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☆ Fire at Refinery Near Major Port Novorossiisk Put Out, Russian Authorities Say
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Oct. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

(Reuters) - A fire that broke out in early hours of Sunday at the Afipsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar region was promptly extinguished, the region's emergency security authorities said after social media reports of powerful blasts shaking the refinery. Baza and Shot, two Russian news outlets with good security sources, said that the fire at the refinery, which lies 50 miles (80 km) east of the Black Sea port of Novorossiisk, one of Russia's most important oil export gateways, was caused by a drone attack. Earlier, Russia's defence ministry, without providing much detail, said that its air defence systems destroyed 36 Ukraine-launched drones over the Black Sea and the northwestern part of the Crimean Peninsula. The Afipsky plant, which was last attacked in May, can process around 6 million tonnes (44 million barrels) of oil each year. The port of Novorossiisk, together with the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) terminal, bring about 1.5% of global oil to market.

Persons: Lidia Kelly, William Mallard, Raju Gopalakrishnan Organizations: Reuters, Caspian Pipeline Consortium Locations: Russia's Krasnodar, Krasnodar, Novorossiisk, Ukraine, Crimean, Kyiv, Crimea, Moscow, Russia, Melbourne

☆ Protesters shut New York's Grand Central, seeking Gaza ceasefire
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Palestinians search for casualties at the site of Israeli strikes on houses, in Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, October 25, 2023. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa Acquire Licensing RightsOct 27 (Reuters) - Hundreds of protesters demanding a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas forced the closure on Friday of Grand Central Terminal, one of New York City's major transit hubs, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority said. "Grand Central Terminal is closed until further notice due to a protest," the MTA said on its website, urging commuters to use alternate stations and plan for extra travel time. Israel's military widened its air and ground attacks on the Palestinian enclave of Gaza on Friday. Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that rules Gaza, said its militants were ready to confront Israeli attacks with "full force."

Persons: Khan Younis, Abu Mustafa, Daniel Trotta, Cynthia Osterman, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Jewish, Hamas, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, New York, Midtown Manhattan, Palestinian

☆ Pramac's Martin smashes lap record to grab pole at Thailand Grand Prix
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 28 (Reuters) - Title-challenger Jorge Martin of Pramac Racing secured his third pole position of the season at the Thailand Grand Prix by setting a lap record on Saturday, with VR46 Racing's Luca Marini and Aprilia's Aleix Espargaro joining him on the front row. I am strong, and this is the most important thing," the 25-year-old Martin said after his performance, including the record 1 minute 29.287 second lap. "I did not expect to do 29.2, I think that is a very good lap... The Marquez brothers, Marc Marquez and Alex Marquez topped Q1, with the Gresini Racing rider coming ahead of the six-time MotoGP champion, who also has the most wins at Buriram. Alex Marquez managed to finish seventh and Marc Marquez eighth in the final session.

Persons: Jorge Martin, VR46 Racing's Luca Marini, Aprilia's, Espargaro, Francesco Bagnaia, Martin, Marco Bezzecchi, Brad Binder, Marquez, Marc Marquez, Alex Marquez, Maverick, Fabio Quartararo, Johann Zarco, Augusto Fernandez, Quartararo, Pearl Josephine Nazare, William Mallard Organizations: Pramac Racing, VR46, Chang, Circuit, Buriram, Aprilia, Thomson Locations: Thailand, French, Bengaluru

☆ At least 21 dead, more missing after ArcelorMittal mine fire in Kazakhstan
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ALMATY, Oct 28 (Reuters) - At least 21 people have died in a mine fire in Kazakhstan, ArcelorMittal Temirtau (MT.LU), the local unit of the Luxembourg-based steelmaker which operates the mine, said on Saturday. Of the 252 people at the Kostenko mine, 208 had been evacuated, with 18 seeking medical help, the company said in a statement. Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who expressed condolences to victims' families, ordered his cabinet to stop investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal Temirtau. The government said in a statement that it was finalising a deal to nationalise the company, which operates the country's biggest steel mill. Last month First Deputy Prime Minister Roman Sklyar told reporters that Kazakhstan was in talks with potential investors who could take over the mill.

