines to keep each other and our communities safe, but the Sikh values of compassion and inclusion will remain strong. These values, which form the core principles of Sikhism, are also important for all Canadians.

“Today is an opportunity to recognize the significant contributions that Canada’s Sikh community – one of the largest and most dynamic Sikh populations in the world – makes to build a better, fairer, and more inclusive Canada.

“On behalf of our family, Sophie and I offer our warmest wishes to everyone celebrating the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, here in Canada and around the world.”

4 800 boxes of condoms Participating countries Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Hungary, Hong Kong- China, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Peru, South Korea, Moldova, Serbia, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Portugal, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America Making the internet a safer place for consumers ‘In Our Sites’ (IOS), launched in 2014, is the continuation of a recurrent joint global operation that has increased significantly yearon-year. The operation is the result of the comprehensive approach which Europol follows with the aim of making the internet a safer place for consumers, by getting even more countries and private sector partners to participate in this

operation and providing referrals.

Europol, in cooperation with the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), continues to enhance such efforts by successfully supporting many high-priority investigations related to online crimes, providing training related to online investigations, and organising conferences such as the annual Intellectual Property Crime Conference.

To raise awareness of this growing threat, Europol’s Intellectual Property Crime Coordinated Coalition IPC3 has developed the Don’t F***(ake) Up prevention campaign. The campaign aims to inform citizens of the risks of buying fake products online and give advice to help identify illicit websites selling counterfeit goods, as well as other means used by counterfeiters, such as fake social media accounts and fake apps.

Issuance calendar for Confederation bonds and money market debt register claims in 2021

TL Bureau, Bern

The Federal Finance Administration (FFA) plans to issue bonds with a face value of CHF 6.5 billion in 2021. Taking account of bonds maturing, the volume of bonds outstanding will increase by CHF 2.4 billion.

The volume of outstanding money market debt register claims will rise by approximately CHF 4

billion and will be kept within a range of CHF 12 billion to CHF 18 billion. However, the Confederation’s funding requirements for the coming year are still subject to great uncertainty because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Bond auctions take place monthly, except in August, while money market debt register claims are auctioned on a weekly basis.

FSO - 4.8% of children in compulsory schooling receive reinforced learning support for special educational needs

TL Bureau, Neuchâtel

2.4% of pupils in mainstream classes in compulsory education received reinforced learning support for special educational needs. 1.4% were in a special class and 1.8% in a special school class.

Boys were twice as likely

as girls to receive specialised teaching support. 90% of special schools are in urban communes or intermediate communes. These are some of the results of the special education statistics 2018/2019 compiled by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

5

SA records 2 563 new COVID-19 cases

TL Bureau, Cape Town

South Africa on Sunday reported 2 563 new COVID-19 cases and 38 deaths. The latest figure is down from the 3 198 cases recorded on Saturday.

This brings the total number of cases since the outbreak to 787 702, while the death toll stands at 21 477. “We extend our condolences to the loved ones of the departed and thank the healthcare workers who treated the deceased patients,” said Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize. KwaZuluNatal COVID-19 cases rise Meanwhile, KwaZuluNatal province is monitoring resurgence indicators very closely. According to Premier Sihle Zikalala, the province has not reached the resurgence threshold, although the number of cases has been fluctuating in the past week, with the province recording the highest number of 353 cases on Friday. “These indicators are monitored

daily, and if the resurgence indicators are triggered, the provincial resurgence plan will be implemented. “Sadly, we have lost 3 340 people, while thankfully, 117 964 have recovered,” said Zikalala on Sunday. KwaZulu-Natal has the third-highest COVID-19 cases, with 6 212 still active.

The Western Cape and Eastern Cape already experiencing the second wave of infections.

The Premier said the provincial government was extremely concerned about the spike in new infections over the past four weeks.

Meanwhile, he said the cases have jumped to 1 652 in the last week, while the cases have increased by 30% in the past two weeks.

“As of yesterday [Saturday], we had 287 new cases, and no deaths,” he said. eThekwini metro continues to record the highest number of new cases daily, contributing to about half the total of laboratoryconfirmed cases.

Also, the number of deaths reported in the province has been declining in the past four weeks.

“The case fatality rate, therefore, remains at 2.6% and the mortality rate was 30 deaths per 100 000 population,” said Zikalala.

The Premier said Amajuba and eThekwini districts have the highest mortality rate, at 42 deaths per 100 000.

Meanwhile, 7 132 KwaZuluNatal healthcare workers have been infected with COVID-19 in the public sector since the beginning of the pandemic.

Of the total infected, 88 or 1% have succumbed to the disease. “The majority of the infected healthcare workers were nurses, who make up 58% of these statistics. “No new health care infections or deaths have been reported as of 27 November.” Globally, the World Health Organisation is reporting 61 869 330 confirmed cases, including 1 448 896 deaths.

SOUTH AFRICA

KZN wages war against gender-based violence

TL Bureau, Cape Town

KwaZulu-Natal Premier Sihle Zikalala says the province is waging a war against GenderBased Violence and Femicide (GBVF), not just for the 16 Days of Activism, but for the next 365 days and beyond.

“We refuse that our beautiful province be associated with violent crimes, especially contact crimes and the dehumanisation of woman and children. We will take the war to criminals and perpetrators of violence against women and children,” Zikalala said.

Addressing the media on Sunday, Zikalala said that the provincial government will be scaling up interventions aimed at protecting women, children and the vulnerable in communities. He said that the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign is grassroots-based, with all MECs, mayors, councillors and Amakhosi leading the programmes at a local level, and integrating them in line with the District Development Model. “It is said that for evil acts to succeed, it is because

SA urged to intensify fight against HIV TL Bureau, Cape Town

While South Africa has made significant inroads in reducing HIV related deaths and new infections, the country is far from reaching the 2016 goal of a 75% reduction in infections by 2020.

The concession was made on Monday by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his latest weekly newsletter.

He made the remarks as the country prepares to join people across the globe in marking World AIDS Day on 1 December.

“If we succeed in doing so, we are likely to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030,” wrote the President.

