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Rebel Forces in Ethiopia Advance on Capital; COVID-19 Cases Surge in Europe Once Again; COP26: Forty-Six Nations Commit to Phase Out Use of Coal; Columbia's Environmental Defenders Threatened for Protecting Lands; Prime Minister Abiy Called for Peace, But Turned to War; Fuel Price Hike Hitting Mexico's Most Vulnerable; Delhi Air Quality Dips after Diwali Celebrations; O'Brien: Virginia and New Jersey Voters like their Trumpism without Trump; What VA, NJ Elections Say About Future GOP Playbook. Aired 2-2:45a ET

Aired November 05, 2021 - 02:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[02:00:00]

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

KIM BRUNHUBER, CNN ANCHOR: Hello and welcome to all of you watching us here in the United States, Canada, and around the world. I'm Kim Brunhuber.

Coming up on "CNN Newsroom," governments across the world are calling for de-escalation in Ethiopa as the threat of a civil war looms. I'll discuss this with my guest.

Plus, an alarming spike in COVID cases across Europe. The WHO's regional director has stark warnings. We will bring you the latest.

And countries pledge to slash their dependence on coal, but will that help vulnerable nations that are bearing the brunt of the climate crisis?

UNKNOWN (voice-over): Live from CNN Center, this is "CNN Newsroom" with Kim Brunhuber.

BRUNHUBER: We begin in Ethiopia where Tigrayan forces are joining with eight other armed opposition groups to form an alliance against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. A signing ceremony is expected later today in Washington to announce the United Front of Ethiopian Federalist and Confederalist Forces. It comes as joint rebel forces claimed to be 160 kilometers from Addis Ababa.

The Tigray People's Liberation Front says it could enter the capital within weeks, but that isn't the ultimate objective. Now, as rebels advance, the prime minister isn't backing down. Ethiopia's legislature has approved a national state of emergency that allows the military to enlist anyone age 18 years or older who owns a firearm and can arrest anyone deemed cooperating with terrorist groups.

A diplomatic source tells CNN that the U.N. Security Council will discuss the conflict later today. Meanwhile, the U.S. special envoy for the horn of Africa has been meeting with African union leaders and government officials, and the State Department is adding its voice to a global call for de- escalation by all sides.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

NED PRICE, U.S. STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON: We call on the TPLF, we call upon the Oromo Liberation Army, the OLA, to halt their advance towards Addis, and we call on all parties to engage in dialogue on a cessation of hostilities.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER (on camera): David McKenzie explains what has brought Ethiopia to this boiling point.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DAVID MCKENZIE, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Through a year of bloody conflict, Ethiopia's crisis was centered mostly here in Tigray, the far north. That is changing fast. Tigray defense force rebels shown in Dessie this week just 250 miles from Addis Ababa. They are threatening to move on the capital. And, in an unlikely alliance, they joined up with the Oromo Liberation Army that has links to the country's largest ethnic group.

ABIY AHMED, ETHIOPIAN PRIME MINISTER (on-screen translation): The enemy is digging a deep pit.

MCKENXIE (voice-over): United against this man, prime minister and Nobel Peace Prize winner Abiy Ahmed, promised the conflict will be swift. Now, he is asking citizens to take up arms, to defend Addis, and the nation is in a state of emergency.

AHMED (on-screen translation): This enemy we will fight with our bones and with our blood and we will rise. We will embarrass our enemies. Ethiopia, we will raise our flag. Ethiopia will not be embarrassed.

MCKENZIE (voice-over): But this conflict has embarrassed Abiy and threatened the very makeup of Ethiopia, a key U.S. ally in the region. The U.S. has sent a senior diplomat to try and stave off a collapse.

PRICE: We are greatly concerned by the escalating violence, by the expansion of fighting that we've seen in Northern Ethiopia and in regions throughout the country. We are concerned with the growing risk to the unity and the integrity of Ethiopian state.

MCKENZIE (voice-over): The conflict has been marked by allegations of awful human rights atrocities and indiscriminate killings, highlighted by CNN's reporting. And the government has accused of withholding food aid to desperate Tigrayans facing famine, something they deny.