Persons: ArcelorMittal, Kassym, Tokayev, ArcelorMittal Temirtau, Roman Sklyar, Olzhas, William Mallard, Jason Neely Organizations: Thomson Locations: ALMATY, Kazakhstan, Luxembourg

☆ Residents in Rural Australia Urged to Evacuate as Bushfires Rage
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Oct. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Authorities on Saturday urged thousands of people in Australia's Queensland state to evacuate as bushfires that have destroyed at least 30 homes continued to threaten rural towns. Australia faces a high-risk bushfire season after the onset of an El Nino weather event, associated with extreme events such as wildfires, cyclones and droughts. Australia's last two fire seasons have been quiet compared with the catastrophic 2019-2020 "Black Summer" of bushfires that destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people. "There's a concerted effort being made by all to throw what we can at these fires," Queensland Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner Peter Hollier told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. The broadcaster reported more than 30 homes had been destroyed in the bushfires, sparked this week and fanned by hot, dry winds.

Persons: Tara, Peter Hollier, Hollier, Sam McKeith, William Mallard Organizations: SYDNEY, Brisbane, Queensland, Emergency Services, Queensland Rural Fire Service, Australian Broadcasting Corp Locations: Australia's Queensland, Queensland, Tara, Australia, El Nino, Turkey, Sydney

☆ Residents in rural Australia urged to evacuate as bushfires rage
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SYDNEY, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Authorities on Saturday urged thousands of people in Australia's Queensland state to evacuate as bushfires that have destroyed at least 30 homes continued to threaten rural towns. Australia faces a high-risk bushfire season after the onset of an El Nino weather event, associated with extreme events such as wildfires, cyclones and droughts. Australia's last two fire seasons have been quiet compared with the catastrophic 2019-2020 "Black Summer" of bushfires that destroyed an area the size of Turkey and killed 33 people. "There's a concerted effort being made by all to throw what we can at these fires," Queensland Rural Fire Service Assistant Commissioner Peter Hollier told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. The broadcaster reported more than 30 homes had been destroyed in the bushfires, sparked this week and fanned by hot, dry winds.

Persons: Tara, Peter Hollier, Hollier, Sam McKeith, William Mallard Organizations: SYDNEY, Brisbane, Queensland, Emergency Services, Queensland Rural Fire Service, Australian Broadcasting Corp, Thomson Locations: Australia's Queensland, Queensland, Tara, Australia, El Nino, Turkey, Sydney

☆ Argentina face tough challenge to get back to World Cup heights
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-28 | by ( Julien Pretot | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

PARIS, Oct 28 (Reuters) - Argentina finished the Rugby World Cup the way they started it, with a defeat against England, who took the bronze medal and left the Pumas with a major task to get to that stage in the next edition of the competition. "Many boys made their debuts at this World Cup and did so in a spectacular way. Argentina have not determined who will be part of the next cycle, with several players yet to decide their future. "It was a very important game for the team, and I didn't think about personal situations. "When I arrived in 2022, it was clear we were going for two years, for the World Cup.

Persons: Julian Montoya, Tom Curry's, Montoya, Mateo Carreras, Lucio Cinti, Santiago Chocobares, Pedro Rubiolo, Juan Martin Gonzalez, Scrumhalf Tomas Cibelli, Felipe Contepomi, Cheika, Will, Felipe, Julien Pretot, William Mallard Organizations: Rugby, England, Pumas, rugby, Super Rugby, Super Rugby Pacific, Bulls, Sharks, Europe's, Argentine, Superliga Americana, Argentine Rugby Union, Thomson Locations: Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Stormers

[1/3] China's Premier Li Keqiang waves as he arrives for a news conference after the closing ceremony of China's National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, March 15, 2017. Li was premier and head of China's cabinet under Xi for a decade until stepping down from all political positions in March. Adam Ni, an independent China political analyst, described Li as "a premier who stood powerless as China took a sharp turn away from reform and opening". A glowing 2014 state media profile of Li, praising him as "a calm and tough wall-breaker", went viral shortly after his death was announced. Li's frequent visits to disaster sites and his easy camaraderie when speaking to ordinary people were also highlighted on Chinese state media.

