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☆ Global jobs growth will halve in challenging 2023: ILO
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

"The slowdown in global employment growth means that we don't expect the losses incurred during the COVID-19 crisis to be recovered before 2025," said Richard Samans, Director of the ILO's Research Department and coordinator of its newly published report. Progress in reducing the number of informal jobs in the world is also likely to be reversed in the coming years, the ILO said. The global jobs forecast is lower than the previous ILO estimate of 1.5% growth for 2023. "The current slowdown means that many workers will have to accept lower quality jobs, often at very low pay, sometimes with insufficient hours," ILO said. The situation could worsen further if the global economy slows down, ILO added.

☆ WHO recommends that China monitor excess COVID-19 mortality
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON/GENEVA, Jan 16 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday it recommended that China monitor excess mortality from COVID-19 to gain a fuller picture of the impact of the surge in cases there. China said on Saturday that nearly 60,000 people with COVID-19 had died in hospital since it abandoned its zero-COVID policy last month, a big jump from the figures it reported prior to facing international criticism over its COVID-19 data. "WHO recommends the monitoring of excess mortality, which provides us with a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of COVID-19," the U.N. agency told Reuters in a statement when asked about China. "This is especially important during periods of surges when the health system is severely constrained." "But it would be even more important to get full GSD (genetic sequence data) of circulating virus in China.

☆ Russian hammer thrower Litvinov admits to doping in 2012
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

GENEVA, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Former Russian hammer thrower Sergei Litvinov has admitted using banned substances and benefiting from his country's cover-up system as athletics authorities handed him a two-year suspension and voided his past results. Russia's athletics federation was suspended in 2015 over a report commissioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that found evidence of mass doping in the sport. Litvinov, the son of Soviet hammer thrower Sergei Litvinov, the 1988 Olympic champion, said his throws improved by nearly two metres after taking the substances. Litvinov said he handed over the details of his case to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), which oversees integrity issues in international athletics, including doping. The Russian athletics federation issued a statement on the suspension but did not address Litvinov's allegation that it had pressured him to use banned substances.

☆ Iranian chess referee spars with governing body over women's solidarity
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

[1/4] Iranian chess referee Shohreh Bayat looks on during the Women's World Chess Championship in Vladivostok, Russia January 16, 2020. "I don't think it's normal to stay quiet about this," Bayat, 35, told Reuters in a video interview. The Iranian said Dvorkovich asked her to change her attire in Iceland, after another chess official had raised the issue. According to a message seen by Reuters, a senior FIDE official told Bayat she had been removed from the commission because Dvorkovich was "furious" with her. Bayat was awarded the International Women of Courage Award by the United States in 2021 and has since used her platform to advocate for Iranian women.

GENEVA, Jan 11 (Reuters) - The World Health Organization said it is working with China to manage the risks of COVID-19 surging again as people travel for Lunar New Year celebrations but the country's response continues to be challenged by a lack of data. COVID-19 is spreading unchecked in China after the country lifted its zero-COVID policy in December, but the WHO said it still does not have enough information from China to make a full assessment of the dangers of the surge. That is also an issue in working with China on how to mitigate the risks of travel ahead of the Lunar New Year public holiday, which officially runs from Jan. 21, the WHO said. The WHO also said China is still heavily underreporting deaths from COVID-19, although it is now providing more information on its outbreak. "There are some very important information gaps that we are working with China to fill," said COVID-19 technical lead, Maria Van Kerkhove.

The holiday, known before the pandemic as the world's largest annual migration of people, comes amid an escalating diplomatic spat over COVID curbs that saw Beijing introduce transit curbs for South Korean and Japanese nationals on Wednesday. The virus is spreading unchecked in China after Beijing abruptly began dismantling its previously tight curbs in early December following historic protests. Among them, South Korea and Japan have also limited flights and require tests on arrival, with passengers showing up as positive being sent to quarantine. COUNTING DEATHSSome of the governments that announced curbs on travellers from China cited concerns over Beijing's data transparency. Annual spending by Chinese tourists abroad reached $250 billion before the pandemic, with South Korea and Japan among the top shopping destinations.

