Today’s news: Letter from Pope Francis on Ukraine for the thousand days that have passed since the beginning of the Russian invasion. Dozens of parliamentarians from around the world are calling for the immediate release of Jimmi Lai, whose trial resumes today in Hong Kong. The “stimulus” program for the Thai economy foresees growth of 2.8% in 2024. Inditex, owner of Zara, increases flights from India to Spain to avoid delays in shipments.
ISRAEL – GAZA
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that $5 million will be given as a reward for each prisoner released from Gaza and that those who help free Israelis held by Hamas will have a way out of the war-torn Palestinian territory. Meanwhile, Israel targets Kamal Adwan hospitalin the north of the Strip, which is suffering an “extreme catastrophe”, and Israeli forces shoot at the building while malnourished children and the elderly seek treatment.
VATICAN – UKRAINE
Pope Francis has sent a letter to Archbishop Visvaldas Kulbokas, apostolic nuncio to Ukraineon the occasion of the sad 1,000th day since the Russian military aggression began. An “immense tragedy,” says Jorge Mario Bergoglio, about which God will have the last word. It includes thanksgiving for having “stood by” the population during a long period of suffering. The Pontiff prays to God to “convert hearts and make them capable of beginning paths of dialogue, reconciliation and harmony” and hopes that the word “peace” resonates in families, homes and squares.
HONG KONG
Dozens of parliamentarians from around the world yesterday called for the immediate and unconditional release of pro-democracy activist Jimmy Lai before he has to testify in the Hong Kong collusion trial. MPs and foreign affairs experts from at least 22 countries and the European Parliament signed an open letter expressing concern about the imprisonment of the 76-year-old media mogul. Jimmy Lai, one of Hong Kong’s best-known pro-democracy figures, whose trial under the National Security Law resumes today and he could be sentenced to life in prison.
THAILAND
Thailand is carrying out an economic “stimulus” program to boost consumption. “The various stimulus measures can push growth above 3% next year,” Julapun Amornvivat stated, adding that annual growth in 2024 will not exceed 2.8%. The $14 billion government program, which will distribute 10,000 baht ($289) per person to about 45 million people, was launched in late September. The second and third phases will continue in 2025.
INDIA – SPAIN
The multinational Inditex, owner of Zara has significantly increased the use of air transport to take clothing from factories in India to its logistics center in Spain.in order to avoid delays in shipments. The change raises questions about how the largest publicly traded fast fashion retailer is moving toward its goal of halving its “Scope 3” emissions, or indirect emissions, since air travel produces carbon emissions. significantly higher than maritime transport.
MYANMAR
Myanmar recorded highest number of landmine deaths in the world for the first timewith 1,003 victims in 2023, according to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, or ICBL, in its annual report published in Bangkok. According to the ICBL, both sides use landmines in their battles, although anti-junta forces are more likely to deploy crudely manufactured booby traps, with villagers being the most likely victims.
RUSSIA
In the first nine months of 2024, the Russian population decreased by 400,000 people, comparing births with deaths, 25% more than the previous year, despite all the authorities’ calls for population growth, as in the Ministry of I work to increase the birth rate to reach French levels in 2036.
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