Persons: Li, Damir Sagolj, Li Keqiang, Xi Jinping, Xi, Deng Xiaoping, Alfred Wu, Lee, Zhu Rongji, Wen Jiabao, Wu, Adam Ni, Jiang Zemin, Deng, Li Yining, Hu Jintao, Cheng Hong, Laurie Chen, Tian, William Mallard Organizations: People's Congress, of, People, REUTERS, Rights, Communist Party, CCTV, Weibo, Australian National University, Lee Kuan Yew, of Public Policy, Peking University, Communist Party's Youth League, Youth League, Shanghai, Thomson Locations: Beijing, China, Rights BEIJING, Shanghai, Singapore, Social, Anhui, Henan, Liaoning

With a population of more than 270 million, Indonesia generated nearly $52 billion in e-commerce transactions last year, according to data from consultancy Momentum Works. TikTok is holding talks for potential partnerships with local e-commerce players, including GoTo's Tokopedia, while building a standalone TikTok Shop app for Indonesia, the people said. Until TikTok Shop stopped operations in Indonesia this month, it was delivering about 3 million parcels a day in Indonesia, two sources said. Alphabet's (GOOGL.O) YouTube is also planning to apply for an e-commerce license, two sources said, without specifying the type of permit planned. TikTok and YouTube's plans to apply for e-commerce permits in Indonesia have not been previously reported.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, GoTo's Tokopedia, TikTok, Tokopedia, Isy Karim, Isy, Stanley Widianto, Fanny Potkin, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, YouTube, Meta, Momentum Works, TikTok, Reuters, Facebook, Thomson Locations: Rights JAKARTA, Indonesia, Southeast, Southeast Asia, U.S, Indonesian

☆ Hamas vows 'full force'; Israel says troops still on the ground in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-26 | by ( James Mackenzie | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Israel said on Saturday morning its troops, sent in on Friday night, were still on the ground. The country had earlier made only brief sorties into Gaza during three weeks of bombardment to root out Hamas militants who killed more than 1,000 Israelis on Oct. 7. "The forces are still in the field and continuing the war" Israel," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari told a news briefing on Saturday morning. Gaza was under an almost complete blackout, with internet and phone services cut for more than 12 hours by Saturday morning. "In addition to the attacks carried out in the last few days, ground forces are expanding their operations tonight," he said.

Persons: GazaTedros, Israel, Daniel Hagari, Khan Younis, Mohammed Salem, Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Hagari, James Mackenzie, Nidal, Michelle Nichols, Rami Ayyub, David Brunnstrom, Grant McCool, Raju Gopalakrishnan, William Mallard, Philippa Fletcher Organizations: WHO, Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Hamas, REUTERS, World Health Organisation, Twitter, Palestinian, Thomson Locations: Gaza Israel, Gaza, JERUSALEM, Israel, Palestinian

The Toyota logo is seen on the bonnet of a newly launched Camry Hybrid electric vehicle at a hotel in New Delhi, India, January 18, 2019. India taxes EVs at just 5%, while the levy on hybrids is as high as 43%, just below the 48% imposed on petrol cars. Indian giants Tata Motors (TAMO.NS) and Mahindra & Mahindra (MAHM.NS) are backing EVs, while Toyota and Honda Motor (7267.T) want support for hybrids. Toyota has begun developing EVs while also championing hydrogen-powered cars, saying a "multi-pathway" approach is needed to solve the climate crisis. In its letter, Toyota also asks India to bring hybrid cars under a government incentive programme that offers discounts to buyers, a scheme now available only for EVs.