As the Chair of the South African National AIDS Council, Deputy President David Mabuza will lead the national commemoration with an address on progress in the country’s response.

With this year’s event taking place amidst the COVID-19 outbreak lockdown, President Ramaphosa reflected on how the pandemic has exerted pressure on health facilities.

“Many HIV, AIDS and Tuberculosis services have suffered. This has posed a challenge for people testing and starting antiretroviral treatment.

Many people found it difficult to collect their medicines and fewer people accessed other services, such as voluntary male medical circumcision,” he said. However,

the public health’s response to the Coronavirus pandemic can strengthen the country’s fight against HIV and TB, said the President. Reducing new infections While South Africa continues to have the largest number of people living with HIV in the world, he said it was encouraging that over the last decade progress had been made in reducing the number of new HIV infections in the population by nearly 60%.

“It is also encouraging that HIV infections in adolescent girls and young women have significantly declined in the last decade. This is a crucial group because they are much more likely to be at risk of getting HIV. Our treatment programme has contributed to a reduction in the number of deaths due to AIDS by 60%. There has been a greater reduction in HIV-related deaths among young people,” he wrote. He said it was possible to reduce the number of deaths as government and its partners had already rolled out an extensive antiretroviral programme reaching millions of people living with the disease. At the beginning of the decade, the country’s programme to prevent mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV had very low coverage. “Now we have one of the highest rates of coverage of PMTCT in Southern Africa, which has substantially reduced rates of infection among children. While

we have reduced deaths and new infections, we still are far from reaching the goal we committed ourselves in 2016 of achieving a 75% reduction in HIV infections by 2020. Unfortunately, we are not there yet.”

Prevention President Ramaphosa said more work on HIV prevention among key populations, including sex workers, men who have sex with men, and people who inject drugs is needed. “We must end the stigma and discrimination towards these populations. We cannot hope to end HIV if we ignore the needs, concerns and rights of any part of our population,” he said. South Africa, he added, needs to increase efforts to medically circumcise young men to reduce their risk of acquiring HIV, saying unsafe circumcision should not leave young men dead or with lifelong health complications. He said government was encouraged by the findings of a recent study on pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP)

by HIV Prevention Trials Network scientists. It was found that longacting injections once every eight weeks, was better than the daily tablet used for HIV prevention.

“These findings have the potential to significantly strengthen our response to the epidemic,” said the President.

“If we are to succeed in ending AIDS as a public health threat

within the next decade, we need to combine these medical breakthroughs with fundamental changes in behaviour. We also need to tackle the economic and social conditions that contribute to high rates of infection.” Government’s central tasks he said, is to empower adolescent girls and young women, educationally, economically and socially. He said adolescent girls and young women need to be able to make their own decisions about every aspect of their lives, including their sexuality and sexual behaviour. Addressing genderbased violence As the country marks 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, he said the country needs to work even harder to address the unequal relations between men and women – which contribute both to gender-based violence and to the spread of HIV. Ultimately, said the President, “we will achieve the end of AIDS through the empowerment of young people, women and other people at risk”. “This includes empowerment through access to information, advice and support.

It includes access to education and economic opportunities, especially for young women. Empowerment also means that every person must have access to testing, treatment and other health services,” he said.

He urged the public to intensify its resolve and actions to confront and overcome AIDS once and for all.

good men and women keep quiet. We must act in unity to prevent and ultimately defeat this scourge, and create an environment where women and children are free to exercise their choices without the fear of being abused or attacked.

Winning the battle against this epidemic will take nothing less than all of us working together,” Zikalala said.

The Premier also gave an update on truck drivers, following recent disturbances on major national highways, where trucks were burnt and drivers attacked due to a long-standing dispute over the employment of foreign nationals in the trucking industry.

Measures in trucking sector Meanwhile, Zikalala reported that the provincial government held an emergency meeting with key stakeholders in the trucking sector on Friday, as part of efforts to bring stability to this critical sector of the economy.“We reached important commitments which we believe that if they are implemented successfully will guarantee peace and stability in this all-important industry,” Zikalala said.

NA to Debate SABC Crisis, Be Briefed on the Festive Safety Plan, Consider BRR Reports and the Land Tenure Rights Bill TL Bureau, Cape Town

The National Assembly (NA) will during its hybrid plenary tomorrow debate the escalating crisis at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC); receive a Ministerial Statement on the festive season safety plan and consider the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Amendment Bill - amongst others.

The debate on an urgent matter of national public importance titled: “The escalating crisis at the SABC and the implications thereof for the institution’s mandate as a public broadcaster,” will be led by Ms Zandile Majozi from the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP). The Bill intends to amend the Upgrading of Land Tenure Rights Act, 1991, to provide for the application for the conversion of land tenure rights into ownership; to provide for the notice of informing interested persons of an application to convert land tenure rights into ownership and to provide an opportunity for interested persons to object to the conversion of land tenure rights into ownership.

6

7 OPEC +opens talks on whether to extend oil cuts or gradually hike output TL Bureau, Dubai/London

OPEC+ members began a meeting on Monday to discuss whether to extend existing oil cuts for three to four months or to increase output gradually from January, as the coronavirus crisis continues to pummel demand for fuel.

Officials from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, Russia and others, a group known as OPEC+, held an initial round of talks on Sunday before formal discussions began to reach a concerted policy for 2021.

OPEC+ is considering extending existing cuts of 7.7 million bpd, about 8% of global demand, into the first months of 2021, OPEC+ sources told Reuters.

BUSINESS

Two-way TransTasman travel plan released

TL Bureau, Canberra

Business organisations from Australia and New Zealand have teamed up to deliver an updated travel bubble plan between the countries in the hopes of uniting people across the Tasman in time for Christmas.

Australian Chamber – Tourism, the Canberra Business Chamber, Canberra Airport, Wellington Chamber of Commerce and Auckland Business Chamber have united to call for twoway quarantine-free travel to commence between Australia and New Zealand by December 21, considering the ongoing successful containment of COVID-19 in Australia. Australian Chamber – Tourism Chair John Hart said a two-way quarantine-free option for Australians was necessary in order to tap into $73M a week in trade and tourism dollars.

