Chinese President Xi Jinping is apparently skipping this week’s Group of 20 summit in India as bilateral relations remain icy. Instead, Premier Li Qiang will represent China at the September 9-10 gathering.
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1,301 died on Hajj this year
More than 1,300 people died on this year’s Hajj pilgrimage – with numerous cases due to heat stress and unauthorized trips accounting for more than four out of five of the fatalities. The Saudi government said that 83% of those who died were unauthorized to perform Hajj and walked long distances under direct sunlight, without adequate shelter or comfort.
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New Zealand begins early voting for election
Early voting has begun in New Zealand for the nation’s Oct. 14 general election, with conservative contender Christopher Luxon casting his ballot.
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Dozens killed in drone strike on Homs military college, Syria
A drone attack on a Syrian military academy in the western city of Homs has killed at least 89 people. The explosive-laden drones targeted a graduation ceremony attended by cadets’ families.
