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Dr David Nabarro completed his brief visit to Dhaka on Sunday as part of his worldwide campaign. During his visit, he met with health minister Mohammed Nasim, senior government officials, and a group of journalists at the British High Commission in Dhaka. The election for the WHO’s eighth director-general will take place in May during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where three finalists, including Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Dr Sania Nishtar, will vie to succeed Dr Margaret Chan. The candidates will address pressing global issues such as Ebola outbreaks, climate change, aging populations, non-communicable diseases, and drug shortages. The WHO has faced significant criticism for its handling of the Ebola virus outbreak, with some experts questioning the organization's relevance during that time. The outbreak in West Africa in 2014 resulted in over 11,000 deaths. Dr. Navarro, who has been serving as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Ebola since September 2014, has been providing strategic and policy guidance for the international response. In response to a question, the British doctor explained why Bangladesh should vote for him, citing his past experiences and his ability to ensure that the WHO is effectively carrying out its work. Due to his previous work in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, he has a good understanding of the health and healthcare challenges in the region. He also mentioned that his recent work as a special envoy for the UN Secretary on SDGs and climate change has been beneficial for Bangladesh. He expressed his fondness for the country, citing his work with Save the Children in 1982 and the positive impact he witnessed during that time. He expressed his eagerness for Bangladesh to vote for him, as he believes that if Bangladesh supports him, others will take notice. With over 30 years of experience in public health, nutrition, and development work at various levels, including in NGOs, universities, national governments, and the UN system, he has held prominent positions such as Senior Coordinator for Avian and Pandemic Influenza, Coordinator of the Movement to Scale Up Nutrition, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Food Security and Nutrition. He was also called in by the UN Secretary General during the Ebola outbreak, when the virus was spreading rapidly. After assuming the responsibility, he noted that there was a "problem" and with the support of everyone, they were able to assist WHO in getting back on track, eventually allowing it to fulfill its intended role. This experience revealed the necessary changes needed in WHO to detect potential outbreaks more quickly, respond effectively, and raise alarms more effectively. In the latter part of 2015, the Director General of WHO appointed him to lead a group that would advise on reforming the organization to better assist countries in responding to outbreaks. Following the recommendations made by the advisory group to enhance response capacity, he decided to run for Director General of WHO to see the reforms through, as it is something he strongly believes in. David Nabarro. It is essential to have the World Health Organization (WHO) in place to handle outbreaks, as there is no other alternative. The speaker has dealt with avian influenza, SARS, cholera, and has experience in outbreak management. He believes that his past experiences have equipped him with the expertise, courage, strategic skills, and management ability needed to lead WHO effectively. His goal is to make WHO reliable and efficient in handling outbreaks. He has a proven track record in food, nutrition, infectious disease, climate change, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and has successfully raised funds and achieved results in various fields. He believes that this is what WHO needs. He stated that WHO, under his leadership, would become a completely transparent and accountable organization that can be accessed by everyone, as he believes that is the best way to manage public services in the present time. The process of electing the next Director-General began on September 23 of last year with the announcement of the nominated candidates by Member States. Subsequently, member states and candidates engaged in discussions on a secure web forum on the WHO website. In November, a live forum was conducted where candidates presented their plans for the WHO Member States and responded to questions about their candidacy. In January, the WHO's Executive Board selected a shortlist of five candidates. The Board members conducted interviews with several candidates and chose three of them to participate in the final voting at the World Health Assembly in May. The new Director-General will begin their term on July 1 of this year. The three candidates represent Africa, Asia, and Europe. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus from Ethiopia received the most votes from executive members and is endorsed by the African Union. Described as a visionary leader, Ghebreyesus has successfully led Ethiopia and various global health organizations to achieve significant results and expand their influence. He expressed his vision for a world where all individuals can live healthy and productive lives, regardless of their identity or location. Dr. Sania Nishtar from Pakistan made 10 promises in her campaign to address issues and improve the World Health Organization. She emphasized the need for quick reforms, transparency, accountability, efficiency, and a results-oriented culture. | 1 |
Kim Jong Un gave instructions for further inter-Korean engagement following his sister Kim Yo Jong's visit to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, as reported by North Korea's state media on Tuesday. The specific details of these instructions were not provided. The United States has shown support for increased engagement between North and South Korea post-Olympics, potentially leading to discussions between Pyongyang and Washington. South Korean President Moon Jae-in stated that the United States is willing to engage in dialogue with North Korea, as relayed by Moon's spokesman during a briefing. Moon informed Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis that the United States views inter-Korean dialogue positively and is open to talks with North Korea. US officials are calling for strong international sanctions to be increased in order to persuade North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. This view was echoed by Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who stated that it was important to maintain maximum pressure on North Korea. Despite North Korea's continued missile launches and nuclear tests, Japan, the United States, and South Korea are all aligned in their approach to addressing the situation. The United States remains committed to denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. A senior military official stationed at the border between North and South Korea stated that the goal is denuclearization and the process involves dialogue and action. He mentioned that if North Korea does not take action, the United States and Japan will not change their policies. The official also noted that North Korea has decreased the volume of its border propaganda broadcasts since the Olympics' opening ceremony on Feb. 9. Moon, who has been advocating for a diplomatic solution to the standoff, received an offer for a meeting with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang through his sister. Seoul is moving forward with plans for reunions of family members separated by the Korean War to maintain the dialogue initiated by the North Korean delegation's visit. In the meantime, Trump has encouraged Russia to increase their efforts in persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear program, as stated by the White House on Monday, in order to escalate the pressure being put on Pyongyang. Discussions of a potential inter-Korean summit, the first since 2007, have arisen following months of tension between Pyongyang, Seoul, and Washington. The recent KCNA report, like North Korean media over the weekend, did not mention the summit offer extended to Moon. Instead, Kim Jong Un expressed gratitude to Seoul for their "sincere efforts" in prioritizing the delegation's visit, which he found to be "very impressive", according to KCNA. Moon and his administration hosted numerous meetings and meals for the delegation at the presidential Blue House and luxury five-star hotels, with Moon personally accompanying Kim Yo Jong to various events at the Olympics and an orchestra concert. Besides the high-level delegation, hundreds of North Koreans, including an orchestra and cheer squad, have traveled to South Korea for the Winter Olympics. The cheerleading team will be present at the united women's ice hockey team's final game in the Olympics on Wednesday against old rival Japan to finish the preliminary round play. | 1 |
The seven-nation BIMSTEC grouping adopted a convention to combat terrorism and insurgency in Nay Pyi Taw on Friday. This move is expected to strengthen India's efforts against militancy, especially in its northeast region, according to the Press Trust of India. Foreign ministers from India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, and Nepal signed the Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Trans-National Organised Crime, and Illicit Drug Trafficking at the 12th BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting in Myanmar's capital. They also agreed to prioritize climate change as a key area of cooperation among BIMSTEC countries. Myanmar's prime minister Thein Sein emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating terrorism and trans-national organized crime during the ministerial meeting. The Prime Minister of Myanmar emphasized the issue of terrorism in his inaugural speech, indicating that it has become a major topic for discussion. Regional connectivity was highlighted as a key focus for the upcoming summit of BIMSTEC foreign ministers, with plans to discuss and devise a route plan for connectivity in the region at future meetings of transport ministers from member countries. The member states of the economic bloc, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, came together to establish it in 1997. The connectivity plan aims to connect six South Asian countries with South East Asian countries like Thailand and Myanmar, providing an alternative approach for regional integration in South Asia without the involvement of Pakistan and Afghanistan. | 1 |
Tobacco companies are concerned that if Australia and Britain implement new rules on plain packaging for cigarettes, it may lead to similar regulations in other markets, affecting their future profits. Health advocates are pushing for plain packaging with standard font and graphic health warnings to deter young people from smoking. Australia is set to enforce plain packaging by the end of the year, while Britain is currently consulting on the issue. Analysts predict that if Australia is successful, other countries such as Britain, Canada, and New Zealand may follow suit, causing worry for tobacco companies whose shares have been performing well in 2012. Analyst Martin Deboo at Investec Securities expressed concern that with tobacco stocks at high valuations and fears of plain packaging spreading from Australia, the sentiment towards tobacco may become more skeptical. Analysts also warn that the real risk to industry profits from plain packaging would be if it spreads to emerging markets like Brazil, Russia, and Indonesia, where smokers are aspiring to western brands like Marlboro, Lucky Strike, and Camel. In mature markets like Western Europe and North America, where smokers are less likely to change brands, changes to packaging are expected to have a minimal impact on consumer choices. As smoking rates decline in these markets, major tobacco companies are turning to emerging markets for growth opportunities. Tobacco groups have seen growth with the help of new packaging designs that attract consumers. If plain packaging rules are implemented, it will be more difficult for cigarette companies to convince smokers to buy more expensive products. The industry is opposing the plain packaging legislation in Australia and has taken the battle to the high court. Analysts believe that other governments are closely watching Australia as a test case. Australia has strict anti-smoking regulations, including bans on tobacco advertising and smoking in public places. Only 15 percent of adults in Australia smoke, compared to 23 percent a decade ago. In Britain, around 22 percent of adults smoke, with the market slowly declining. Despite this decline, Britons still consume 56 billion cigarettes a year, leading to over 100,000 deaths annually and putting pressure on the public health system. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced a consultation process that will last for 12 weeks until July 10. Lansley has emphasized that he is remaining unbiased and open to various perspectives. | 1 |
After conducting closed-door negotiations for weeks, Biden appeared before the media at the White House on Thursday, accompanied by an equal number of Democratic and Republican lawmakers, to proudly announce a bipartisan infrastructure agreement totaling $1.2 trillion over eight years. This deal could solidify his reputation as a leader who can work across party lines. Biden and his top advisers had successfully reached a limited agreement with centrist senators to repair roads and bridges while also indicating to progressives that he planned to support a separate, likely Democrat-backed measure to allocate additional funds for climate initiatives, education, child care, and other economic priorities. This moment served as validation for a president who is confident in his ability to navigate legislative negotiations. However, during a later news conference, Biden unexpectedly stated that he would not sign the compromise bill without the partisan one, emphasizing the importance of his broader legislative agenda. "I am not just going to sign the bipartisan bill and then move on. This statement may not seem significant, but it disrupted Biden's moment of bipartisan pride. While it pleased liberals in his party, it made clear to centrist senators and Republicans that Biden planned to sign a more ambitious bill and would potentially veto their bipartisan plan if the larger bill did not come to fruition. Senator Susan Collins, a key negotiator, expressed surprise at this linkage, as they had always known there would be another bill but had not realized the success of the infrastructure package would be tied to it. The White House spent over 24 hours trying to manage the fallout, with top advisers reaching out to senators from both parties." On Friday, the president's spokesperson attempted to distance the administration from his comments in a subtle manner. However, this was not enough. By Saturday, with lawmakers and aides still upset and the chances of a legislative victory appearing to decrease, Biden acknowledged that he had misspoken. The incident did not seem to jeopardize the deal, but Biden confessed that his remarks on Thursday gave the impression that he was threatening to veto the plan he had just agreed to, which was not his intention. The agreement Biden celebrated on Thursday seemed to be a major success initially, as he had promised voters he could pass legislation that was both progressive and bipartisan. It took weeks to bring together Sens. Rob Portman and Kyrsten Sinema, along with eight other centrist colleagues, to brainstorm a bipartisan framework similar to the successful $900 billion coronavirus relief bill passed in December. Sinema emphasized the time and effort spent on the challenging aspects of the discussions rather than the easier tasks. The talks were overshadowed by the possibility of liberal Democrats using reconciliation to avoid the 60-vote filibuster threshold. Tensions escalated during the meetings, prompting the senators to invite top Biden advisers such as Steve Ricchetti, Brian Deese, and Louisa Terrell. They spent days negotiating in the Capitol, with Sinema even attending on crutches after breaking her foot in a marathon. They ordered pizza, salads, and wine while haggling in back rooms. Portman's hideaway became so crowded that a staffer had to secure a fan. Ricchetti even went around pouring wine for each senator during a late-night session. Tensions rose as they debated how to fund the framework without raising taxes or implementing user fees for drivers. The centrist senators later attended a funeral with Biden before returning for more meetings. Senator Mark Warner, who is not related to John Warner but considered him a friend, asked himself, "What would John Warner do?" He believed that John Warner would have persevered. Almost everyone in the room had a similar reflection. Around 7 pm, the 10 senators announced that they had a framework and planned to meet with the White House the following day. The plan was to work together in unity. This moment was seen as a validation for President Biden, who had been confident in his ability to navigate tough legislative negotiations. Biden's team hoped that by reaching a bipartisan agreement, they would gain the support of centrist Democratic senators for a larger bill addressing various liberal priorities, funded by tax increases on corporations and the wealthy. Some Republicans, encouraged by business leaders, were hoping to block the larger bill by persuading moderate Democrats that the more limited infrastructure bill was sufficient. Lawmakers and Biden saw this as an important opportunity to demonstrate that the government could still effectively operate. Senator Jon Tester warned that failure would highlight the dysfunction of the government. Senator Warner emphasized the significance of the message this would send to the American people and the rest of the world, particularly in the aftermath of January 6. Progressive lawmakers were concerned that the limited bill would hinder a larger one. On Thursday morning, Senator Chuck Schumer addressed these concerns on the Senate floor, reassuring everyone about the plan he and Speaker Nancy Pelosi had coordinated with the president. Schumer emphasized that both efforts are connected and cannot be separated. Pelosi also agrees that both initiatives must be passed together in order to secure enough votes. Biden also expressed his commitment to working with Pelosi and Schumer to ensure both bills move through the legislative process simultaneously. Let me make it clear, and at the same time. Democrats were anticipating a statement like that. However, they were surprised by Biden's next move. During a news conference in the East Room, a reporter asked for clarification: "Mr. President, you mentioned that you want both of these measures to come to you 'in tandem.' Did you receive any assurances that this would happen?" Biden responded by saying he anticipated that Congress would work on passing both the bipartisan infrastructure measure and the larger Democratic bill simultaneously, echoing Schumer's previous remarks. He then took it a step further, stating, "But if only one bill is presented to me, I will not sign it." "It happened at the same time." Senators left Washington for a two-week recess on Thursday afternoon, and it wasn't until later in the evening that some negotiators saw Biden's comments, which Republicans viewed as a veto threat. Senators and their staff started communicating with each other and the White House. Liberal Democrats dismissed the Republican frustration and accused them of looking for a reason to oppose the deal, even though the Democrats' pursuit of reconciliation had been public for some time. On Saturday, Biden admitted his mistake as lawmakers and aides indicated they would continue with writing text and gaining support. "The main point is this," he said. "I promised to back the infrastructure plan, and I plan to follow through on that promise. I will work diligently to see the plan, which received bipartisan support on Thursday, passed. This plan will benefit the economy, our country, and our citizens. I am fully committed to supporting it wholeheartedly and without any doubts." ©2021 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
The Prime Minister questioned how a party could win with such controversial leadership, mentioning one member convicted of stealing from orphans and another accused in a grenade attack. She also expressed disbelief that people would vote for such a party that cannot even participate in elections. Hasina criticized the opposition party for lacking confidence and resorting to undermining the election process in order to create controversy and divide the people. The press conference was initiated by the Prime Minister at 4 pm on Monday from her official residence Ganabhaban in Dhaka. Hasina had been in the US for a two-week visit, marking her first overseas trip since the start of the coronavirus pandemic. She participated in the UNGA and various other significant events from Sept 19-23. Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister attended the UNGA virtually. On Sept 24, she delivered a speech at the UNGA, urging the international community to collaborate on global challenges and create opportunities for new partnerships and solutions to address crises. During her speech, Hasina addressed the deficiencies in the global response to emergencies highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic. She emphasized the importance of global solidarity and collaboration. Hasina participated in a meeting on climate change in New York on Sept 20, hosted by British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. In honor of Bangladesh’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's birth centenary, she planted a sapling at the UN Headquarters. Additionally, she took part in a virtual event called ‘Sustainable Development Solution Network’ on the same day. On September 21, Hasina participated in the opening session of the general debate at the UN Headquarters. She also attended the 'Business Roundtable: US-Bangladesh Business Council' event on the same day. The prime minister delivered a speech at the 'White House Global COVID-19 Summit: Ending the Pandemic and Building Back Better'. Additionally, she took part in an event discussing sustainable solutions to the Rohingya crisis on the sidelines of the UNGA. Hasina held meetings with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, UN chief Guterres, and various other leaders in New York during her visit. | 1 |
An online poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos this month asked 2,809 Americans to rate the level of threat posed by various countries, organizations, and individuals to the United States on a scale of 1 to 5. The results showed that 34 percent of Republicans viewed Obama as an imminent threat, surpassing Putin (25 percent) and Assad (23 percent). Western governments have accused Assad of using chlorine gas and barrel bombs on his own people. Barry Glassner, a sociologist and author, noted that the high level of polarization in American politics makes these results not surprising. He mentioned that demonizing the current office holder is common, and predicted that fear mongering by both Republican and Democratic parties will be prevalent in the upcoming 2016 presidential campaign. He mentioned that the TV media and American politics heavily rely on instilling fear. An Ipsos survey conducted from March 16 to March 24 surveyed 1,083 Democrats and 1,059 Republicans. 27% of Republicans viewed the Democratic Party as a current threat to the US, while 22% of Democrats saw Republicans as a threat. The survey participants expressed the most concern about potential terror attacks, with 58% considering Islamic State militants an immediate threat and 43% viewing al Qaeda as a threat. The survey showed that 34 percent of respondents viewed North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un as a threat, while 27 percent saw Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a threat. Cyber attacks were considered an imminent threat by 39 percent of respondents, and drug trafficking was seen as a significant threat by a third of those surveyed. Democrats were more concerned about climate change than Republicans, with 33 percent of Democrats seeing global warming as an imminent threat. Among Republicans, 27 percent did not see climate change as a threat at all. The data was adjusted to represent the US population and has a credibility interval of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points for all adults (3.4 points for Democrats and 3.4 points for Republicans). | 1 |
Next week, Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna will be traveling to China in order to strengthen the recently improved ties between the two countries. This improvement in relations has been driven by a surge in trade and collaboration on climate change, which has helped to shift focus away from a border dispute. Despite ongoing tensions between China and the United States, India and China are eager to capitalize on their economic growth and continue to build on their strong commercial relationship. The two countries have also shown a willingness to work together on global issues, as demonstrated by their cooperation in reaching a deal at the climate conference in Copenhagen last December. The climate in Copenhagen has indeed changed, as noted by Sanjaya Baru in the Business Standard. China's tone towards India has become warmer. Both China and India, the largest and fourth-largest emitters of greenhouse gases, are calling on wealthy nations to lead the way in fighting global warming, while also ensuring that their own climate commitments do not hinder economic growth. Despite recent tensions over border incursions and the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh, Indian Foreign Minister Krishna is set to begin a four-day visit to China. Mistrust still lingers between the two countries, stemming from a war that occurred almost fifty years ago and ongoing issues over a disputed 90,000 sq km area. China was upset when the Dalai Lama visited Arunachal Pradesh last year, viewing it as evidence of the exiled spiritual leader's separatist intentions. Both China and India appear to be moving towards a more typical relationship after tensions in 2009 over Arunachal Pradesh. Before his visit, India's foreign minister mentioned concerns about the border. According to Siddharth Varadarajan, a newspaper editor, both countries seem to be avoiding escalating verbal conflicts. Trade Minister Anand Sharma has expressed concerns about the Chinese currency affecting Indian industry. However, unlike the United States, India has chosen not to pressure China, the world's fastest growing economy, to strengthen the yuan. The surge in bilateral trade has brought both benefits and challenges to India, as the trade deficit with China has grown significantly over the years. Despite occasional disputes over tariffs and trade barriers, both countries acknowledge that there is untapped potential for further trade and investment and have agreed to work towards balancing trade flows. The World Trade Organisation predicts that the two countries will play a major role in the 9.5 percent growth in global trade volumes in 2010. India is concerned about China's increasing military power, as evidenced by the National Security Adviser's claim that his computers may have been hacked by Chinese hackers. Another topic of discussion could be Afghanistan, where India is concerned about losing influence to Pakistan. | 1 |