“While Kiwis can enter Australia without quarantining, Aussies must

still quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand, so it’s not a functioning bubble at the moment. Aussies aren’t going to want to spend two weeks quarantining upon arrival, and Kiwis are less likely to come here if they face a fortnight-long quarantine on the way back,” Mr Hart said. “We’re proposing a two-way proof of concept flight carrying political and business leaders between Canberra and Wellington in order to get the ball

rolling by Christmas, so families and tourists feel positive about the COVID-safe route. “We can already see the latent demand on both sides of the Tasman to get this bubble up and running properly, particularly in tourism. About 1.3M New Zealanders come to Australia every year, with another 1.8M travelling to other destinations.

If we can win over those 1.8 million travellers and bring them to Australia, it would do wonders

Outdated court system is failing small businesses: Ombudsman

TL Bureau, Canberra

The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell is calling for an overhaul of the dispute resolution framework, saying the current court system doesn’t work for small businesses.

Releasing her Access to Justice Report today, Ms Carnell said small businesses urgently need pathways to resolve their disputes quickly and costeffectively.

“Trying to resolve a dispute through the courts is just not a viable option for most small businesses,” Ms Carnell says.

“It’s prohibitively expensive and time-consuming. We know small businesses are more likely to abandon both the dispute and the commercial relationship, than suffer the cost and mental load of taking legal action.

“Our report essentially provides a five point plan to ensure small businesses have access to tailored dispute resolution processes that are less formal, more timely and cost effective.”

The report includes a suite of recommendations as part of the five umbrella findings. These include: Strengthening Unfair Contract Terms protections Promoting alternative dispute resolution Providing access to voluntary, binding arbitration Greater access to tribunal and court determinations for disputes Supporting the wellbeing of small business owners through permanent funding of the Beyond Blue NewAccess for Small Business program Ms Carnell says small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID crisis and in this time of unprecedented hardship, disputes inevitably arise.

“My office saw commercial lease disputes increase ninefold during the peak of the pandemic, with more than 570 cases in the June quarter alone,” Ms Carnell says.

“We know that statebased small business commissioners’ offices were also inundated with these kinds of disputes.

“Commercial disputes are very common, but they can

be devastating when not handled correctly.

“Clearly, alternative dispute resolution through mediation, conciliation and arbitration is the best way to preserve commercial relationships. Litigation, on the other hand, is a relationship killer.

“When businesses can’t resolve a dispute with the help of experts, we need to have a system in place that allows for an external party to make a determination, without small businesses having to wait for lengthy periods or go bankrupt due to excessive legal fees.

“Our report recommends forming a small business jurisdiction as part of the Federal Circuit Court to hear matters which cannot be heard by current state or territory tribunals. Damages would be capped at $5 million, matters would be aimed to be resolved within 60 days and small businesses could apply for a no adverse costs order so they are not saddled with the other party’s costs.

“Current state tribunals have been found to be effective for small businesses but they are limited in dealing

with cross-border and international disputes. For instance, a Queensland farmer who deals with a NSW processor would not be able to seek a resolution through either state tribunals.

“While the vast majority of disputes are resolved through mediation and conciliation, there also needs to be a cost-effective, timely and binding judicial process for those small businesses that need it.

“Given the enormous pressure small business owners are under as a result of the COVID crisis and the inevitable stress that comes with being involved in a dispute, it is important that our dispute resolution avenues are supportive of participants’ wellbeing.

“Our report recommends mental health measures be integrated into all dispute resolution processes and reviewed regularly to ensure they are meeting the needs of small business owners.

“Ultimately the purpose of this report is to create a framework that supports small businesses and family enterprises in this critical recovery phase.”

for our struggling tourism sector.”

Initial travel bubble plans for a Canberra-Wellington test flight in June were delayed following the second wave of infections in Victoria. Canberra and Wellington remain the first choice for the symbolic two-way flight. Neither have any international carriers currently operating regularly out of the airport, minimising the risk of virus transmission from passengers arriving from other countries.

TIME TO EVEN UP CONDITIONS FOR ALL BUSINESSES TL Bureau, Sydney

The state’s peak business organisation, Business NSW, says retailers need to be given a chance to capitalise on Christmas spending with a relaxation of the current restrictions on their premises.

Under the current rules, retailers must adhere to the one person per four square metre rule, unless they are a supermarket or shop that mostly sells food.

“With Christmas shopping in full swing and no community transmissions in NSW for some time, we need to give retailers a break in the lead up to Christmas,” said Business NSW Chief Executive Nola Watson.

“It seems hard to understand that a café can have one person per two square metres, but if you are a clothing retailer or bookshop, your ability to trade is significantly more limited,” Ms Watson said.

“It goes without saying what a difficult year it has been for the retail sector, and here is an opportunity to provide them with some relief, so long as they operate in a COVID Safe way.

“Shopping centres are beginning to become packed again with just three weekends left before Christmas, so any help the NSW Government can give retailers must be done as a matter of urgency.

8

FEATURE

Global malaria gains threatened by access gaps, COVID-19 and funding shortfalls

TL Bureau, Geneva

The World Health Organization (WHO) is calling on countries and global health partners to step up the fight against malaria, a preventable and treatable disease that continues to claim hundreds of thousands of lives each year. A better targeting of interventions, new tools and increased funding are needed to change the global trajectory of the disease and reach internationallyagreed targets.

According to WHO‘s latest World malaria report, progress against malaria continues to plateau, particularly in high burden countries in Africa. Gaps in access to lifesaving tools are undermining global efforts to curb the disease, and the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to set back the fight even further.

“It is time for leaders across Africa – and the world – to rise once again to the challenge of malaria, just as they did when they laid the foundation for the progress made since the beginning of this century,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “Through joint action, and a commitment to leaving no one behind, we can achieve our shared vision of a world free of malaria.”

In 2000, African leaders signed the landmark Abuja Declaration pledging to reduce malaria deaths on the continent by 50% over a 10-year period. Robust political commitment, together with innovations in new tools and a steep increase in funding, catalyzed an unprecedented period of success in global malaria control.

