CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES RUIN OVER 130 HOMES AS GOVERNOR ISSUES STATE OF EMERGENCY

WORLD NEWS

11th NOVEMBER, 2024

By Oyenike

CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES RUIN OVER 130 HOMES AS GOVERNOR ISSUES STATE OF EMERGENCY

Over 130 homes have been confirmed destroyed by a fierce wildfire raging outside Los Angeles, as a break in weather conditions on Friday allowed firefighters to gain control of the flames. Hurricane-force winds that struck the region this week fuelled a rapid expansion of the mountain fire near Camarillo, which surged to more than 8,000 hectares.

Thousands of residents in the fire’s path were compelled to evacuate, with some recounting how they had only moments to collect essential belongings and pets as unpredictable flames jumped from house to house.

Authorities reported that initial assessments indicated at least 132 homes had been lost, with an additional 88 suffering damage. The fire ignited on Wednesday morning and quickly spread, driven by strong seasonal Santa Ana winds from California’s desert region.

Wind gusts reached up to 130 kilometres per hour, pushing smoke and flames across the landscape. Fortunately, those winds subsided on Friday, and meteorologists do not anticipate their return for several days.

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INDIA CLAIMS NO ANXIETY ABOUT COLLABORATING WITH TRUMP

India has expressed confidence in collaborating with Donald Trump, who is poised to assume office for a second term following his recent electoral victory. Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar stated that while many nations may feel apprehensive about a Trump-led United States, India remains unfazed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintained friendly relations with Trump during his initial term from 2017 to 2021. However, India experienced a challenging tariff conflict with the Trump administration, which impacted businesses on both sides. India has historically received bipartisan support in the US, effectively engaging with both Republican and Democrat leaders.

Jaishankar emphasised that there are no grounds for concern regarding the future of India-US relations under Trump. He noted that Modi was among the first leaders Trump contacted after his election. Nonetheless, the previous tariff disputes may still cast a shadow over their relationship.

The president-elect had previously praised Modi as a “great leader” while also accusing India of imposing high tariffs. Analysts believe it will be intriguing to see if the camaraderie between the two leaders can bridge the trade gaps. Trump and Modi have shown mutual admiration, notably during the “Howdy, Modi!” event in 2019, which attracted nearly 50,000 attendees in Texas.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi maintained friendly relations with Trump during his initial term from 2017 to 2021

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PUTIN PROVIDES AFRICAN NATIONS WITH RUSSIA’S ‘TOTAL SUPPORT’

Vladimir Putin, the Russian President, has pledged “complete support” for Africa, particularly in combating terrorism and extremism. During a summit in Sochi, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conveyed this message to African leaders. Many African nations have severed ties with traditional Western allies, seeking assistance from Moscow to address the rise in jihadist attacks.

Burkina Faso’s Foreign Minister, Karamoko Jean-Marie Traoré, expressed that Russia is a more fitting global partner than France, the former colonial power. This sentiment was echoed by Mali’s Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, who highlighted the Kremlin’s “genuine” partnership compared to the “neo-colonial” ties with Western nations.

Mali is not only pursuing military collaboration with Russia but also exploring joint ventures in energy, telecommunications, technology, and mining. Diop noted that Russian firms are actively engaged with the Malian government and private partners to tackle local challenges, with an agreement to accelerate efforts for quick outcomes.

The Wagner mercenary group, now operating under the Africa Corps name, has become the preferred military ally for leaders in Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, who have expelled French and UN forces. While Russia’s military support has bolstered these junta leaders, it has not significantly advanced the fight against terrorism.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov conveyed this message to African leaders during a summit in Sochi

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VISTARA, INDIA’S PREMIUM AIRLINE, SOARS INTO THE HORIZON

Indian airline Vistara will conduct its final flight on Monday, concluding nine years of operation. A collaboration between Singapore Airlines and Tata Sons, Vistara will integrate with Tata-owned Air India, creating a unified entity with a larger network and fleet. Consequently, all Vistara functions, including customer service kiosks and ticketing offices, will transition to Air India, with the migration of passengers and loyalty programs already underway.

An Air India representative stated that the merger will enhance meal offerings and service elements, blending features from both airlines. Despite worries about potential declines in service quality, the Tatas have promised that Vistara’s in-flight experience will remain intact.

Vistara, recognised for its excellent food, service, and cabin standards, has garnered a dedicated clientele, leading to criticism over the retirement of its brand from fans and industry experts. The merger aims to streamline Vistara’s finances and eliminate its losses, according to aviation analyst Mark Martin.

While both Air India and Vistara have significantly cut their annual losses over the past year, the merger has faced challenges, including pilot shortages resulting in substantial flight cancellations and Vistara crew members taking sick leave en masse.

An Indian airline Vistara will conduct its final flight on Monday, concluding nine years of operation

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MANY HELD AFTER PROTESTERS CHALLENGE BAN IN AMSTERDAM

Numerous pro-Palestinian activists were apprehended by law enforcement in Amsterdam for ignoring a prohibition on public protests. Many assembled in Dam Square on Sunday, advocating for an end to the hostilities in Gaza and expressing their disagreement with the restriction.

The mayor enacted the temporary protest ban after Israeli football supporters were targeted in what she described as “hit-and-run” incidents following a match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam. Consequently, the Israeli government has advised its nationals to “completely steer clear” of Israeli sports and cultural activities overseas, especially a football match in Paris.

The authorities reported that Thursday’s assaults, which resulted in five individuals being hospitalised, were driven by antisemitism as fans were actively pursued throughout the city. The violence, which led to at least 62 arrests, was condemned by leaders in Europe, the US, and Israel.

Amsterdam police indicated that the situation remains tense as they monitor the aftermath of these events. The community is grappling with the implications of the protests and the violent incidents, raising concerns about safety and the freedom to express dissenting opinions.

Numerous pro-Palestinian activists were apprehended by law enforcement in Amsterdam for ignoring a prohibition on public protests

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