Latest News
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After a double-decker Mexican bus is hit by a train, 10 people are killed and 61 injured
A freight train crashed into a double decker passenger bus in central Mexico, killing 10 people and injuring at least 61 others. The train operator claimed that the double decker bus was trying to pass the moving train. Canadian Pacific Kansas City de Mexico, the railroad, sent condolences and urged drivers to obey road signs and stop at railroad crossings. Herradura de Plata, the bus operator in question, did not respond immediately to a comment request. First responders had cordoned off and photographed the scene. The bus's metal frame was badly dented as well as the front of its top deck. Local authorities reported that the collision occurred in an industrial area on the highway between Atlacomulco (a town located 115 km northwest of Mexico City) and Maravatio in the nearby state of Michoacan. According to the State of Mexico Attorney General's Office, seven women and three males were killed. In Mexico, buses are the main mode of transportation. Although freight rail lines are widespread, passenger train routes are limited. The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum wants to expand the country's passenger rail system to connect many areas of northern and central Mexico. Reporting by LizbethDiaz; Additional reporting and writing by Stephen Eisenhammer, Rod Nickel; Editing by Brendan O'Boyle.
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FAA has yet to make a decision about Boeing 737 MAX production limit
On Monday, the head of the Federal Aviation Administration stated that the agency has not yet made any decisions about whether or not to abandon the plan to produce 38 737 MAX planes per month since early 2024. It also did say it had not decided how it would overseen Boeing production. "Progress is made. "It may not be as quick as Boeing would prefer, but it's as fast as we are able to move through the process," FAA administrator Bryan Bedford told journalists after an event in Washington. The FAA implemented the production cap in January 2024, shortly after an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 mid-air emergency occurred. Four key bolts were missing from this new aircraft. Since then, FAA has increased its in-person supervision of Boeing production. Bedford said that he is encouraged by Boeing's improvement but that he needs data to answer some key questions. Bedford explained that this would be a bottom up process, with the front line FAA team being the ones to decide if they think we have reached certain milestones which warranted any changes. "None have been made yet." This tells me that the work continues. Boeing declined to comment immediately. Bedford also said that his agency is "stretched" in an interview, as it tries to pursue a $12.5 billion overhaul of U.S. Air Traffic Control System, overseeing Boeing, as well as new regulations on supersonic and drone airplanes and modernizing aircraft certification. Bedford stated, "The agency is now stretched thin trying to get as much information out of the door."
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Heathrow Terminal 4 in London closed over possible hazardous material incident
On Monday, firefighters were called to respond to a possible hazardous materials incident at Heathrow Airport in London. Heathrow Airport, Europe's busiest international airport, announced on Twitter that Terminal 4 was closed while emergency services responded to an incident. All other terminals are operating normally. The London Fire Brigade stated on its website that "specialist crews were dispatched to assess the scene, and Terminal 4 Check-in was evacuated for safety reasons while firefighters conducted operations." They added that they were first notified about the incident at 1601 BST (1701 GMT). The brigade reported that around 20 people were assessed by paramedics on the scene. At this point, the cause of the accident is still under investigation. Video clips that were not verified and shared online show dozens of people waiting outside the terminal. Heathrow website's departures page shows that flights have taken off from Terminal 4 ever since the incident. A fire that broke out at an electrical substation in March knocked the power to the airport, causing it to be closed for almost a full day. This caused flight schedules all over the world to be disrupted and thousands of passengers stranded. (Reporting and editing by Chris Reese, Rosalba o'Brien).
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Democratic lawmakers demand that Fed nominee Miran resigns from the White House.
Democratic lawmakers on the U.S. Senate Banking Committee have demanded that Stephen Miran pledge to resign from his job as chief White House economic adviser before the Republican-controlled panel takes any more steps to advance his nomination for a seat on the Federal Reserve's Board of Governors. Miran stated at his confirmation hearing that he was legally advised to take a leave of absence from the White House Council of Economic Advisors, as the Fed position he wants only lasts until the end of January. "That is what I will be taking," he said. Democrats on the panel said that the term of the central banker could be extended, depending on how long it takes to confirm the successor. They also noted the potential conflict created by his dual role as an adviser to Donald Trump and a central lender. In a letter, a majority Democratic member of the panel demanded that Miran resign from his White House position by September 8. In a letter dated Friday, they stated that "without this commitment, we do not believe the committee should move forward with your nominee." The committee has said it will vote on Wednesday to send Miran’s nomination to the U.S. Senate as a whole. Federal Reserve Act states that U.S. central banks governors must devote "their entire time" to board business. The Democratic lawmakers demanded copies of the legal analysis Miran claimed would allow him to continue working at the White House while serving as a Fed employee. They suggested that the arrangement was "inconsistent" with the law. Kush Desaiand, White House spokesperson, said that if Stephen Miran's position as CEA is confirmed, "based on legal advice, Stephen Miran could take a leave of absence without pay from his CEA post." A spokesman of Senate Banking Committee chair Tim Scott declined comment. (Reporting and editing by Ann Saphir, Andrea Shalal and Nick Zieminski.