Persons: Anushree, Narendra Modi's, Modi's, Vikram Gulati, Gulati, Aayog, Sarita Chaganti Singh, Aditi Shah, William Mallard Organizations: Toyota, REUTERS, Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra, Honda, EVs, Thomson Locations: New Delhi, India, DELHI, policymaking, Toyota's India

☆ Foxconn faces tax audit, land use probe, Chinese state media reports
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A woman drives past the logo of Foxconn outside the company's building in Taipei, Taiwan November 9, 2022. REUTERS/Ann Wang/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Taiwan's Foxconn (2317.TW), the largest supplier of Apple (AAPL.O) iPhones, is the subject of tax audits in China at some of its key subsidiaries, suspected of violating laws and regulations, Chinese state media reported on Sunday. China's natural resources department also conducted on-site investigations on the land use of Foxconn enterprises in Henan and Hubei provinces and elsewhere, the nationalist tabloid the Global Times reported. Zhang Wensheng, deputy dean of the Taiwan Research Institute of Xiamen University, told the Global Times the audit and land use investigations was a normal procedure that would apply to any enterprise suspected of violating laws and regulations. Reporting by Ethan Wang and Bernard Orr; Editing by Lincoln Feast and William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Ann Wang, Foxconn, Zhang Wensheng, Zhang, Ethan Wang, Bernard Orr, Lincoln, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Apple, Global Times, Hai Technology, Taiwan Research Institute, Xiamen University, Thomson Locations: Taipei, Taiwan, Rights BEIJING, China, Henan, Hubei

☆ Analysis: Time for central bank digital currencies to prove their worth
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( Marc Jones | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration//File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsLONDON, Oct 22 (Reuters) - A milestone move by the European Central Bank toward launching a digital euro within a few years means the time has come for the newest incarnation of money to prove its worth. A few countries have introduced central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), China is trialling a prototype yuan with 200 million users, India is gearing up for a pilot and some 130 countries representing 98% of the global economy are exploring digital cash. Commercial bankers fret about the costs and possible deposit bleeds as customers could move money into central bank accounts, while developing countries worry that an easily accessible digital dollar, euro or yuan could cause havoc in their systems. DEFINING A GLOBAL STANDARDA key unknown is whether the U.S. Federal Reserve or Bank of Japan will launch retail CBDCs. "The current adoption level of eNaira has been reflective of the early stage of CBDC awareness," the country's central bank said in a written response to questions, adding it had been "consistent" with expectations.

Persons: Dado Ruvic, Josh Lipsky, Fabio Panetta, couldn't, Lee Braine, Bo Li, Atlantic Council's Lipsky, Lipsky, Marc Jones, MacDonald Dzirutwe, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, European Central Bank, Reuters, Atlantic Council, Facebook, ECB, Barclays, Bank of, U.S . Federal Reserve, Bank of Japan, International Monetary Fund, Atlantic, Thomson Locations: China, India, Western, Nigeria, U.S, Canada, Bahamas, London, Lagos

☆ Opening win over Sydney leaves Popovic confident Victory have improved
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"We put (last season) behind us after the last game that we lost, to Brisbane at home," said Popovic. However, after a lengthy preseason working with his team, Popovic is confident they will improve on last season's showing. "I think the performance showed that we're not the same team as last year. Getting an away win against Sydney in the Big Blue, the fans going home happy, that's the icing on the cake. "But I thought the performance showed where we're heading and there's a lot more to come."

Persons: Tony Popovic, Bruno Fornaroli, Zinedine Machach, Popovic, we're, Michael Church, William Mallard Organizations: Melbourne Victory, Sydney FC, FFA, Melbourne City, Sydney, Thomson Locations: Brisbane

☆ St. Lawrence Seaway workers to begin strike, Unifor union says
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Oct 22 (Reuters) - Workers at St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corp have decided to go on strike on Sunday after failing to reach an agreement on wages, the Canadian labor union Unifor said. "This impasse is extremely unfortunate, but our members remain committed to getting a fair agreement," Unifor National President Lana Payne said in a statement. St. Lawrence Seaway Management did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Unifor gave a 72-hour strike notice to St. Lawrence on Wednesday, demanding higher wages. The strike would affect the St. Lawrence Seaway, which connects the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence river, disrupting cargo movement towards Canadian provinces.