☆ UN chief calls for 'massive investments' for Pakistan recovery
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

September's floods, which are still receding, killed at least 1,700 people and displaced around 8 million. "We must match the heroic response of the people of Pakistan with our own efforts and massive investments to strengthen their communities for the future," Guterres said in opening remarks. "Pakistan is doubly victimized by climate chaos and a morally bankrupt global financial system," he added, calling for creative ways for developing countries to access debt relief and financing. In a video message, France President Emmanuel Macron pledged $10 million in additional aid support. Reporting by Emma Farge, Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber in Geneva and Asif Shahzad in Islamabad, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

That might ease some concerns about the outbreak since Beijing abruptly reversed its "zero COVID" policy last month. But many Chinese funeral homes and hospitals say they are overwhelmed, and international health experts predict at least 1 million COVID-related deaths in China this year without urgent action. But the WHO said there is "no inevitability" in terms of predictions of large numbers of deaths. "It really does depend on the measures that are in place," said the WHO's COVID-19 technical lead Maria van Kerkhove. She said the WHO was working with China to improve access to life-saving tools and cope with health workforce issues in badly-hit areas.

[1/6] Skiers pass on a small layer of artificial snow amid warmer-than-usual winter temperatures in the Alps in Leysin, Switzerland, January 4, 2023. REUTERS/Denis BalibouseLEYSIN, Switzerland, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Deprived of snow by unusually mild weather, Switzerland's world-renowned ski slopes have proven a disappointment to winter sports aficionados and resort managers eager to make the most of the holiday season. Norah Sweeney, a tourist from Boston, had prepared for a snowy Swiss sojourn, but her hopes quickly melted at the sight of yellowed grass on the slopes. MeteoSwiss, the country's federal office for meteorology and climatology, said Switzerland's average temperature of around 7.4 Celsius in 2022 was by far the warmest year since records began in 1864. Sophie Ruchet, a resident of the Vaud canton who learned to ski at Leysin, wonders if it's even worth having her children learn to ski.

☆ Morocco cruise into knockout stage with 2-1 win over Canada
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-01 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Morocco, who needed a win or a draw in their final Group F match to reach the knockout rounds, took advantage of a weak clearance by goalkeeper Milan Borjan that landed on the foot of Hakim Ziyech. With Croatia drawing with Belgium 0-0 in the other Group F game, Morocco finish first in the group and will face the second-place finishers in Group E, which is made up of Japan, Spain, Germany and Costa Rica. Moroccan manager Walid Regragui predicted his side will prove capable of challenging a mighty opponent in the stage. Why shouldn't we dream of winning the World Cup?" Canada, who are exiting their first World Cup since 1986 without a point, automatically qualify for the 2026 tournament as co-hosts along with the United States and Mexico.

☆ Switzerland clash with Serbia revives memories of political tensions
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Switzerland and Serbia will battle for Group G's last spot in the knockout stage on Friday in a rematch of the 2018 World Cup clash that could reignite political tensions between the teams. Switzerland, on three points, look well-placed to join Brazil in the last 16. Switzerland and Serbia -- who along with Cameroon need a win for a chance to advance -- have only played each other once, in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup. That match remains etched in the memory of fans as one with heavy political undertones. The Football Federation of Kosovo, which became a member of European soccer's governing body UEFA and FIFA in 2016, decried the "aggressive action" undertaken by Serbia.

☆ Tunisia fail to advance despite 1-0 win over much-changed France
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-30 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | Daniel Wiessner | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Tunisia needed not only to beat the already-qualified France but to hope for Denmark to avoid defeat against Australia in the other Group D game to advance. Tunisia thus keep their unwanted record of not progressing from the group stage in six World Cup appearances. Tunisia's win also ended France's six-match winning streak at the World Cup. Khazri said Tunisia were ending their World Cup journey with a "bittersweet feeling" - delighted to have beaten France but heartbroken by the outcome of the other group game. Mbappe and Griezmann energised the French, who were aided by Tunisia sitting back in the hope of preserving their win.

☆ France of today should not be compared with 2018 champions, Varane says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - French defender Raphael Varane warned against comparing his team's performance in Qatar with their run to victory in the 2018 World Cup, saying times had changed. The difficulty of a World Cup is that the players are different, they are in different shape. Varane said constant factors on the French team were their humility, serious work ethic and raw talent. Tunisia, who drew against Denmark and lost to Australia, should be regarded as serious opponents, Varane said. In the last 16, France will face one of the teams from Group C -- Poland, Saudi Arabia, Mexico or Argentina.