MICHELLE BACHELET, U.N. HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR HUMAN RIGHTS: We have reasonable grounds to believe that during this period, all parties to the Tigray conflict have committed violations of international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law. Some of this may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

MCKENZIE (voice-over): Abiy came into power promising to unite Ethiopians under a new national identity. He squeezed the Tigrayans out of political power. But Ethiopia is a fragile collection of regions often with their own ethnic loyalties and militias.

[02:05:01]

MCKENZIE (voice-over): And Abiy's military strike on Tigray after their attempt to break away from federal control set up this titanic struggle. On Wednesday, the capital was calm. People going about their business usual. An Ethiopian government official blamed the international media for an alarmist narrative. But the sight of these rebels calmly walking through a major city, far from Tigray, gives no doubt that Abiy is under threat.

David McKenzie, CNN, Johannesburg.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRUNHUBER (on camera): Political analyst Etana Habte Dinka is an assistant professor of history at James Madison University. He joins us from London. Thank you so much for being here with us. So, let's start with the merging of the various rebel groups. How significant is that?

ETANA HABTE DINKA, POLITICAL ANALYST, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF HISTORY AT JAMES MADISON UNIVERSITY: Thank you. This merger, which is coming up this week, is necessary and very important in defining the future of Ethiopia because the country is now plunging into chaos and this coalition is needed to keep the country together.

For the last three years, Ethiopia did not see a single day when a civilian did not die or people were (INAUDIBLE) from their lives. So, this (INAUDIBLE) alliance between political groups will give hope to the country and show a direction to keep the country together and to restore peace in the country.

BRUNHUBER: So, you expect this to be a unifying force? Explain that.

HABTE DINKA: Yes, it should be a unifying force, particularly if you look at the name. It includes Oromo political party, Tigray political party, Somali (ph). All of these people are people who want a larger and considerable autonomy in their regions in Ethiopia.

One important point about the ongoing war and conflict in Ethiopia is that this war began to redefine or reconfigure the identity of the Ethiopian state. It's important to have in mind that Ethiopia began as a modern state in the 19th century. It begun its life as an empire. It is a country of nations. Like any empire, it brought together many nations by force together. That is why the modern history of Ethiopia was brought (ph) by the rising conflicts and nationalism of ethnic groups, including Oromo, Tigray, Somali (ph) and many other nations. So, this coalition of groups would confirm the peace (ph) of the country if it goes forward and it also secures the stability of the country because it represents the interests of the majority in the country.

BRUNHUBER: You mentioned earlier that, you know, we see the country is plunging into chaos. You referenced the impact on civilians. Obviously, they're as always caught in the middle and pay the heaviest price. I mean, we've seen further displacement of so many people. What effect is this having on the ground right now?

HABTE DINKA: The effect is very large throughout the country, not just in the north. Tigray suffers the most. Oromo was in a similar situation for the last three years. It has been similar situation. (INAUDIBLE) region in the west is in a similar situation.

So, hundreds of thousands of people were dislocated from their life, lost their lives in many parts of the country. So, the war is going on still and people are suffering in their daily lives. So, ending this war is very important to secure people's lives.

So, one important problem that we can see despite what has happened in 1991 when in a similar fashion, a regime was forced out of power by rebels, this time, there was considerable number of rebels in many parts of the country. And this group, the significance of this group is that it can bring together rebels from many other parts of the nation.

It's important to remember, the rebellion in many parts of Ethiopia is (INAUDIBLE) for self-rule. And these groups could come together much easily than any other group. For example, political groups start organizing their parties or political groups from the center, looking at the (INAUDIBLE) Ethiopia as it suppresses identities or regional autonomy in the country.

[02:09:57]

HABTE DINKA: So, if the war ends very soon, it secures peace of the country, it secures peace of nations and nationalities in the country. But the challenge is that the war may not end with the fall of Addis Ababa. There is a factor of Eritrea. There is a factor of Amhara (ph) region which is quite unhappy with advancing rebels.

BRUNHUBER: Etana Dinka, we will have to leave it there. Thank you so much for joining us. I really appreciate it.