Persons: Unifor, Lana Payne, Lawrence, Jose Joseph, William Mallard Organizations: Workers, Lawrence Seaway Management Corp, Lawrence Seaway Management, Lawrence Seaway, Thomson Locations: St, Lawrence, Canadian, Bengaluru

REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa Acquire Licensing RightsWASHINGTON, Oct 21 (Reuters) - The U.S. will send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system and additional Patriot air defense missile system battalions to the Middle East, the Pentagon said on Saturday, in response to recent attacks on U.S. troops in the region. The United States has sent a significant amount of naval power to the Middle East in recent weeks, including two aircraft carriers, their support ships and about 2,000 Marines. "Following detailed discussions with President (Joe) Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region," Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement. The deployments come two years after Biden's administration withdrew air defense systems from the Middle East, citing a reduction in tensions with Iran. The Patriot, considered one of the most advanced U.S. air defense systems, is usually in short supply, with allies around the world vying for it.

Persons: Khan Younis, Abu Mustafa, Joe, Biden, Lloyd Austin, Austin, Israel, Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, Area Defense, Pentagon, United, Defense, U.S, Gaza's Health, Thomson Locations: Gaza, U.S, United States, Washington, Iran, Israel, East, South Korea, China, Iraq, Syria, Iranian, Yemen

☆ China says it 'lawfully' blocked Philippine ships going to disputed shoal
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

FILE PHOTO: A Philippine flag flutters from BRP Sierra Madre, a dilapidated Philippine Navy ship that has been aground since 1999 and became a Philippine military detachment on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands, in the South China Sea March 29, 2014. REUTERS/Erik De Castro/File Photo/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsBEIJING, Oct 22 (Reuters) - China's coast guard said on Sunday it "lawfully" blocked Philippine vessels transporting "illegal construction materials" to a warship at a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. Over the past few months, China and the Philippines have had numerous run-ins in areas of the South China Sea, most notable the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands. China had warned the Philippines against further "provocations", saying such acts violated its territorial sovereignty. China claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, pointing to a dotted line on its maps that cuts into the exclusive economic zones of Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia.

Persons: Thomas Shoal, Erik De Castro, China's, Ethan Wang, Bernard Orr, William Mallard Organizations: BRP, BRP Sierra Madre, Philippine Navy, REUTERS, Rights, China Coast Guard, Thomson Locations: BRP Sierra, Philippine, Spratly, South, Rights BEIJING, South China, China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia

Palestinian media reported at least 11 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, and that Israel was striking the southern city of Rafah. We will continue to attack in the area of Gaza City and increase attacks," Hagari told Israeli reporters on Saturday. Israel started its "total siege" of Gaza after an Oct. 7 cross-border attack on southern Israel by militants of the Islamist movement Hamas killed 1,400 people, mainly civilians, in a shock rampage that has traumatised Israel. [1/5]An Israeli soldier secures an area, following a deadly infiltration by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip, in Kibbutz Kissufim in southern Israel October 21, 2023. At least 84 Palestinians in the West Bank have been killed in clashes with Israeli forces since the Hamas rampage, Palestinian officials say.

Persons: Lloyd Austin, Biden, Israel, Khan Younis, Daniel Hagari, Hagari, Joe, Washington, Amir Cohen, Rights Biden, General Herzi Halevi, Antony Blinken, Najib Mikati, Nidal al, Michelle Nichols, Phil Stewart, Lincoln, Daniel Wallis, William Mallard Organizations: US, Defense, Al, Gaza's Health, Area Defense, Drones, FIRST, Gaza, United Nations, Palestinian, REUTERS, Rights, United, Security, Canada's National Department of Defence, Canadian Forces Intelligence Command, Health Ministry, State Department, West Bank, Thomson Locations: U.S, Iran, Canada, Ahli, Gaza, GAZA, JERUSALEM, Israel, Washington, Khan, Rafah, Gaza City, Iraq, East, Israeli, Kibbutz Kissufim, United States, France, Tel Aviv, Lebanon, Jenin, New York, Jerusalem

☆ China, Philippines trade accusations over collision in South China Sea
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-22 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The two countries have had numerous run-ins in areas of the South China Sea in recent months, especially the disputed Second Thomas Shoal, part of the Spratly Islands. The Pentagon said in May it would protect the Philippines if its coast guard came under attack "anywhere in the South China Sea". Beijing claims sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, including parts of the exclusive economic zones of the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. "The provocative, irresponsible, and illegal action" of the Chinese coast guard vessel "imperilled the safety of the crew" of the Philippine boat, the task force said. "The Philippines behaviour seriously violates the international rules on avoiding collisions at sea and threatens the navigation safety of our vessels," the coast guard said.

