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8. April 2017, 21:58

Italy steps up sea patrols

Italy says it's stepping up air and sea patrols in the Mediterranean following the deaths of hundreds of migrants sailing in overcrowded boats from North Africa. Over 30 people died at the end of last week when their boat capsized between Malta and the Italian island of Lampedusa. Earlier this month, over 350 people lost their lives in another shipwreck in the same area.

Syria joins chemical weapons treaty

Syria officially joins the Chemical Weapons Convention today. The commitment to the global treaty comes as disarmament teams from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons continues its task of identifying and destroying the country's chemical weapons stockpile. As the conflict continues, the Director General of the OPCW Ahmet Uzumcu has called for local ceasefires to allow experts to carry out their work: "we continue to appeal in fact to all sides in Syria to support this mission. It's already challenging. One site - which we understand was already abandoned - is in the rebel-held area. So we will see whether we can have access to this site, eventually." In another development, six Red Cross workers and a Syrian Red Crescent volunteer were abducted over the week-end. Their convoy was stopped by gunmen in the northwest of the country. It's not clear who was behind the kidnapping.

IMF concern over US debt crisis

The head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, has warned of global consequences if the US defaults on its debt. The US Treasury will start to run short of funds on Thursday if no agreement is reached between the Democrats and Republicans to raise the debt limit. Leaders from the two parties held talks on the crisis over the week-end. In an interview with the American network ABC, Lagarde said it would cause massive disruption: "if there is that degree of disruption - that lack of certainty, that lack of trust in the US signature, it would mean massive disruption the world over."

India stampede death toll rises

Officials in central India say the death toll from a stampede at a Hindu festival has now risen to 115. Many more were injured in the tragedy which happened on a bridge in Madhya Pradesh.

Relief operation follows India cyclone

A major relief operation is underway in the Indian states of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh in the wake of Cyclone Phailin. The storm flooded towns and villages. Around 17 people were killed. Many are still living in temporary shelters after being evacuated from the coast. Aid workers are warning that up to a million will need help after their homes and livelihoods were destroyed.

The Weather

This afternoon will be partly sunny and partly cloudy. Highs are ranging between 10 and 18 degrees.

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