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  • BBC Trending

    Alyssa MilanoImage copyright Reuters Symbol caption Actress Alyssa Milano requested victims of sexual harassment and attack to come ahead

    Women and men from all over the place the globe who have been sexually confused had been sharing their tales across social media using the hashtag “me too” to show the importance of sexual attack.

    It follows additional allegations of rape in opposition to Hollywood manufacturer Harvey Weinstein.

    Greater Than dozen women – among them actresses Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Rose McGowan – have made accusations in opposition to him together with rape and sexual assault. Weinstein insists sexual relations he had were consensual.

    Harvey Weinstein scandal: Who has accused him of what? Harvey Weinstein timeline: How the scandal opened up Exploring the casting couch culture of los angeles

    because the allegations surfaced many prime profile names have used social media to highlight the issue of sexual attack, a few additionally detailing the harassment they’ve persevered.

    the latest prominent hashtag, #MeToo, has been used greater than TWO HUNDRED,000 times on account that Sunday night time. The term won momentum after actress Alyssa Milano asked sufferers of sexual attack to come forward in a display of solidarity.

    Symbol caption The BBC’s Rajini Vaidyanathan on her #MeToo experience: “The extra people communicate, the fewer it’s turning into acceptable” Rajini Vaidyanathan: ‘My #MeToo enjoy is sadly typical’

    Although the #MeToo hashtag is trending world wide – together with in the UK, US, India and Pakistan – different hashtags also are being generated.

    In France, Twitter customers are the use of #balancetonporc or “rat to your grimy vintage man” to encourage girls to call and shame their attackers, while #Womenwhoroar is some other time period getting used to inspire victims of bullying or sexual abuse to talk up.

  • Truck drivers face jail in Singapore for $1 bribes

    Container port at Singapore Image copyright AFP Symbol caption The forklift truck drivers may just face up to 5 years in prison

    Singapore has charged two Chinese Language migrant workers with soliciting one-greenback bribes from lorry drivers.

    The forklift truck drivers allegedly took S$1 bribes (£0.58; $0.73) more than one times, in go back for no longer delaying the loading and unloading of vehicles.

    If convicted, Chen Ziliang, FORTY SEVEN, and Zhao Yucun, FORTY THREE, face up to five years in prison and a S$100,000 fine.

    Singapore takes pleasure in its reputation as one in every of the world’s least corrupt countries.

    Inside Singapore’s megachurch scandal Singapore profile

    Both drivers allegedly committed the offence whilst running on the Cogent Container Depot.

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  • France Gilets Jaunes: Macron promises divide protest leaders

    Symbol copyright AFP Symbol caption Dozens of roads have been nonetheless blocked on Tuesday as now not every protest leader was once impressed by Mr Macron’s comments

    Prime Minister Edouard Philippe was set to spell out the proposals to the National Assembly on Tuesday, every week after he first suspended the fuel tax upward push after which scrapped it altogether.

    France U-turn after gas tax upward thrust protests

    How have protesters spoke back?

    Police sources informed French TELEVISION news channel BFMTV that ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY protests have been still happening on Tuesday, regarding 45 highway blockades and fewer than 2,000 people.

    The most receptive reaction to Mr Macron’s speech got here from Jacline Mouraud, 51, whose viral video complaining approximately fuel taxes is believed to have kick-started the yellow-vest motion.

    “We now need to get out of this problem,” she mentioned.

    An anticipated 23 million French viewers watched Mr Macron’s TV look on Monday night.

    Other protest leaders were extra combative.

    Maxime Nicolle, whose videos had been shared by protesters, said it was once “too little, too overdue”.

    Another key voice, Benjamin Cauchy, complained of the president’s “part measures”. “€ONE HUNDRED is all rather well for minimal-wage sorts however what’s in it for all of the middle-earners struggling underneath monumental financial power?”

    Employers’ organisation Medef praised the measures, because they were interested in people’s purchasing power but did not aim companies themselves.

    One of the president’s key allies, Modem birthday party chief Francois Bayrou, praised Mr Macron’s proposals as a change of era, not merely for his presidency but in the context of the earlier 30 years. “you cannot have economic progress without social justice, if each and every citizen does not feel concerned,” he stated.

    How did protests start?

    The protesters started as a grassroots French provincial movement with people wearing prime-visibility yellow jackets, which by regulation need to be carried through every vehicle in France.

    who are the ‘gilets jaunes’? Will the surroundings be the actual sufferer of France’s riots? Who helps the protesters?