Persons: Thomas Shoal, Erik De Castro, China's, Philippines MaryKay Carlson, Ferdinand Marcos Jr, Thomas, Ethan Wang, Bernard Orr, Enrico Dela Cruz, William Mallard Organizations: BRP, BRP Sierra Madre, Philippine Navy, REUTERS, Manila, Manila's, Force, West Philippine, Washington, Pentagon, BRP Sierra, Thomson Locations: BRP Sierra, Philippine, Spratly, South, China, Philippines, Manila, Manila BEIJING, MANILA, South China, States, Beijing, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, China's

☆ Thousands in Australia join pro-Palestinian march over Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] People demonstrate in support of Palestinians in Gaza as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, in Sydney, Australia, Saturday, October 21 2023. AAP/Brent Lewin via REUTERS Acquire Licensing RightsSYDNEY, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Thousands took part in a pro-Palestinian march in Australia's biggest city, Sydney, on Saturday, getting last-minute approval amid concerns after some protesters at an earlier rally had chanted anti-Jewish slogans. In Sydney, Australia's biggest city, around 15,000 people attended Saturday's march, organiser Palestine Action Group said, with demonstrators chanting "Palestine will never die" and waving Palestine flags. Police said no arrests had been made, and Palestine Action Group spokesperson Amal Naser said the march was peaceful. Pro-Palestine rallies were also scheduled on Saturday in state capitals Brisbane, Perth and Hobart, Palestine Action Group said, after thousands attended largely well behaved rallies around Australia last weekend.

Persons: Brent Lewin, Benjamin Netanyahu, Amal Naser, Barbara O'Neill, James McGlone, Alex Ryvchin, Saturday's, Sam McKeith, James Redmayne, William Mallard Organizations: Hamas, AAP, REUTERS Acquire, Rights, Palestine, Group, Police, Palestine Action, of Australian, Sydney Opera House, Thomson Locations: Gaza, Israel, Sydney, Australia, Australia's, Israeli, Palestine, Brisbane, Perth, Hobart

MUMBAI, Oct 21 (Reuters) - India's central bank has approved the appointment of veteran banker Ashok Vaswani as managing director and chief executive of Kotak Mahindra Bank (KTKM.NS), the private lender said in an exchange filing on Saturday. Vaswani's appointment comes after billionaire Uday Kotak, who founded Kotak Mahindra Bank, resigned as the MD and CEO last month in a surprise move, citing personal reasons. Dipak Gupta, currently the managing director and CEO, will carry out the chief executive duties until Dec. 31, the bank had said last month. "I am delighted that the RBI has approved our recommendation, Ashok Vaswani, as the next CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank," Kotak said in the filing, describing him as a "world class leader" with digital and customer focus. KVS Manian and Shanti Ekambaram, the two most senior bankers at Kotak Mahindra Bank, will remain on the board and keep their current roles, Gupta added.

Persons: Ashok Vaswani, Vaswani, Vaswani's, Uday Kotak, Dipak Gupta, Kotak, Gupta, KVS Manian, Shanti Ekambaram, Siddhi Nayak, Ira Dugal, William Mallard Organizations: Kotak Mahindra Bank, Citigroup Asia Pacific, Barclays, Reserve Bank of India, Kotak, Siddhi, Thomson Locations: MUMBAI

☆ India completes crucial test in crewed space mission after delay
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

A security guard stands behind the logo of Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) at its headquarters in Bengaluru, India, June 12, 2019. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas Acquire Licensing RightsMUMBAI, Oct 21 (Reuters) - India on Saturday completed a key test in its ambitious crewed space mission Gaganyaan, hours after halting the planned lift-off, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said. Mission Gaganyaan gets off on a successful note." ISRO has said it would explore ways to achieve a sustained human presence in space once Gaganyaan is completed. The Gaganyaan mission has been expected to launch from the country's main spaceport in Sriharikota before 2024, although a schedule had not been announced.