Government officials said that Britain is urging the UN Security Council to address climate change, with the goal of emphasizing its potential threat to global stability. The UK is set to assume the presidency of the United Nations in April, and ministers see this as an opportune time to bring the issue to the forefront of the international agenda, given its prominence at recent EU and G8 summits. Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, who are both strong proponents of action on climate change, are leading the effort. A Downing Street spokeswoman confirmed that climate change is a top priority for the Prime Minister, while a Foreign Office official stated that the goal is to establish climate security as a key foreign policy issue. We believe that climate change has the potential to worsen many of the global tensions and conflicts that exist. The official declined to comment on reports that Britain had faced opposition from the United States and South Africa in its efforts to address climate change. Many government ministers are optimistic about the growing recognition of climate change's impact and the goals set for cutting greenhouse gas emissions at the EU summit. British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, a former environment minister, has warned that failure to address climate change could lead to famine, water shortages, and energy infrastructure failures, posing a threat to global security. Beckett emphasized the importance of taking action within the next 10 years during a speech to the UN general assembly last September. Experts are cautioning that climate change could lead to severe tensions in already unstable regions like the Middle East by depleting resources. International Alert recently issued a warning that global warming has the potential to trigger conflicts in various parts of the world. Dan Smith, the head of IA, stated that as habitats become uninhabitable, people will be forced to relocate, putting strain on areas already struggling with limited resources. In Kenya's Rift Valley, disputes over water rights have already escalated due to the area becoming increasingly arid. Deforestation has caused disputes in various areas, including South East Asia. | 1 |
China is urging wealthy nations to support a fund aimed at accelerating the dissemination of technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. They are emphasizing this point at global warming talks in Bali, where discussions are taking place to create a new international agreement to combat climate change after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. Some wealthier countries are pushing for all major emitters to have specific greenhouse gas reduction targets. China, now one of the largest contributors to carbon dioxide emissions, argues that the primary responsibility lies with the West. While China resists calls for emission targets, they are advocating for increased funding from wealthy nations to promote the adoption of clean technology in poorer countries. Zou Ji from the People's University of China in Beijing, a member of the Chinese delegation to Bali, emphasized the importance of establishing a significant fund for technology transfers and development. He expressed frustration with the lack of progress in developing and implementing clean coal-power and emissions-cutting technology, calling for developed countries to demonstrate a serious commitment. Ji suggested that a new body could be created to oversee technology transfers, although he acknowledged that negotiations would be needed to determine the details. China's insistence on clear commitments for technology and increased funding for adaptation to climate change impacts reflects their desire to align with other developing countries and hold developed nations, particularly the United States, accountable for their emissions. Hu Tao of Beijing Normal University stated that the main obstacle in addressing climate change is the United States. He emphasized that while China must be involved in finding a solution, developed countries need to take the lead in reducing their own emissions and assisting developing countries like China in doing the same. China argues that it is unjust to expect them to adhere to emissions limits when wealthy nations have historically been the main contributors to global warming. According to the United Nations, in 2004, Americans produced an average of 20.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person, compared to just 3.8 tonnes per person in China. A high-ranking Chinese official involved in climate change policy, Gao Guangsheng, recently expressed to Reuters that China has faced challenges in obtaining clean power generation technology due to concerns from foreign politicians and companies regarding intellectual property theft, lost profits, and sensitive technology. Advisor Zou suggested the establishment of a technology transfer organization that could combine government support with private investment to address these concerns. Despite setting ambitious domestic goals for increasing energy efficiency and transitioning from coal to renewable energy sources, China fell short of its efficiency target in 2006. Expert Zhang Haibin from Peking University suggested that increased funding could support collaborative research projects and assist developing countries in creating their own energy-saving technologies. The focus is not just on acquiring ready-made solutions, but on building the capacity to develop them independently. Zhang expressed a desire to learn how to fish independently, stating that if someone insists on selling fish at inflated prices, they will not be willing to teach them. | 1 |
Russian voters have significantly reduced Vladimir Putin's ruling party's control in parliament in an election that reflects a growing dissatisfaction with his leadership as he prepares to become president again. Preliminary results indicate that Putin's United Russia party struggled to secure even 50 percent of the votes in Sunday's election, a significant drop from the over 64 percent they received four years ago. Opposition parties claim that this outcome was still exaggerated due to fraudulent practices. While Putin is expected to win the presidential election in March, the results from Sunday could undermine his authority. United Russia obtained 49.94 percent of the votes after counting in 70 percent of voting districts for the State Duma election. Exit polls have indicated that United Russia did not receive more than 50 percent of the vote. Liberal opposition leader Vladimir Ryzhkov, who was not allowed to run in the elections, stated that there is a lack of trust in Putin, Medvedev, and the ruling party. He believes that the upcoming presidential election in March will result in a larger political crisis with more disappointment, frustration, and protest votes. Putin is known for restoring order in a country that faced chaos after the collapse of the Soviet Union, including quelling a separatist rebellion in Chechnya and overseeing an economic recovery. He has maintained a tough guy image by doing stunts like riding a horse shirtless, tracking tigers, and flying a fighter plane. However, the public seems to be tired of his actions and although he is still popular, his popularity has decreased. Many voters are tired of the widespread corruption and view United Russia as a party of dishonest individuals and resent the large gap between the rich and poor. Some are worried that Putin's return to the presidency might bring economic and political stagnation. Putin and Medvedev, who took over the presidency in 2008 when Putin had to step down after serving two consecutive terms, made a brief appearance at a quiet meeting at United Russia headquarters. Medvedev stated that United Russia, which previously had a two-thirds majority allowing them to change the constitution without opposition support, was willing to form alliances on specific issues in order to gain support for legislation. Putin, 59, commented that this outcome reflects the current situation in the country and ensures stable development. However, there was not much to celebrate for the man who has been a dominant figure in Russian politics since he took over as acting president in 1999 and was elected head of state shortly after. His path back to the presidency may now be more complex, as there are signs that voters feel deceived by his decision to switch roles with Medvedev next year and are concerned about the prospect of one man leading for over a decade. "It's the start of the downfall," Andrei Piontkovsky, a political analyst, remarked. He noted that the recent election results indicated a decline in the party's and country's standing. The Communist Party saw significant gains, nearly doubling their vote share to approximately 20 percent, two decades after the Soviet Union's collapse. Sergei Obukhov, a communist lawmaker, acknowledged that Russia now faces a new political landscape, regardless of attempts to manipulate the narrative. Many voters expressed their discontent with United Russia by supporting the Communists, seen as a credible opposition force by some Russians. Yulia Serpikova, a 27-year-old freelance location manager in the film industry, sadly recalled promising her grandfather she would never vote for the Communists, only to find herself having to do so to vote against them. Opposition parties raised concerns about election irregularities across a vast expanse of the country, with a Western-funded electoral watchdog and two liberal media outlets reporting that their websites were hacked in an attempt to silence allegations of violations. Despite President Medvedev denying claims of electoral fraud, police detained 70 people in St. Petersburg and dozens in Moscow during protests against the alleged fraud. Opposition parties are claiming that the election was biased from the beginning due to the support given to United Russia by authorities in the form of financial backing and television coverage. Independent political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin pointed out that a separate analysis revealed a decline in support for United Russia, particularly in cities where they received between 30-35 percent of the votes compared to the Communist party's 20-25 percent. Oreshkin believes this unfavorable climate could pose a challenge for Putin in the upcoming presidential campaign, as United Russia's actions have turned people against their leader. Putin currently does not have any significant competitors for the position of Russia's leader. He continues to be the final decision-maker between the various clans that oversee the largest energy producer in the world. This situation also negatively impacts Medvedev, who led United Russia in the election. There may now be doubts about his legitimacy as the future prime minister. ($1 = 30.8947 Russian roubles). | 1 |
President Barack Obama is set to propose a significant increase in US auto fuel efficiency, which would also regulate emissions for the first time and settle a disagreement with California over cleaner cars. The proposal would raise fuel standards for all new passenger vehicles by 10 miles per gallon to 35.5 miles per gallon between 2012-16, resulting in a 30 percent decrease in carbon emissions. The initiative is expected to save 1.8 billion barrels of oil and has the support of US and international automakers, including General Motors Corp and Toyota Motor Corp. "The auto industry, including GM, will benefit from increased consistency and certainty in guiding product plans," stated GM Chief Executive Fritz Henderson. Toyota Motor Sales USA President James Lentz believes that a single national standard will give consumers more options when choosing vehicles. The new program, as stated by the administration, will increase the cost of producing a vehicle by about $600 compared to the current law, which mandates automakers to achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020 - a 40 percent increase from current levels. US auto companies have historically opposed stricter fuel standards, but agreed to them in 2007 after pressure from Congress and the Bush administration. Some vehicles, mainly those made by foreign manufacturers, already meet or exceed the upcoming proposed standards. California previously sought permission to set its own regulations on auto emissions due to the Bush administration's refusal to grant a waiver from federal environmental law. Auto companies also took legal action to prevent California from implementing its rules, arguing that it would lead to a confusing mix of regulations if other states followed suit instead of having a unified national standard. However, California has now agreed to defer to the proposed national standard, if it becomes official. Senator Barbara Boxer expressed her approval of this decision, stating that it is a positive step in the ongoing efforts to combat global warming and reduce America's reliance on foreign oil. The 30 percent decrease in emissions is more ambitious than what California and other supportive states have requested. In April, the administration made a significant policy change by acknowledging climate-warming pollution as a threat to human health and welfare, paving the way for emission regulations. The new policy would allow car manufacturers flexibility in meeting standards and would consider the environmental impact of carbon-based fuels and other emission-producing vehicle systems. David Friedman, research director at the Union of Concerned Scientists, sees this as a potential breakthrough for clean cars. The plan anticipates gas prices of $3.50 per gallon by 2016, which officials hope will encourage consumers to choose more fuel-efficient vehicles. Car manufacturers are actively working on improving hybrid and electric vehicles, but recent drops in gas prices have led to increased sales of less efficient trucks and SUVs. To help boost the industry, Congress is discussing a bill that would provide consumers with up to $4,500 to trade in older, less fuel-efficient vehicles for more efficient ones. In addition, there is ongoing debate in the US Congress about climate change legislation, with Democrats pushing for measures to address global warming and Republicans opposing certain aspects of the plan. | 1 |
The massive white globe at Copenhagen's Bella Centre, where the world's largest climate change summit was held, may be a foreboding sign of the future. An attendee noticed that small Pacific island nations like Tuvalu and the Cook Islands, as well as Antarctica, were not included on the model of the earth. With scientists warning of rising global temperatures and melting polar icecaps leading to higher sea levels, the absence of these regions raises concerns. As island nations called for major economies like China and the United States to reach a new climate agreement during the 12-day talks, questions arose about whether this omission was a mistake by the summit organisers. The UN climate talks concluded with a minimal agreement on Saturday, as delegates acknowledged an accord reached by the United States, China, and other developing nations. This agreement fell short of the conference's original goals, leading many to view the talks as a failure. The accord, which is not as strong as a legally binding treaty or even the anticipated 'political' deal, is open to interpretation and lacks specifics on how to achieve the goal of limiting global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius. This target is crucial in preventing dangerous climate changes such as floods, droughts, mudslides, sandstorms, and rising sea levels. The text offered the possibility of $100 billion in yearly assistance for developing countries starting in 2020, but did not specify the exact source of this funding. Important decisions like emissions reductions were postponed for later. Another climate conference is planned for November 2010 in Mexico, where negotiators aim to finalize a new treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, though success is not assured. | 1 |
A press release announced that a delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on Development, consisting of Al Svensson (EPP, Sweden), Franziska Keller (Verts, Germany) and Niccob Rinaldi (ALDE, Italy), will be visiting Bangladesh from Sunday to Tuesday. The delegation's main focus will be examining the impact of climate change and food security. During their visit, they will meet with prime minister Sheikh Hasina, speaker Abdul Hamid, and various ministers responsible for food and risk management, environment and forests, and women and children affairs. Additionally, they will visit different climate change and disaster management projects in the country. | 1 |
Ethiopia's prime minister stated that the increase in trade between China and India with Africa, along with greater investment and tolerance from traditional partners, has had a positive impact on the continent's development climate. He mentioned that African countries now have more control over their own destiny due to the favorable external environment. China's trade with Africa has significantly increased from $364 million in 1978 to $40 billion in 2005, while India's trade rose from $613 million to $11 billion during the same period. This influx of money, along with the no-strings-attached trade and aid policies of both nations, has led Western donors to ease restrictions on funding for Africa, which they traditionally dictated. Meles stated that there has been a noticeable shift in the attitudes of traditional development partners, with a greater willingness to accept alternative development paths in Africa. He also noted that the interest from India and China has provided new investment and technology opportunities, leading to a significant increase in foreign direct investment and contributing to Africa's rapid economic growth. In 2007, the continent saw an average growth of 5.8 percent, according to United Nations data. However, intra-African trade remains low, making up only a small fraction of total trade on the continent, as reported by the African Union. Meles addressed development issues such as rising food and energy prices and the impact of climate change on African economies at an African Union-UN Economic Commission for Africa conference. He mentioned that China and India's increasing demand for food, raw materials, and commodities has both positive and negative effects on Africa. The statement released by the African Union and United Nations on Monday warned that the rising prices of staple foods led to social disturbances in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Senegal, and Mauritania in 2008. Abdoulie Janneh, who holds the position of U.N. under-secretary general and executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, stated that the issue of high food and oil prices on a global scale will require African countries to find a way to balance their roles as both producers and consumers. Janneh emphasized the importance of ensuring that these vital goods remain affordable without hindering the price signals that encourage higher production levels. | 1 |
According to sources, Trump praised Erdogan to the German chancellor, who then reminded him of Erdogan's recent criticisms of Germany and its allies. Trump seemed surprised and unaware of the ongoing diplomatic disagreement between Ankara and Berlin over Turkish ministers campaigning in Germany. The White House did not comment on the matter when asked. The German government has chosen not to make a statement, citing the private nature of the conversation. This discussion took place several weeks after Merkel visited Trump in Washington for the first time, highlighting the difficulties she faces in building a relationship with a president that multiple European officials described as unpredictable, unprepared, and prone to exaggeration. Six months after Trump's election and shortly before his first trip to Europe as president, officials in Berlin and other European cities are still uncertain about the Trump administration's stance on key issues. Despite the uncertainty, there is a sense of relief that US foreign policy has not been drastically changed under Trump's leadership, as some had feared. It is noted that Trump is no longer stating that NATO is outdated. He has maintained a distance from Russia's Vladimir Putin and has not interfered in European politics or tried to weaken the European Union, except for a recent comment suggesting that an attack on policemen in Paris could benefit far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the French election. His National Security Adviser Mike Flynn, who caused controversy, has been fired and replaced by H.R. McMaster, who is considered to be a capable and stable leader. The influence of Steve Bannon, the White House adviser feared by Europeans, may be decreasing. Peter Wittig, the German ambassador to Washington, mentioned that there is currently a productive working relationship. However, there are still concerns among German officials about the president's character and policies, particularly regarding protectionism, despite a less confrontational approach towards China and the decision to abandon plans for a border adjustment tax. European diplomats are worried about the absence of a clear U.S. strategy on Syria, and some believe that Trump's sudden firing of FBI director James Comey indicates a tendency to make impulsive decisions on critical matters. Reports that he disclosed extremely sensitive information to the Russian foreign minister during a meeting in the Oval Office last week are expected to increase the level of skepticism in European capitals. One experienced German diplomat expressed concerns about the professionalism of Trump's team in foreign and security matters improving, but doubts about Trump's own character, maturity, and reliability have only intensified. Another German official emphasized the significant impact Trump has on his own administration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces a unique challenge due to the importance of her relationship with Trump. Germany depends greatly on the United States for its security and is concerned about the impact of a protectionist trade war on its export-driven economy. Chancellor Merkel will be hosting a challenging G20 summit in July, just before the upcoming election in Germany. The summit is expected to include a meeting between Trump and Putin, as well as appearances by Erdogan and Xi Jinping. Merkel has a long history of dealings with Putin and Erdogan, and has previously worked with two U.S. presidents prior to Trump. She developed a strong relationship with George W. Bush during his second term, which was characterized by a friendlier attitude towards Europe. Despite a rocky start with Barack Obama, as she initially denied him a chance to speak at the Brandenburg Gate during his 2008 campaign, the two eventually formed a close bond. Ahead of her meeting with Trump in Brussels on May 25, she will be appearing with Obama at the central Berlin landmark. Her aides recognize that Trump poses a unique challenge due to his unpredictable nature and uncertain stance towards Europe. Given his unpopularity in Germany, it is politically sensitive for her to establish too close of a relationship with him in an election year. However, there is a sense of contentment in Berlin that Merkel and Trump have started their relationship relatively smoothly, despite previous tensions. Both leaders have spoken on the phone four times since mid-March. The incident where Trump did not shake Merkel's hand during her visit has been downplayed by both sides. Merkel has made efforts to minimize tensions with Trump, even inviting his daughter Ivanka to a G20 women's summit in Berlin in April. They observe that Trump has not withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement, NAFTA, or the nuclear deal with Iran, despite his campaign promises to do so. Trump has stated that he will wait until after the G7 summit in late May to decide on the climate agreement, where Merkel and other European leaders are expected to strongly urge him to remain in the deal. According to a senior French official, there are indications that this administration can be swayed by influence. It is possible to engage with Trump's advisors and offer perspectives, as they may be more flexible and receptive to external opinions than previously believed. During Merkel's visit in March, she took the time to explain to Trump and his team how the European Union functioned, as reported by participants. After four hours of meetings, including a half-hour one-on-one session between the two leaders, a meeting with business executives, and a lunch, Trump abandoned his push for a bilateral trade deal with Germany and acknowledged that only an agreement with the EU was possible. Although German officials believe the chances of reviving TTIP are slim, they were pleased that Trump appeared willing to negotiate with the EU. They were also relieved that Trump was receptive to their input and proved to be a good listener. At the conclusion of the two-hour lunch, when aides reminded Trump it was time to leave for his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the weekend, he declined, stating that the discussion was progressing well and he needed to stay. Officials in the German chancellery were pleasantly surprised when, 10 days after the visit, Trump called Merkel to congratulate her on a surprise win for her party in the tiny state of Saarland - even if he used the call, one source said, to complain about "fake polls". The White House did not respond to a request for comment. The German government declined comment. German officials have been actively trying to communicate with various officials in Washington, including those in the White House and Congress. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble met with Trump's economic adviser Gary Cohn during the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank last month. His deputy Jens Spahn went to the White House and met with Bannon and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. German officials believe this outreach is crucial due to numerous vacancies in the State Department since Trump's inauguration. However, it is also a way of hedging their bets, as the administration's decision-making process is unpredictable. According to Robin Niblett of Chatham House, it is risky to rely solely on one source of influence within the administration. Trump's behavior is inconsistent, with agreements one day and none the next. It is necessary to protect oneself and be prepared for sudden changes in circumstances. | 1 |