HABTE DINKA: Thank you.

BRUNHUBER: Now, to the COVID crisis. The World Health Organization warns the pandemic is still so dangerous. Europe and Central Asia could see half million more COVID deaths by February. The WHO says that if the current surge of new cases in Europe continues, the death toll will go up dramatically. The increase in new infection is explained on the relaxation of safety measures and low vaccination rates in certain areas. The WHO's Europe regional leader says the delta variant also plays a role.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HANS KLUGE, WHO EUROPE REGIONAL DIRECTOR: The current pace of transmission across the 53 countries of the European region is of grave concern. COVID-19 cases are once again approaching record levels with the more transmissible delta variant continuing to dominate transmission across Europe and Central Asia. Last week, Europe and Central Asia accounted for 59% of all cases globally and 48% of reported deaths.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER (on camera): Some European countries are seeing new infections soar to record levels. Germany reported nearly 34,000 cases Thursday, its highest single-day total yet. Greece also set a record Thursday with more than 6,800 new COVID cases. The government is introducing new restrictions and testing requirements for the unvaccinated which goes into effect this weekend.

So, one obvious question is, what about the vaccines? Well, both Germany and Greece have high vaccination rates but are still being hammered by the virus. About an hour ago, my colleague, Michael Holmes, spoke with Dr. Robert Wachter, chair of the Department of Medicine at the University of California at San Francisco. This is what he had to say.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

ROBERT WACHTER, CHAIRMAN, DEPARTMENT OF MEDICINE AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA: A percent of people vaccinated in most of the countries in Europe, Germany, for example, is about two-thirds. And pre-delta, we would've said that's pretty good, that may be getting close to all we need, but delta has made clear that two-thirds is nowhere near enough. That is just too many unvaccinated people. And so, countries that are at that level of vaccination are still at real risk of a major surge, and I think we are beginning to see it.

MICHAEL HOLMES, CNN INTERNATIONAL CORRESPONDENT: Do you think, as some have said, in general, that relaxation and precautions has been too soon and perhaps too broad in some countries?

WACHTER: I think so. I mean, I look at England and where they really took away most of the precautions when there was still a lot virus around, and what you saw there was their curve peaked pretty badly several months ago.

It came down pretty swiftly in the early days of vaccination, and then plateaued and plateaued at a really high rate, twice the rate of the United States, twice the rate of Germany and the rest of Europe currently.

And so, it just shows that if you let your guard down too soon before you reach sufficient levels of immunity, you are going to get slammed.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRUNHUBER (on camera): We will have more on the COVID surge in Europe in the next hour. We are joined by the COVID incident manager for Europe for the World Health Organization.

In Britain, there is more hope on the horizon for some COVID patients. The U.K. is now the first country to approve an antiviral drug for the treatment of COVID that comes in a pill. The British health secretary calls it a game-changer.

Developed by Merck, Molnupiravir can be used on adults with mild and moderate COVID who are at risk of developing severe disease. Merck says it cuts the chance of hospitalization or death from COVID by half. The pill is currently under consideration by the U.S. and E.U. regulators.

A new study shows that the generation HPV vaccine cuts cervical cancer rates significantly in the U.K. British researchers looked into cancer registry data spanning 13 years, comparing those who were vaccinated against the human papillomavirus and those who weren't. Girls who got the vaccine between age 12 and 13 saw an 87% reduction of cervical cancer. Scientists estimate there were nearly 450 fewer cases, thanks to the vaccination.

Chaos broke out at a popular tourist hotel outside of Cancun, Mexico after gunshots rang out from a nearby beach. Authorities say a confrontation between rival gangs of drug dealers erupted into a gun fight, killing two members. Several hotel guests tell CNN they were told to shelter in place after hearing multiple gunshots. No other serious injuries were reported.

[02:15:00]

BRUNHUBER: Commitments to phase out fossil fuels could get a head off to a global catastrophe but only if countries do what they say they will. We have the latest from Glasgow just ahead.