    Anger at deliberate gas tax rises then integrated broader issues related to families combat to make ends meet, with requires upper wages, lower taxes, better pensions and easier college entry requirements.

    Big protests in important Paris turned violent, and there are requires a 5th Saturday of protests on 15 December.

    Protest timeline

    Revolutionary Organization 17 November: 282,000 protesters – one lifeless, 409 wounded – 73 in custody 24 November: 166,000 protesters – EIGHTY FOUR wounded – 307 in custody 1 December: 136,000 protesters – one useless, 263 wounded – 630 in custody 8 December: 136,000 protesters – 118 wounded – 1,220 in custody

    (more…)

  • India elections: Setback for Modi’s BJP in 3 key states

    Supporters of India's main opposition Congress party celebrate after the initial poll results at the party headquarters in New Delhi, India, December 11, 2018 Image copyright Reuters Symbol caption Congress supporters celebrate initial ballot ends up in Delhi

    Indian Top Minister Narendra Modi and his right-wing BJP celebration seem to be going through a political setback, with prime swings in opposition to it in 3 key state elections.

    The opposition Congress Birthday Celebration appears to be like set to shape governments in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan, while Madhya Pradesh heads for a photograph-finish.

    Correspondents say a win for the depleted Congress in a minimum of two states will see it regain credibility.

    General elections are due in 2019.

    Early ends up in the significant state of Madhya Pradesh put the Congress smartly beforehand, however the BJP has been making a past due comeback. it is still doubtful which of the events will sooner or later shape the federal government there.

    Must Narendra Modi be involved?

    Soutik Biswas, BBC News, Delhi

    Narendra Modi’s grandiose guarantees – particularly to create extra jobs and building up earning of farmers – have all started to bite.

    an absence of jobs and farmer misery might be the the most important problems next year, although whether or not India’s farmers will vote as an “offended bloc” against the government is uncertain.

    However the lack of a aggressive leader to take on Mr Modi, and the failure to provide an alternative narrative of wish to the people will still make it difficult for the Congress and its allies to mount a reputable challenge to Mr Modi.

    Tuesday’s verdict will surely rejuvenate the Congress, however that can now not be sufficient to defeat an impressive ideological adversary just like the BJP subsequent yr.

    Read extra from Soutik

    Election results also are being declared for the southern state of Telangana and the north-jap state of Mizoram.

    Regional parties – the Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) and the Mizo Nationwide Entrance (MNF) – are headed for a landslide victory in these states.

    Image copyright BBC Telugu Image caption The nearby Telangana Rashtriya Samiti has received a landslide in the southern state

    The Congress was extensively anticipated to win within the northern state of Rajasthan, even as Madhya Pradesh used to be at all times noticed as an in depth contest between the two parties.

    BBC Hindi’s Vineet Khare says the Congress can have been overconfident in Madhya Pradesh prior to the consequences.

    “a large banner congratulating senior chief and former minister Kamal Nath used to be already up on the Congress headquarters the day past. However now it looks as if both parties are nonetheless racing to achieve the midway mark they want to win. they could need help from an best friend to actually form the federal government,” our correspondent studies from Bhopal.

    However ends up in Chhattisgarh, the place the Congress seems poised to win by a large margin, were the most sudden.

    “the explanation behind the Congress victory is anti-incumbency as a result of people feel that there may be a lack of development in so much portions of the state despite 15 years of the BJP governing there,” reviews BBC Hindi’s Salman Ravi from the state capital Raipur. “Farmers specifically, who have been offended about what they see as a loss of state give a boost to for their occupation, voted for the Congress in large numbers. Other Folks in the state were clearly searching for modification this time.”

    Indian rupee hit through shock resignation, polls Why India’s Narendra Modi remains megastar BJP vote-catcher Is Narendra Modi losing his mojo? Can Rahul Gandhi revive India’s Grand Old Party?

    An anti-incumbency vote against the BJP in the 3 key states have been anticipated, and some analysts point out folks vote another way at state and national level.

    However the results up to now recommend a very visible setback for the BJP, which had ceaselessly greater its state footprint due to the fact that coming to administrative center in 2014.

    And problems with rural discontent – comparable to unemployment, lack of development and farming misery – are being observed as issues that would impact ballots subsequent 12 months.

    BBC Hindi’s Nitin Srivastava who is in Rajasthan, has been posting photos of the starkly different atmospheres at the BJP and Congress celebration places of work in the state.