Edison Research, the organization responsible for making the prediction, also forecasted that North Carolina, the only other state with an undecided vote count, would be won by Trump, bringing the final electoral vote count to 306 for Biden and 232 for Trump. This gave Biden, a Democrat, a significant win over Trump in the Electoral College, matching the 306 votes Trump, a Republican, received to defeat Hillary Clinton in 2016, a victory he referred to as a "landslide." Despite Trump's refusal to concede, Biden's team confirmed they were moving forward with transition efforts. Although the popular vote does not determine the election outcome, Biden led by over 5.3 million votes, or 3.4 percentage points. His share of the popular vote, at 50.8%, was slightly higher than Ronald Reagan's share in 1980 when he defeated Jimmy Carter. Trump, a Republican, has baselessly claimed that he was a victim of widespread election fraud and has refused to accept defeat. Despite state election officials finding no significant irregularities and his legal challenges in court failing, Trump would need to reverse Biden's lead in at least three states to secure a second term. However, he has not provided any evidence to support this. States must certify their elections and select electors for the Electoral College by the Dec. 8 "safe harbor" deadline, with the new president officially chosen on Dec. 14. A Michigan court recently dismissed Trump's attempt to block the certification of votes in Detroit, which heavily favored Biden. Lawyers representing Trump's campaign dropped a lawsuit in Arizona due to the final vote count making it irrelevant. Federal election security officials have confirmed that voting systems did not delete or lose votes, change votes, or compromise in any way. Trump is scheduled to make his first public appearance since Biden was announced as the election winner on Nov. 7. The White House stated that he would address the nation on government and drugmakers' efforts to develop effective treatments for the coronavirus pandemic. Biden officials stated they would continue with the transition, focusing on legislative priorities, reviewing federal agency policies, and preparing to fill numerous positions in the new administration. "We are moving forward with the transition," said Jen Psaki, a senior adviser to Biden's transition team, during a conference call on Friday. She emphasized the need for Biden to receive current information from the Trump administration to address the growing challenges of the pandemic and national security threats. Psaki called on Trump's White House to allow Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to have access to daily intelligence briefings on potential global threats. She expressed concern that without access to this information, the national security team and the incoming president and vice president are at a disadvantage. Psaki stated that Biden will receive briefings from his own national-security experts next week. He once again met with transition advisers on Friday at his Delaware beach house to strategize his approach to the pandemic and prepare to announce his top appointees, including Cabinet members. The official transition has been delayed due to Trump's refusal to concede defeat. The General Services Administration, the agency responsible for releasing funding to the president-elect, has not yet acknowledged Biden's victory, preventing him from accessing federal resources. Trump's confidant, Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera, stated that Trump had indicated he would abide by the US Constitution and concede once all votes are counted, describing himself as a realist. Rivera said in an interview with Fox that he was assured by the individual that he would act in accordance with what is right. Rivera did not believe that the individual was planning to overthrow the government, but rather wanted a fair competition. | 1 |
With wheat and rice prices on the rise, the potato is being recognized as a nutritious crop that could help feed a hungry world at a low cost. India aims to double potato production in the next five to 10 years, while China has become the leading potato grower. In Sub-Saharan Africa, potatoes are growing more than any other crop currently. Potatoes, originally from Peru, can thrive in a variety of climates and elevations, from the Andes Mountains to the flatlands of Asia. They need very little water, can reach maturity in just 50 days, and have the potential to produce between two and four times more food per hectare compared to wheat or rice. Pamela Anderson, director of the International Potato Center in Lima (CIP), a non-profit organization studying the potato family to enhance food security, stated that the threats to food supply are significant, possibly leading to a shortage of food worldwide. She, along with others, believes that the potato could be part of the solution. The potato has the ability to combat hunger caused by rising food prices, a growing population, increasing costs for fertilizer and fuel, and expanded cropland for biofuel production. To raise awareness about this, the United Nations declared 2008 as the International Year of the Potato, referring to it as a "hidden treasure." Governments are starting to promote the use of potato flour as an alternative to wheat flour due to the increase in wheat prices. In Peru, a program has been launched to encourage bakers to make bread with potato flour, which is being distributed to school children, prisoners, and the military. Despite claims that potato bread tastes as good as wheat bread, there is a shortage of mills to produce potato flour. Peru's agriculture minister believes that changing people's eating habits is necessary. People became dependent on wheat due to its affordability. Despite the potato originating in Peru, Europeans consume more potatoes than Peruvians. Belarusians consume the most potatoes globally, with each person consuming an average of 376 pounds a year. In Latvia, bread sales decreased due to price increases, leading consumers to buy more potatoes instead. In the developing world, the majority of new potato crops are being planted, providing poor farmers with the opportunity to increase their earnings as consumption of potatoes rises. Countries are recognizing the potato as a valuable option for improving food security and generating income. Despite being the world's third most important food crop, after wheat and rice, potatoes come in around 5,000 different varieties, offering a diverse and affordable range of colors. Despite the association of potatoes with the Idaho variety in America, they are widely grown and utilized in different forms. Peru is sending a large number of seeds to the Doomsday Vault in the Arctic Circle this year to contribute to a gene bank for food crops in case of a global disaster. Potatoes come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, offering chefs the opportunity to create visually appealing dishes. A 17-year-old potato farmer in Peru's Andes, Juan Carlos Mescco, attests to their great taste and enjoys eating them in various ways throughout the day. Potatoes are rich in complex carbohydrates that provide sustained energy, and have significantly lower fat content compared to wheat. Boiled potatoes have more protein than corn and almost double the calcium, with one-fourth of the calories of bread, according to the Potato Center. The potato is rich in vitamin C, iron, potassium, and zinc. Unlike wheat, the potato is not a global commodity and has not attracted speculative professional investment. Wheat production is almost double that of potato output, with only about 5 percent of potatoes being traded internationally. Prices for potatoes are mainly driven by local tastes rather than international demand, helping to keep them affordable. Raw potatoes are difficult to transport due to their weight and tendency to rot, which has hindered global trade. They are also prone to diseases, making it challenging to export them without spreading plant infections. Consequently, farmers in some countries are not motivated to cultivate potatoes due to unattractive prices. In Peruvian markets, there is a call for government intervention to increase demand, as prices remain low. Juana Villavicencio, who spent 15 years planting potatoes and now sells them at a low price in a market in Cusco, Peru, believes that working with potatoes is not profitable. However, there are advancements in science, such as genetically modified potatoes being developed by BASF, that resist "late blight." This disease caused famine in Ireland in the 19th century and still results in 20 percent of potato harvest losses worldwide, according to the company. Scientists suggest that using clean, virus-free seeds can increase yields by 30 percent and make farmers eligible for export. This would lead to an increase in revenue for farmers and stimulate greater production since companies would be able to export specialty potatoes rather than only selling them as frozen french fries or potato chips. | 1 |
Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated that Indonesia has the potential to achieve a growth rate similar to economic powerhouses like China and India, as long as it addresses its infrastructure issues and attracts more foreign investment. Despite experiencing its fastest growth in 11 years, Indonesia still trails behind China and India in terms of economic expansion. Kalla expressed confidence in Indonesia's ability to reach such growth rates by improving infrastructure and creating a favorable environment for investors. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, elected in 2004, has focused on addressing corruption, boosting growth, and creating employment opportunities. Kalla mentioned that the government is working to overcome obstacles to growth, including corruption and labor laws that are not conducive to investors. "This is a period of transition," stated the affluent businessman from Sulawesi island in Indonesia. With the upcoming presidential election in 2009, Kalla is being considered as a potential rival to Yudhoyono rather than his partner. When questioned about his plans to run with or against Yudhoyono, Kalla responded by saying that the decision will be made in 2009 and it is not solely up to him but also a decision of the party. However, Kalla, who leads the influential Golkar party in parliament, did not dismiss the possibility of running for president. Kalla expressed optimism about the economy despite the recent decline in the rupiah currency, attributing it to concerns about the impact of high oil prices and government fuel subsidies. He mentioned that the central bank typically intervenes when the rupiah falls between 9,300 and 9,500 per dollar. Kalla, who is confident in the economy's ability to reach a government growth target of 6.8 percent next year, stated that there are no plans to decrease fuel subsidies in Indonesia, as they are politically sensitive and have led to riots in the past. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati mentioned that energy subsidies could reach 88.2 trillion rupiah this year, well above the allocated amount in the 2007 budget. Kalla also mentioned that nuclear energy is not a priority for Indonesia due to budget constraints, safety concerns, and a preference for other energy sources like geothermal and hydropower. Despite Indonesia's goal of building a nuclear plant by 2016, environmentalists are concerned about the risk of a nuclear accident given the country's frequent earthquakes. Kalla stated that Indonesia, with approximately 10 percent of the world's tropical rain forests, is justified in urging wealthier nations to contribute financially to forest preservation in order to combat global warming. Indonesia is supporting a plan to allow emission reductions from forests to be traded as carbon credits, with experts predicting potential earnings of over $13 billion if the plan is endorsed at the upcoming UN climate change meeting in Bali. Kalla emphasized the need for global responsibility, citing the exploitation of Indonesian timber by richer nations as an example. | 1 |
According to travel firm ForwardKeys, international airline bookings to Southeast Asia had reached 38% of pre-pandemic levels by late March, after being less than 10% of 2019 levels at the beginning of the year. Singapore and the Philippines saw a significant increase in bookings, with Philippines tourism minister Bernadette Romulo-Puyat stating that they were the first to eliminate bureaucratic barriers for tourists, allowing them to freely explore upon arrival. These nations now mandate that vaccinated travelers only undergo a rapid antigen test before entering, unlike the more complex requirements in Thailand, which have caused the former tourist hotspot to fall out of favor. According to data from ForwardKeys, bookings in Singapore and the Philippines have reached 72% and 65% of 2019 levels, respectively, while Thailand is at just 24%. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association, pointed out that the cost of on-arrival PCR tests in Thailand, ranging from 2,000-2,500 baht ($60-$75), can be a significant burden for groups and may deter people from traveling. She stated that if another country has less stringent entry requirements, travelers would prefer to go there to avoid the hassle. It is important to note that bookings are a forward-looking indicator, and arrival figures also include returning locals. According to Brendan Sobie, an independent aviation analyst, Singapore and the Philippines have larger outbound markets compared to Thailand. However, Asia is slower in recovering compared to other regions like Europe, which lifted restrictions months ago. The International Air Transport Association predicts that domestic and international traffic in the Asia Pacific will only reach 68% of 2019 levels this year and will not reach pre-pandemic levels until 2025, a year behind the rest of the world. For instance, visitor numbers in Singapore increased significantly in February compared to last year when entry was restricted, but it was still only 9% of arrivals in February 2020 due to an influx of work visa holders from Malaysia and India. The central bank governor of Thailand stated that it will not be until 2026 for the country to fully recover. Tourism made up around 12% of Thailand's GDP in 2019. Southeast Asia's travel and tourism sector, which is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and warm weather, contributed $380.6 billion to the region's GDP in 2019, accounting for 11.8% of the total. Chinese tourists, who used to be the largest group of international travelers to Southeast Asia, are currently unable to travel due to strict lockdowns. In 2019, over 25% of the 40 million tourists who visited Thailand were Chinese. This year, Thailand is expecting between 5 million and 10 million international arrivals from countries like Malaysia and other Southeast Asian neighbors. Japan, which is currently closed to tourists, has only seen a small number of travelers to Southeast Asia. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has prevented the usual high number of Russian tourists from visiting the region. In 2021, a third of travelers to Southeast Asia are from Europe, up from 22% in 2019, while those from North America have more than doubled to 21% from 9% in 2019. Asian travelers make up just 24% of visitors so far this year, compared to 57% in 2019, according to ForwardKeys. Rabil Lian, a tour guide with a prominent Singaporean travel agency, mentioned that there has been a significant improvement in bookings in Europe recently. Lian, who was temporarily employed by the government during the pandemic, has now resumed his job and has led five tour groups to Europe in the last four months. He also noted that Australia is becoming a popular destination, but many are waiting for Japan and Taiwan to relax their rules. In Vietnam, the number of foreign tourists in the first quarter of this year almost doubled compared to the previous year. The country recently removed most restrictions and is anticipating only about 25% of the international visitors it had in 2019. A Singaporean journalist, Justin Ong, visited Vietnam last month and noticed that despite the lack of tourism over the past two years, the famous food stores were still thriving due to domestic demand. | 1 |
Four climate change initiatives, representing more than 100 insurers, have recommended that world leaders and governments utilize insurance-linked products to shield developing nations from the effects of climate change. These associations, including the Geneva Association, ClimateWise, the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII), and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), are advocating for the use of improved risk management and insurance strategies to lessen the vulnerability of developing countries to natural disasters. The insurance industry, along with reinsurers who spread risk throughout the sector, has historically been a key method for protecting against hurricanes, floods, and other disasters. Insurers have also explored transferring risks related to natural disasters to investors in capital markets, such as through catastrophe bonds. For example, Swiss Re collaborated with the World Bank last year to issue a $290 million cat bond to provide coverage against earthquakes and hurricanes in a particular city. Vanessa Otto-Mentz, head of the strategy unit at Santam and member of ClimateWise, emphasized at a news conference in London that the risks faced by developing countries could become risks for developed nations if action is not taken. Insurance associations like Munich Re and Allianz Insurance are advocating for global governments to collaborate with the insurance industry to enhance national risk management in vulnerable developing countries impacted by climate change. They are also calling for the development of new insurance products to cover risks related to climate and weather events, such as human health, crop yields, and animal diseases. Walter Stahel, deputy secretary general at the Geneva Association, highlighted the opportunity to prevent significant human and economic suffering through loss prevention and risk transformations. He urged governments to invest in reliable risk data and engage in public/private partnerships to provide coverage for catastrophe risk and micro insurance. He stated that the insurance industry has the necessary tools and knowledge, but now requires government leaders to establish the framework and conditions for these tools to be effective. According to Munich Re, global economic losses from natural catastrophes have averaged $90 billion per year over the past three decades, with 78 percent of these disasters being weather-related. Additionally, Munich Re reported that 85 percent of deaths from natural catastrophes in this timeframe occurred in developing countries. The four associations will advocate for world leaders and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiators. | 1 |
The frigid arctic air that arrived after a January storm brought over a foot (30 cm) of snow and sleet to the Northeast, causing the snow to begin melting on Sunday. Tragically, a 12-year-old girl in a Chicago suburb died when a snow fort she had built collapsed on her after church on Sunday, according to the Arlington Heights Police Department. A 9-year-old girl who was playing with her was treated for hypothermia after being rescued from the snow and is expected to survive. Temperatures dropped to single-digits Fahrenheit (about -20 C) from New York City to Boston and throughout northern New England, causing the melting snow to freeze late Sunday and early Monday, as reported by Marc Chenard at the National Weather Service’s Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland. Winds reaching up to 30 to 40 miles per hour (48-64 kph) brought dangerously cold wind chill temperatures. Chenard stated that the current weather conditions are extremely dangerous, with temperatures dropping to negative 20s in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Boston will be at 3 degrees Fahrenheit this morning, with wind chills of minus 12 or lower. New York City and Washington D.C. will also experience similar temperatures, possibly reaching the teens later in the day, setting record or near-record lows. The National Weather Service has issued wind-chill advisories and warnings for more than 10 states, from North Dakota to East Coast cities. Predicted high temperatures for Monday are 17 Fahrenheit for New York City and 12 F for Boston. A large number of Americans were not working on Monday due to either the holiday or being furloughed federal government employees impacted by the ongoing shutdown, which is the longest in US history. The shutdown is a result of disagreement over funding for President Donald Trump's border wall plans. Flight delays totaled over 7,500 flights, primarily in New York and New England, as reported by FlightAware.com, a decrease from the previous day's total of over 14,000 delays. Tuesday's weather is expected to be slightly warmer, with temperatures in the low 20s Fahrenheit in the Northeast, according to Chenard. | 1 |
China's chief negotiator for climate change talks expressed optimism about the UN climate talks in Cancun, stating that positive results are possible if all parties show sincere political will. Despite clashes between rich and developing nations over the future of the Kyoto Protocol, China believes that meaningful results can be achieved by following the Bali road map. While compromise on minor issues is necessary, there is no room for compromise on fundamental principles like the future of the Kyoto Protocol. China accused certain developed nations of attempting to destroy the Kyoto Protocol, which is the main tool used by the United Nations in the battle against climate change to reduce global warming. This accusation came after a confrontation with Japan, Russia, and Canada. China, the top carbon emitter in the world, has consistently stated that it will not give in to pressure to reconsider the Protocol. The first phase of the Kyoto Protocol, which requires approximately 40 wealthy nations to meet emissions targets, is set to expire in 2012. There is uncertainty surrounding what will happen after this, causing concern for investors who seek clarity on long-term climate policies and funding. Most affluent countries have committed to legally binding emissions targets under Kyoto, with the notable exception of the United States, which opted not to participate. Developing nations, including China, are expected to take voluntary measures to reduce the growth of their emissions. The United States and other wealthy countries are pushing for a new international agreement that does not rely on a binary division, in light of the increasing emissions from developing nations, which now make up over half of the world's annual greenhouse gas emissions. However, countries like China and India are hesitant to commit to specific targets until they see more significant reductions from the industrialized nations. | 1 |
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is currently serving as a Middle East envoy, has now turned his attention to addressing climate change by proposing a plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by half by 2050. Blair recently traveled to Tokyo to introduce his climate change initiative and plans to visit China and India in the coming week to discuss his proposals with the world's two largest developing economies. He emphasized the need for a new global agreement centered around significant emissions reductions, stating that the challenge lies in determining the specifics of such a deal. Blair is actively working on this issue, as he mentioned in a video on his website, www.tonyblairoffice.org. Blair, speaking to the Guardian newspaper, stated that he plans to suggest reducing emissions by 50% by the year 2050. He emphasized the urgency of this goal and stressed the importance of reaching a global agreement that includes both America and China. Blair's efforts to achieve a 50 percent cut in greenhouse gases have the backing of the United States and European Union, according to his spokesman Matthew Doyle. While they have not yet officially agreed to the proposal, Blair has discussed the project with leaders such as U.S. President George W. Bush, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Blair emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement on reducing greenhouse gases within two years, warning that failure to take significant action by 2020 would shift focus to adaptation rather than prevention. He also noted that simply telling people to consume less would not be enough to make progress, as countries like China and India are determined to grow their economies. He mentioned that there are many extremely impoverished individuals in the country, but they are working towards industrialization and improving their living conditions, which is a positive step. After serving as prime minister for 10 years, Blair has become an envoy for the Quartet, promoting economic growth for Palestinians. Despite facing backlash for taking on profitable business ventures and public speaking engagements, one of his recent business endeavors includes assisting Zurich Financial Services in creating insurance products to combat the impacts of climate change. | 1 |