Plus, CNN journeys through the Colombian jungle alongside a group of environmental defenders, the most dangerous country for those who protect the earth's most precious resources. Stay with us.

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BRUNHUBER (on camera): International agreements reached so far at the COP26 climate conference could keep global warming below 2 degrees Celsius and avoid the worst impacts of climate change if all those pledges are kept.

The head of the International Energy Agency says 1.8 degrees is within reach under the agreement. But activists warn the arctic is already nearing the tipping point. A 4-ton chunk of Greenland's ice sheet was brought to Glasgow to dramatize how rapidly the earth's glaciers are melting.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GAIL WHITEMAN, FOUNDER, ARCTIC BASECAMP: Studies are showing that if we lose the snow and ice in the arctic, we will amplify global warming by 25% to 40%. So, it is one eco region that packs a big punch. And we felt that the negotiators here had to actually come face-to-face with the arctic. So, we brought the iceberg.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER: A major push at COP26 is to wean the world away from coal burning power stations. Even though more than 40 countries have now agreed to do that, the biggest consumers of coal haven't.

CNN's Phil Black has our report.

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PHIL BLACK, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Energy (INAUDIBLE) several international deals which analysts say represent progress in the world's efforts to move beyond fossil fuels. But it has witnesses and caveats.

In one deal, 20 countries, including the U.S., Canada, U.K., Italy, they have agreed to stop using public finances to back fossil fuel infrastructure and projects abroad. This applies to all fossil fuels, including oil and natural gas. So, it goes beyond other recent similar pledges targeting coal. But there is nothing in this to stop these countries financing and subsidizing these fuels within their own borders.

Separately, 46 countries have now pledged to move on from coal-fired electricity permanently in the coming decade. The weaknesses there, the deadlines are pretty loose. And this pledge, it does not include the biggest uses of coal like China, India, the United States.

Analysts say these deals represent real change in thinking and wouldn't have been possible in climate negotiations even just a few years ago. But they need to be ramped up quickly and embrace widely if the world is to have any chance of escaping catastrophic climate change.

[02:20:02]

BLACK: Phil Black, CNN, Glasgow, Scotland.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRUNHUBER (on camera): Climate activists in Glasgow planned several large demonstrations in the coming hours.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CROWD: (INAUDIBLE).

BRUNHUBER: On Thursday, this group of protesters in Pikachu costumes vented their frustration at Japan for not pledging to phase out coal. The country is actually building more coal-burning power plants to fil the energy gap left by Fukushima nuclear meltdown a decade ago. The activists called on Japan to swear off coal by 2030.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER (on camera): Now to a disturbing report showing that 2020 was the deadliest year on record for those considered environmental defenders. Two hundred, twenty-seven people were killed for protecting the earth's natural resources last year. Sixty-five of them are in Columbia. Now, local people in the country who call themselves indigenous guards are training the next generation to take up the fight to protect their lands.

CNN's Stefano Pozzebon has the details.

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STEFANO POZZEBON, CNN JOURNALIST (voice-over): The indigenous guards in the reservation of Tacueyo in Columbia's north Cauca region are installing a checkpoint to control their territory.

Armed with only sticks and machetes, they are the first line in defense of the environment. It's a dangerous, deadly job. Because of their activism, their leader, Nora Taquinas, has received multiple threats from organized crime groups in (INAUDIBLE) who are trying to penetrate their reservation. Today, we are following her and the indigenous guards on their patrol.

(On camera): This color represents the indigenous guard. These two colors represent nature which is what they're defending. And red is the blood of the comrades who have fallen in the past.

(Voice-over): The guerillas (ph) don't control the Taquinas's reservation, but graffiti in the closest town show who's in charge. Former rebels, who rejected the landmark peace accord (ph) between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia or FARC, and who hold sway over the lucrative production of cocaine.

The indigenous fight is in defense of water sources along the Cordillera Mountain range at over 10,000 feet above sea level. The top of the mountain is a strategic location for drug trafficking groups, who use it for smuggling routes or shelter in the fight against the state. Security forces are really seen here. The indigenous guards are often the only institution denouncing and standing up to the traffickers.

