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Mystery drones have been discovered following a British aircraft carrier at sea and hovering over air force bases in England. An unidentified 1.5 by 1.5 metre drone was spotted tailing HMS Queen Elizabeth into the harbour of Hamburg, Germany, on Friday, according to German newspaper Bild. According to the newspaper, the Bundeswehr positioned guards around the port and attempted to target the drone with HP-47 jammers before the unmanned aircraft flew away. The US Air Force (USAF) has also declared that it spotted “small unmanned aerial systems” over RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall, in Suffolk, and RAF Feltwell in Norfolk last week. USAF, which uses the bases, said the size and number of drones overhead had fluctuated. The British Ministry of Defence said it would not comment on security procedures. While it is unclear whether the drones have hostile intent, the incidents come during a week that saw the most significant escalation of hostilities in Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion nearly three years ago. 05:48 PM GMT That’s all for today Thank you for following our live coverage. 05:47 PM GMT British soldiers told to be wary of drones British soldiers were warned last year that spies could be flying reconnaissance drones over UK military bases. The Field Army Threat Handbook, published in October last year and promising clear military information concerning best practice for commanders and troops, details the tactics, techniques and procedures favoured by hostile foreign intelligence services. The handbook warns of tactics such as “the use of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and physical reconnaissance”, stating there were particularly “credible espionage and subversion threats” surrounding the training of Ukrainian soldiers. 04:48 PM GMT US warns it has ‘right to protect’ bases in England The US Air Force (USAF) has warned that it has “the right to protect” bases in England from threats amid drone sightings this week. Several clusters of “unmanned aerial systems” were spotted in the skies above RAF Lakenheath, RAF Mildenhall, and RAF Feltwell between 20 and 22 Nov. “To protect operational security, we do not discuss our specific force protection measures but retain the right to protect the installation,” the Air Force said, adding: “We continue to monitor our airspace and are working with host-nation authorities and mission partners to ensure the safety of base personnel, facilities and assets.” Lakenheath is home to the 48th Fighter Wing, which provides cutting-edge worldwide responsive combat air power in the form of fighter jets. Mildenhall hosts the 100th Air Refueling Wing, which conducts combat support operations throughout Europe and Africa, while Feltwell provides housing, schools and other services. 04:13 PM GMT Trump key pick plans deal to end war in Ukraine Donald Trump’s pick for US national security advisor (NSA) has called for an end to the war between Ukraine and Russia, and for both parties to come to the negotiating table. Mike Waltz said: “We need to bring this to a responsible end. We need to restore deterrence, restore peace, and get ahead of this escalation ladder, rather than responding to it.” The Republican congressman has been critical of Russia but has opposed increasing aid to Ukraine. “President Trump has been very clear about the need to end this conflict,” he told US media outlet Fox News on Sunday, adding: “We need to be discussing who’s at that table, whether it’s an agreement, an armistice, how to get both sides to the table and then what’s the framework of a deal?” Waltz said he had met with Joe Biden’s NSA Jake Sullivan and warned “adversaries” abroad against thinking they could gain an advantage in the months before Mr Trump takes office in January. 03:39 PM GMT Zelensky calls for better air defences after Russian drone attack Volodymyr Zelensky has called for better air defences after an overnight Russian drone attack evaded interception. The Ukrainian president voiced concern after 23 of the 73 drones launched by Russia managed to break through the country’s defensive shield. “An air alert has been sounded almost daily across Ukraine,” Mr Zelensky said on Telegram messenger, after a week in which Russia launched more than 800 guided aerial bombs, around 460 attack drones, and more than 20 missiles of various types. “Ukraine is not a testing ground for weapons. Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state. But Russia still continues its efforts to kill our people, spread fear and panic, and weaken us,” he added. The Ukrainian military said earlier on Sunday that air defence units had destroyed more than 10 Russian drones that were targeting Kyiv overnight. 