Delhi, smog at high levels, parents call for school closures

Today's headlines: TikTok can access European users' information, say platform officials; New protests against cost of living in Sri Lanka; a new sea route opens between China and Myanmar; Japan wants to deploy hypersonic missiles by 2030; Turkey overtakes Germany in exports to Russia.

INDIA

The air quality index in New Delhi has exceeded the thresholds of 'severe' and 'dangerous', prompting residents of the capital to call for the closure of schools. An index above 400 affects healthy people and compromises the health of those with existing illnesses. In some areas of the city the value today was 800.

SRI LANKA

Hundreds of people took to the streets in the capital Colombo yesterday to protest against rising taxes, inflation and state repression. The demonstration, organised by opposition political parties, trade unions and civil society groups, was blocked by the police. On 14 November, President Ranil Wickremesinghe will present his first budget, which is likely to include unpopular reforms in order to obtain approval for a .9 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund.

CHINA - EU

TikTok in China has access to user data in the UK and EU. The statements come from the platform itself, according to which the 'privacy policy' is 'based on a demonstrated need to do its job'. Earlier this week, a US lawmaker called for a ban on the app, fearing that data would be disclosed to the Chinese government.

JAPAN 

The Japanese Defence Ministry is considering the deployment of hypersonic missiles by 2030 to increase its deterrence capability. According to a ministry report published in the Nikkei newspaper, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has changed the global security environment, while the military movements of China and North Korea threaten Japan.

USA - NORTH KOREA - RUSSIA

According to White House National Security spokesman John Kirby, Russia is receiving arms and ammunition from North Korea that pass through a number of countries in the Middle East and North Africa. US State Department spokesman Ned Price suggested the imposition of new sanctions as in the case of Iran. Meanwhile, Russia has also restarted rail links with North Korea after two years of suspension due to the pandemic.

CHINA - MYANMAR

China has opened a direct sea route linking the international port of Beibu in the South China Sea to Myanmar's economic centre, Yangon. The announcement was made last week by the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar. The route is part of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership free trade agreement signed in November 2020.

TURKEY - RUSSIA

Turkey, the only NATO country not adhering to the sanctions, has overtaken Germany in terms of the amount of exports to Russia, surpassing the figure of .15 billion last month, 21% more than last year, according to the Turkish Statistical Institute, making it the third largest export market to Russia after China and Belarus.

UZBEKISTAN 

In Uzbekistan, the 'Week of Pilgrimage Tourism' officially began, held mainly on 1-3 November to bring together Muslim believers from all over the world in Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva (capital of Korahia, traditionally founded by Shem son of Noah), Tashkent and other cities, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Heritage.

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