According to the report, 1.5 billion malaria cases and 7.6 million deaths have been averted since 2000.

A plateau in progress In 2019, the global tally of malaria cases was 229 million, an annual estimate that has remained virtually unchanged over the last 4 years.

The disease claimed some 409 000 lives in 2019 compared to 411 000 in 2018.

As in past years, the African Region shouldered more than 90% of the overall disease burden. Since

2000, the region has reduced its malaria death toll by 44%, from an estimated 680 000 to 384 000 annually. However, progress has slowed in recent years, particularly in countries with a high burden of the disease.

A funding shortfall at both the international and domestic levels poses a significant threat to future gains. In 2019, total funding reached US $3 billion against a global target of $5.6 billion. Funding shortages have led to critical gaps in access to proven malaria control tools.

COVID-19 an added challenge In 2020, COVID-19 emerged as an additional challenge to the provision of essential health services worldwide. According to the report, most malaria prevention campaigns were able to move forward this year without major delays. Ensuring access to malaria prevention – such as insecticide-treated nets and preventive medicines for children – has supported the COVID-19 response strategy by reducing the number of malaria infections and, in turn, easing the strain on health systems. WHO worked swiftly to provide countries with guidance to adapt their responses and ensure the safe delivery of malaria services during the pandemic.

However, WHO is concerned that even moderate disruptions in access to treatment could lead to a considerable loss of life. The report finds, for example, that a 10% disruption in access to effective antimalarial treatment in subSaharan Africa could lead to 19 000 additional deaths. Disruptions

of 25% and 50% in the region could result in an additional 46 000 and 100 000 deaths, respectively.

“While Africa has shown the world what can be achieved if we stand together to end malaria as a public health threat, progress has stalled,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “COVID-19 threatens to further derail our efforts to overcome malaria, particularly treating people with the disease.

Despite the devastating impact COVID-19 has had on African economies, international partners and countries need to do more to ensure that the resources are there to expand malaria programmes which are making such a difference in people’s lives.”

WHO response A key strategy to reignite progress is the “High burden to high impact” (HBHI) response, catalyzed in 2018

by WHO and the RBM Partnership to End Malaria. The response is led by 11 countries – including 10 in sub-Saharan Africa – that account for approximately 70% of the world’s malaria burden.

Over the last 2 years, HBHI countries have been moving away from a “onesize-fits all” approach to malaria control – opting, instead, for tailored responses based on local data and intelligence. A recent analysis from Nigeria, for example, found that through an optimized mix of interventions, the country could avert tens of millions of additional cases and thousands of additional deaths by the year 2023, compared to a business-as-usual approach.

While it is too early to measure the impact of the HBHI approach, the report finds that deaths in the 11 countries were reduced from 263 000 to 226 000 between 2018 and 2019. India continued to make impressive gains, with reductions in cases and deaths of 18% and 20%, respectively, over the last 2 years. There was, however, a slight increase in the total number of cases among HBHI countries, from an estimated 155 million in 2018 to 156 million in 2019.

Meeting global malaria targets This year’s report highlights key milestones and events that helped shape the global response to the disease in recent decades. Beginning in the 1990s, leaders of malariaaffected countries, scientists and other partners laid the groundwork for a renewed malaria response that contributed to one of the biggest returns on investment in global health.

According to the report, 21 countries eliminated malaria over the last 2 decades; of these, 10 countries were officially certified as malariafree by WHO. In the face of the ongoing threat of antimalarial drug resistance, the 6 countries of the Greater Mekong subregion continue to make major gains towards their goal of malaria elimination by 2030.

But many countries with a high burden of malaria have been losing ground. According to WHO global projections, the 2020 target for reductions in malaria case incidence will be missed by 37% and the mortality reduction target will be missed by 22%.

9

life and real estate

Household Internet access in urban areas twice as high as in rural areas

QANTAS AND JETSTAR ADD FLIGHTS AS WA SETS DATE FOR BORDER Estimates on Internet access in small island developing states and RE-OPENING TL Bureau, Perth landlocked developing countries available for the first time Qantas and Jetstar will operate

TL Bureau, Geneva

While virtually all urban areas in the world are covered by a mobilebroadband network, worrying gaps in connectivity and Internet access persist in rural areas, according to Measuring Digital Development: Facts and figures 2020, a new report launched today by the International Telecommunication Union. This matters even more due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Connectivity gaps in rural areas are particularly pronounced in least developed countries (LDCs), where 17 per cent of the rural population live in areas with no mobile coverage at all, and 19 per cent of the rural population is covered by only a 2G network.

Furthermore, according to 2019 data, globally about 72 per cent of households in urban areas has access to the Internet at home, almost twice as much as in rural areas (38 per cent).

“How much longer can we tolerate the significant gap in household connectivity between urban and rural areas,” said ITU SecretaryGeneral Houlin Zhao. “In the age of COVID-19, where so many are working and studying from home, this edition of Measuring Digital Development: Facts and figures sends the clear message that accelerating infrastructure roll-out is one of the most urgent and defining issues of our time.”

Estimates on small island developing

states (SIDS) and landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) available for the first time “This edition of Measuring Digital Development: Facts and figures is released at a challenging time as COVID-19 wreaks havoc on lives, societies and economies around the world,” said Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Director of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau. “For the first time, our research contains estimates of the connectivity status of small island developing states and landlocked developing countries, in addition to least developed countries: this is a very important milestone in

Change of Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See: Mr Chris Trott Mr Chris Trott has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See.

TL Bureau, London Mr Chris Trott has been appointed Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the Holy See, in succession to Mrs Sally Axworthy MBE. Mr Trott will take up his appointment in the summer of 2021.

