November 3, 2021

*) Ethiopia declares nationwide state of emergency Ethiopia has declared a nationwide state of emergency after rebel forces from the region of Tigray gained some territory and considering marching on Addis Ababa. "The state of emergency is aimed to protect civilians from atrocities," state-affiliated media reported, refe rring to the Tigray People's Liberation Front. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres voiced concern on Tuesday about the state of emergency, reiterating his call for an end to hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access. *) COP26: Some 100 nations pledge to slash methane emissions Nearly 100 countries have joined a US and EU pledge to cut emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, by 30 percent this decade. It is the most significant climate commitment so far at the COP26. The initiative can have a powerful short-term impact on global heating and followed an agreement to end deforestation by 2030. *) Palestinian families reject offer by Jewish settlers Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah in the occupied East Jerusalem have rejected a deal to delay their eviction by illegal Jewish settlers. The offer made by Israel's Supreme Court earlier this month would have blocked any eviction and demolition order for at least the next 15 years. But it would have forced the Palestinian families to acknowledge the Jewish settlers' ownership of the properties. The families’ plight ignited protests and clashes earlier this year that eventually led to the 11-day Israeli siege on blockaded Gaza. *) ​​CDC recommends pediatric Covid-19 vaccine for children The US Centers for Disease Control has approved a low-dose Covid vaccine by Pfizer for children between the ages of five and 11. The FDA has authorised a 10-microgram paediatric dose of the Pfizer vaccine. The original shot given to those age 12 and older contains 30 micrograms. In clinical trials, vaccine side effects were mild, self-limiting, and similar to those seen in adults, the US CDC said. And finally… *) Grammy-winning trump