  • Christmas puppy adoption ban at German shelters

    A photograph shows a wide-eyed young puppy being held in the air against a blurred background in which the lights of a Christmas tree twinkle Image copyright Getty Photographs Image caption A Nice picture – however many animal rights activists assume it’s a bad idea

    A canine is for all times, not just for Christmas – so the famous slogan goes.

    It’s without a doubt the case in Germany, where a brief ban on new adoptions goals to chop brief any plans to present an animal as a Christmas gift.

    Dozens of shelters have advised possible pet house owners that no animals will probably be handed over within the run-up to Christmas.

    Berlin’s safe haven, the biggest in Europe, is among them. It says the ban reduces unwanted animals being dumped back after the vacation duration.

    “Animals are living beings with needs and emotions,” it mentioned. “they’re now not suitable as surprise gifts.”

    In Bremen, none of 500 animals will likely be re-homed after 18 December.

    Nearby news retailers are reporting an identical selections in different cities and towns, including dozens of shelters in a united choice in Decrease Saxony.

    The downside, in line with the ban’s supporters, is that pets are often bought swiftly on the last minute.

    “the decision to maintain an animal must not be taken calmly – the entire circle of relatives have to be concerned in the resolution-making procedure,” said Claudia Hämmerling from Berlin’s animal coverage association.

    Most shelters will nonetheless be open for viewings – but families will have to come again in January after they have had time to think about.

    Puppy sales at puppy shops set to be banned Extra canine abandoned in Christmas 2017 run-up RSPCA warns against costumes for canines

    Now Not everybody consents with an outright ban.

    In the uk, animal protection staff RSPCA says the individual receiving the puppy should be known to be prepared and ready – and highlights the additional noise, hustle and bustle at Christmas that “could make it tough for any pet to settle into their new properties”.

    “Alternatively, for some folks, the festive duration is a relaxed, quiet time and will smartly be an even probability to introduce an animal into the home as households are inclined to be around the space with more time to spend with them,” it says.

    Their US counterpart, the ASPCA, largely has the same opinion.

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    Youtube post by Dogs Trust: Festive ad with a difference 🐶🎄 A dog is for life, not just for Christmas® | Dogs Trust Image Copyright Dogs Trust Dogs Trust

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    But The Dog’s Believe – writer of the well-known slogan approximately dogs being “not only for Christmas” – continues to be working ads to that impact nearly FORTY years after it first coined the phrase.

    “Christmas items don’t seem to be dogs, and dogs aren’t Christmas presents. It Is that easy!” the charity said while launching this year’s advert.

  • Baylor University sexual attack suspect walks loose after plea deal

    Jacob Walter Anderson's mugshot Symbol copyright CBS Symbol caption Jacob Walter Anderson was given three years’ deferred probation

    a lady who watched the person she accused of time and again raping her stroll free from a Texas court has said the justice gadget failed her.

    Jacob Walter Anderson, 24, confronted charges of sexual assault after allegedly attacking the woman at a fraternity birthday celebration two years ago.

    But after agreeing to a plea deal on a lesser rate, the former Baylor University scholar was once given 3 years’ deferred probation.

    The girl said she was “devastated”.

    “He stole my body, virginity and gear over my body and you allow him keep it all for eternity,” the girl advised Judge Ralph Strother in a Waco court after he agreed the deal, NBC Information mentioned.

    “I not just need to are living along with his rape and the repercussions of the rape, I need to are living with the information that the McLennan County justice machine is seriously damaged,” the lady brought, consistent with a circle of relatives commentary.

    “I have to live with the fact that when all these years and the whole thing i’ve suffered, no justice used to be completed.”

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    that is the third time Judge Strother has licensed probation for sexual attacks of Baylor students in the final two years, news company AP says.

    However, District Attorney Abel Reyna has defended the deal, which saw 4 counts of sexual attack dropped in return for a “no contest” plea to illegal restraint, as attaining “the best result conceivable with the evidence to hand”.

    The girl, who has not been named, alleged she was once repeatedly raped at a party via Jacob Walter Anderson in February 2016.

    She accused him of attacking her after she used to be given a drink which made her really feel sick. He had introduced to take her outdoor for some recent air, the place she alleges he assaulted her until she passed out.

    Jacob Walter Anderson, who was president of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, has agreed to get counselling and pay a $FOUR HUNDRED (£317) high-quality as part of the deal, which supposed he didn’t admit any guilt to the price of illegal restraint however didn’t be offering any defence.

    If he have been found guilty of the original charges, he might have confronted years in jail and been made to sign in for all times as a intercourse offender.