Curriculum vitae Full name: Christopher John Trott Married to: Sunna Trott Children: two Dates Role 2019 – present Juba, Her Majesty’s Ambassador 2016 – 2019 FCO, UK Special Representative for the

Sudans, and Head of Joint Sudans Unit 2016 Honiara, Acting High Commissioner 2011 – 2015 Cape Town, Consul General 2007 – 2011 Dakar, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Senegal,

Mali, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau 2004 – 2006 FCO/DFID, Deputy Head, Policy and Strategy,

Post Conflict Reconstruction Unit 2003 – 2004 FCO, Deputy Head, Human Rights Policy Department 1999 – 2002 Tokyo, First Secretary (Political) 1996 – 1999 Tokyo, First Secretary (Commercial) 1993 – 1996 Rangoon, Deputy Head of Mission and HM Consul

our efforts to achieve sustainable development for all.”

The research reveals that about a quarter of the population in LDCs and LLDCs, and about 15 per cent of the population in SIDS do not have access to a mobile-broadband network, thus falling short of the Sustainable Development Goals Target 9.c to significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the Internet in least developed countries by 2020.

Internet use prevalent among youth Not surprisingly, Internet use is

consistently more widespread among young people, irrespective of region or level of development. Whereas just over half of the total global population is using the Internet, the proportion of Internet use increases to almost 70 per cent among young people aged 15-24 years.

In LDCs, 38 per cent of youth are using the Internet, whereas the overall share of people using it, including youth, stands at 19 per cent.

In developed countries, virtually all young persons are using the Internet, while the highest youth/ overall ratio is present in Asia and the Pacific.

more than 65 additional return flights from Perth to Melbourne and Sydney each week following the Western Australian Government’s decision to ease border restrictions.

The extra flights commence from 14 December compare with just nine return flights currently operated by the airlines each week. Qantas flights to Perth from Sydney and Melbourne are increasing from around five per week to almost five times daily.

Both airlines will look to add further flights from 8 December.

The Qantas Club at Perth Airport will reopen in early December, joining the Business Lounge which is already open. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, Qantas has introduced a number of initiatives to help customers to book with greater flexibility, including allowing a flight to be moved free of charge, as well as introducing additional health and safety measures through its Fly Well program. Comments from Qantas Group CEO Alan Joyce: “New South Wales and Victoria have done such a great job getting the virus under control that it makes complete sense for Western Australia to open the borders to Sydney and Melbourne.

“This is news that many families and tourism operators have been waiting so long to hear, but they don’t want borders shutting again when there is a temporary spike in one state or another.

UN AND PARTNERS RELEASE RECORD HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE PLAN

TL Bureau, Geneva

The shock of COVID-19 has pushed the number of people who need humanitarian assistance worldwide to a record high – up by 40 per cent compared to the same time last year.

If all those who will need humanitarian aid next year lived in one country, it would be the world’s fifth largest nation, with a population of 235 million.

The UN and its partners aim to help 160 million of the most vulnerable people who face hunger, conflict, displacement, and the impacts of climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local and global humanitarian organizations stand ready to save lives and livelihoods and respond to the special needs of women and children as well as people with disabilities and mental health needs. They need solidarity and funding from the rest of the world.

AS COVID-19 WREAKS HAVOC

• 235 million people worldwide will need humanitarian assistance and protection in 2021 - an increase of 40 per cent in a year.

• UN-coordinated response plans presented today aim to reach 160 million of those most in need of life-saving support. The estimated cost is $35 billion.

• Fifty-six countries affected by humanitarian crises and the fallout of the pandemic are included.

The UN Secretary-General calls on the world to “stand with people in their darkest hour of need”.

The Global Humanitarian Overview (GHO) 2021 sets out 34 response plans covering 56 vulnerable countries. It is presented today in Geneva at an event with opening remarks from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock, and the participation of donor representatives and national and

international NGOs. Subsequent presentations will take place on the same day in Berlin, Brussels, London and Washington, D.C. “The humanitarian system again proved its worth in 2020, delivering food, medicines, shelter, education and other essentials to tens of millions of people,” said UN SecretaryGeneral António Guterres.

10

SPORTS

Seven From Sunday - Week 12

TL Bureau, New York

A look at seven statistical highlights from games played at 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.

ET on Sunday, November 29, the 12th week of the 2020 season.

The MINNESOTA VIKINGS overcame an 11-point deficit to defeat Carolina, 28-27, while the NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS overcame a 10-point deficit to defeat Arizona, 20-17, on Sunday.

With three games remaining this week, there have been 35 games in which a team has overcome a deficit of at least 10 points to win this season, the most through Week 12 in NFL history.

Kansas City quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES completed 37 of 49 attempts (75.5 percent) for 462 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions for a 124.7 rating in the Chiefs’ 27-24 win over Tampa Bay. Mahomes is the first player with at least 30 completions and 300 passing yards in four consecutive games in league annals. Mahomes has five career games with at least 400 passing yards and three touchdowns, joining Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN MARINO (six games) as the only players with at least five such games in their first four seasons in league annals. Mahomes has 15 career games with at least 300 passing yards and three touchdowns, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer DAN

MARINO (15 games) for the second-most such games by a player in his first four seasons in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer KURT WARNER (17 games) has more.

Kansas City wide receiver TYREEK HILL had a careerhigh 13 receptions for a career-best 269 yards and three touchdowns on Sunday.

Hill had 203 receiving yards in the first quarter and became the third player since 1980 with at least 200 receiving yards in a single quarter, joining QADRY ISMAIL (210 receiving yards in third quarter on December 12, 1999) and LEE EVANS (205 in first quarter on November 19, 2006).

Hill, who had 10 receptions for 215 yards and two touchdowns in Week 11 of the 2018 season, is the sixth player with two career games of 10 receptions, 200 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns in NFL history, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers DON HUTSON and JERRY RICE, as well as AMARI COOPER, CHAD JOHNSON and ART POWELL. Tampa Bay quarterback TOM BRADY passed for 345 yards and three touchdowns in Week 12.

Brady, who has 3,300 passing yards this season, has 18 career seasons with at least 3,000 passing yards, tied with Pro Football Hall of Famer BRETT FAVRE (18 seasons) for the most in NFL history.

Minnesota quarterback KIRK

COUSINS passed for 307 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions for a 115.7 rating on Sunday.