Persons: Francis Mascarenhas, Gaganyaan, Siddhi Nayak, Lincoln, William Mallard Organizations: Indian Space Research Organisation, ISRO, REUTERS, Rights, Siddhi, Thomson Locations: Bengaluru, India, Rights MUMBAI, Sriharikota

Rolling back Trump-era sanctions, U.S. officials issued general licenses for Venezuela's oil, gas and mining sectors in response to a deal between Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and the county's opposition on the 2024 presidential election. SLOW RECOVERYThe sanctions relief authorizes the production, sale and export of Venezuela's crude and gas, while keeping a ban on business with Russia. Since the U.S. imposed secondary oil sanctions on Venezuela in 2020, PDVSA had been unable to fulfill its supply contracts to clients in regions from Europe to Asia. An individual authorization to Chevron Corp (CVX.N) allowed the return of Venezuela's crude to the United States this year. Area chart shows data from U.S. EIA showing Venezuela crude oil production.

Persons: Leonardo Fernandez Viloria, Francisco Monaldi, Rice University's, Nicolas Maduro, Joe Biden, Monaldi, PDVSA, Baker Hughes, Maduro, Marianna Parraga, Julia Symmes Cobb, David Gregorio, William Mallard Organizations: REUTERS, Rights, South, Rice University's Baker Institute ., Trump, Venezuelan, OPEC, U.S, Chevron Corp, U.S Chevron, Eni, EIA, Thomson Locations: Jusepin, Venezuela, South American, U.S, American, Russia, Iran, Europe, Asia, United States, Trinidad and Tobago, China, Caribbean

☆ Israeli official: Iran trying to deploy arms in or through Syria
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

Iranians attend a rally in support of Palestinians, in Tehran, Iran, October 13, 2023. Acquire Licensing RightsJERUSALEM, Oct 15 (Reuters) - A senior Israeli official accused Iran on Sunday of trying to open a second war front by deploying weapons in or through Syria as Israel steps up a counter-offensive in Gaza to the south. Responding to a post of the X social-media platform that posited such a scenario, Joshua Zarka, head of strategic affairs for Israel's Foreign Ministry, said: "They (Iranians) are." Syria accused Israel of carrying out strikes against Damascus and Aleppo airports last week. Writing by Dan Williams; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Majid Asgaripour, Joshua Zarka, Zarka, Israel, Dan Williams, William Mallard Organizations: West Asia News Agency, REUTERS, Acquire, Rights, Israel's Foreign Ministry, Thomson Locations: Tehran, Iran, Syria, Israel, Gaza, Damascus, Aleppo

☆ Airline CEO-turned-politician Luxon to lead New Zealand to the right
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-15 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Christopher Luxon, Leader of the National Party arrives at his election party after winning the general election to become New Zealand’s next prime minister in Auckland, New Zealand, October 14, 2023. The former Air New Zealand chief executive, Luxon became leader of the centre-right National Party at the end of 2021, boosting its popularity until winning Saturday's general election. National won 50 seats and its preferred coalition partner, ACT New Zealand, won 11, securing a majority of one seat in the 121-seat parliament, according to provisional results from the Electoral Commission. I'm there to represent all New Zealanders," Luxon told Reuters earlier this year. A millionaire father of two with several homes across the country, Luxon is learning the Maori language and is a Taylor Swift fan, quoting her in televised debates and interviews.

Persons: Christopher Luxon, David Rowland, Luxon, Taylor Swift, Lucy Craymer, William Mallard Organizations: National Party, New, REUTERS, Rights, Labour, Air New Zealand, Party, National, ACT New Zealand, Electoral, Unilever, Air New, New Zealanders, All Blacks, national rugby team, Zealanders, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Auckland , New Zealand, New Zealand, Air New Zealand, Ukraine, Russia, New

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