Leaders from the world's major industrialised nations will attempt to address deep divisions on global warming and various foreign policy issues during their upcoming meeting on the Baltic coast for a G8 summit. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is hosting the event at the Kempinski Grand Hotel in Heiligendamm, has been working diligently to pave the way for progress in combating climate change. However, her efforts seem futile following US President George W. Bush's recent announcement of his own climate strategy, which contradicts the approach favored by Merkel and other European leaders. Merkel has expressed the belief that the United Nations should take the lead in global efforts to tackle climate change, rather than individual countries or groups. She anticipates a challenging summit ahead, stating, "We will grapple with climate change until the last minute." It will be apparent that there are varying opinions because some things may not be included in the final document. Despite the lack of agreement on climate issues, the German hosts are likely to redirect the focus of the June 6-8 meeting towards Africa. G8 countries, facing criticism for not meeting promises made at a summit in Scotland two years ago to help combat poverty in Africa, are expected to reconfirm their commitment to doubling development aid by 2010. The G8, consisting of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States, will also announce increased funding for AIDS prevention in Africa. However, disagreements on major global issues may overshadow areas of agreement, even if leaders manage to avoid public disputes. Contentious foreign policy issues include US plans to deploy a missile shield in central Europe and a push by the United States and Europe to grant effective independence to Kosovo, the breakaway Serbian province. Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly opposes both initiatives and has engaged in combative Cold War-style rhetoric in recent weeks, causing concern among German hosts about a potential confrontation with President Bush. However, recent actions by Bush, such as referring to Putin as a "friend" and inviting him to his family home in Maine next month, suggest an effort to ease tensions. Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, noted that on many major issues, the two leaders will likely agree to disagree. The Europeans understand that significant changes to US foreign and climate change policy are unlikely to happen until a new president takes office, so they are avoiding major confrontation. Bush, known for surprising Merkel with a backrub at the 2006 summit in St. Petersburg, still has 1-1/2 years left in office. However, Heiligendamm will be the final G8 summit for Tony Blair and possibly Putin, who plans to step down next year. New leaders attending include Nicolas Sarkozy of France and Shinzo Abe of Japan. The informal meetings of the top industrial powers started in 1975, with the G6 meeting in Rambouillet, France to coordinate economic policy after a global oil crisis and the collapse of the Bretton Woods system. Now, the group that is responsible for almost two-thirds of the world's growth but only a fraction of its population is being criticized for its lack of relevance and is being urged to adapt to changes in the global economy. In response to these concerns, Merkel has extended invitations to the leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico, and South Africa. The landscape has evolved significantly since world leaders first gathered three decades ago. In 1999, during Germany's last G8 summit, government officials mingled with locals in the streets of Cologne. However, events such as the September 11 attacks, clashes between anti-globalization protesters and police at the 2001 summit in Genoa, and bombings in London during the 2005 summit have altered this dynamic. German police had a confrontation with numerous protesters on Saturday in Rostock's port. The protesters set cars on fire, threw bottles, and burned bins following a larger peaceful demonstration. For the three-day meeting, as many as 16,000 German security personnel will be on duty, and leaders will be separated from tens of thousands of demonstrators by a 12-kilometre fence. | 1 |
Negotiators reconvened at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Thursday to address the remaining challenges in reaching an agreement on agriculture, which is seen as crucial for finalizing a deal in the Doha free trade round. The dynamics of the negotiations have shifted significantly since the round began in 2001, with a focus on eliminating rich-country farming subsidies and tariffs that disadvantaged poor farmers. The recent decrease in food prices has reduced the pressure on governments to provide subsidies to farmers, leading some countries to reduce import tariffs instead. Additionally, protectionist tendencies in wealthy nations are complicating efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement among the WTO's 151 member states. The talks, facilitated by New Zealand's WTO ambassador Crawford Falconer, will concentrate on technical issues like the treatment of sensitive products that countries wish to protect from tariff reductions. Diplomats explained that major decisions regarding the size of cuts to farm subsidies and tariffs will be left to senior politicians at the end of the negotiation round. One negotiator from a wealthy country stated that this is the responsibility of ministers, but the groundwork will be set by the diplomats. Agriculture is crucial to the Doha process as it is vital for developing countries, who are expected to benefit the most from the round. Developing nations are requesting that wealthier countries reduce farm tariffs and subsidies in return for them opening up their markets to industrial goods and services. A key issue still up for debate in the Geneva talks is the handling of "special products" in agriculture. While it has been agreed that developing countries can exclude certain farm products from tariff reductions, there is still disagreement on how these products will be treated and how many can be designated. The G-33, a group of 45 developing countries, insists that any agreement should allow them to fully exempt certain products from tariff cuts. However, some developing countries that export food, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Thailand, are siding with wealthy nations in opposition to this proposal. Falconer is optimistic that the discussions happening this week and next will help to close the differences enough for him to create a revised version of the negotiating document he originally prepared in July. The talks, involving 36 important delegations, will address various aspects of agriculture negotiations, beginning this week with domestic support issues. The following week will focus on market access, particularly tariffs, and will conclude with discussions on export competition, including food aid, export credits, and the sensitive issue of cotton. Falconer is scheduled to update all members of the WTO on the progress of the talks next Friday. Before the holidays, Falconer distributed documents summarizing the discussions from the past four months. They established a timeline for wealthy nations to reduce subsidies and suggested that new members of the WTO be exempt from these reductions. | 1 |
Johnson, in an effort to minimize disruption from the cabinet reshuffle, swiftly appointed Rishi Sunak, Javid's deputy and a staunch supporter of the prime minister, to fill the vacant position. The reshuffle was carefully planned by the prime minister's team to showcase new talent, particularly women, while also rewarding loyal supporters to help achieve his vision for Britain post-Brexit. However, Javid's resignation as finance minister, possibly at the behest of Johnson's team, due to a disagreement over advisers, reinforced the perception that the prime minister does not tolerate dissent within his government. A source close to Javid revealed that he rejected the role of Chancellor of the Exchequer because Johnson demanded he dismiss his advisers and replace them with individuals from the prime minister's office. The Chancellor stated that no minister with self-respect would agree to those conditions. Sunak, who has a background in investment banking and is married to the daughter of an Indian billionaire, is viewed by many Conservatives as a reliable individual who will support Johnson's plans for a post-Brexit Britain. The appointment of Sunak led to an increase in the value of the pound as investors anticipate a more expansive budget next month. Johnson has committed to bridging the wealth and opportunity gap in various parts of the country by directing resources to northern and central England, where he gained support from traditional Labour Party voters. It was unexpected that Johnson would make significant changes to his government, opting for minimal adjustments. However, even the minor changes in the lower levels of government provided some insight into his efforts to increase his control over power. By firing Northern Ireland minister Julian Smith, who had recently played a role in restoring a government in the British province, Johnson faced criticism from politicians in both Ireland and Northern Ireland. Smith, who had previously overseen parliamentary discipline for Theresa May, was the first minister to be dismissed in the reshuffle. Along with Smith, business minister Andrea Leadsom and environment minister Theresa Villiers were also let go. Alok Sharma, a loyal former minister for international development, was appointed as the new business minister and tasked with leading the COP26 climate change summit in Scotland in November, an event expected to be attended by world leaders. However, it was Javid's decision that disrupted the 'business as usual' appearance that Johnson had intended to convey. Downing Street aides had previously downplayed the idea of major changes, despite Dominic Cummings' public desire for a radical government reorganization. A source from Johnson's office stated that the prime minister aimed to use the reshuffle to lay the groundwork for the present and future government, and to highlight new talent, especially women. Johnson prioritized loyalty in order to fulfill his agenda and uphold the promises he made before the December 12 election, in which he secured a significant majority. Nonetheless, opposition politicians criticized the reshuffle as chaotic. John McDonnell, the finance spokesman for the main opposition Labour Party, stated that this is a historical document depicting a government in disarray shortly after an election. | 1 |
A minor mention in a massive UN report about the need for deeper cuts in greenhouse gases by wealthy nations has emerged as a major obstacle in the negotiations for a new UN climate treaty. Developing nations at a recent UN conference in Bonn are insisting on emissions reductions of 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, as outlined in the report, in order to reach a deal in Copenhagen in December. However, many developed nations argue that such reductions would harm their economies. According to Yvo de Boer, the head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, the 25 to 40 percent range has become a key benchmark for measuring the success of the Copenhagen agreement. The range of 25-40 was not included in the "summary for policymakers" of the IPCC report, which drew on the work of 2,500 experts. Shyam Saran, the special climate envoy to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, noted that little progress has been made on setting targets during the Bonn talks. Developing nations like China and India believe that the wealthy countries should aim for emissions cuts of at least 40 percent from burning fossil fuels. They argue that evidence of global warming has worsened since 2007, as seen in melting Arctic ice. Additionally, small island states, concerned about rising sea levels, are calling for emissions cuts of at least 45 percent below 1990 levels. Saran mentioned that achieving a target of forty percent by 2020 is reasonable if the problem is as large as currently believed. De Boer clarified that this level is not an agreed upon target, but rather a scenario to prevent the worst effects of global warming. Many developed nations, including the United States, believe this goal is unattainable. President Barack Obama aims to reduce U.S. emissions to 1990 levels by 2020, which would be a 14 percent decrease from 2007 levels, and by 80 percent by 2050. Japan recently set a 2020 target of 8 percent below 1990 levels. Bill Hare from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research stated that a reduction of 25 percent is still possible but will be challenging to achieve. He mentioned that recent scientific discoveries supported the range of 25-40 percent. The omission of this range from the summary was more due to technical reasons rather than doubts about its accuracy. The 25 to 40 percent range became well-known politically after being referenced on page 776 and other findings were included as a footnote in a document launching discussions on a new treaty at a meeting involving over 190 nations in Bali in 2007. Currently, wealthy nations are offering reductions of 8 to 14 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, with the European Union proposing cuts of 20 percent, or 30 percent if other developed nations also participate. The text on page 776 suggests that by 2020, developing nations should make a significant change to reduce the increase in their emissions compared to current levels. This decision has created a clear divide between wealthy and less affluent countries, instead of implementing a graduated system of emission cuts where the wealthiest nations would make the largest reductions. According to Alden Meyer from the Union of Concerned Scientists, both sides believe they are being burdened with excessive responsibilities. It is uncertain how this impasse will be resolved, as the wealthy countries may propose deeper cuts while poorer nations might compromise in exchange for clean technologies and increased aid. Hare mentioned that Russia, the only major country yet to establish a greenhouse gas goal, could have a significant impact as its emissions are already approximately 30 percent lower than 1990 levels following the Soviet Union's collapse. If Russia were to set a 2020 goal at current levels, it would further reduce overall promised cuts to between 12 and 18 percent. However, some countries argue that cuts do not necessarily have to fall within this range, especially if future reductions are more substantial. Jonathan Pershing, leader of the US delegation in Bonn and an IPCC author, suggested that other possibilities exist during a briefing at the end of last month. | 1 |
However, there is still a significant amount of information that remains unknown. As the new coronavirus continues to rapidly spread across the globe, researchers, doctors, policymakers, and economists are still grappling with several crucial questions. One key question is the level of contagiousness of the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) states that the virus is spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth, typically through coughing or sneezing. Additionally, the virus can linger on surfaces for several days, meaning individuals can also become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their own nose, mouth, or eyes. Although there is some indication that the virus can be transmitted through contact with virus particles in the feces of an infected person, this remains unconfirmed. How many individuals are affected and how many are asymptomatic? Over 550,000 cases have been reported globally, with over 127,000 recoveries and more than 24,000 deaths. Some experts suggest that up to 80% of those infected may have mild or no symptoms, potentially leading to millions of undiagnosed cases. However, further research and testing are needed to determine a more precise figure. Are young people at lower risk of death from the virus? While younger individuals are less susceptible, they can still contract COVID-19 and require hospitalization. The extent of their safety is still unknown. The World Health Organization reports that older individuals with pre-existing conditions such as COPD, asthma, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease are more likely to develop severe illness. A US health official mentioned that the mortality rate for males is double that of females in all age groups. Health experts advise that those with underlying conditions and weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Furthermore, the possibility of reinfection is being considered. This question is crucial, and the answer is still unknown. Some recovered patients have experienced potential "reinfection," although many scientists believe these cases are more likely to be relapses. Even if a patient feels better and tests negative for the virus in their nose and throat, the virus may still be present elsewhere in their body. Fully recovered patients have antibodies in their blood that are expected to provide protection from a new infection, but the duration of this protection is uncertain. Some viruses may cause antibodies to diminish more quickly. Even if antibodies remain present, SARS-CoV-2 could mutate slightly over time, similar to flu viruses, making the antibodies no longer effective. Various academic labs and medical companies are working on creating blood tests to determine if individuals have been exposed to the virus and if they have developed immunity. Serological testing will also provide a more comprehensive understanding of the pandemic. The question remains: when will treatments or a vaccine be available? Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral medications specifically designed for the new coronavirus. Treatment primarily involves managing symptoms, such as providing breathing assistance. Companies globally are working to develop vaccines, with some already conducting early safety testing on humans. However, experts caution that it may take a year or longer to fully develop and test a vaccine. Another issue arises: viruses have the ability to undergo rapid mutations. A few researchers have noted slight alterations in the virus since it first appeared in Wuhan, China in December. However, recent research indicates that the virus remains relatively stable, indicating that vaccines should still be effective once they are developed. There was some hope among experts that the virus would spread at a slower rate in warmer climates during the summer months. The European Centre for Disease Control announced on Wednesday that the spread of the virus is unlikely to decrease. The World Health Organization has also stated that the virus can be transmitted in various climates, including hot and humid ones. The duration of the pandemic remains uncertain and will be influenced by factors such as continued isolation, avoidance of group gatherings, and the availability of effective drugs or a vaccine. President Donald Trump expressed his desire to "reopen" the U.S. economy by Easter Sunday on April 12, but his decision has been met with criticism due to concerns that rushing the process could result in more deaths. Life in Hubei province, the epicenter of China's coronavirus outbreak, has gradually returned to normal after two months of lockdown. The question remains whether this return to normalcy will trigger another outbreak. It is uncertain whether the severity of illness from the virus is influenced by the amount of exposure to it. Viruses infect cells in the body, using them to reproduce and increase in number. The initial amount of virus particles entering the body does not significantly impact the eventual virus levels. However, frequent exposure does increase the likelihood of the virus entering the body. The International Monetary Fund predicts that the pandemic will lead to a global recession in 2020, potentially more severe than the 2008 financial crisis. The extent and duration of the recession, as well as the nature of the recovery, are uncertain and subject to debate. Economists believe that the outcome of the current situation will depend largely on the duration of the lockdowns and the extent of government support provided to individuals, businesses, and markets. The emergency spending in trillions of dollars and central bank measures are aimed at ensuring the functioning of financial markets, which are crucial for the real economy. Government actions, such as the $2 trillion US stimulus package, are expected to boost the economy by providing cash to individuals and funding to small businesses and companies. However, it is uncertain whether these measures will be sufficient as they still need to be implemented effectively. Some investors and bank strategists are considering if now is a good time to invest in the world's stock markets, which have dropped around 25% since February. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman recently expressed optimism about stocks and credit, stating he is investing in companies at discounted prices that can weather the current crisis. However, due to the numerous uncertainties, many analysts and investors are hesitant to predict when the market will hit its lowest point. | 1 |
Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed has asked G8 leaders to assist least developed countries in overcoming both tariff and non-tariff obstacles in developed markets. Fakhruddin has specifically requested for fair market access for products from LDCs without any form of discrimination. Foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury stated that the chief adviser had written individual letters to the leaders of the G8 nations on behalf of the WTO LDCs Consultative Group, with Bangladesh serving as the chair. Iftekhar added that Fakhruddin is seeking market access benefits for all products from all LDCs without bias. | 1 |
She represented Bangladesh's human rights record in Geneva at the Human Rights Council's second Universal Periodic Review of member states, as stated by a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release. Moni emphasized the government's focus on educating agencies about their human rights responsibilities while responding to questions for three and a half hours about Bangladesh's recent accomplishments and challenges in promoting and protecting human rights. She highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law and protecting the rights of vulnerable populations, reaffirming the government's commitment to zero tolerance for attacks on minorities. This was the first time Bangladesh participated with a delegation including prominent figures from religious and ethnic minority groups. The session received praise from 98 countries for the progress made in ensuring citizens' rights. The minister provided a thorough overview of the government's efforts to enhance the human rights situation and requested international support for strengthening the country's democratic and inclusive society. The UN's universal periodic review process involves evaluating the human rights records of all member states, with Bangladesh submitting its report and engaging in discussions during the review. | 1 |
The series "9/12" by Dan Taberski offers a unique and creatively reported perspective on the events of September 11. Through stories of reality show contestants on a themed voyage in 2001 and little-known tales from the "war on terror" years, Taberski challenges conventional views on the significance of the attacks. Accompanied by a moving score from jazz composer Daniel Herskedal, the series aims to recreate a sense of innocence and explore the lasting impact of the events. In contrast, Ian Coss' "Forever Is a Long Time" delves into the complexity of lifelong commitment in a personal and introspective five-part meditation. Motivated by his concerns about the strength of his own marriage, he conducted interviews with divorced family members and their ex-partners to understand the reasons behind their breakups. Each episode of the series delves into a different love story, with the host collecting clues like a determined detective. The information he uncovers is transformed into original songs inspired by the couples, showcasing the complexities of human relationships. "La Brega," which translates to "the hustle" or "the struggle," serves as a central theme in this collection of stories that pay homage to Puerto Rico. Presented in both English and Spanish by a group of Puerto Rican journalists and hosted by Alana Casanova-Burgess, each episode of "La Brega" vividly captures the essence of the island. There are many rich and overlooked American histories in stories of pothole fillers, political activists, and basketball heroes facing their own struggles, all stemming from the concept of self-governing territories in the United States. "The Midnight Miracle" is a star-studded, captivating conversation show hosted by Dave Chappelle, Yasiin Bey, and Talib Kweli, featuring a rotating cast of guests like David Letterman, Chris Rock, and Jon Stewart discussing topics in art, philosophy, and politics. The innovative sound design creates a unique and engaging atmosphere, akin to the world's most fascinating dinner party. "One Year: 1977," hosted by Josh Levin, offers a forensic look at a year in American life by focusing on its iconic figures, trends, and controversies. In her podcast adaptation of "The Devil's Candy," Julie Salamon revisits a forgotten chapter in Hollywood history, focusing on a dangerous cancer treatment that gained popularity among celebrities and science skeptics. The podcast features interviews with key figures involved in the doomed production of Brian De Palma's "The Bonfire of the Vanities," offering listeners a glimpse into the chaotic blend of high art and commercial pressures. Similarly, "Resistance" delves into smaller-scale revolutions following the global Black Lives Matter protests in 2020. The host, Saidu Tejan-Thomas Jr., and the producer-reporters Salifu Sesay Mack, Bethel Habte and Aaron Randle uncover compelling stories that are often overlooked, focusing on personal accounts of miscarriages of justice and historical injustices. In one episode, a woman fights to free her incarcerated partner, while another delves into the exploitation of a Black oasis in Manhattan Beach. The latest season of Gregory Warner's podcast "Rough Translation" explores the "Civ-Mil divide" in America, shedding light on the human acts of compassion and sacrifice that are obscured by this binary. Quil Lawrence, NPR's veterans correspondent, presents a diverse cast of characters, including a couple struggling with trauma in their civ-mil marriage and an aid worker who impacted the Pentagon's handling of civilian casualties. Dan Pashman, the host of "The Sporkful," has spent years searching for the perfect pasta shape, a quest that is chronicled in a three-year journey that resembles a mix of popular podcast series like "Radiolab," "StartUp," and "Planet Money." The emotional ups and downs Pashman experiences in trying to create a successful product will resonate with anyone who has attempted to achieve success. Similarly, Natalia Petrzela's exploration of the rise and fall of Chippendales offers more than just scandalous content, delving into the mood, characters, and story behind the iconic male strip show of the 1980s. The story is truly remarkable. It follows the incredible journey of Steve Banerjee, the founder of the troupe, who went from being an immigrant small-business owner to a successful figure in the sex industry with envy-inducing green eyes, and eventually becoming a murderous racketeer. This story is a classic example of the American dream. | 1 |