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Nepal-Au moins 19 morts lors de manifestations contre l'interdiction des reseaux sociaux
Au moins 19 personnes sont decedees lundi au Nepal lors d'un mouvement de protestations contre l'interdiction des reseaux sociaux et la corruption, dans les pires troubles que le pays ait connus depuis des decennies, ont declare les autorites. Un responsable local a declare qu'une partie des manifestants, jeunes pour la plupart, ont force l'entree du complexe parlementaire a Katmandou en brisant une barricade, incendiant une ambulance et lancant des objets sur les rangs de policiers anti-emeutes qui gardaient le batiment. La police avait recu l'ordre d'utiliser des canons a eau, des matraques et des balles en caoutchouc pour controler la foule, et l'armee avait ete deployee dans le quartier du Parlement pour renforcer les forces de l'ordre, a declare a Muktiram Rijal, porte-parole du bureau du district de Katmandou. "La police a tire sans discernement", a declare un manifestant a l'agence de presse ANI. "(Ils) ont tire des balles qui m'ont manque, mais ont touche un ami qui se tenait derriere moi. Il a ete touche a la main." Plus de 100 personnes, dont 28 policiers, ont ete soignees pour leurs blessures, a declare a l'officier de police Shekhar Khanal. Les manifestants transportaient les blesses a l'hopital sur des motos. Deux des 19 victimes ont ete tuees lorsque la manifestation dans la ville orientale d'Itahari a degenere en violences, a declare la police. Ce mouvement de protestations de la part de la jeune generation nepalaise fait suite a la decision prise la semaine derniere par le gouvernement de bloquer l'acces a plusieurs reseaux sociaux, dont Facebook. Les autorites ont justifie cette interdiction par le fait que ces plateformes ne s'etaient pas enregistrees aupres des autorites dans le cadre d'une campagne de lutte contre les abus, notamment les faux comptes utilises pour diffuser des discours haineux et des fausses informations. Le ministre de l'Interieur nepalais, Ramesh Lekhak, a demissionne du gouvernement, assumant la "responsabilite morale" des violences, a declare a apres une reunion du cabinet un ministre qui a souhaite rester anonyme, n'etant pas autorise a s'exprimer devant les medias. (Reportage de Gopal Sharma, redige par YP Rajesh ; version francaise Coralie Lamarque ; edite par Blandine Henault)
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Spain bans Israel bound weapons ships and aircraft over Gaza
Spain banned Monday ships and aircraft that carry weapons to Israel to enter its ports or airspace in response to Israel's offensive against Gaza. The Israeli Foreign Minister called the measures antisemitic. Spain, which recognized a Palestinian State in May 2024, and has been vocal in its criticism of Israel's action in the Gaza Strip responded to Gideon Saar’s comments by calling back its ambassador in Tel Aviv for consultations. The government of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has announced that it will not allow anyone to enter Spain who is directly involved in the "genocide", in Gaza. Israel denies that its actions in Gaza constitute genocide. It is currently fighting a case before the International Court of Justice at The Hague in which it has been accused of genocide. Israel began its attack on the Gaza Strip after Hamas militants, who controlled the territory, had attacked Israeli communities and killed 1,200 people, while capturing over 250 hostages. Saar claimed that Sanchez was using these measures to distract attention from corruption scandals at home. He also announced an entry ban for Sanchez's deputy Yolanda Diz and Youth Minister Sira Regio. Both are members of the hard-left Sumar party, which is the junior partner to Sanchez's coalition. The Spanish Foreign Ministry has said that the entry ban imposed by Israel is unacceptable. It also stated that Sanchez's actions were in line and reflect Madrid's support of peace, human right and international law. Spain is committed to combating antisemitism. It cited the fact that 72,000 Sephardic Jews, descendants of those who were expelled from Iberian Peninsula during the 15th century, have been granted Spanish citizenship. The ministry issued a statement in which it condemned the "terrorist attack in East Jerusalem" that took place on Monday, in which Palestinian gunmen opened up at a bus station, killing six people including a Spaniard living in Israel. (Reporting and editing by Inti Latona and David Latona, Andrei Khalip, Helen Popper and Charlie Devereux)
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China's demand for Russian ESPO crude oil keeps it firm despite increasing western sanctions pressure
The price of Russian ESPO blend crude oil for October loading cargoes remained stable as traders reported on Monday that the strong demand from China and abundant supply offset the growing pressure from Western sanctions. They said that cargoes loaded from the Far Eastern Port of Kozmino were sold for a premium of about $2 per barrel over ICE Brent, on a delivery-basis to Chinese ports. This was a little different from September's levels. Intense Ukrainian drone attacks have struck several major Russian oil refining facilities in the last few weeks. This has led to a decrease in feedstock processing and an increase in crude exports. The price stability is despite the new wave of Western sanctions targeting Russian oil exports. Last week, Britain, the European Union and other countries lowered the price of Russian crude oil from $60 per barrel to $47.60. Buyers were required to submit certifications within 30 days after loading in order to continue to have access to Western shipping and insurance services. The EU has announced its 18th package of sanctions, which includes a blacklist of dozens of entities. These include Indian refiner Nayara Energy as well as several Chinese companies accused of helping Russia to bypass restrictions. The measures tighten control on energy and technology exports, and ban fuels derived from Russian crude beginning in January 2026. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, announced on Sunday that he is ready to implement a second round of restrictions. The EU Council's Antonio Costa also said that new sanctions are being closely coordinated with United States. Traders have noted that Chinese oil demand remains strong, despite the threat of Western sanctions. Chinese buyers will also receive Urals and Arctic crudes via the Northern Sea Route in addition to ESPO. The latest step in the strengthening of financial ties between Beijing, Russia and the United States was taken on Friday when the Chinese rating agency CSCI Pengyuan gave its highest AAA-rating to the Russian oil and natural gas giant Gazprom, which is blacklisted by the U.S. A trader stated that ESPO premiums may soften if U.S. Tariffs drive Indian purchases lower and more oil flows into China. A trader said that because Urals and ESPO are different in quality, increased Urals flow may not have an impact on ESPO prices. Urals is a sour oil, while ESPO can be described as a light and low-sulphur type of oil. (Reporting and Editing by Joe Bavier).
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Rosatom and Gazprom investigate sales of Chinese "panda" bonds
Sources from top Russian companies, including the vast Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom, and giant gas concern Gazprom, are looking at selling "panda bonds" denominated in yuan, according to company sources on Monday. Western capital markets, however, remain closed to Russia. Since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian companies are no longer able to access the capital markets of the West. The Financial Times reported Monday that China is preparing to reopen the domestic bond market for major Russian energy companies, as Xi Jinping & Vladimir Putin continue to deepen their partnership "without limits". Putin, who visited China this week, called for a joint financial infrastructure between countries in the 'Global South.' He also suggested that the members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation should sell their shares. Joint bonds The Chinese rating agency CSCI Pengyuan has assigned the highest AAA rating to Gazprom. This company holds the largest reserves of natural gases in the world. This opens the door for possible debt issuance on China's bond market. Rosatom, the largest nuclear company in the world, is preparing to also issue bonds denominated in yuan, according to a spokesperson. Ilya Rebrov, the Chief Financial Officer of Rosatom, told a publication in August that in order to raise funds from abroad, the Supervisory Board had approved plans. He also said that preparations were underway for Atomenergoprom's generation unit to issue bonds in Yuan. Atomenergoprom announced in April that it received a "AAA" credit rating from China's Dagong Global Credit Rating Agency with a stable outlook. The Chinese government will need to approve any Russian bonds, and the buyers of Russian corporate Yuan bonds must weigh the risks of secondary sanctions from the U.S. CHINESE BANK BONDS FOR RUSSIAN COMPANIES? According to Deutsche Bank, the market for Panda Bonds, a Chinese Yuan-denominated bonds from a non Chinese issuer, has seen record growth in both 2023 and 2024. This was driven by geopolitical conflicts. Even though the conflict in Ukraine began, only one Russian company - aluminium producer Rusal - sold panda bond. Companies have issued yuan bonds on the Russian market, which is a small and shallow one. The yuan currency has also become the most popular foreign currency in Russia. China's bond market offers a much larger reservoir of capital. Famil Sadygov, Gazprom's deputy CEO, said that the company was "strongly creditworthy" and the rating confirms the financial stability of the company. One source with direct knowledge about the situation said that a long-term issuer ratings on Gazprom would not necessarily result in an issuance of bonds denominated in yuan. "There's no certainty about the bond issue yet. A rating allows you to enter the market if necessary. "This is work for future," said the source. According to Kirill Lysenko, an analyst at Expert RA - Russia's oldest rating agency - the approval process will still take place, but it could take many years. Lysenko stated that "Chinese financial institutions and regulators can be under increased pressure at any time in the form secondary sanctions by major Western economies." Gazprom was given an "AAA" credit rating with stable outlook just after Russia, China and other countries gave their approval to Power of Siberia 2 - a huge gas pipeline linking both countries in a bid to reduce economic dependence on the West. Gazprom is unable to raise finance in the United States and Europe, but it has not been subjected to U.S. blockade sanctions. Rosatom's top management has been sanctioned by the U.S., but Rosatom itself is not subject to sanctions. CSCI Pengyuan cited high geopolitical risk in its analysis of Gazprom’s outlook and rating decision. (Writing and Addirional Reporting by Shanghai Newsroom, Editing by Kevin Liffey; Written by Gleb Bryasnki & Guy Faulconbridge)
Iran kept launchers for missiles sent to Russia, sources state
Iran did not consist of mobile launchers with the closerange ballistic missiles that Washington recently accused Tehran of delivering to Russia for use versus Ukraine, according to 3 sources with knowledge of the matter.
