November 5, 2021

*) Several nations pledge to end overseas fossil fuel finance The United States, Canada and 18 other countries have committed at the COP26 climate summit to stop public financing for fossil fuel projects abroad. That would cover coal, oil and gas projects that are "unabated" – meaning that they burn fossil fuels without using technology to capture CO2 emissions. The commitment starts by the end of next year, funnelling their spending into clean energy instead, but does not include major Asian countries responsible for the bulk of such financing abroad. *) Sudan military orders detained ministers released amid global pressure Sudan's top general has ordered the release of four ministers who were detained amid a coup last week. Moez Hadra, a defence lawyer for the deposed officials, said they have yet to be freed. Top generals and former civilian leaders are in tense negotiations seeking a solution to the crisis sparked by the military takeover. *) Clashes leave hundreds dead in and around Yemen's Marib At least 200 fighters have been killed and hundreds wounded in clashes between Yemen's government forces and Houthi rebels over the last two days. Security officials from both sides have said that the clashes are taking place in and around the strategic central province of Marib. Most of the casualties belonged to the Houthis, who have recently taken most of Marib's 14 districts as they advance towards the capital of the province. *) UK becomes first country to authorise anti-Covid pill Britain has granted conditional authorisation to the only pill shown to successfully treat Covid-19 so far, becoming the first country to approve the treatment from Merck. The pill was licensed for adults who have tested positive for Covid-19 and have at least one risk factor for developing severe disease, such as obesity or heart disease. Patients with mild-to-moderate Covid-19 would take four pills of the drug, called molnupiravir, twice a day for five days. And finally… *) ABBA return with new album after 40-y