Cousins has 16 career games with at least 300 passing yards, three touchdown passes and a rating of 115-orhigher, surpassing DREW BREES(15 games) and AARON RODGERS (15) for the most such games by a quarterback in his first nine seasons in NFL history.

Four Minnesota players – wide receivers CHAD BEEBE (seven receptions for 63 yards and one touchdown), JUSTIN JEFFERSON (seven receptions for 70 yards and two touchdowns) and BISI JOHNSON (seven receptions for 74 yards) along with tight end KYLE RUDOLPH (seven receptions for 68 yards) – each had at least seven receptions and 60 receiving yards on Sunday.

It marks the second time in NFL history that one team had four receivers each register at least seven receptions and 60 receiving yards in the same game, joining the 2012 NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (Week 16).

Carolina rookie safety JEREMY CHINN recorded two fumble-return touchdowns on Sunday. He is the third player in NFL history with multiple fumblereturn touchdowns in a single game, joining AL NESSER (three on October 3, 1920) and FRED EVANS (two on November 28, 1948).

Buffalo quarterback JOSH

New dates released for 2021 WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup in Peru

TL Bureau, Pully

The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) today announced new dates for the inaugural WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup®. Originally scheduled for 2020, the top international youth softball event will now be played from 28 August to 5 September 2021 in Lima, Peru.

The first edition of the WBSC U-18 Women’s Softball World Cup had been set to take place this year from 23-30 August, before being postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In October, the WBSC rescheduled the event for 27 March

to 4 April 2021.

The elite international youth women’s softball event will be hosted at the Villa Maria del Triunfo Complex, the softball site of the Lima 2019 Pan American Games. The 16 teams qualified to battle For the Title of World Champion in this newly reformatted age-category remain as follows: Africa (1): World No. 26 South Africa Americas (5): No. 1 USA, No. 3 Canada, No. 4 Puerto Rico, No. 5 Mexico and No. 19 Peru (host) Asia (3): No. 2 Japan, No. 6 Chinese Taipei and No. 7 China Europe (3): No. 9 Netherlands, No. 10 Italy and No. 12 Czech Republic

Oceania (2): No. 8 Australia and No. 16 New Zealand Wild Cards (2): No. 11 Philippines, No. 48 Colombia Due to the one-year postponement of the tournament, all players who would have been eligible to participate in the 2020 edition of the WBSC global tournament will still be able to play in next year’s youth Softball World Cup. The WBSC, together with the Peruvian Softball Federation and the Peruvian Sports Institute, will continue to monitor the global pandemic situation with the relevant authorities and participating National Teams/ Federations.

ALLEN recorded his 15th career game with both a passing touchdown and rushing touchdown in the Bills’ 27-17 win over the Los Angeles Chargers.

Allen joins CAM NEWTON (20 games) as the only players with at least 15 games with both a passing and rushing touchdown in their first three seasons in NFL history.

Appearing in his 10th career game, Los Angeles Chargers rookie quarterback JUSTIN HERBERT passed for 316 yards and one touchdown in Week 12.

Herbert has six games with at least 300 passing yards this season, tied with ANDREW LUCK (six games in 2012) for the most such games by a rookie quarterback in NFL history.

Herbert has 3,015 passing yards this season and joins PATRICK MAHOMES(3,185 passing yards) as the only players in league annals with at least 3,000 passing yards in their first 10 career games.

New Orleans quarterback TAYSOM HILL rushed for two touchdowns in the Saints’ 31-3 win at Denver. Hill, who had two rushing touchdowns in his first career start at quarterback in Week 11, is the second player with at least two rushing touchdowns in each of his first two career starts at quarterback in the Super Bowl era, joining ERIC HIPPLE (1981). Tennessee running back DERRICK HENRY rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns

in the Titans’ 45-26 win at Indianapolis. Henry is the fourth player in NFL history with three games with at least 175 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns in their first five seasons, joining Pro Football Hall of Famers JIM BROWN (five games) and LADAINIAN TOMLINSON (three), as well as ADRIAN PETERSON (three). Henry has recorded at least 100 rushing yards in eight consecutive road games, tied with CHRIS JOHNSON (eight games from 2009-10) for the second-longest such streak in NFL history. Only Pro Football Hall of Famer BARRY SANDERS (10 games from 1996-97) has a longer streak. Jacksonville rookie running back JAMES ROBINSON totaled a careerhigh 159 scrimmage yards (128 rushing, 31 receiving) and a rushing touchdown on Sunday against Cleveland.

Robinson has six games with at least 100 scrimmage yards this season, tied with PHILLIP LINDSAY (six games in 2018) for the second-most by an undrafted rookie in the common-draft era. Only CLARK GAINES (seven games in 1976) has more.

Robinson has 1,170 scrimmage yards this season, the third-most by an undrafted rookie in the commondraft era. Only DOMINIC RHODES (1,328 scrimmage yards in 2001) and PHILLIP LINDSAY (1,278 in 2018) have more.

French Frappart to become first female referee to officiate men’s Champions League game TL Bureau, Paris France’s Stephanie Frappart will become the first female official to take charge of a men’s Champions League game when Juventus host Dynamo Kyiv on Wednesday, according to Reuters.

Frappart, who turns 37 next month, was the first female referee to officiate in a major UEFA competition match when Liverpool played Chelsea, in the Super Cup in Istanbul last year. She also officiated the 2019 Women’s World Cup

final between the United States and Netherlands and became the first female referee to take charge of a French Ligue 1 match when Amiens played Strasbourg in April last year.

She oversaw her first Europa League game in October when Leicester City hosted Zorya Luhansk.

Switzerland’s Nicole Petignat was the first female referee to officiate in UEFA matches when she was put in charge of three UEFA Cup qualifying round games between 2004 and 2009.

11

Mazda and Sumitomo agree to transfer shares of MMVO March 2021. At MMVO Mazda currently produces the three models Mazda2, Mazda3 and Mazda CX-

Dealers Welcome Ombudsman’s Calls To Overhaul Dispute Resolution TL Bureau, Canberra

30, which are sold in Mexico and exported to Europe, North America and other markets.