(On camera): The ground itself feels like a giant sponge here. Full of water. And this water is what gives water to the rivers of Columbia.

NORA TAQUINAS, ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENDER (through translator): If there is no water here, Columbia would be a desert. There would be no life in the country.

POZZEBON (voice-over): Taquinas's fight for the environment mixes with social issues for her indigenous community. She overseas projects of sustainable development of water sources like this fish farm to create jobs and prevent more people from joining the guerillas (ph). This puts Taquinas in direct conflict with the criminal groups.

In 2018, her name was added to a list of Tacueyo leaders with a bounty on their head from one of the largest paramilitary groups in Columbia. Now, the single mother of two lives under protection but still hasn't left the frontline.

TAQUINAS (through translator): Some people, when they see this amount of nature, see profit and money. With that point of view, the environmentalists become an enemy.

POZZEBON (voice-over): According to international NGO global witness, last year, 65 environmentalists were murdered in Columbia, the world's most dangerous country to be a defender. The office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights reported recently that 69 indigenous leaders were killed in the country between 2016 and 2020.

Global witness says that the majority of the victims were killed by crime cartels with interest in drugs, logging and illegal mining. International organizations and Columbia's partners like the U.S. (INAUDIBLE) to offer further protection to leaders like Taquinas, something President Ivan Duque pledged resolutely.

IVAN DUQUE, COLUMBIAN PRESIDENT: And you can have the assurance from my administration that not only we have strengthened the illegal system to be tougher on environmental crimes but also on dismantling this type of organization.

POZZEBON (voice-over): But the numbers tell a different story. Violence is on the rise in the countryside with over 75 massacres reported this year so far. Most of the indigenous guards in this group told us that they have been either threatened or approach for recruiting. In 2019, an attack by the guerrillas (ph) left five of them killed.

Taquinas's latest project is a school to train the next generation of environmental leaders.

[02:25:04]

POZZEBON (voice-over): I'm fine if my time on this earth will be cut short, she says, but I want to be sure there is someone to take up the fight.

Stefano Pozzebon, CNN, Tacueyo.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BRUNHUBER: Still to come, after a year of conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, rebels are moving south fast. We'll show you how close they are to the capital just after the break.

Plus, a closer look at Ethiopia's charismatic prime minister, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, now embroiled in a civil war.

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BRUNHUBER: Welcome to all of you watching us from around the world. I'm Kim Brunhuber and this is "CNN Newsroom."

We are now on our top story. There are rowing calls from international leaders for de-escalation in Ethiopia as joint rebel forces advance towards the capital. Rebels say they could enter Addis Ababa within weeks but that is not their ultimate objective. Right now, they claim to be about 160 kilometers from the city. It comes as nine armed opposition groups are expected to form an official alliance against the prime minister later today.

So, here's what you need to know about Addis Ababa and why it is playing such a crucial role in the conflict. The capital of Ethiopia is the largest city in the country and the commercial and cultural hub of more than five million people. Founded in the 1880s, the city stands right in the heart of Ethiopia and sprawls over 530 square kilometers. It sits along the foothills of (INAUDIBLE) bordering the Great Rift Valley.

The city is packed with coffee shops, coffee stalls and bars. People on the streets are dispensing potent, high-quality coffee from thermos flasks. And much of Ethiopia's manufacturing and service industries, including textiles, plastic, shoes, banking services, well, they are all concentrated in the city.

The headquarters of several international organizations, including the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa are within city limits. Addis Ababa is one of Africa's fastest-growing cities and is often considered the political capital of the continent.

Two years ago, Ethiopia's prime minister won a Nobel Peace Prize and call war the epitome of hell in his acceptance speech. More or less than a year later, he launched an assault on his own people. Now, he is presiding over a protracted civil war.

CNN's Melissa Bell has the story.

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MELISSA BELL, CNN PARIS CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Abiy Ahmed was elected prime minister of Ethiopia in 2018. The charismatic 41-year- old promised to bring about change and heal divisions. Initially many of his promises were backed up with action.