03:06 PM GMT Erdogan calls Putin to discuss further ‘cooperation’ Recep Tayyip Erdogan told Vladimir Putin during a telephone call on Sunday that he wishes to increase trade between Turkey and Russia. “President Erdogan declared that he aimed to increase the cooperation between Turkey and Russia in a number of areas, notably expanding the volume of trade,” the Turkish presidency said in a statement. Turkey initially condemned Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but has since retreated to a neutral stance, justifying the relations as a necessity born out of Turkey’s dependency on Russian oil and gas. 02:22 PM GMT Pictured: Oreshnik wreckage 01:42 PM GMT Putin rolls out new incentives for recruits Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a law granting debt forgiveness to new army recruits who enlist to fight in Ukraine. The new legislation allows those signing up for a one-year contract to write off bad debts of up to 10 million rubles (£77,000), according to Russian state news agency Interfax. The law applies to debts for which a court order for collection was issued and enforcement proceedings had commenced before Dec 1, 2024. Russia has ramped up military recruitment by offering increasing financial incentives, in some cases several times the average salary, to those willing to fight in Ukraine. 01:23 PM GMT Ukrainian missiles downed over Kursk Two Ukrainian missiles and 27 drones have been destroyed over Russia’s Kursk region, claims the governor of the region that borders Ukraine. Kursk regional governor Alexei Smirnov did not provide further details in a post on his Telegram channel. The Ukrainian military later said on Telegram that its forces had destroyed a Russian S-400 anti-aircraft missile system in Kursk. 12:48 PM GMT Pictured: Ukrainian military braces for winter 12:26 PM GMT Russia fires commander for misleading Ukraine reports, war bloggers claim Vladimir Putin has fired a senior general for providing inaccurate reports about the progress of the war in Ukraine, according to pro-Russian war bloggers and Russian media. Colonel General Gennady Anashkin, the commander of the Southern Grouping, has reportedly been removed from his command, though there was no official confirmation. Russian war bloggers have criticised the operation around Siversk, where they said poorly supported Russian units were thrown into deadly battles for little apparent tactical gain. Russian state outlet RBK reported that a source in the Russian ministry of defence acknowledged Anashkin’s dismissal but claimed that it was due to a “planned rotation”. 11:51 AM GMT Ballistic name for Russian baby A Russian man wants to name his 15th child Oreshnik after Vladimir Putin’s new ballistic missile. Vladimir Sukhov told media that the missile, unveiled by Putin on Thursday, was Russia’s “protector” and that it was his patriotic duty to have as many children as possible. “For the glory of our great and powerful country Russia, our Russian people, our victorious warriors, our great commander-in-chief Vladimir Putin,” he said. Media reported that Mr Sukhov had had 15 children with different women. This month the Russian parliament banned “childless propaganda” in an attempt to boost Russia’s birth rate, an obsession of Putin. 11:28 AM GMT Russia threatens Seoul over supplying arms to Kyiv The Russian foreign ministry has warned Seoul that it will respond “in every way” if South Korea supplies arms to Ukraine. South Korea has been considering sending military assistance to Kyiv in response to the growing alliance between Russia and North Korea. “Seoul must realise that the possible use of South Korean weapons to kill Russian citizens will fully destroy relations between our countries,” Deputy Foreign Minister of the Russian Federation Andrey Rudenko told the state-run Tass news agency. He added: “Of course, we will respond in every way that we find necessary. It is unlikely that this will strengthen the security of the Republic of Korea itself.” US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Friday night that he expects the 10,000 or so North Korean troops amassing in Russia to “soon” enter combat against Ukraine. 11:08 AM GMT Fears for grain exports as Russia targets ports Volodymyr Zelensky has said 321 port facilities have been damaged by Russian drone and missile strikes since July 2023, hampering Ukraine’s ability to export grain around the world. Ukraine, known as the Breadbasket of Europe, exported around six million tonnes of grain every month from its Black Sea ports before the Russian invasion in 2022. President Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine remained committed to being a “reliable contributor” of food to 400 million people in 100 countries and pledged to help share knowledge, cutting-edge technologies and industry expertise to fight against world hunger. Speaking at the third Grain from Ukraine summit in Kyiv, he said: “It is so important that we continue to stand together in protecting food security, the security of routes, supplies, food and other critical export goods.” 10:44 AM GMT Russia recruits Yemeni mercenaries The Kremlin has recruited hundreds of men from Yemen to fight in its war in Ukraine. According to the FT, the men were tricked into travelling to Russia with promises of work and citizenship but were instead forced into the army and sent to the frontline. It published a video of four alleged Yemeni mercenaries wearing military uniforms, sitting in a wood in Ukraine. Speaking in Arabic, the video’s commentator complained that a colleague has tried to commit suicide. “We are under bombardment. Mines, drones, digging bunkers,” he said. A company linked to Houthi rebels in Yemen helped to organise the men’s transfer to Russia, the FT said. The Kremlin has built strong links with Iran-backed Houthi rebels since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. This has reportedly included sending weapons to the rebels. 