The peak body representing franchised new car Dealers has welcomed the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman’s call for an overhaul of the dispute resolution framework.

“This year, the limitations of the court system were laid bare in the automotive industry when more than 150 terminated Holden Dealers saw no pathway for justice and settled with General Motors under duress,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“All of those Dealers were deterred by the prospect of a prohibitively expensive, time-consuming and mentally draining process,” he said.

“The limitations of our dispute resolution architecture was underlined by General Motors Holdens’ flat out refusal to agree to

Small Business Minister Michaelia Cash’s request for them to settle this dispute via arbitration,” he said.

“There is a demonstrated power imbalance between Dealers and the large multinational car manufacturers to which they are franchised. One of the symptoms of this power imbalance is that very few disputes go through a court process,” he said.

“Dealers all over Australia will undoubtedly support the Ombudsman’s recommendation for reforms to the current dispute resolution framework which has frankly failed them repeatedly,” said Mr Voortman.

There are more than 3100 franchised new car dealerships all across Australia. They employ 60,000 people, including many apprentices and generate significant economic activity in every city and country town across the nation.

smartphones, for example when moving around on foot. “We are delighted to be working with a well-known investor such as Bosch, and pleased that our technology can play a valuable part in expanding Bosch’s global eCall service portfolio,” says Erik Goldman, the CEO of Sfara. eCall by smartphone, regardless of age of car or means of transport Smartphone-based eCall means that vehicle manufacturers, auto insurers, and fleet operators can offer a comprehensive accident and breakdown service to their customers – independent of the age of their car or means of transport. A service app for customers’ smartphones is available from the respective provider.

In case of an accident, the app connects the user with the Bosch accident and breakdown network. Accelerometers, GPS and other sensors are embedded

in modern smartphones.

Sfara’s proprietary app-based technology uses sensor fusion to detect accidents and suppress false positives. If an accident is detected, the app automatically triggers an emergency call to a Bosch service location and simultaneously transmits information necessary to get first responders to the scene quickly. An emergency call can also be triggered manually. This connects the user with a member of the service team, who will then contact emergency services, if required. The technology contains optimized crash detection functions that considerably reduce false positives, which are costly to the business and frustrating to end users.

Digital accident and breakdown management The data for rapid assistance in case of an accident or breakdown is collected by Bosch and can be passed on

to vehicle manufacturers, auto insurers, and fleet operators.

This speeds up the process for all concerned, since the information includes useful accident data such as the location of impact. The report of an accident can also go hand in hand with a first notification of loss (FNOL). Insurers need this information to carry out smooth claims processing. In accordance with GDPR, only the data needed to perform service is transmitted, based on approval given by the user in advance. Bosch Service Solutions plans to extend the eCall service further with its partners and make all steps involved in accident and breakdown management available in digital form to its business customers. These range from the first notification of loss or accident, to repair and towing services and the provision of a replacement vehicle and claims management.

TL Bureau, Fuchu

The Mazda Motor Corporation and the Sumitomo Corporation officially agreed today to Mazda obtaining all the shares Sumitomo owns in Mazda de Mexico Vehicle Operation (MMVO). After the formalities regarding the transfer, MMVO will be a production base owned 100 percent

by Mazda by the end of the fiscal year ending in

tech/auto

Bosch to invest in US

Strategic move to expand mobility services, Bosch to acquire minority holding in Sfara eCall and breakdown service to be developed into complete smartphone-based accident-response service, Existing successful partnership to be strengthened TL Bureau, Talitha Strickler Frankfurt am Main / Hoboken, NJ As part of its plans to further expand its mobility service business, Bosch Service Solutions is acquiring a minority stake in the startup Sfara Inc., based in Hoboken, NJ (USA).

The two companies have been working together since 2019.

Set up in 2012, Sfara offers app-based technologies for mobile devices that detect vehicle collisions and other emergencies. The user’s smartphone triggers then an emergency call, such as the Bosch eCall service, to quickly contact first responders. The two companies signed an agreement on the investment of a minority stake on November 25, 2020. It has been agreed that the financial details will not be disclosed.“With this investment in Sfara, we are strengthening collaboration

between our two companies and will continue our joint effort to expand the successful Bosch eCall emergency and breakdown service,” says Henning von Boxberg, President of Bosch Service Solutions.

The automatic emergency call system – eCall for short – is a milestone in vehicle safety.

For newly registered vehicle types, it has been mandatory in the European Union since March 31, 2018. Technology developed by Sfara now makes it possible for drivers to use this digital aide via a smartphone in vehicles without the eCall installed, usually in older vehicles that don’t include the necessary technology. This way, a significantly greater number of road users can benefit from this emergency call system and can automatically get help in the event of an accident.

Thanks to the Sfara technology, users can also access eCall outside the vehicle from their

12

Climate Policy Roundtable meets to discuss the Climate Change Act TL Bureau, Helsinki

The Climate Policy Roundtable will hold its fifth meeting on Wednesday 2 December. The main topic of the meeting is the process to reform the Climate Change Act. Finland aims to be carbon neutral by 2035. The Climate Change Act that entered into force in 2015 will be amended and strengthened in such a way that this target will be achieved. Emission reduction targets to 2030 and 2040 that correspond to the path towards carbon neutrality will be included in the Act and the target to 2050 will be updated. The land use sector and a target for strengthening carbon sinks will also be included in the Act. The proposal for the amended Climate Change Act should be ready for consultation in spring 2021.“The fact that the carbon neutrality target to 2035 will be included in the Climate Change Act is a strong signal for climate work in the coming years.

world Asia is the third biggest market for the Peruvian agri-food export industry.

Grapes, cranberries, avocados and mandarins are the top fresh Peruvian products imported by Asia

Peru is the guest country of honor at ‘Asia Fruit Logistica ON 2020’

TL Bureau, Lima

Peru will once again be the Official Partner Country at the virtual edition of the ‘Asia Fruit Logistica ON’ fresh food trade fair, considered to be the most important fair of its kind in Asia, which takes place from 18 to 20 November, according to PROMPERÚ, the Peruvian Commission for the Promotion of Exports and Tourism (PROMPERÚ).