☆ Canada score their first goal in history of men's World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-27 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

DOHA, Nov 27 (Reuters) - Alphonso Davies became the first Canadian man to score a goal at a World Cup when he beat Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic in the second minute of their second Group F match in Doha on Sunday. Canada, taking part in their second men's World Cup, last qualified for the tournament in 1986, where they crashed out at the group stage both winless and goaless. At this year's World Cup in Qatar, they lost 1-0 to Belgium despite outplaying the Red Devils and will face Morocco in their final group stage match on Thursday. The Canadian women's national team, currently ranked seventh in the world, are reigning Olympic champions and have played in every World Cup since 1995. Reporting by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber; Editing by Angus MacSwanOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

DOHA, Nov 26 (Reuters) - Kylian Mbappe's meteoric rise showed no sign of stopping as the France forward sealed the holders' 2-1 win against Denmark to send them into the last 16 of the World Cup on Saturday. Mbappe has now scored 31 goals in 61 appearances for France - well on the way towards the all-time record of 51 held by Olivier Giroud and Thierry Henry. Mbappe has seven goals at World Cup tournaments - only behind Just Fontaine, who scored a record 13 in 1958, and already ahead of Henry's six in four visits to the finals. He is part of a collective that is very strong and has this goal of winning the World Cup in mind," Deschamps added. For the first goal, he benefited from fullback Hernandez's threat on the left wing to pounce after their one-two.

☆ Canada fired up for 'hell of a game' against Croatia, manager says
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-26 | by ( Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

DOHA, Nov 26(Reuters) - Canada manager John Herdman said on Saturday his team was fired up for a test against 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia after the Canadians fell to Belgium 1-0 despite outplaying them. Canada, taking part in their second World Cup, are still looking to score their first goal in the history of the men's tournament. Canada face Croatia, who drew Morocco 0-0 in their opener, on Sunday in what Herdman described as a "massive game""It's a hell of a test for this team. Emotional after Canada's solid performance against the second-ranked team in the world, Herdman drew the attention of Croatian media after he said his team would go and "eff Croatia". Herdman, who had previously acknowledged his impassioned comments had not been terribly respectful to Croatia, laughed off the Croatian tabloid story on Sunday.

☆ Swiss eye strong start in World Cup opener versus Cameroon
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

AL RAYYAN, Qatar, Nov 22 (Reuters) - Switzerland hope to secure early points in a tough Group G when they face Cameroon in their World Cup opener on Thursday after a year of solid performances on the European stage. The Swiss reached the Euro 2020 quarter-finals before losing a penalty shootout to Spain. They also finished ahead of Italy in their World Cup qualifying group to avoid the playoffs. But Cameroon -- playing in an eighth World Cup, a record number of appearances for an African nation -- have failed to leave their mark at the finals since the 1990 edition of the tournament, when they dazzled by reaching the quarter-finals. Cameroon will aim to at least get another World Cup victory this time, a task that could prove difficult for a side that qualified thanks to a stoppage-time goal at the end of extra time in the second leg of their playoff tie away to Algeria.

☆ Budweiser World Cup campaign curbed, not crashed, by Qatar beer ban
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-19 | by ( Philip Blenkinsop | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Budweiser has been a World Cup sponsor since the 1986 tournament in Mexico. STRICT CONTROLSBut Qatar 2022 was always going to be different, as the first World Cup held in a conservative Muslim country with strict controls on alcohol, the consumption of which is banned in public. He added that FIFA and Budweiser had been partners for decades and looked forward to being partners in the future. Doukeris though has said that the far greater impact in terms of beer sales is from fans across the globe, many with a AB InBev beer in hand - from a Jupiler in Belgium to a Brahma in Brazil. Indeed, the brewer has launched its biggest ever World Cup campaign in over 70 markets, more than double the number of participating countries, compared with just over 50 for the 2018 edition.

In a last minute U-turn, two days before the tournament's opening match, international soccer governing body FIFA said on Friday that alcoholic beer would not be sold at Qatar's World Cup stadiums. Now fans can only consume beer at the FIFA Fan Festival in Doha. "Not having alcohol is not good because the World Cup it's a party of the world," said Brazilian fan Julio Cesar, wearing a felt hat in his country's colours. The 2022 World Cup is the first edition of the tournament held in a conservative Muslim country with strict controls on alcohol, the consumption of which is banned in public. For the fans unfazed by Qatar's dire human rights record, the absence of beer at World Cup venues has proven a major disappointment.

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