10:39 AM GMT Prioritise Ukraine, urges Taiwan’s former president Former Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has urged the US support to prioritise support for Ukraine, despite the rising threat of a Chinese invasion of the self-governing island. “They should do whatever they can to help the Ukrainians, we [Taiwan] still have time” Ms Tsai told the Halifax International Security Forum. “A Ukrainian victory will serve as the most effective deterrent to future aggression,” she said. Ms Tsai served as president from 2016 to 2024, leaving office in January after poor local election results and ceding power to her Vice President William Lai. 10:30 AM GMT Watch: A week of drone attacks on Ukraine This week, air raid alerts have sounded almost daily across Ukraine. Just last night, our air defense forces managed to shot down nearly 50 strike drones. Over the past week, Russia has launched more than 800 guided aerial bombs, around 460 strike drones, and over 20 missiles of... — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) 10:30 AM GMT Welcome to our live coverage Hello and welcome to our live coverage. We’ll be keeping you up to date with the day’s events as they happen.Amdocs Awarded Two 2024 AWS Partner AwardsUPPER DARBY, Pa. (WPVI) -- Thousands of drivers in Delaware County have been issued citations for passing school buses this school year after several districts have implemented new technology to catch violators. Video from a traffic camera on an Upper Darby school bus earlier this year shows the bus approaching Ruskin Lane on South 69th Street. The bus puts out its stop sign and a dark SUV speeds through. Seconds later, students cross in front of the bus. As police have learned, this is something that happens nearly 60 times a day in Upper Darby. "I was floored," said Upper Darby Police Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt. "We get inundated, both the school district and the police department, with complaints about traffic, and one of the main complaints is people passing school buses." That's why this year, the district started working with BusPatrol, a company that installs cameras on school buses that collect information on violators. "We can see the arm extend. We see the stop, flashing stop sign go up, and we see the car go by, and we see the offense in the beginning, middle, and end," he said. The technology captures images from the front, side, and rear and sends the information on violators to police departments who issue the citations. "When we went through and we were first implementing the technology, it was, 'Yeah you'll probably see a few hundred in the first few months,'" said Bernhardt There have been 5,300 citations in Upper Darby issued this school year. "It's also sad when you think about it that that many people are passing school buses on a regular basis," said Bernhardt Upper Darby isn't the only district that's implemented the technology. Marple-Newtown began this year as well, gathering 200-300 citations a month. Lower Merion School District is also considering using BusPatrol. "This isn't us trying to punish people, we're trying to teach people that safety has to be out there," said Bernhardt. Drivers we spoke with say they always stop for school buses but aren't surprised others don't. "I got cars passing me on the left, on the right, because I'm going to slow in the school zone," said Terrance Stirling. "I don't do it. I reject that, I think it's ridiculous," said Pat Jaffe. The citation comes with a $300 fine. Police say so far, not many people have fought the ticket.Vance takes on a more visible transition role, working to boost Trump’s most contentious picks
Microsoft confirms Windows 11 24H2 update is crashing some Ubisoft games - EngadgetIt was once among the most promising ways to funnel climate finance to vulnerable communities and nature conservation. The , each equal to a tonne of CO that has been reduced or removed from the atmosphere, was meant to target quick, cost-effective wins on climate and biodiversity. In 2022, demand soared as companies made environmental commitments using offsets, with the market surpassing $2bn (£1.6bn) while experiencing exponential growth. But the excitement did not last. Two years later, many carbon markets organisations are clinging on for survival, with several firms losing millions of dollars a year and cutting jobs. Scandals about , for a $100m fraud, and a from offsets went has caused their market value to . Predictions that standing rainforests and other carbon-rich ecosystems would become multibillion-dollar assets have not yet come to pass. But at Cop29 over the past two weeks, governments have given the sector fresh hope by signing off rules that will create an international carbon trading system for countries to meet their Paris commitments. In Azerbaijan on Saturday evening, governments agreed to rules on how countries can create, trade and register emission reductions and removals as carbon credits after years of deadlock on article 6 of the Paris agreement. It paves the way for top emitters such as Germany and Japan to buy cheap removals and reductions from decarbonisation schemes