Abiy announced plans to relax Ethiopia's terrorism law, and he released thousands of political prisoners. He was seen doing push-ups with members of the military after they marched to his office, demanding better pay. He signed a peace deal with Eritrea ending a two decade long war. And in 2019, Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize for ending that war.

ABIY AHMED, ETHIOPIAN PRIME MINISTSER: This is a labor of love. Sustaining peace is hard work; yet, we must cherish and nurture it. It takes a few to make war, but it takes a village and a nation to build peace.

BELL (voice over): But making peace with Eritrea angered the people of Tigray in the country's north, the TPLF the Tigray People's Liberation Front, had long standing tensions with the Eritrean government. Abiy had already sparked anger when he rearranged the ruling coalition founded by the TPLF into a single new party.

He promised to hold democratic elections in 2020, but postponed them because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But in a show of strength, Tigray held its own regional elections and won. The Prime Minister called those elections invalid. Ethiopian lawmakers voted to cut funding to the region in October 2020, which incensed Tigray leaders.

A month later, TPLF allegedly attacked and Ethiopian military base, Abiy retaliated, ordering a military offensive into Tigray with help from neighboring Eritrea igniting a deadly conflict. Abiy's party won most of the seats in the country's June parliamentary elections, assuring him another term in office.

But the elections were overshadowed by an opposition boycott and logistical problems Abiy deemed them free and fair.

AHMED: You can see how it is free and fair election. Everybody is here for free, and I hope it will be the best election now in history.

BELL (voice over): The fighting continues to escalate. Neither side is backing down.

AHMED: This pit, which is dug very deep, will be where the enemy will be buried, not where Ethiopia disintegrates, we will bury this enemy with our blood and bones and make the glory of Ethiopia high up again.

BELL (voice over): It seems a prime minister who was once celebrated for bringing peace is now speaking the language of war. Melissa Bell, CNN.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

KIM BRUNHUBER, CNN HOST: Police in Western Australia have charged a 36-year-old man in connection with a kidnapping of four year old Cleo Smith. A suspect appeared in court on Thursday where he was charged with various offenses including forcibly taking a child under 16.

Police found Cleo in a locked house nearly three weeks after she vanished from her family's campsite. Officials released audio of the moment she was rescued. Listen to this.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: What you?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Come here.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER: What a great moment? Police say they believe the suspect acted spontaneously and alone. All right, coming up, fuel costs are rising everywhere. And that's having a ripple effect. Well, now the President of Mexico has created a controversial new gas company, we have a report from Mexico City. Plus people of different faiths and backgrounds are celebrating in India more details on the festival of lights ahead, please do stay with us.

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[02:35:00]

BRUNHUBER: We have an update on the fishing fight between the UK and France. The British government says it believes France won't increase checks on British boats or block them from French ports. The announcement comes after Thursday's meeting between the UK's Brexit Minister and the French European Affairs Minister.

Now the two didn't reach an agreement but vowed to hold more talks next week. The British fishing boat France seized last week is now backing in the UK. French authorities released the boat on Wednesday. Fishing rights have been a key dispute since Britain left the European Union.

The rising cost of fuel is affecting countries all over the world and that has a ripple effect. As residents pay more for gas they also pay more for everything that depends on gas in an effort to lower prices. Mexico's President has created a new and controversial government run oil company, CNN's Rafael Romo has details.

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RAFAEL ROMO, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): On a recent morning in Mexico City, people lined up for what has long been a monthly ritual filling up their LP gas tanks. Like many Mexicans, Aleksandra - complaints about how expensive LP gas has become?

It affects all of us Mexico's LP gas is very expensive, but we still need to buy it she says. I'm spending twice as much as before this man says. How far is this going to go this woman wonders?

ROMO (on camera): According to figures by the Mexican government LP gas increased by more than 20 percent from September of 2020 to the same month this year. By comparison, inflation went up by 6 percent in fact, analysts with the country's central bank say a typical price increases observed in some products may be explained by global factors, including the price hike in this fuel pressure.

ROMO (voice over): President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador acknowledged over the summer, the price of LP gas has risen well above inflation, which braced a campaign promise. His solution has been controversial. The president created Gas Bienestar or welfare gas, a new LP gas company on their Pemex, Mexico's government run oil company.