    Neither Pass Judgement On Strother nor Jacob Walter Anderson have commented to local media.

  • Venezuelan families searching for a greater life

    more than two million Venezuelans have left their u . s . a . in view that 2014, with the country dealing with energy cuts and shortages in meals, medication and elementary items.

    Photographer Glenna Gordon travelled to the border with Colombia with Shop the children, where she met some of the families looking for a better lifestyles.

    Migrants cross the border in Cucuta, Colombia Image copyright Glenna Gordon/Save the youngsters

    The river that marks the border among Colombia and Venezuela, at Cúcuta, has a prison crossing element and many illegal crossing points. Some are controlled through gangs and petrol and drug traffickers, as the financial struggle escalates other felony activities.

    School kids and others disembark from small canoes Symbol copyright Glenna Gordon/Shop the youngsters

    Many schoolchildren use canoes to move the border at Arauca every day.

    The emergency room in Maicao, Colombia Image copyright Glenna Gordon/Retailer the children

    In an emergency room in Maicao, Colombia, so much of the migrants in search of healthcare are mothers with young children.

    Stephanie, Diego and others sit and chat outside their front gate Image copyright Glenna Gordon/Store the children Diego cuddles his Grandma on a Winnie the Pooh blanket on the floor Symbol copyright Glenna Gordon/Store the children

    Diego has epileptic seizures – but because it is not an emergency, he’s unable to access hospital treatment. he’s taken care of via his grandmother, Stephanie. She has now not been capable of get involved with her kids or other grandchildren and does not realize the place they’re.

    “The paintings is hard – i’ve to stroll a protracted approach on a daily basis and most days i can’t have the funds for to devour dinner, so we just go to mattress,” says Stephanie.

    “we are now living in a room with another families and i am selling items from a trolley every day on the Migrant Centre. This also implies that Diego can visit the kid Friendly Area every day.”

    “My biggest wish for him is that sooner or later he can get the medical care he wishes and be in a position to take a look at correctly.”

    Sofia ties her hair back Symbol copyright Glenna Gordon/Keep the youngsters

    Sofia and her family moved into her sister’s hut, where there are actually 8 of them staying in a single room, including a seven-month-old. Her mom’s brother will quickly be shifting in together with his circle of relatives after which there will be nearly 20 other folks sharing rooms.

    “My desire is that one day we can have house, perhaps even land. i am hoping to have a job and for my kids to have a greater long run,” says Sofia.

    Gael and Olivia carry their belongings back to their shelter Symbol copyright Glenna Gordon/Save the youngsters

    A Few Of the tough sleepers close to Gael and Olivia’s house have drug addictions and it can be dangerous. They and their 4 children started napping at the riverbank nevertheless it used to be very tough and after six months they attempted to return to Venezuela. after they returned to their house, they discovered that everything had been stolen and so they returned to Colombia.

    Elena with her 4 children Symbol copyright Glenna Gordon/Keep the children

    Elena is a mother of four kids. She gave birth to Bianca after arriving in Colombia.

    “When I gave beginning to her I needed to wait a really long time to be observed as a result of i am Venezuelan and they attend to Colombian people first,” she says. “I gave birth stood up as I hadn’t been seen to and the newborn had a broken arm on account of this.”

    “It cost us 600,000 pesos (£A HUNDRED AND FIFTY) to pay for the operation she needed to fix her arm but we won’t have the funds for the treatment she now needs.”

    Isobel sits and waits for her husband on the roadside whilst holding her baby. Image copyright Glenna Gordon/Keep the kids

    Isobel is a certified teacher however had to depart Venezuela because of lack of paintings.

    She and her husband, David, introduced their one-12 months-antique son, Samuel, with them but they had to go away their ELEVEN-year-antique daughter at the back of with family in order that she may visit school. Isobel is on her strategy to join family in southern Colombia and her adventure will take 30 hours in overall however she has been promised a task once there.

    She hopes that quickly her daughter can be in a position to join them.

    Children play in the river at the border of Columbia and Venezuela Symbol copyright Glenna Gordon/Save the children

    Photographs via Glenna Gordon / Keep the children

    Names were changed to give protection to their id.

  • US-Russian spat over bombers landing in Venezuela

    The arrival of two Russian Tupolev Tu-160 strategic long-range heavy supersonic bomber aircrafts at Maiquetia International Airport, just north of Caracas, on December 10, 2018. Image copyright AFP Symbol caption Venezuelan Defence Minister Vladimir Padrino (first row, second from left) welcomed the Russians

    Russian and US officials had been involved in a spat over the landing in Venezuela of two Russian bombers in a position to carrying nuclear weapons.