Obama is making a new effort to strengthen India as a long-term strategic partner by building a friendship with Prime Minister Modi, who was previously not well-liked in Washington. This visit marks the first time a US president will attend India's Republic Day parade, which has historically been associated with anti-American sentiment from the Cold War era. Obama will also appear on a radio show with Modi. The relationship between the two countries, which was strained just a year ago, seems to be improving. Obama expressed optimism about the potential for India and America to become strong global partners in an interview with India Today. Modi welcomed Obama and his wife, Michelle, at the New Delhi airport, signaling a positive start to their visit. The two leaders embraced each other warmly, deviating from the usual protocol where the prime minister does not greet foreign leaders upon their arrival. Instead, they are met at a formal ceremony at the presidential palace. Modi's decision to break tradition surprised even his own handlers, as reported by the media. Obama's motorcade was surrounded by armed police and soldiers as it headed towards the welcome ceremony at President Pranab Mukherjee's residence, part of a well-planned visit. Media reports state that up to 40,000 security personnel will be present during the visit, with 15,000 new closed-circuit surveillance cameras installed in the capital. Both sides have been working towards reaching agreements on climate change, taxation, and defense cooperation in time for the visit. Negotiations on a potential civil nuclear trade deal came down to the wire over the weekend without a clear resolution. The United States sees India as a large market and potential counterbalance to China in Asia, but is often frustrated by India's slow pace of economic reforms and reluctance to align with the US on global issues. India is hoping for a new approach from the US towards Pakistan, especially in terms of security, and is seeking a deeper understanding with the US on regional matters, according to India's Finance Minister Arun Jaitley at Davos before Obama's visit. Elected in May, Modi has brought a new energy to the economy and foreign relations, and has started to push back against China's influence in South Asia, much to the satisfaction of Washington. The current annual bilateral trade of $100 billion is considered to be well below its potential, and the US hopes to see it increase by five times. Due to the passing of King Abdullah, Obama will be leaving India earlier than planned to visit Saudi Arabia instead of going to the Taj Mahal. Both Obama and Modi come from humble beginnings and have worked their way up in politics. They bonded in Washington when Obama took Modi to Martin Luther King's memorial, whose civil rights movement was inspired by India's Mahatma Gandhi. The relationship between Modi and Obama is noteworthy due to their differing political stances and the history of Modi being banned from the US. Despite Obama's close friendship with Modi's predecessor, ties between the US and India have faced challenges, including disputes over protectionism and the abrupt departure of the US ambassador from New Delhi. According to Ashley Tellis, there is still work to be done to strengthen the geopolitical relationship between India and the US. Recent meetings have focused on finding a solution to issues surrounding the 2009 nuclear deal. Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes stated to reporters this week that there is great potential in the relationship and the goal is to translate that potential into tangible benefits for both nations. | 1 |
Ugandan police discovered an unexploded suicide belt and made multiple arrests following the deaths of 74 soccer fans in two bomb attacks during the World Cup final. Somali Islamists with ties to al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attacks. The opposition in Uganda is calling for the withdrawal of peacekeepers from Somalia. A government spokesperson reported that the unexploded suicide belt was found in a third location in Kampala, the day after the bombings occurred. Arrests were made after the belt was discovered. He did not provide details on the number or origin of those arrested. This type of coordinated attack is a common tactic used by al Qaeda and groups associated with Osama bin Laden's militant network. The al Shabaab militants have threatened further attacks unless Uganda and Burundi remove their peacekeeping troops from the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia (AMISOM). Uganda's opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) party has called on President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw soldiers and stated their intention to do the same if they win the upcoming elections in early 2011. The party believes there is no peace to maintain in Somalia and that Uganda has no strategic interest in the region. FDC spokesman Wafula Oguttu told Reuters that they are sacrificing their children for no reason, and their goal is to pull out troops as soon as they gain power. AMISOM stated that the explosions would not impact its mission in Somalia, where it protects the presidential palace and secures the airport and port in Mogadishu. The FBI is investigating the coordinated bombings, which mark the first time al Shabaab has extended its violent quest for power beyond Somalia. Analysts warn that the group's threats should not be ignored, as there is clear evidence of their capability and willingness to carry out attacks abroad. Foreign direct investment has increased significantly in East Africa's third largest economy due to oil exploration near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Analysts believe that a sustained bombing campaign could harm Uganda's investment climate, but a one-time attack is unlikely to deter major companies like Tullow Oil. The United States is assisting with investigations into the attack, with three FBI agents currently collecting evidence on the ground and another FBI team ready to deploy to the region if needed. Opolot stated that the bombings would not lead to the cancellation of the African Union summit scheduled to be hosted by Uganda this month. | 1 |
Australia's newly elected prime minister, Kevin Rudd, has prioritized signing the Kyoto Protocol, according to his deputy, Julia Gillard. Rudd's swift action to fulfill his campaign promise will allow Australia to have a more significant presence at an upcoming international conference on environmental issues in Bali, Indonesia. This decision puts the United States in a minority as the only Western country not to have ratified the pact, despite being the largest emitter of carbon dioxide globally. Australia, on the other hand, holds the title of worst polluter per capita. Rudd's proposal to gradually remove Australia's 550 combat troops from Iraq may strain the country's close relationship with the US. Despite receiving congratulatory messages from foreign leaders, Rudd spoke with US President George Bush and mentioned plans for a visit to Washington next year. On Monday, Rudd continued meetings with senior officials to prepare for taking control of the government following the recent elections. He is scheduled to meet with newly elected members of his Labor party on Thursday to select his ministerial team, which will be sworn in by the governor-general, Michael Jefferey, shortly after. The government is currently in a caretaker role. Rudd, who won the election and ended 12 years of conservative rule, has begun working on revising the country's labor laws as promised during the campaign. There is uncertainty about who will lead the coalition that lost the election, with John Howard expected to lose his seat in parliament and Peter Costello declining the nomination for prime minister. Malcolm Turnbull and Tony Abbott have both announced they will compete for the position of opposition leader. The counting of ballots was still ongoing on Monday, with only the extent of Rudd's decisive victory to be officially confirmed and a few closely contested districts yet to be determined. One of these districts is Bennelong in Sydney, which has been held by Howard for the past 33 years. This leaves Australia's second-longest serving leader at risk of not only losing the government but also his own parliamentary seat. Howard conceded on Saturday that it is highly likely he will no longer represent Bennelong. Labor's Maxine McKew, a former television presenter, currently has a slight lead over Howard, and the final outcome is expected to depend on postal votes. | 1 |
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras surprised creditors by announcing a referendum on austerity cuts in the aid package. On Sunday, he went on television to declare capital controls to prevent bank collapse, marking a tumultuous weekend for Greece. This has pushed the country closer to defaulting on IMF loans and potentially exiting the euro currency bloc. French President Francois Hollande urged Tsipras to resume negotiations, while German Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed willingness to speak with him. Time is running out for a resolution as Greece's bailout programme is set to expire soon. Greeks, who are accustomed to long negotiations with creditors that lead to last-minute agreements, were shocked by the situation. An Athens resident named Evgenia Gekou, 50, expressed disbelief on her way to work, hoping that everything would be resolved by the next day. European officials gave mixed messages about their future actions. A representative from the European Commission stated on French radio that Brussels would not be presenting any new proposals on Monday, contradicting EU Economics Commissioner Pierre Moscovici's earlier remarks. Moscovici had mentioned that a new offer was on the way and that an agreement was close. European bank stocks experienced a significant drop on Monday, with major banks in Spain, France, and Germany falling by over 6 percent due to concerns about the potential impact on banks in other peripheral euro zone countries. The Greek government has decided to keep banks closed at least until after July 5, the day of the referendum, and when they reopened, withdrawals from ATMs were limited to 60 euros per day. The stock exchange will remain closed, and Greece's European partners are frustrated with Tsipras for the crisis. Creditors are pushing for pension cuts and tax increases, which Tsipras believes will worsen the economic crisis in a country with high unemployment. Emergency measures were announced by Tsipras on Sunday, leading to long queues at ATMs and petrol stations as people rushed to withdraw cash. On Monday, lines formed at ATMs with over a dozen people waiting. Plumber Yannis Kalaizakis, 58, expressed his frustration about the long queues at cash machines in his neighborhood by stating that he had five euros in his pocket and was hoping to try his luck for more money. He was seen outside an empty cash machine in central Athens on Monday, lamenting the situation and describing it as a mess. Newspapers featured images of the long lines at cash machines on their front pages. The Nafetemporiki daily's headline on Monday was "Dramatic hours," while Ta Nea daily simply asked, "When will the banks open?" Eleftheros Typos, a conservative-leaning newspaper, accused Tsipras of using the referendum as a tactic to force early elections in hopes of winning. The editorial stated that Tsipras' decision to call for a referendum and a potential euro exit was a calculated crime, indicating a loss of trust from citizens, as seen through the long lines at ATMs and petrol stations, which will likely reflect in the upcoming ballot on Sunday. Rumors spread quickly, leading many elderly individuals to line up outside two branches of the National Bank of Greece in hopes of withdrawing their pensions on Monday. However, they were ultimately turned away, according to Reuters photographers. One shop owner expressed disappointment, stating that he had worked hard his whole life only to be faced with such a crisis. Despite the financial turmoil, some aspects of daily life continued as usual, with businesses operating and people gathering at cafes and restaurants to talk about the future of their country. Tourists also gathered to watch the changing of the guard outside parliament. A demonstration organized by Tsipras's Syriza party to protest against austerity measures and encourage voters to vote "No" in the upcoming referendum on bailout terms is scheduled for later today. Officials across Europe and the United States have been busy making calls and arranging meetings in a frantic effort to find a solution. U.S. President Barack Obama spoke with Merkel, and senior U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, who talked to Tsipras, have been pushing for Europe and the IMF to develop a plan to maintain the euro currency and keep Greece in the euro zone. George Katrougalos, the Administrative Reforms Minister, expressed his frustration with the lack of liquidity being provided for Greek banks, accusing it of being a form of blackmail and intimidation. He also warned that a "yes" vote would lead to cuts in pensions and increased costs for healthcare in public hospitals. When your children are unable to attend school, you will express gratitude, but they may respond by saying that you requested this outcome. However, if you refuse, you have the power to advocate for a brighter tomorrow. | 1 |
Democrats have the opportunity to strengthen their Senate majority in the upcoming elections, potentially gaining as many as nine seats. This would give them significant influence regardless of who becomes the next President. The 60-seat majority would allow Democrats to overcome Republican obstacles and push for changes in policies, such as the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The last time Democrats had a similar majority was in the late 1970s. According to Jennifer Duffy of the Cook Political Report, reaching the 60-seat threshold is a realistic possibility. She stated that for things to go in their favor, everything would need to go smoothly. At the moment, it is too soon to make any definite statements. With the elections looming a year ahead, numerous Republicans are trying to distance themselves from Bush, whose approval rating is currently at around 33 percent. Despite this, they are still connected to his unpopular position on the ongoing Iraq war, which is now in its fifth year. Many are worried about what lies ahead, especially since Senate Democrats have raised more funds for their campaign than Republicans. A senior Senate Republican aide anticipates that their party will lose seats in the upcoming election due to the unfavorable political climate. Currently, Republicans hold 22 out of the 34 Senate seats up for re-election next year, while Democrats have 12. All Democratic incumbents plan to seek re-election and are expected to win easily. On the other hand, five Republican incumbents have already decided not to run for another six-year term in 2008. Last week, Republican Senators Pete Domenici and Larry Craig announced they would not seek re-election, joining John Warner, Chuck Hagel, and Wayne Allard. Domenici cited declining health as his reason, while Craig pointed to his controversial conviction in an airport sex-sting operation. The scandal has embarrassed Republicans, who promote themselves as champions of "conservative family values." Additionally, the party has been rocked by a corruption investigation in Alaska involving Senator Ted Stevens, the longest-serving Republican senator. Stevens, who has been a member of the Senate since 1968, has denied any misconduct. However, the investigation has made the 83-year-old Alaskan susceptible in the upcoming 2008 elections. The Democrats gained control of Congress last year partly due to the Iraq war, and they may be able to increase their majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate next year. Despite this, Republicans are hopeful as polls indicate that only a quarter of Americans approve of the Democratic-led Congress, which has been hindered by political disagreements. Rebecca Fisher, a spokeswoman for the party's Senate campaign committee, stated that Democrats have not yet shown their ability to effectively lead the country, and voters are noticing. She believes that Republicans will regain control of the Senate. Despite this, Democrats argue that surveys show Americans still prefer them over Republicans in Congress. However, many are hesitant to predict their success in the upcoming elections. Duffy from the Cook Political Report mentioned that Democrats are trying to lower expectations of significant Senate gains because they are concerned it could energize the Republican base. In order to emphasize the point, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, who previously expressed doubt about his party's chances in past elections, is now focused on maintaining a majority without making any predictions for the upcoming election. Similarly, Sen. Charles Schumer of New York, who leads the Senate Democratic campaign committee, is optimistic about their chances but chooses not to speculate on the number of seats they may gain. | 1 |
CEO Farzad Rashidi stated that all 45 of their workers are currently unemployed, with the men now working as taxi drivers and the women returning to their roles as housewives. Interviews conducted by Reuters with numerous business owners in Iran have revealed that many companies have halted production and thousands of employees are being laid off due to a challenging business environment created by new US sanctions. The Iranian rial has experienced significant depreciation and economic activity has considerably slowed down following President Trump's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal with Tehran and impose sanctions targeting US dollar purchases, gold trading, and the automotive industry in August. In November, Iran's important oil and banking industries were affected. Due to losing approximately five billion rials ($120,000 at the official exchange rate) in recent months, all activities have been suspended by the board until the currency market stabilizes. Rashidi stated, "It is illogical to persist when you realize it is a hopeless situation." This year, the country has witnessed turmoil as young demonstrators, upset over unemployment and rising costs, clashed with security forces. With sanctions exacerbating the economic crisis, official forecasts suggest that unrest may resurface. Four days prior to being dismissed by parliament in August for not adequately protecting the job market from sanctions, labor minister Ali Rabiei stated that Iran would lose one million jobs by the end of the year due to US measures. Current unemployment stands at 12.1 percent, with three million Iranians struggling to find work. A parliamentary report in September cautioned that increasing unemployment could jeopardize the stability of the Islamic Republic. The report warned that if economic growth remains below 5 percent in the coming years, unemployment could reach 26 percent. The International Monetary Fund has predicted that Iran's economy will shrink by 1.5 percent this year and by 3.6 percent in 2019 as a result of declining oil revenues. Iran's vice president has expressed concern that sanctions will lead to unemployment and a decrease in purchasing power. He emphasized the importance of creating jobs and preventing productive businesses from stagnating due to sanctions. However, business owners have cited a variety of factors, such as inconsistent government policies, currency fluctuations, rising raw material prices, and high-interest bank loans, as making it impossible for them to stay afloat. As a result, many companies have been unable to pay wages or have been forced to lay off workers. One major textile factory is even considering shutting down, putting hundreds of jobs at risk. The manager mentioned that approximately 200 workers were let go in August, and things have only gotten worse since then. There is a strong possibility that the factory will close down. The CEO of Takplast Nour, Ahmad Roosta, had initially hoped that a drought in Iran would benefit his newly established factory that manufactures plastic pipes for agricultural purposes. However, Roosta expressed concerns that if the situation does not improve within the next month or two, he will be forced to shut down the factory as farmers, the main customers of their products, are unable to purchase them due to financial constraints. The Iranian car industry has been impacted by sanctions, leading to the suspension of joint ventures with French and German companies. More than 300 auto parts makers have had to stop production, putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk. According to a spokesperson for Iran's Tire Producers Association, changing monetary policies by the government have caused problems in the sector. Despite this, tire factories have not slowed down as planned production growth has not been achieved. Youth unemployment in Iran is a pressing issue, with economic pressures from Washington primarily targeting the government and its proxies rather than the Iranian people. However, the country's young population, especially those like Maryam who recently lost her job as a public relations manager in a food import company, are the ones most affected. The company she worked for had to lay off employees due to high prices and a decrease in customers, with fears that the business may eventually shut down altogether. In a country where 60 percent of the population is under 30, youth unemployment is currently at 25 percent. Official data shows that in certain areas, the unemployment rate among young people with higher education is over 50 percent. Armin, a 29-year-old with a mechanical engineering degree, lost his job in the housebuilding industry due to a recession following the fall of rial. He expressed his concerns about the slowing property market and rising house prices making homes unaffordable in his city of Rasht, northern Iran. Nima, a legal adviser specializing in startups and computer firms, believes that sanctions have already impacted many companies in the sector that relied on exports and had plans for regional expansion. He pointed out that even the gaming industry in Iran has been affected by the sanctions, with many development teams halting their projects due to limited access to international markets. On the other hand, Tehran-based economist Saeed Laylaz attributed youth unemployment in Iran to demographic factors and government policies, stating that sanctions were exacerbating an existing problem. Despite the challenges posed by sanctions and economic uncertainties, Laylaz expressed optimism that the market would eventually stabilize. Laylaz, who recently met with Rouhani and other economists to provide guidance on economic policies, stated that they will overcome the current sanctions just as they have done in the past. | 1 |
The six-meter high blimp will soar over Parliament Square for a two-hour period starting at 0900 GMT while Trump meets with British Prime Minister Theresa May. Trump and Melania arrived on Monday for a three-day state visit, which included a banquet at Buckingham Palace. Organizers of the blimp, including Ajuub Faraji, aim to show solidarity with those impacted by Trump's policies and to protest the red carpet treatment he is receiving. In central London, tens of thousands of protesters are expected to participate in a "Carnival of Resistance" to express their opposition to the president, with participants including environmental activists, anti-racism campaigners, and women's rights protesters. The police will block off the road outside Downing Street to ensure the safety of the president and his family. Trump's policies, such as the travel ban and withdrawal from the climate change agreement, as well as his criticism of British politicians, have fueled opposition to his presidency in Britain. Several lawmakers, including Jeremy Corbyn, boycotted the state dinner held in the president's honor, causing backlash from his supporters who viewed it as disrespectful to Britain's closest ally. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has openly supported the demonstrators against Trump, even granting permission for the blimp to be flown. The president criticized the mayor as a "stone-cold loser" before arriving in Britain and has accused him in the past of not doing enough to prevent terror attacks in London. Trump stated that he feels appreciated in Britain despite the protests, noting his close ties to the country through his mother's Scottish heritage and the two golf courses he owns there. He claimed to be the most connected American leader to Britain and expressed hopes of being well-liked by the UK. I really adore the United Kingdom. Protesters are anticipated to increase later today as they gather at Trafalgar Square at 10:00 GMT. They will march via Embankment to reach Parliament Square in the afternoon due to police closing off the southern section of Whitehall. Demonstrators from various parts of Britain will come to London to participate in the protests. Additionally, protests against Trump's visit are scheduled in 14 other cities and towns. Police spent over 14.2 million pounds ($17.95 million) on security during Trump's most recent visit in July, with 10,000 officers from across Britain deployed. Scott Lucas, a professor at the University of Birmingham, noted that past US presidents like Ronald Reagan and George W Bush have also faced significant protests in Britain, with protests for American presidents typically larger than those for leaders from countries like China or Saudi Arabia due to the historic alliance between the US and Britain. Lucas emphasized the importance of being able to communicate openly with allies like America. "You typically show more care and concern for individuals within your household or your neighbors nearby, rather than those in a neighboring village or town." | 1 |