The Peruvian delegation’s challenge will be to reach both the retail industry and the final consumer, and to do so it will roll out a variety of promotional campaigns in conjunction with the sector’s brand names: ‘Super Foods Peru’, ‘Coffees from Peru’

Overseas Security Advisory Council Honors Dublin Chapter

TL Bureau, Washington D.C.

The U.S. Department of State’s Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC), managed by the Diplomatic Security Service, today awarded the 2020 Country Chapter Achievement Award to the Dublin Country Chapter in recognition of its excellent leadership, collaboration, and engagement in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

In 2020, the Dublin Country Chapter rapidly adapted their program of events to include expert-led webinars responding to the safety and security challenges of the virus, while working simultaneously to ensure specific sectors received the

latest information. The steering committee, led by the Public Sector Co-Chair Kevin Gonzalez (Regional Security Officer for the U.S. Embassy) and the private sector Co-Chairs Brian Kirkpatrick (Director of International Security at Elavon Financial Services) and John Murphy (Head of Global Security Operations at Stripe), organized online events with experts from the U.S. Embassy and the private sector to enable the sharing of their experience and expertise on practical measures to ensure the safety of employees and business operations. After opening up its online events to chapters worldwide, OSAC Dublin also became a hub for information for organizations across Europe.

and ‘Pisco, Spirit of Peru’, thus firmly positioning Peruvian products in consumers’ minds.

The planned activities will include showcooking sessions to promote Peruvian gastronomy along with its food sector, and demonstrations of pisco-based cocktails.

In addition, a strategic partnership will be closed between the Singapore firm KOL and the ‘Super Foods Peru’ brand to develop recipes that feature Peruvian foodstuffs, which will be promoted by influencers Fiona Loh and Jamie Yeo to give consumers a closer insight in to Peruvian products, to encourage them to try out new flavors and show them how to make exciting new dishes.

This campaign will be replicated

with all the KOLs: Mr. Tao, Mr. Nhong, Mr. Fahsai Fitness Trainer, Mr. Phatsakorn, Dr. Aut, Mr. Prot, Mr. Boat and Mr. Mike in Thailand, and with KOLs Tan Chia Yong and Clarence Wong in Malaysia. The Peruvian delegation taking part in Asia Fruit Logistica ON will comprise Agrícola Chapi (grapes, asparagus, avocados, pomegranates), POMICA (pomegranates), AGUALIMA (cranberries, tangerines, avocados and asparagus), ASGLOBALFRES (mangos, mandarins, grapes, avocados, ginger and cranberries) and VISON’S PERU (cranberries, avocados, snow peas, pomegranates, citrus fruits, and mangos), the same companies that meet all the phytosanitary

regulations demanded by the Asian nations and boast extensive experience in fresh food markets.

Peru has been taking part in this Asian trade fair for the last ten years, which has enabled it to penetrate this market with a number of products, including grapes, cranberries, avocados, mandarins and pomegranates, among others.

The Peruvian delegation enjoys the support of PROMPERÚ’s trade offices in Asia which work to increase the demand for Peruvian produce by opening up new markets by means of establishing strategic partnerships, signing new export protocols, and implementing tactical promotional campaigns aimed at both retailers and end consumers.

TL Bureau, Ottawa, Ontario

colder, this Canadian tradition offers us a heartwarming moment, and brings us together from coast to coast to coast. This year more than ever, we need celebrations like these to remind us that, despite the hardships, we are all united as Canadians.

“This beautiful display also reminds us that there is light at the end of the tunnel, that we will get through this global COVID-19 pandemic, and that we must continue to stand together. Our values of unity and of being there for one another, and our confidence in the future, will allow us to continue working to build an even better Canada.

“On behalf of the Government of Canada, I invite all Canadians to be amazed by the virtual show IllumiNATION, which will premiere on the Canadian Heritage website on Thursday, December 17 at 8 p.m. ET. The show will feature a wide range of artistic performances from Ottawa, Montréal, Toronto, Halifax, Moncton, Calgary, Vancouver, Yellowknife, and Old Crow, Yukon. It will be a wonderful opportunity to celebrate what unites us on these cold winter days, while respecting health guidelines.

Sophie and I wish you all a happy holiday season.”

Prime Minister on the launch of Christmas Lights Across Canada

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement on the launch of the 36th edition of Christmas Lights Across Canada, which will run until January 7, 2021: “Tonight, we will mark the beginning of the Christmas Lights Across Canada program, and although we will not be able to come together in person on Parliament Hill this year, Canadians will still be able to marvel at the beauty of the lights.

“At a time of the year when the days are getting shorter and

Secretary Pompeo’s Call with Missile defence training in Latvia Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy TL Bureau, Riga

TL Bureau, Wellington

The following is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Cale Brown:‎ Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo spoke with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed today regarding the conflict in Tigray.

Secretary Pompeo took note of the Government of Ethiopia’s November

28 announcement of the end of major military operations, but reiterated the United States’ grave concern regarding ongoing hostilities and the risks the conflict poses. The Secretary called for a complete end to the fighting and constructive dialogue to resolve the crisis. He stressed the willingness of the United States, the African Union envoys and other international partners

to assist in dialogue and reconciliation.

The Secretary underscored the importance of protecting civilians from further harm, including refugees and civilians fleeing the conflict into Sudan, and allowing international humanitarian organizations access to the Tigray region to ensure the unhindered flow of humanitarian assistance to those in need.

Watch the US Army Europe’s 10th Army Air and Missile Defense Command take down aerial targets during exercise Tobruq Arrows along with their NATO Allies Latvia and Lithuania. During the exercise, the US Army used an Avenger air defence system to conduct a live-fire exercise, shooting down drone targets off the Latvian coast. The US soldiers

exercised with units from NATO Allies Latvia and Lithuania. All COVID-19 precautionary measures were taken, including wearing protective gear, to ensure the health and protection of participating armed forces. Tobruq Arrows is a Latvianled, multinational short-range air defence exercise intended to enhance interoperability among NATO forces and increase readiness through the integration of land component air missile defence capabilities.