    The Tu-A HUNDRED AND SIXTY bombers landed in Venezuela on Monday in a Russian show of support for the government of socialist President Nicolás Maduro.

    US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo mentioned it amounted to ” corrupt governments squandering public budget”.

    The Russian government referred to as his words “totally irrelevant”.

    The lengthy-range strategic bombers landed at Simón Bolívar airport out of doors of the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, on Monday along side two different Russian planes. a couple of jets additionally visited in 2013.

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    “we are preparing to defend Venezuela to the final inch while necessary,” the minister said in a reference to his government’s frequent accusations that imperialist powers are trying to topple it.

    President Maduro said on Sunday that there was an attempt underneath way “immediately co-ordinated from the White Area to disturb democratic existence in Venezuela and to check out to launch a coup d’etat towards the constitutional, democratic and free executive of our u . s . a .”.

    Mr Pompeo denounced the deployment of the Russian bombers on Twitter.

    Skip Twitter submit by @SecPompeo

    #Russia’s govt has sent bombers midway across the international to #Venezuela. The Russian and Venezuelan other folks must see this for what it’s: corrupt governments squandering public funds, and squelching liberty and freedom while their other folks undergo. pic.twitter.com/bCBGbGtaHT

    — Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) December 11, 2018

    Document

    Finish of Twitter post by way of @SecPompeo

    Russian executive spokesman Dmitry Peskov mentioned Mr Pompeo’s feedback were “very undiplomatic”.

    Mr Pompeo was once not the only one to criticise the Russian move to send the bombers to Caracas.

    US defence department spokesman Col Rob Manning stated the united states lately deployed a army clinic ship to Latin The Usa to provide scientific reinforce to the millions of Venezuelans who’ve fled hyperinflation and shortages of products and medicine of their home united states seeing that 2014.

    “Distinction this with Russia, whose approach to the artifical disaster in Venezuela is to send bomber airplane rather than humanitarian assistance,” Col Manning said, in keeping with NBC.

    But Russia isn’t the only one sending its military jets to other countries. the u.s. has additionally despatched planes to its allies, including Ukraine, whose relations with Moscow stay annoying following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014.

  • From Mexico probably the most stunning in the world

    International the Leave Out World good looks contest which used to be hosted in China, 2018) first changed into obvious. Vanessa Ponce de Leon, a Mexican, was once elected Pass Over Global in 2018. 26-12 months-antique Leon, who took the Miss World crown used to be the primary individual of his country.Pass Over Global saying you can not consider they live in 2018, Leon, “I Believe you deserve it for the entire ladies. i am proud to symbolize all of them. As long as i’ve, I’m Going To do my very best. thanks so much everyone” in the type of an announcement.

    Vanessa, who’s studying within the Division of international trade, Ponce de León, on the comparable time, doing modeling and hosting. Ceaselessly situated in social duty projects in 2018, at a rehabilitation center that serves the world’s most pretty sits at the board of directors for the immigrants.

    Turkey Miss Turkey 2018 first-Shawwal beautiful Hawk represented. Hawk, the primary 30 of the competition among the beautiful used to be to come. the second of the Pass Over Thailand pageant to Nicole, Limango, and the 3rd used to be Omit Uganda Queen Abenakyo. Belarus, France, Scotland, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Mauritius, Uganda, Nepal, New Zealand, and Thailand was once amongst the first 12 international locations.

  • Will make an deal with to the country

    French President Emmanuel Macron, in order to calm the raging protests in the night time will deal with the French country, through breaking the silence. Macron, insurance policies supported by way of the wealthy and growing due to the emotions within the route of the protest movement in order to take precautions in opposition to a number of nationwide and native officials will meet within the morning hours. An reputable from an anonymous benefactor and from the palace within the evening local time the president cope with the country from the house of Macron 20.00 and mentioned he might.

    Earlier Than I supply Benjamin government spokesperson in an announcement, the French president may in finding his approach into the center of Macron, with a purpose to appeal to their hearts and expressed. Griveaux, it continuously ‘Yellow yelekli recognized as’ promise you won’t resolve the entire issues of the protesters introduced.
    Proceeding for three weeks, Saturday days, particularly about protests that paralyzed Paris for a protracted time with out a balk Macron, gasoline price hikes closing week to ease the anger of the folk, he was once suspended for six months. A common aid of the tax activists, expanding the minimum wage and pension rights he wants to improve.