He says there are only five big companies that supply LP gas to almost half the country companies that according to the president upgrade with very high profit margins. But analysts say the problem is that lack of competition, a high global demand that has caused prices to spike everywhere.

ADRIAN CALCANEO, MISTREAM & NGL, HIS MARKUT: All the increase is a consequence a direct consequence of the global situation with supply and demand.

ROMO (voice over): At the end of August, the Mexican government announced with great fanfare, the first Gas Bienestar truck had begun delivering the fuel in a lower middle class neighborhood in Mexico City. But as if to prove President Lopez Obrador wrong, LP gas sold by the government's company went up 11 percent in its first month of operation, even higher than some private providers.

And the problem is the ripple effect that high LP gas prices are having throughout the Mexican economy, even in staples like - back at the LP gas tank exchange depot - hopes the president's idea can make a difference, but has some wait and see attitude.

There's a lot of talk but no results. She says as she puts the full tank in her car to go back home she says is she hopes is that next month strip for a refill won't leave her again with an empty pocket. Rafael Romo CNN, Mexico City.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER: Experts are reporting air quality in Delhi India is at hazardous levels and the festival called "Diwali" could be somewhat responsible. An age old event symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and experts say Delhi's smog was likely to make worse by fireworks. CNN's Kristie Lu Stout shows us some of the celebrations that made the country glow.

[02:40:00]

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

KRISTIE LU STOUT, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice over): Sounds of praying and chanting as India celebrates Diwali the festival of lights amid the Coronavirus pandemic.

HIMANSHU JAIN, MUMBAI RESIDENT: --much joyous due to COVID. Last year we could not celebrate Diwali because of COVID. This again the crowd is back on the street they're buying crackers for kids. We hopefully enjoy the festival pre-COVID.

STOUT (voice over): After a quiet Diwali in 2020 Because the COVID-19 pandemic this year Indians are celebrating in full force undeterred by the virus and the deadly second wave that gripped the country earlier this year.

Markets were crowded as people stepped out to buy fireworks, flowers and new clothes ahead of the festival. But with poor air quality in the Capital, New Delhi and elsewhere, some states and territories banned firecrackers to curb air pollution.

And families mark the day by lighting earthen lamps and making colorful rangolis gathering together after being apart due to the pandemic. In Kolkata, the streets were lit up with colored lights as Hindus celebrated both Diwali and Kali Puja marking the Goddess Kali's victory over evil.

And in Punjab, people gathered at the illuminated Golden Temple in Amritsar to pray and watch the fireworks.

MANPREET KAUR, AMRISTAR RESIDENT: I'm feeling very happy after witnessing to fireworks here on Diwali is the heavenly view. I prayed that peace should prevail in the world.

STOUT (voice over): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Diwali with troops near the country's border in Kashmir, paying tribute to fallen soldiers. And although the shadow of the Coronavirus pandemic has not yet lifted, Indians are praying this Diwali for better times ahead.

ASHA MOHIM, MUMBAI RESIDENT: It feels very good because people have started stepping out. People who were scared earlier due to Corona have stepped out now for shopping. It's very good. This Diwali is much better than last year. Kristie Lu Stout, CNN.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BRUNHUBER: Now look at a different color show that lit up the night sky this week is the result of a geomagnetic storm. Now those are the Southern Lights a scene from Christchurch New Zealand and the Northern Lights a scene from Edmonton Alberta in Canada now because of that geomagnetic storm caused by a strong solar flare. The lights were on full display at lower and higher altitudes than usual.

Now many of the hits of Singer and Songwriter Lionel Richie now have a new publishing home. It's a classic song like "All night long, Lady and Hello" are part of a new exclusive deal Richie signed with Universal Music Publishing Group.

The 72-year-old star says he knows the songs are in the best hands and is excited for what can be accomplished. Well thanks for watching CNN Newsroom, I'm Kim Brunhuber. I'll be back with more news at the top of the hour but "World Sport" is next.

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[02:45:00]