UK climate leadership seen weakened by aid cut for world’s poor
Thomson Reuters Foundation Britain’s decision to cut its aid budget will likely dent its reputation on the global diplomatic stage and may weaken a push for other wealthy governments to find more funding to help poor nations tackle climate change, aid groups and thinktanks said. UK finance minister Rishi Sunak told parliament on Wednesday that […]
Pope backs Argentine women’s opposition to abortion bill
Rome, ItalyAP Pope Francis is encouraging Argentine women who are protesting a proposed new law to legalize abortion, saying the protection of life is above all a matter of human ethics. In the letter to the women dated 22nd November, the Argentine Pope wrote: “Is it fair to eliminate a human life to solve a […]
Australia says 13 soldiers told they face dismissal after Afghan report
Sydney, AustraliaReuters Australia has told 13 special forces soldiers they face dismissal in relation to a report on alleged unlawful killings in Afghanistan, the head of the country’s army said on Friday. An independent report published last week in redacted form said there was evidence that 39 unarmed Afghan prisoners and civilians were killed by […]
Snapshot: Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
See TOBIAS KELLER’s image…
Soundbite – The TCM Update: Young & Free garners second Grammy nomination
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Mobile hospital for injured Australian wildlife hits the road
Sydney, AustraliaReuters A mobile hospital for injured wildlife such as koalas and kangaroos began a journey on Thursday to its new base in Byron Bay, on Australia’s east coast. Custom-built by Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital in a 16-metre-long semi-trailer truck, the mobile clinic will treat and rehabilitate native animals hurt and traumatised during wildlife crises […]
In the US, Supreme Court blocks New York virus limits on houses of worship
Washington, USAP With coronavirus cases surging again nationwide, the US Supreme Court barred New York from enforcing certain limits on attendance at churches and synagogues in areas designated as hard hit by the virus. The justices split five to four late on Wednesday night, with new Justice Amy Coney Barrett in the majority. It was the conservative’s […]
Compassion and TBN offer virtual Christmas carols service in UK
Compassion UK is joining with Christian TV network TBN UK to offer a free online virtual carols service early next month. Carols with Compassion will feature a blend of traditional carols with modern Gospel music with artists including Martin Smith (performing with his daughter Elle Limebear), Noel Robinson, Graham Kendrick, Philippa Hanna, the London Community Gospel Choir, […]
India’s low-caste women raped to keep them “in their place”
Chennai, IndiaThomson Reuters Foundation Lower-caste Dalit women in northern India are targeted for rape by upper caste men who usually escape justice as survivors bow to pressure to drop their cases, researchers said this week. Only 10 per cent of 40 rape cases involving Dalit women and girls in Haryana state ended with the conviction […]
Essay: COVID-19 shouldn’t kill cash
As Black Friday sales take place around the world, London-based social commentator and futurist MAL FLETCHER, in an indepth article, looks at the implications of a cash-free society…