MALDIVES: President Mohamed Muizzu ratified a controversial new media law today, allowing for hefty fines and closure of media outlets deemed to violate its provisions.

The new law requires journalists to respect the nation’s constitution, Islam, national security, social values and protect personal honour and human rights.

A seven-member committee will be appointed to ensure compliance and investigate any alleged offences.

Individual fines of up to $1,620 (£1,194) against journalists and up to $6,485 (£4,782) against media companies that are found to be contravening the law.

US: President Donald Trump claimed on Wednesday night to be launching a crackdown on Antifa, which he seems to believe is some kind of official organisation, rather than a ad-hoc association that literally anyone can form to oppose fascists and the far right.

“I am pleased to inform our many US patriots that I am designating Antifa, a sick, dangerous, radical left disaster, as a major terrorist organisation,” he said on his Truth Social platfom.

“I will also be strongly recommending that those funding Antifa be thoroughly investigated in accordance with the highest legal standards and practices.”

AUSTRALIA: The government set a new target today of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by between 62 and 70 per cent below 2005 levels by 2035.

The new target adds to Australia’s ambition of a 43 per cent cut by the end of this decade and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

“This is a responsible target backed by the science, backed by a practical plan to get there and built on proven technology,” Mr Albanese told reporters.

CONGO: The World Health Organisation (WHO) said today that 31 of 38 confirmed Ebola cases have resulted in deaths in the south, where authorities are battling a new outbreak.

The latest figures show the casualty rate has nearly doubled since last week — from 16 — and that the disease is spreading rapidly as more than 900 contacts have been identified so far, according to the WHO. Vaccinations began in the affected region on Sunday.

A fresh Ebola outbreak was announced by Congolese authorities on September 5.