Kim Yong Chol, vice-chairman of the North Korean ruling Workers' Party's Central Committee, will lead a high-level delegation to the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang on Sunday. The delegation is also scheduled to meet with President Moon Jae-in. Kim Yong Chol was previously the head of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a major North Korean military intelligence agency that South Korea accused of being responsible for the 2010 sinking of the Cheonan, a South Korean navy corvette. Despite these past actions, North Korea has denied any involvement. The South Korean Unification Ministry expressed a focus on the potential for peace on the Korean peninsula and improved inter-Korean relations through dialogue with the visiting North Korean officials, rather than dwelling on their past actions or identities. Kim's upcoming visit will coincide with the arrival of Ivanka Trump in South Korea to attend a dinner with Moon and the Winter Olympics' closing ceremony. The Blue House has stated that there are no official opportunities for U.S. and North Korean officials to meet. South Korea's decision to allow Kim, who is currently sanctioned by the United States and South Korea, to cross the border has sparked protests from family members of the dead Cheonan sailors and opposition parties. The main opposition Liberty Korea Party staged a protest in front of the presidential Blue House, demanding the government withdraw its decision, stating that President Moon's acceptance of North Korea's peace efforts is a serious issue that will be remembered as a historical crime. A group of family members of the victims of the Cheonan sinking has announced that they will hold a press conference to express their opposition to the decision on Saturday. Despite public concerns about Kim's upcoming visit, South Korea maintains its position that the Cheonan sinking was caused by North Korea. The focus, however, is on working towards lasting peace on the Korean peninsula to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed a desire to improve relations with South Korea following the Winter Olympics, while the United States emphasizes the need to increase pressure on North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons program. Last year, North Korea defied UN sanctions by conducting multiple missile launches and its largest nuclear test to date. It has been over two months since the last missile test took place in late November. | 1 |
Jairam Ramesh, the Environment Minister, stated that India cannot achieve high economic growth and a rapid increase in carbon emissions, especially now that the country is the third largest emitter after China and the United States. Ramesh made these remarks during the ongoing negotiations in Tianjin, where representatives from almost 200 countries are meeting to discuss the future of the Kyoto Protocol, which is set to expire in 2012. Despite India's low per-capita emissions, the demand for energy is increasing due to the growing middle class purchasing more vehicles, electronics, and better housing. This energy consumption mainly comes from coal, oil, and gas, which are the primary sources of carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Ramesh emphasized that India's pursuit of wealth should not harm the environment, stating that the country has now surpassed Russia as the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. He announced plans to transition to a low-carbon growth trajectory, aiming for 8-9 percent GDP growth while reducing carbon emissions. Less wealthy countries are now the primary source of greenhouse gas emissions, and many large developing nations are taking measures to limit the increase of their emissions. However, they are hesitant to commit to absolute reductions due to concerns about the impact on their economies. India, which fared better than most during the global financial crisis, has ambitious plans for economic growth, aiming for nearly 10 percent in the coming years. Currently, its economy is growing at around 8.5 percent. Despite being the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, India has been reluctant to embrace a low-carbon economy due to the perceived economic risks involved. In January, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh requested a panel to start planning for a more environmentally friendly economy. The report is projected to be completed by the end of the year. While India has introduced a new climate strategy focusing on renewable energy like solar power, coal continues to be the primary source of energy in a country where almost half of the 1.1 billion population lacks access to electricity. Despite the significant gap between high and low emitters, India's Environment Minister Ramesh emphasized the importance of recognizing their contribution to emissions. The UN climate negotiations have faced challenges due to a lack of trust between wealthy and developing nations regarding climate funds, calls for increased transparency in emission reduction commitments, and frustration over the modest cuts offered by wealthier countries. The United Nations has decided to stop encouraging countries to make stronger commitments to reduce carbon emissions out of fear that the ongoing discussions could come to a standstill, potentially disrupting the already difficult negotiations for a more ambitious climate agreement. | 1 |
President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives, known for establishing democracy in the secluded resort islands, stepped down on Tuesday following opposition protests that escalated into a police mutiny and what his aide described as a coup. Nasheed, the Maldives' inaugural democratically elected leader, transferred control of the Indian Ocean archipelago to Vice-President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, stating that staying in power would necessitate the use of force against the people. In a televised speech, he stated, "I am resigning because I do not want to govern through force," and expressed concerns about potential foreign interference if the government remained in power. It was not immediately clear which influences he was referring to, but Hassan Saeed, leader of the DQP, one of the opposition coalition parties, and an Indian diplomatic source in Colombo stated that Nasheed had asked for help from India and was denied. In 1988, India aided in preventing a coup in the Maldives by sending soldiers to support the government. India's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Syed Akbaruddin, stated that the rebellion was an internal issue for the Maldives to resolve. Nasheed won the election in 2008 with a promise to establish full democracy in the Maldives and to speak out about the dangers of climate change and rising sea levels. However, he faced criticism for arresting a judge he believed was biased towards the previous ruler, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been in power for 30 years. The arrest sparked protests and led to a constitutional crisis, with Nasheed facing accusations of behaving dictatorially. An official at Nasheed's office, who preferred to remain anonymous, described the situation as a coup orchestrated by the police, supporters of Gayoom, and certain factions within the military. The new president stated that Nasheed was placed under protective police custody for his safety. Saeed of the DQP stated that they will demand Nasheed be held accountable for corruption and violating the rule of law, while also pledging full support for the new president. Vandals targeted the lobby of VTV TV station, which is associated with the opposition, and mutinous police attacked and burned Nasheed's party's main rallying point before seizing control of the state broadcaster MNBC and renaming it TV Maldives. Soldiers used teargas on police and protesters outside the Maldives National Defence Force headquarters, and later on, demonstrators gathered outside the president's office chanting "Gayoom." Gayoom's rival Progressive Party of the Maldives accused the military of shooting rubber bullets at protestors, resulting in injuries to many people. The government denied using rubber bullets but confirmed that some police officers had attacked a ruling party facility against orders. An official close to the president stated that Gayoom's party had called for the overthrow of the democratically elected government and for citizens to launch jihad against the president. The protests and political maneuvers leading up to the next presidential election have resulted in parties adopting strong Islamist language and accusing Nasheed of being anti-Islamic. The conflict highlights the ongoing rivalry between Gayoom and Nasheed, with Nasheed having been jailed for a total of six years under Gayoom's government. The vice-president is expected to lead a national unity government until the election. Despite this turmoil, the 900,000 tourists who visit the Maldives each year are largely unaware, as they are quickly transported to their luxury resorts where they can enjoy alcohol and spa treatments, shielded from the Islamic laws and cultural norms of the country. Nasheed gained fame for his efforts to prevent the sea from flooding his nation, including holding an underwater cabinet meeting in 2009. However, some believe that his actions against Judge Abdulla Mohamed, whom he accused of being corrupt, overshadowed this event. In contrast, a Twitter user named Alexander Brown shared a different perspective from the Maldives, mentioning the government overthrow and a Vogue photo shoot happening nearby. | 1 |
India's prime minister, Manmohan Singh, is set to meet with US President Barack Obama next week in order to strengthen the ties between the two countries. This meeting is significant as India is increasingly taking on a larger role in global issues such as climate change and trade. The visit, starting on November 23, is viewed by New Delhi as a way to gauge Obama's commitment to maintaining the relationship that was established under his predecessor, George W. Bush. India is also seen as an important player in bringing stability to the South Asian region, which has been plagued by violence in Afghanistan and Pakistan, as well as militant attacks like the ones in Mumbai last year. During the talks, Singh and Obama will discuss various issues including carbon emissions, defense contracts, and the completion of a nuclear deal signed the previous year. This visit is significant as it is the first state visit of the Obama administration and showcases Singh's efforts to strengthen ties with Western economies and move India away from years of mistrust with Washington. The trip's success will be judged by whether the two leaders can address any doubts about Washington's commitment to New Delhi in a region where it competes with China and Pakistan, both key U.S. foreign policy priorities. According to Walter Andersen from Johns Hopkins University, the current relationship between India and the U.S. is positive but lacks a significant defining issue like the civilian nuclear deal under President George Bush. This visit presents an opportunity for both countries to introduce new ideas to strengthen their strategic relationship. President Bill Clinton initiated efforts to build ties with modern India after the Cold War, while his successor Bush furthered relations with a 2008 civilian nuclear deal that ended a long-standing embargo on India. The bilateral trade between India and the United States increased significantly from $5.6 billion in 1990 to around $43 billion in 2008, marking a 675 percent rise. However, some in India were displeased with Obama's early focus on Pakistan to combat the Taliban and his prioritization of relations with China, as they had hoped to build on the progress made during Bush's presidency. South Asia specialist Stephen Cohen from the Brookings Institution think tank noted that while relations between the two countries are strong in areas like trade, climate change, defense sales, and counter-terrorism, there appears to be a divergence at the strategic level. The U.S. strategy for Afghanistan, which involves Pakistan as a key ally, has been criticized for not taking into account the concerns of regional countries like India, which is vying with Islamabad for influence in Kabul. Since gaining independence from Britain in 1947, India and Pakistan have engaged in three wars. India is concerned about China's increasing influence over the U.S. economy, as well as its support for Pakistan. Additionally, India worries about China's displeasure with the Dalai Lama's presence in India. This leads to anxiety in India when the U.S. focuses on China and Pakistan, according to Chintamani Mahapatra, a foreign policy professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi. "It will seek a statement that recognizes India's increased role in the region and addresses the fact that the Obama administration has marginalized New Delhi. However, Washington values India for its economic power, large market, thriving IT industry, military strength, and potential to balance China. Among the challenges Singh will address are the stalled nuclear deal due to liability protection for American companies and nuclear fuel reprocessing rights for India. India is also hopeful that Obama will express support for a permanent seat for India on the U.N. Security Council. Former U.S. ambassador to India, Frank Wisner, stated, 'We can discuss strategy, economics, and global issues.'" If we want to accomplish any of our goals, we must have the cooperation of India. | 1 |
Britain is encouraging world leaders to attend the UN climate deal in Copenhagen in December to ensure its success. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown stated that leaders need to step in to break the negotiation impasse, as progress is not being made quickly enough. Brown also mentioned that he plans to attend the conference and is urging other leaders to do the same. Negotiations between industrialized and developing countries on how to distribute emissions reductions, especially from burning fossil fuels, are causing delays in talks. There is only one week left of formal discussions before the Copenhagen meeting in Barcelona in early November. The two-year UN talks that began in Bali in 2007 are particularly stuck on the issue of how much wealthy countries affected by the recession should reduce carbon emissions by 2020 and how much they should contribute to developing countries to combat global warming. In a move towards action on Monday, Australian Climate Minister Penny Wong announced that the government would reintroduce carbon trading legislation to parliament on Thursday and would push for a vote on the controversial laws before the end of November. The conservative opposition has called for changes to the scheme to prevent a potential second defeat in the upper house, which could prompt Prime Minister Kevin Rudd to call for a snap election. The government, currently leading in opinion polls and potentially benefiting from an election, plans to launch carbon trading in July 2011. This initiative will put a price on greenhouse gas emissions, helping to reduce emissions in a country that is one of the world's highest per capita polluters. The Australian carbon trading scheme will apply to 75 percent of emissions from 1,000 major companies and will be the second domestic trading platform outside of Europe. Companies will be required to obtain a permit for each tonne of carbon they emit. In India, Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh has suggested that New Delhi should be open to accepting restrictions on the country's increasing carbon emissions without insisting on new finance and technology from wealthy nations. Ramesh emphasized the need for a pragmatic and constructive approach rather than an argumentative one in a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, as reported by The Times of India. In an interview with Reuters on Friday, Ramesh indicated a readiness to make concessions in order to secure a deal. India, China, and other large developing nations are concerned about the potential impact of climate change and believe it is in their best interest to mitigate the effects of extreme weather events such as droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and melting glaciers. The focus of the London talks within the Major Economies Forum is on how to translate various national policy plans into a comprehensive agreement, with countries accounting for 80 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions in attendance. Asad Rehman, a Climate Campaigner for Friends of the Earth, emphasized the need for wealthy countries within the forum to provide additional funding. Copenhagen faces a major issue as the United States, the only developed nation not part of the current Kyoto Protocol, is unlikely to enact carbon-cutting laws before December. In Cape Town, South Africa raised concerns about the significant increase in emissions expected during next year's soccer World Cup, with emissions projected to nearly increase tenfold from the benchmark set in 2006 by Germany, due in part to the addition of air travel. Water and Environmental Affairs Minister Buyelwa Sonjica stated that the FIFA 2010 World Cup is expected to have the highest carbon footprint of any major event, despite efforts to make it carbon neutral. | 1 |
Due to a geomagnetic storm caused by a recent solar flare, nearly 40 out of 49 newly launched Starlink satellites have been disabled and are now descending into Earth's atmosphere to be burned up. This event underscores the risks encountered by many companies aiming to deploy thousands of small satellites in orbit to offer internet connectivity from space. There is a possibility that additional solar flares could disrupt these newly deployed satellites in the future, as the sun operates on an 11-year cycle of varying activity levels. Currently, the sun is increasing in activity and is expected to reach its peak around 2025. Although the recent solar event was not very intense, experts believe that a more severe event is likely to occur during the next cycle. This poses a potential threat to satellite constellations like Starlink, with SpaceX already announcing the possible destruction of 40 satellites due to the recent solar activity. The company stated that the satellites were released to their intended orbit, located approximately 130 miles above Earth, in order to prevent potential collisions with other satellites in the future. If the satellites malfunction at this altitude and cannot be raised to a more secure height, they will quickly be pulled back into the atmosphere, which serves as a safety measure. However, on Jan 29, before the launch of these satellites, a violent outburst of highly energetic particles and magnetism from the sun, known as a coronal mass ejection, was detected. This ejection reached Earth around Feb 2, causing a geomagnetic storm in Earth's magnetic field. The intense storm added energy to particles in Earth's atmosphere, causing it to expand and increase in density. This increased drag on objects moving through the atmosphere, including satellites, leading to a decrease in their orbits and ultimately causing them to burn up in the lower atmosphere. SpaceX reported that during a recent Starlink deployment, the storm caused atmospheric drag to increase by up to 50%, resulting in the loss of 40 out of 49 satellites due to gravity. Currently, there are 1,915 Starlink satellites in orbit, so losing up to 40 is not a major concern for SpaceX, according to Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. However, Lewis estimates the loss could amount to up to $100 million in hardware costs. The potential dangers of solar outbursts and geomagnetic storms on objects in low-Earth orbit are well-documented, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration categorizing geomagnetic storms from minor to extreme. The agency notes that even a moderate storm could affect atmospheric drag and alter orbits. Given these risks, it raises the question of whether SpaceX considered this hazard during the Starlink deployment. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina in Canada, expressed her surprise and disbelief at the situation. Jonathan McDowell also found it unexpected and thought they should have been prepared. A SpaceX representative mentioned that their team was busy and unable to answer questions. The satellites entering the atmosphere quickly instead of staying in low-Earth orbit is seen as a positive development and not a threat to those on the ground. Lewis stated that the system performed as expected in terms of safety, with the satellites de-orbiting without putting anything else at risk. While most satellites orbit at higher altitudes and are not affected by atmospheric expansion, those at lower altitudes still face threats. This situation raises concerns about whether SpaceX can continue deploying spacecraft at this lower altitude. Lewis explained that as the sun becomes more active, it emits more extreme ultraviolet radiation that is absorbed into the atmosphere, causing it to expand significantly. This is expected to result in a significant increase in atmospheric density by one or two orders of magnitude. Many astronomers have expressed concerns about Starlink and other satellite constellations, as they reflect sunlight and may disrupt telescope research on Earth. Some view this incident as indicative of SpaceX's approach to issues in low-Earth orbit - addressing problems after they occur rather than anticipating them. The destruction of these satellites serves as a difficult lesson for SpaceX, according to Lewis. Lawler added that the outcome is dependent on them and expressed his hope that this will help them see reason. | 1 |
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon stated that negotiators from 190 countries meeting in Bali to discuss climate change have a significant political and historical responsibility to come to an agreement. Ban emphasized that not reaching a deal would have serious consequences, and he believed that all countries, including the United States, were eager for an agreement. Despite disagreements from countries like the United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia regarding emission reduction guidelines, Ban expressed optimism that an agreement would be reached. He made these comments while en route from Bali to Dili, East Timor. He cautioned countries against focusing solely on emission targets, stating that they would need to be negotiated in the future. Ban expressed willingness to return to Bali if the talks remained at a standstill and emphasized the importance of leaders and negotiators fulfilling their political and historical duty to successfully conclude the discussions. He noted that climate change affects everyone, regardless of their nationality. | 1 |
European Union member states are discussing the extent to which they are prepared to combat climate change, with the possibility of creating the most ambitious strategy in the world to reduce global warming. A draft statement, obtained by Reuters, suggests reducing EU greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels, with the potential to increase this to 30 percent if other industrialized countries and economically advanced developing nations also contribute. This proposal is expected to guide the EU's stance in negotiations for a global emissions reduction agreement post-2012. However, Hungary and Poland are reportedly against making the 20 or 30 percent targets obligatory. Finland, Sweden, and Denmark have differing opinions on the EU's proposed emissions reduction target. Some states are also suggesting using a base year other than 1990 for the calculations. Germany, currently holding the EU presidency, is working to reconcile these differences in order to gain unanimous support for the climate change strategy before the leaders' summit in March. The draft proposal includes a 30 percent reduction target, contingent on commitments from other developed and economically advanced developing countries. The statement emphasizes the need for a differentiated approach to distributing responsibilities among the EU's 27 member states. It was requested that the Commission analyze the criteria for how to divide the targets, taking into consideration fairness, national circumstances, and the base years of the first commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol. The 15 original EU member states have a collective target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by eight percent by 2012 compared to 1990 levels, with each state having a different reduction amount based on a burden-sharing agreement. | 1 |
He mentioned that although the USA has exited, not all countries have followed suit. In fact, the majority of US citizens believe that climate change is a significant issue and that their government should take action. These statements were made during a press briefing at the foreign ministry to discuss the upcoming "Dhaka Meeting of the Global Commission on Adaptation" scheduled for Wednesday. The Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister and the Principal Coordinator (SDG Affairs) at the Prime Minister’s Office also spoke at the briefing. President Trump's decision to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement, a milestone agreement aimed at reducing global emissions to prevent a rise in global temperatures above 2 degrees Celsius, was highlighted. Bangladesh, a country vulnerable to climate change, has ratified the agreement and the foreign minister expressed hope that the US will rejoin the agreement due to the desires of its citizens. Marshall Island President Hilda Heine, former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, and World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva are set to arrive in Dhaka on Tuesday to participate in a meeting that will be opened by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. They will also visit Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar to witness the environmental damage caused by the arrival of people from Myanmar. Principal Coordinator Azad stated, "We want to demonstrate to global leaders involved in climate change efforts how our environment is being impacted by the large number of Rohingya refugees." The President of the Marshall Islands will arrive early on Tuesday, followed by Ban Ki-moon in the afternoon, and they will be greeted by the foreign minister at Shahjalal International Airport. Hasina is scheduled to have a meeting with the president of the Marshall Islands and the former United Nations chief prior to the start of the conference at the Hotel Intercontinental. | 1 |