The sources - a European diplomat, a European intelligence authorities and a U.S. authorities - stated it was not clear why Iran did not supply launchers with the Fath-360 missiles, raising concerns about when and if the weapons will be functional. The U.S. official, who like the other sources spoke on condition of privacy, stated Iran had actually not delivered the launchers at the time of the U.S. statement about Iran's. shipment of the weapons. The European intelligence authorities said. without elaborating that they did not expect Iran to offer. launchers.
Reuters initially reported Iran's strategy to send the missiles to. Russia.
Two specialists told Reuters there might be a number of reasons that. the launchers were not sent out. One is that Russia might prepare to. modify trucks to carry the missiles, as Iran has actually done. Another. is that by keeping the launchers, Iran is allowing space for. brand-new talks with Western powers on relieving tensions.
The Russian defense ministry declined to comment.
The U.S. National Security Council did not instantly. react to a request for remark and the Pentagon decreased to. remark.
Iran's mission to the United Nations did not instantly. respond to a request for remark. Tehran rejects supplying Moscow with the missiles or with. countless drones that Kyiv and Western officials have actually stated. Russia uses versus military targets and to ruin civilian. facilities, consisting of Ukraine's electrical grid. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Sept. 10 that. Iran had actually delivered the Fath-360s to Russia and would most likely use. them within weeks in Ukraine.
The missile would present an extra challenge for Ukraine,. which is continuously adapting its air defenses to innovations by. Russian forces. Iran's semi-official Fars news firm says the. rocket journeys at four times the speed of noise when. approaching targets.
Blinken stated the rockets threatened European security and. would be fired against short-range targets, enabling Russia to. reserve more of its comprehensive toolbox for targets beyond the. cutting edges. The Fath-360 has a variety of up to 75 miles (121. km).
The United States, Germany, Britain and France enforced new. sanctions on Iran, and the EU stated the bloc was considering. fresh procedures targeting Iran's air travel sector.
The Kremlin at that time declined to validate its invoice of. the missiles however acknowledged that its cooperation with Iran. included the most sensitive locations.
Blinken did not say the number of Fath-360s Iran supplied to. Russia or when they were sent out.
Reuters figured out through shipping data that a Russian. truck approved by Washington, the Port Olya-3, made. trips in between Iran's Caspian Sea port of Amirabad and the. Russian port of Olya a number of times between May and Sept. 12.
Fabian Hinz, a specialist on Iranian missiles with the. International Institute for Strategic Studies, stated he could not. confirm that Tehran withheld the launchers.
Ballistic missiles require specifically designed launchers. in order to be fired.
According to Hinz, one factor Iran didn't send out launchers may. be that the civilian trucks that Iran modified to introduce these. and other missiles are not robust sufficient to operate in rough. surface during Ukraine's harsh winter season. Iran customizes trucks made. by Mercedes and other companies and turns them into easily. camouflaged missile launchers, he stated.
That suggests, he continued, that Russia could modify its. own military-grade vehicles.
A business, off-the-shelf Mercedes truck is just not that. off-road capable, he stated
David Albright, a former U.N. nuclear inspector who heads. the Institute for Science and International Security, also could. not state whether Iran provided the launchers.
However he kept in mind that Iran's new president, Masoud Pezeshkian,. and other Iranian officials will be consulting with European. officials on the sidelines of next week's U.N. General Assembly. in New york city to test the capacity for diplomacy on Tehran's. nuclear program, regional tensions and other disputes. It could be that they
(source: Reuters)