in developing countries such as renewable energy schemes, rainforest protection or tree-planting, counting them towards their own targets. Trading could begin as soon as 2025 once technical bodies have agreed on the finer details. If it works well, the market would fund the low-hanging fruit of climate mitigation while making sure emissions are capped in line with the Paris agreement. There is particularly strong interest in carbon removal, with many large tech firms buying credits and trying to scale up the market. After several false starts, negotiators and observers this is the last chance to get it right. “International carbon markets have crashed twice in two decades. This was due to an erosion of credibility. At Baku, the operationalisation of international carbon trading under Paris can prevent a third meltdown that could be fatal,” said Axel Michaelowa, a carbon markets expert at the University of Zurich. “They are a powerful tool to accelerate the diffusion of low-carbon technology around the world. The Paris carbon market is now ready to roll out in 2025. It can accelerate mitigation and thus help close the gaping emissions gap that separates us from achieving the 1.5C target,” he said. Big concerns about carbon markets remain. In the run-up to Cop28 in Dubai last year, it emerged that vast tracts of African forest had been sold off in a series of huge carbon offsetting deals to a little-known UAE firm overseen by a member of Dubai’s royal family, prompting fears of a “new scramble for Africa” over the continent’s carbon resources. The potential size and impact of any country-level market is also unclear. Norway under the Paris carbon market, signing agreements in Baku with Benin, Jordan, Senegal and Zambia, but there are questions over how many other developed countries will make purchases despite predictions it could soar into a multibillion-dollar market. Then, there is the issue of environmental integrity, which has repeatedly undermined faith in carbon credits, including the previous UN carbon trading system. published during the first week of Cop29 found that less than 16% of carbon credits issued represent real emissions reductions, meaning that the vast majority are hot air. Moments after governments approved the Paris carbon trading system, observers warned that the rules were not strict enough to avoid similar issues. Dr Lambert Schneider, one of the co-authors and a senior researcher at the Oeko-Institut, said these problems would undermine the Paris agreement if they spilled into the official UN system. “The available evidence suggests that many carbon credits are not backed by any actual emission reductions. If these quality issues continue under article 6, this could undermine our efforts to achieve our climate targets. It is critical that we fix the integrity issue of the market,” he said. “We currently see proposals on the table that would credit the natural absorption of carbon dioxide by forests. But these removals occur anyways and not because of any human intervention. If these credits are used by buyers to emit more, this would result in more carbon added up to the atmosphere. And the potential for issuing such credits is very large,” he said. There have been efforts to clean up standards in the sector, which could form part of the UN market. Verra, the leading carbon credit standard which was the subject of into their rainforest offsets that found they were mostly worthless, is introducing a new system for generating the carbon credits. Mandy Rambharos, the non-profit’s CEO, said they were determined to get it right and move on from recent issues. “We’ve invested in millions of dollars for no guarantee of any return [in the new rainforest carbon credit methodology]. It’s all done at risk,” she said. “We need to take accountability for some things that went wrong. But I’m saying as well, it’s not just Verra. “The idea to grow the carbon market is to get climate financing to the right places. A London taxpayer is not going to give thousands of dollars to developing countries to reduce the emissions, especially if you’re not sure about those developing countries’ commitment. We’re all in the same bucket, whether it’s Mali, Saudi Arabia or China; that’s where the idea of where carbon markets came about,” she added. This month, a carbon credit integrity initiative – the ICVCM – approved three rainforest methodologies as high quality, including Verra’s new rules, meaning that buyers can trust that the credits represent real emission reductions. But those involved with the process have raised concerns about their approval. The Guardian understands that many experts did not think the methodologies met the standards. This is strongly contested by the ICVCM. Credits such as this could eventually form part of country-to-country carbon deals, and experts say that ensuring these deals have real environmental benefits will be key to their success. “The new rules are a start, but the risk of abuse still remains alive and well,” said Injy Johnstone, a research fellow at the University of Oxford. “We have to learn the lessons of past mistakes and watch for new ones this system could create, otherwise we risk the Paris agreement becoming a market failure,” she said.
Ducks’ Frank Vatrano and Troy Terry are heating up