According to government data released on Friday, the growth in output from mines, utilities, and factories was only 0.5 percent year-on-year, much lower than expected. This was a significant drop from the 3.9 percent increase seen in June. Output growth had reached a 19-month high of 5.0 percent in May. Retail inflation also decreased slightly to 7.8 percent in August from 7.96 percent in July, mainly due to slower price increases in fuel and clothing. These numbers come after the economy experienced its fastest growth in 2-1/2 years in the quarter ending in June, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighting the positive sentiment behind India's recovery. However, high inflation could make it challenging for Modi to encourage Indian consumers, who drive a significant portion of the economy, to increase spending. The Reserve Bank of India may also be cautious about lowering interest rates later this month due to inflation concerns. Despite some positive factors like better rainfall and falling global crude prices, it is expected that interest rates will remain unchanged when the RBI reviews them on September 30. Upasna Bhardwaj, an economist at ING Vysya Bank, believes that the RBI will likely keep its policy rate steady through March 2015, with a possible adjustment next year. Modi's strong electoral mandate in May has led to increased investor optimism and foreign investment in Indian equities. However, to maintain this positive momentum, economists suggest that Modi needs to address issues such as public finances, land acquisition laws, tax regulations, and labor rules. Failure to make these reforms could hinder the economy, which is still struggling with low consumption and weak business investment. In July, there was a 7.4 percent annual decrease in production, with firms being hesitant to make new investments. Capital goods production also dropped by 3.8 percent compared to the previous year. Rohini Malkani, an analyst at Citi, mentioned that while the pro-business government has improved the investment climate and boosted confidence, more efforts are needed to return to a period of high growth and low inflation. The images show workers in a boiler spare parts manufacturing workshop in Kolkata and a steel factory in Jammu. | 1 |
During a ceremony commemorating Rokeya Day, Hasina requested assistance for Saima, a well-known advocate for global child autism. Saima, born in Dhaka in 1973 and the granddaughter of Bangabandhu, serves on the National Advisory Committee for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Disorders and the World Health Organization's global Expert Advisory Panel on Mental Health. Hasina highlighted the past discrimination faced by parents of autistic or disabled children, noting that mothers were often harassed and women were even divorced by their husbands for giving birth to such children. Saima Wazed has made a significant impact by encouraging parents to openly discuss their autistic or disabled children, rather than keeping them hidden. Saima, a licensed school psychologist in the US, has been working in the field of autism and children's neurological conditions since 2008, receiving recognition for her work. In 2014, she was awarded the 'Excellence in Public Health' award by the WHO for her contributions in 11 Southeast Asian countries, and in 2017, she received the 'International Champion Award' from a New York-based School and Center for Children with Autism. Additionally, Saima, the daughter of nuclear scientist MA Wazed Miah, has also served as a thematic ambassador for the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF). Saima completed her honours degree in psychology in 1997 and her master's in clinical psychology in 2002 at Barry University in the US. Following this, she obtained a specialist degree in school psychology. While at the university, she conducted a study on the development of Bangladeshi women, which was recognized as the top scientific presentation by the Florida Academy of Science. In 2019, Saima was listed as one of the 100 Innovative Women Leaders in Global Mental Health by the Global Mental Health Programs Consortium. One of her notable achievements was organizing the first international conference on autism in Dhaka in 2011. Saima was instrumental in developing the Neurodevelopment Disability Trust Act 2013 in her country. Additionally, she holds the position of chairperson at the Shuchona Foundation, focusing on mental health concerns. She is also a trustee and vice-chairperson at the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), a research wing of the Awami League. | 1 |
Ugandan police discovered an unexploded suicide vest and made several arrests after coordinated bomb attacks killed 76 soccer fans watching the World Cup final. Somali al Shabaab Islamists claimed responsibility for the attacks, but later denied the involvement of suicide bombers. The vest, found in Makindye, resembled evidence from other blast sites in Kampala. Police indicated that the vest was designed to be planted as an improvised bomb, rather than worn by a suicide bomber. A man named Yonis, who is an assistant to al Shabaab spokesman Sheikh Ali Mohamud Rage, stated in a telephone interview with Reuters that the presence of planted bombs indicates there was no suicide bombing. Coordinated attacks are a common tactic of al Qaeda and groups associated with Osama bin Laden's network. If these attacks are indeed carried out by al Shabaab, it would be the first time the group has expanded its efforts internationally. Analysts have raised concerns about potential support or funding from individuals in Uganda, or foreign militants within al Shabaab. Abdi Samatar, a Somalia expert at the University of Minnesota, stated that whether they are Somalis or foreigners, the impact remains the same as foreign elements now dominate the al Shabaab project. Kayihura did not provide additional information on the number or origin of suspects detained, but he did raise the death toll to 76 from 74. The al Shabaab militants have warned of further attacks unless Uganda and Burundi remove their peacekeepers from the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia (AMISOM). They are in control of large areas in the southern and central regions of the chaotic country. Despite threats, the regional bloc IGAD stated that they will continue to support the government in Somalia. The executive secretary Mahboud Maalim announced plans to increase peacekeepers in Somalia to over 8,000, with hopes to have the additional troops by the second week of August. IGAD members, including Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti, have expressed a desire for 20,000 troops from the AU and United Nations to be deployed in Somalia. Uganda's opposition party, the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC), has called for President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw his peacekeepers and stated that they would do so if they won elections in 2011. FDC spokesman Wafula Oguttu told Reuters that there is no peace to maintain in Somalia and Uganda does not have any strategic interests there. He expressed concern that the country is sacrificing its children for no reason. Analysts believe that a sustained bombing campaign would harm Uganda's investment climate, but a one-time attack is unlikely to deter major companies like Tullow Oil from investing. Foreign direct investment in Uganda has increased due to oil exploration along the western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. An American was among the casualties, and the US State Department confirmed that three FBI agents were on-site gathering evidence. An extra team was prepared to be deployed if needed. Opolot noted that there were no indications that the African Union summit scheduled to be held in Uganda this month would be called off due to the bombings. | 1 |
The cabinet approved the name change during a meeting at the Secretariat on Monday, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presiding. Cabinet Secretary Mohammad Shafiul Alam informed the media that the proposal for the name change had been previously submitted. The government decided to include 'Climate Change' in the name after reaching an agreement with neighboring countries. The ministry will now be called 'Poribesh, Bon o Jolbayu Poribartan' in Bangla and 'Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change' in English. The decision for the change was made at the 4th meeting of the National Environment Committee on Aug 6, 2017. The name change will take effect once a notification signed by the president of Bangladesh is released. Bangladesh is considered one of the nations most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, with global warming posing a significant challenge. Experts predict that continued global warming could lead to extensive flooding, potentially displacing around 2 billion people worldwide. Since taking office in 2009, the Awami League government has established two distinct funds aimed at mitigating the effects of climate change. The two funds are called the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust (BCCT) and the Bangladesh Climate Change Resilience Fund (BCCRF). | 1 |
A spokesperson from the State Department confirmed Rank's departure, but was unable to confirm Twitter posts stating he resigned due to feeling unable to formally notify China of the US decision to withdraw from the agreement. Anna Richey-Allen, a spokesperson for the department's East Asia Bureau, stated that Rank retired from the foreign service and made a personal decision to do so. The department appreciates his years of service. Iowa Governor Terry Branstad, chosen by President Trump as the next US ambassador to Beijing, is expected to assume the position later this month. China expert John Pomfret's tweet cited unnamed sources claiming that Rank resigned from his position because he could not support President Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris agreement. Rank reportedly held a town hall meeting with embassy staff to explain his decision and the fact that he could not deliver a diplomatic note to the Chinese government. A senior US official confirmed the information in the tweets, but stated that Rank was instructed by the State Department to leave his post immediately after announcing his intention to retire. Another US official mentioned that on June 1, the State Department accepted the resignation of its top personnel officer, who was one of the few remaining senior political appointees from the Obama administration. Arnold Chacon, who had served as the director general of the foreign service and director of human resources, resigned when Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20, along with all presidential appointees. Chacon's resignation was reported by the DiploPundit website. It is unclear if he will be offered another position at the department. Apart from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, his deputy John Sullivan, and Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon, many senior posts at the State Department are currently vacant or filled by acting officials. Chacon and Rank, a long-time diplomat who recently became deputy chief of mission in Beijing, were not available for immediate comment. Jonathan Fritz, the embassy's economics councillor, will temporarily take over as chargé, according to Richey-Allen. Rank, who had a 27-year career with the department, previously served as political councillor at the US Embassy in Afghanistan. Trump's decision to withdraw from the Paris climate accord on Thursday, citing concerns about its impact on the US economy and jobs, was met with criticism from global leaders and industry heads. | 1 |
China is encouraging President Barack Obama to increase the U.S. offer to reduce carbon emissions, but their top climate envoy is willing to compromise at the upcoming U.N. conference in Copenhagen. Xie Zhenhua expressed China's desire to play a positive role at the climate talks, emphasizing the importance of agreement between the United States and China, who together account for 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Xie hopes that President Obama can make a significant contribution to the conference and suggested that China would be open to accepting a target to halve global emissions by 2050 if developed nations commit to more ambitious emissions reductions by 2020 and provide financial assistance to developing countries to combat climate change. The significance of a mid-term target is emphasized over a long-term target, in order to address immediate issues. The deputy chairman of the NDRC expressed the importance of satisfying developing countries' demands before discussing an emissions target to reduce global emissions by 2050. He suggested that rich countries should aim to cut their emissions by 25-40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. Earlier this year, during earlier rounds of U.N. talks, China had pushed for a reduction of "at least 40 percent." Xie expressed a preference for a final, legally binding agreement to be reached at the Copenhagen meeting, but if that was not feasible, he suggested setting a deadline to finalize a comprehensive treaty by June, which he deemed as very beneficial. He dismissed a U.N. suggestion for fast-track funding of $10 billion annually from 2010-2012 as insufficient. | 1 |
In Zanesville, Ohio on Monday, Republican presidential nominee John McCain tried to distance himself from President George W. Bush while Democrat Barack Obama tried to link them together during a day of intense campaigning. McCain stated on NBC's "Meet the Press" that he has stood up against his party, including President Bush, and has the scars to prove it. Obama responded in a speech in Denver, highlighting McCain's admission that he and Bush have a lot in common. Obama addressed a crowd of over 100,000 supporters in Denver, vowing not to allow George Bush to pass the torch to John McCain. Despite polls showing him far behind, McCain remains confident that the race is tightening just over a week before the Nov. 4 election. This day marked the 41st anniversary of McCain being shot down in Vietnam and spending over five years as a prisoner of war. McCain reflected on his experience in the "Hanoi Hilton" and reiterated his dedication to fighting for the American people. "I will advocate for you, my friends." Obama and his team have tried to connect McCain to Bush whenever possible, pointing out that the Arizona senator has voted with the president 90 percent of the time. With ample campaign funds, Obama's team unveiled a TV commercial featuring McCain alongside Bush, with the announcer declaring, "He's lacking in new ideas, out of touch, and running out of time." McCain, on the other hand, stated that while he respects Bush, he has disagreed with him on various important issues, such as opposing increased government spending, criticizing Bush's Iraq strategy, and pushing for stronger action on climate change. McCain believes that the Bush-McCain philosophy has led the country down the wrong path for the past eight years, and he does not want another four years that mirror the previous eight. Obama stated that he is running for president because he believes it is time for change in Washington. He is currently leading in national opinion polls and in polls in many battleground states, including Iowa, where he has a significant lead according to a recent poll. However, a different poll suggests that the race between Obama and McCain is becoming closer overall. According to the Reuters/C-SPAN/Zogby poll, Obama is leading McCain by 49 percent to 44 percent among likely U.S. voters. In this survey, the Illinois senator's lead has decreased in the past three days after reaching a high of 12 points on Thursday. Some Republicans have expressed concerns that McCain's campaign has been shifting from issue to issue, putting not only the Republican Party's chances of keeping the White House at risk but also jeopardizing many seats in the U.S. Congress. McCain stated that they are doing well, having made progress in the last week, and if this trend continues, they could be leading on Election Night. He noted the enthusiasm and passion among voters and expressed satisfaction with their competitive position and the campaign he has conducted. McCain expressed strong support for his vice presidential running mate Sarah Palin, despite the criticism she has faced. While many Americans doubt her readiness to be president, McCain initially saw her as a valuable addition to his campaign. However, some conservatives have questioned her experience and ability to serve as president if needed. McCain emphasized his praise for Palin rather than defending her. McCain stated that Palin does not require any defense and he defended the Republican National Committee's purchase of $150,000 in clothes for her and her family by explaining that a third of the clothes had been returned and the rest would be donated to charity. McCain also praised Palin for living a frugal life and commended her for igniting crowds and conducting herself admirably. | 1 |
The battle against climate change in the U.S. is no longer exclusive to Democrats. In the past, Democrats were known for their environmental efforts, attracting votes from party members and independent voters by emphasizing their strategies to address global warming. However, this year, Republicans, traditionally associated with President George W. Bush, may use climate change as a central issue during elections. This could distinguish Republican presidential candidates from the policies of the Bush administration, which have caused the U.S. to be isolated among major developed countries. Ken Mehlman, former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, believes that climate change can garner support from individuals beyond the Republican Party. Republicans are in need of assistance after losing control of both houses of Congress in 2006. Mehlman stated that independents deserted the party, leading to their defeat. He believes that gaining back the trust of independents is crucial and suggests that addressing climate change can be done in line with conservative values. Economic conservatives, who are typically Republicans, see technological solutions as a means to generate wealth and employment opportunities. Some corporate leaders support a federal limit on carbon emissions to avoid a mix of state laws. Religious conservatives, often aligned with the Republicans, see reducing carbon emissions as a way to fulfill their responsibility as stewards of divine creation. National security conservatives believe that reducing reliance on foreign oil would weaken funding for anti-U.S. groups in the Middle East and beyond. The current administration, unlike other major industrialized nations, opposes the Kyoto Protocol which aims to cap carbon emissions. President Bush argues that the Kyoto plan would disadvantage the United States if rapidly growing developing countries like China and India were not held to the same standards. Republican Senator John Warner is leading the charge in Congress by co-sponsoring a bill to limit carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change. Senator John McCain, who is currently the leading candidate for the Republican presidential nomination, previously sponsored a bill addressing climate change. There is bipartisan support for these efforts. Mike Huckabee, a former Republican governor of Arkansas and ordained Baptist minister who is also running for president, has not provided many details on how to address climate change but has emphasized the importance of human action in mitigating its effects. In contrast, former Massachusetts Governor [name missing] has taken a different approach. Mitt Romney won the Republican primary in Michigan by criticizing McCain's support for increased fuel efficiency, arguing it would harm the U.S. auto industry. Meanwhile, in California, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is pushing for tougher emissions standards for vehicles, a plan that has been adopted by 16 other states pending approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. McCain, Huckabee, and Romney initially expressed support for the waiver needed for these standards, with Romney later adjusting his stance. In the presidential election, the focus on "change" is evident among candidates from both major parties. Democrats Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama have expressed strong support for cap-and-trade plans to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change. Tony Kreindler from the non-partisan Environmental Defense group believes that bipartisan support for capping global warming pollution should alert Congress to take action. While polls show that voters prioritize issues like the economy and the war in Iraq over climate change, David Sandretti from the League of Conservation Voters disagrees, arguing that the environment is interconnected with other important issues. Sandretti pointed out that climate change is linked to national security and the future of U.S. energy. Sandretti stated that addressing global warming is impossible without addressing the energy issue, which impacts all aspects of America's political life. | 1 |
US singer Rihanna, climate change activist Greta Thunberg, and US lawyer and activist Meena Harris, who is the niece of Vice-President Kamala Harris, took to social media to bring awareness to the struggles of farmers protesting against reforms for months. The Indian foreign ministry responded, urging for a thorough understanding of the situation before making comments on the matter. | 1 |
After successfully winning the bloody Liberation War in 1971, Bangladesh declared independence and earned the right to be recognized as a country on the global stage. To commemorate this achievement, Bangladesh recently celebrated the golden jubilee of independence and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu through a 10-day program. During a discussion at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka, author Selina Hossain, Education Minister Dipu Moni, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam discussed the theme "Banglar Mati, Amar Mati" (Bengal's Soil, My Soil). Nepal's President Bidya Devi Bhandari, along with Bangladesh's President Md Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, joined the celebration. Selina highlighted Sheikh Mujib's role in establishing the secular Bengali nationalist identity globally. She mentioned that Bangabandhu had called for changing the name of East Pakistan to Purbo Bangla during his speech to the assembly on August 25, 1955. She also quoted from a speech Bangabandhu gave after being released from a Pakistani jail, where he declared his pride in being Bengali and his commitment to the Bengali nation. Shahriar quoted from another address by Bangabandhu on June 7, 1972, in which he expressed his identity as a Bengali and his connection to the land of Bangla. Despite Bangabandhu's assassination, his teachings continue to guide us. Dipu Moni stated that Bangabandhu is a never-ending source of inspiration for us. Bhandari mentioned that Bangabandhu, besides being beloved by Bengalis, is also a respected leader in the region. She highlighted his skills as an orator, organizer, and advocate, stating that he successfully won over the people of Bangladesh and achieved the creation of a new nation. Hamid urged politicians to move towards a new era in politics by setting aside their differences and focusing on improving the lives of the country's poorest and most vulnerable citizens, following the spirit of independence and Bangabandhu's principles. Hasina marked the two occasions by urging world leaders to prioritize sustainable development and cautioning that the adaptation process will not effectively protect the most vulnerable countries unless action is taken to address the current trend of climate change. The second session of the program featured an orchestra of instrumentalists and traditional Nepalese dance performances. Additionally, a Jatrapala folk theatre drama titled 'Ma, Mati O Manush' was presented, followed by a chorus performance by 100 folk singers. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Maldives and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa of Sri Lanka have both visited Bangladesh to participate in the festivities. Additionally, Prime Minister Lotay Tshering of Bhutan and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are expected to attend as well. | 1 |
Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is at risk of losing his strong political support in Milan to the left for the first time in twenty years. The results of local elections have highlighted the vulnerability of his center-right coalition. Around 6 million Italians are eligible to vote in mayoral contests in 90 towns and six provinces, with particular focus on Milan and Naples. Voting started at 7 a.m. on Monday with results expected in the evening. The government is planning to implement budget cuts, following a negative outlook on Italy's rating by Standard and Poor's. A defeat in Milan would be a significant setback for Berlusconi, who is already facing challenges from various scandals and a sluggish economy. This loss could also raise doubts about his government's ability to enforce necessary austerity measures. Despite Italy's high public debt, which is around 120 percent of the gross domestic product, the country has managed to avoid the financial market instability experienced by Greece and Portugal. However, a recent warning from S&P serves as a reminder of the consequences of not taking action. An editorial in the business daily Il Sole 24 Ore questioned whether the current government would be able to effectively handle the situation. Berlusconi faced defeat in the initial round of voting in May, as the centre left easily maintained power in Turin and Bologna, pushing the centre right into run-offs in Naples and Milan. A defeat would likely worsen tensions with his main ally, the Northern League, and could lead to challenges to his unchallenged leadership of the center right, although senior ministers have said there will be no change in direction before the next national elections in 2013. Defense Minister Ignazio La Russa, a loyal supporter of Berlusconi, stated that he does not see any possibility of a different government forming and believes that early elections are not desired by anyone. In Milan, outgoing center-right mayor Letizia Moratti is trailing behind leftist Giuliano Pisapia in the first-round vote. Residents of Milan have noted a shift in the political climate in the city. Voters in Italy have been influenced by regional issues such as transport and the ongoing garbage crisis in Naples, but the struggling national economy has been the main focus during the elections. Italy has had a slow economy for more than ten years, with high youth unemployment and the average Italian now poorer than a decade ago. Berlusconi's government recently had to lower its growth forecast for the year, and S&P's downgraded Italy's outlook due to failure to reduce debt and increase growth. Despite initial concerns, the Treasury was able to sell long-term bonds successfully. Berlusconi has been aggressively targeting his political rivals in the media after facing criticism for initially framing the election as a referendum on his leadership. If the left wins, Milan will turn into an "Islamic gypsyland," he warned. He also stated that leftist voters were lacking intelligence, leading to internet parodies and a lawsuit from an outraged voter. During a rant against Italian magistrates to President Barack Obama at the Group of Eight summit in Deauville, France, Economy Undersecretary Daniela Melchiorre, a former magistrate, resigned in protest. | 1 |
Three additional US representatives have recently joined the Congressional Caucus for Bangladesh. Arizona congresswoman Gabrielle Gifford and New York congressmen Mike McMahon and Scott Murphy made this announcement during a meeting of the 'New Democratic Coalition Pact' on Monday. They have committed to advocating for Bangladesh's interests in areas such as climate change, the environment, and the proposed construction of the Tipai Dam by India. Bangladeshi-American Public Affairs Front general secretary Hasanuzaman Hasan and US-based BNP leader Gias Ahmed were present at the meeting representing the Bangladeshi community. Congressman Joseph Crowley, who serves as co-chairman of the Bangladesh Caucus, stated that he is actively working towards securing duty-free access for Bangladeshi ready-made garments in the US market. He also expressed his interest in providing expatriate Bangladeshis with the legal right to live and work in the United States. Currently, there are around 39 congressmen who are part of the Bangladesh Caucus. Patrick Kennedy, the son of the late senator Edward Kennedy, recently joined the Bangladeshi Caucus in America, showing his strong support for Bangladesh. | 1 |
Labor has regained power after being in opposition for nine years, with strong support for the Greens and climate-focused independents helping to defeat the conservative coalition in the recent general election. The new Prime Minister, Albanese, expressed his desire to lead a government that unites rather than divides the country. Despite the ongoing vote count, Albanese was sworn in so he could attend a meeting of the "Quad" security grouping in Tokyo. This meeting will involve discussions on the country's relationship with China, which Albanese acknowledged will continue to be challenging. Deputy Labor leader Richard Marles and three key ministers - Penny Wong in foreign affairs, Jim Chalmers as treasurer, and Katy Gallagher in finance - were also sworn in, with Wong set to accompany Albanese on the Quad trip. Labor's election campaign focused heavily on Albanese's background as a working-class individual who was raised in public housing by a single mother on a disability pension. The party emphasized his reputation as a pragmatic unifier. Center-left Labor is currently leading in 76 seats in the 151-seat lower house, with several races still too close to call, according to the Australian Electoral Commission. Independents or the Green party are expected to win more than a dozen seats as the counting of postal votes continues. Independent candidates, known as "teal independents," are campaigning in affluent, Liberal-held seats on a platform of climate action, integrity, and equality, and could potentially have a significant impact on the outcome. Independent Monique Ryan stated that constituents in her seat of Kooyong in Melbourne considered climate change the most important issue. Outgoing Treasurer Josh Frydenberg acknowledged this on Monday. Ryan emphasized that their platform was based on listening to people's values and desires. Albanese expressed his hope that Labor would win enough seats to govern independently but mentioned agreements with some independents to not support no-confidence motions against his government. Upon his return from Japan, Albanese plans to quickly implement his election promises, including establishing a national anti-corruption commission and a A$15 billion manufacturing fund. The full ministry will be sworn in on June 1. The Australian financial markets showed little response to the election results on Monday as the outcome was already anticipated and no significant economic changes were expected. Economists at Commonwealth Bank of Australia stated that their economic forecasts and predictions regarding the Reserve Bank of Australia remain the same despite the change in national leadership. | 1 |
Despite the focus on the 2008 presidential campaign, Republicans are also aiming to regain control of the U.S. Senate after narrowly losing it to the Democrats last year. Experts believe that with a 51-49 Democratic majority and 34 Senate seats up for grabs in November 2008, the Democrats have the advantage. President George W. Bush's Republicans have 22 seats to defend, while the Democrats only have 12. Jennifer Duffy, a Senate races specialist at the Cook Political Report, sees potential for Democrats in the upcoming election but is unsure if it will be realized. She stated that she believes the majority is not at risk, as the Republicans are focused on minimizing their losses. The control of the Senate will be vital for the White House next year, regardless of who follows Bush. The decisions made in the Senate can make or break a president's policies, as many important bills require 60 votes for approval. The upcoming Senate races will be dominated by issues such as the prolonged Iraq war, a weak economy, disagreements on tax cuts, and debates on climate change, according to Anthony Corrado, a government professor at Colby College in Maine. He stated that the upcoming election will put the Republicans in a defensive position, with discussions about change being prevalent. Duffy noted that there is no certainty that Democrats will gain many seats, as evidenced by a recent poll showing a decline in support for them. In 2006, Democrats were elected with a promise to withdraw troops from Iraq, but have not yet been able to fulfill this commitment. The situation may change in September when Congress will discuss various anti-war proposals. Many Republicans are considered vulnerable and could potentially be replaced to increase the Democrats' advantage, including Minnesota's Norm Coleman, Maine's Susan Collins, New Hampshire's John Sununu, and the seat being left vacant by Colorado's Wayne Allard. Democrats, however, also need to protect seats held by Mary Landrieu in Louisiana, Mark Pryor in Arkansas, and Tim Johnson in South Dakota, who is recovering from brain surgery. Republicans have not yet chosen a candidate for Landrieu's seat, leading to speculation among political analysts. Mike Huckabee might decide not to run for president and instead challenge Pryor. Sen. John Ensign, who leads the National Republican Senatorial Committee, believes that his party will perform better than expected. He pointed out that the Democrats were underestimated in the past Senate elections, and that it is important to wait for the election results before making predictions. Ensign also mentioned that the Democrats' support for tax cuts and their stance against the Iraq war could benefit the Republicans, who lost control of the Senate in 2006. Senator Charles Schumer of New York, the Democratic counterpart to Ensign, argues that the Iraq war, now in its fifth year, would benefit his party. Schumer believes that Democrats have a history of successfully balancing the budget, which should appeal to voters. As head of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, Schumer states that the Republicans have lost touch and that the Democrats are poised to bring about change. If senators like John Warner of Virginia and Pete Domenici of New Mexico retire, Republicans could face an even tougher fight with more seats in play. Additionally, the Democratic campaign has raised double the amount of money compared to their Republican rival during the first four months of 2007, with $18.3 million raised by Democrats and $9.1 million by Republicans. In a closely contested election in Minnesota, comedian Al Franken, the top Democratic contender, has already collected $1.35 million in the initial three months, a solid performance compared to the $1.53 million raised by Coleman. | 1 |
Just before the start of the climate talks in Glasgow, the G20 countries announced their commitment to stop financing coal-fired power plants overseas. This decision came after Chinese President Xi Jinping made a similar promise at the UN General Assembly in September. Research from Boston University's Global Development Policy Center shows that 99 percent of development finance institutions are now dedicated to reducing coal investments and supporting renewable energy. If these institutions uphold their promises, it will be easier for developing nations to secure funding for renewable energy and phasing out coal power. Only three major institutions, including the Development Bank of Latin America and the Islamic Development Bank, have not yet joined the pledge, but many of their major shareholders are part of the G20 commitment. Xi's decision in September to stop China's involvement in overseas coal projects has had a significant impact, as it has cut off major financial support for coal-fired power, such as the China Development Bank and the Export-Import Bank of China. The Bank of China has also followed suit by pledging to cease new overseas coal mining and power projects from October onwards. Experts believe that Chinese financial institutions are well aware of the decreasing demand for coal power, which has made it easier for Xi's directive to be enforced. These institutions are committed to the transition away from coal, with one expert emphasizing that they are not seeking excuses to continue such projects, but rather reasons not to proceed with them. Analysts say that China's decision to withdraw from coal investments is a significant alignment of political, economic, and climate interests, as coal struggles to compete with renewables and faces the risk of becoming stranded assets worth billions of dollars. Matt Gray from TransitionZero stated that China's experience with financing coal through the Belt and Road Initiative was not successful due to issues with host countries defaulting on debt, leading to a change in economics and political signals for China to stop investing in coal. | 1 |
Leaders from the Asia-Pacific rim committed to increasing free trade and strengthening security at the conclusion of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Hanoi. The "Hanoi Declaration" outlined key points, including efforts to resolve the impasse in global trade negotiations, exploring the possibility of an Asia-Pacific free trade area, and establishing six model measures for free trade arrangements. These measures are intended to serve as guidelines for APEC members, although they are not mandatory. Member countries were urged to address piracy and copyright infringements, while a statement condemning North Korea's nuclear test was delivered behind closed doors. The importance of safeguarding financial and commercial systems was emphasized, with a nod to the United States' financial crackdown on North Korea. A study on trade recovery in the face of terrorist attacks or pandemics was welcomed, and collaboration on bird flu, including developing official responses and business continuity plans, was agreed upon. The initiatives aimed at addressing the terrorist threat to the APEC food supply are welcomed. Plans are being considered to prevent corrupt individuals from finding safe haven and accessing gains from illegal activities. APEC ministers have been instructed to report back in 2007 on policies to promote cleaner energy and improve energy efficiency. Efforts will be made to encourage energy policies that reduce market distortions and enhance energy security. | 1 |
A directorate focused on climate change will be established within the environment ministry. An initial proposal for this initiative was given the green light during a trustee board meeting on Wednesday. Following the meeting, the state minister for environment, Hassan Mahmud, who chairs the board, informed reporters about the approval. In total, five proposals were provisionally approved during the meeting, with 33 non-government projects and 44 government projects receiving final approval. Additionally, the junior minister mentioned that machinery purchases for the Karnafuli Jute Mills and Forat Karnafuli Carpet Factory will be funded through the climate change fund. He mentioned that the army's projects to build solar power plants at various military sites, including the headquarters, were granted conditional final approval. He noted that projects by non-government agencies received final approval following a reduction in budget. These organizations had requested up to Tk 50 million, but will now receive between Tk 2 million and 10 million under the revised budget. | 1 |
Officials from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) stated that despite the global financial crisis, there is still a growing long-term demand for new nuclear power plants. They are gathering in Beijing to discuss the future of atomic power in the midst of a global slowdown, climate change concerns, and tensions over nuclear programs in countries like North Korea and Iran. While funding for new nuclear power plants may be more challenging in the short term due to the financial crisis, there is confidence that energy security and global warming concerns will ultimately outweigh the impact of the crisis on the nuclear sector. Dong Batong, a representative of China's atomic energy industry association, stated that China is dedicated to significantly increasing nuclear power despite a decrease in growth. He emphasized that nuclear power is being used as a key strategy to boost domestic demand, with numerous new nuclear units either being constructed or planned throughout the country. The International Atomic Energy Agency based in Vienna reports that nuclear power currently supplies 14% of global electricity, a percentage that is expected to rise as countries aim to reduce energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of this expansion is projected to occur in Asia, with China leading in the construction of nuclear power plants, followed by India and South Korea. Yuri Sokolov, deputy director-general of the IAEA, emphasized the importance of ensuring safety standards and safeguards against weapons proliferation as developing countries pursue nuclear power expansion. He stated that governments must support regulators with effective legislation and well-trained staff. Despite North Korea's controversial actions, Sokolov acknowledged their right to have nuclear power stations and expressed hope for international cooperation to support their civil nuclear power development. North Korea withdrew from the IAEA some years ago and recently kicked out IAEA officials who had returned to oversee a closed nuclear facility that North Korea plans to reopen. The head of the IAEA, Mohamed ElBaradei, will deliver the opening address at the nuclear energy conference on Monday. | 1 |
The European Union is maintaining its position that the UN talks in Bali should establish strict guidelines for wealthy nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, despite opposition from the US. European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas emphasized the importance of including a target range for emissions reductions for developed countries in 2020. While the EU did not repeat its specific demand for reductions of 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, a compromise draft text was created at the meeting to kickstart negotiations for a global agreement to combat climate change. This draft dropped the goal of tough emissions cuts by 2020 for rich countries but kept the objective of halving global emissions by 2050. | 1 |
Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel urged top politicians to come together to address the urgent issue of global warming, which she described as one of the most significant threats facing the world. Merkel emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that climate change affects everyone and cannot be ignored. She compared the challenge of climate change to a future war, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts by nations worldwide. In attendance were Russian President Vladimir Putin, US Defense Secretary Robert Gates, and US Senator for Arizona John McCain. Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel has emphasized the importance of addressing climate change during Germany's dual EU and G8 presidencies, urging nations to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy, and transition to renewable fuels. Merkel has also expressed intentions to work towards a new agreement to reduce greenhouse gases once the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. Germany's coalition of left and right parties is divided on various energy policies, leading the government to oppose certain EU efforts to reduce emissions. | 1 |
The United States does not anticipate reaching a climate change agreement with China during President Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Beijing, according to the country's senior climate change envoy Todd Stern. Stern stated that the goal of the visit is to establish common ground with President Hu in order to facilitate an agreement in Copenhagen, where negotiators will meet in December to create a new accord for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Progress in the talks has been sluggish, with the US hesitant to commit to a deal that does not require developing countries like China to agree to mandatory CO2 reduction targets. Chinese negotiators have also suggested that the industrialized world should take on the majority of the responsibility for reducing carbon emissions. The meeting between Obama and President Hu Jintao, who lead the world's top two greenhouse gas emitters, is seen as crucial in building consensus for a new global climate agreement. Maria Cantwell, a Democratic Senator from Washington State, mentioned in Beijing that China and the United States may sign a bilateral agreement during Obama's visit. However, Stern clarified that Washington is not seeking a separate deal. The two countries are expected to discuss further cooperation on issues like carbon capture and storage next month, but analysts believe that their differences will make it challenging to reach a substantive agreement. Paul Harris, a professor of global and environmental studies at the Hong Kong Institute of Education, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of the upcoming talks in Copenhagen, as many kind words and discussions may not lead to significant results. With the conference approaching, there is uncertainty about whether a successful outcome can be achieved, according to Stern. The Obama administration's efforts to pass a climate plan before the end of the year are seen as crucial, with the US Senate Environment Committee currently holding hearings on a new climate bill. The administration has been strongly encouraging Congress to make progress, and any additional postponements could harm the reputation of the United States at the Copenhagen talks. | 1 |
In the Amazon jungle's sweltering heat, Brazilian Indians and officials joined together to urge U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to garner international support in protecting the world's largest rainforest. Brazilian Environment Minister Marina Silva emphasized the need for tangible mechanisms to benefit the Amazon's residents, speaking to Ban under a century-old Samauma tree near Belem, the region's largest city. This plea came as Ban concluded a South American tour focused on the effects of global warming, which included a recent visit to Antarctica. Amazon Indian Marcos Apurina also implored Ban to assist in creating opportunities for forest dwellers to sustain themselves in the region. Ban, who explored a jungle trail on Combu island in the Guama River, pledged the United Nations' support for their cause. This is a shared asset of all people on Earth." Before, Ban interacted with a three-toed sloth and planted two native trees at a botanical garden in Belem. Ban is getting ready for a UN climate change conference in Bali, Indonesia, in December, where discussions to limit carbon emissions after the Kyoto Protocol ends in 2012 will begin. Brazil is responsible for the world's fourth-largest amount of carbon emissions, largely because of the Amazon rainforest's destruction, as reported by international environmental organizations. Ban did not address Brazil's decision not to set goals to decrease deforestation and carbon emissions. Instead of criticizing Brazil, he praised the country for its efforts in reducing forest destruction by 50% in two years, even though the rate has increased again recently. The Amazon contributes to global warming by releasing carbon dioxide when trees are burned or decompose. Farmers and loggers continue to clear large areas of the forest each year, depending on the prices of grain, beef, and timber. Silva, a former rubber tapper and activist, asked Ban to support a proposal within the international Convention on Biodiversity that would require pharmaceutical companies to pay for drugs derived from Amazon medicinal plants, despite opposition from some Western countries. Ban agreed to study the proposal after a meeting with Silva on Monday. Scientists warn that global warming may transform a section of the Amazon into semi-arid savanna in the coming decades. Severe weather patterns have led to droughts in some areas and floods in others. Secretary-General Ban's scheduled trip along an Amazon tributary near Santarem had to be called off due to shallow waters. Ban commended Brazil for its efforts in developing low-emission biofuels but stressed the need for further international research to assess the potential impact of large-scale production on food supplies. Over the weekend, he visited a plant in Sao Paulo state, where Brazil is known for being one of the largest and most cost-effective producers of ethanol. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's administration has escalated law enforcement actions against illegal loggers and enlarged protected territories. However, there is concern among conservationists that the construction of roads and hydroelectric facilities could potentially lead to an increase in deforestation over time. | 1 |
The prime minister addressed the issue during the opening ceremony of 'World Environment Day and Environment Fair 2017 and National Tree Planting Project and Tree Planting Day 2017' at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre. She emphasized the importance of protecting the Sundarbans while implementing development projects. Despite protests from environmentalists and leftist groups, the government assured that the coal-based power plant in Rampal, near the Sundarbans, would not cause harm. The Sundarbans was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 during the tenure of an Awami League government led by Hasina. "We have been consistently safeguarding the Sundarbans," Hasina stated. She emphasized that Bangladesh owes its protection to the Sundarbans. The government is working on expanding the mangrove forest using artificial methods. Hasina mentioned that under the Awami League government, the forest area in Bangladesh has increased by 17 percent with a target of 25 percent. She also mentioned that the government has achieved a balance between environmental conservation and socially responsible forestry practices. She suggested the implementation of 'smart patrolling' to safeguard the area and emphasized the importance of creating a 'green seawall' to protect against natural disasters. Additionally, steps are being taken to provide alternative employment for those living in the Sundarbans region. The prime minister also mentioned the establishment of a trust fund to combat climate change, with Tk 31 billion allocated so far. However, she expressed disappointment that many developing countries had not contributed to the fund. She mentioned that despite receiving numerous promises, only a small amount of financial aid was provided. However, they made good use of what they did receive. The prime minister stated that Bangladesh has demonstrated self-reliance and is being acknowledged for it. | 1 |
During climate discussions in Bali, delegates are close to finalizing guidelines for a pay-and-preserve program for forests as part of a future global warming agreement, according to Indonesia's foreign minister. The program, known as Reduced Emissions from Deforestation in Developing Countries (REDD), would allow the preservation of forests to be traded as a commodity, potentially generating significant revenue for poor nations through carbon credit trading. Scientists emphasize the importance of preserving tropical forests, as they absorb a large amount of carbon dioxide emissions, which is a major contributor to global warming and its associated consequences. Developed countries have shown enthusiasm for the role of forests in addressing climate change, as stated by Indonesian Foreign Minister Hassan Wirajuda. Developed countries and countries with large forest areas have agreed to work together to create a world map with the participation of not only governments, but also institutions such as universities and research bodies. The issue of curbing deforestation has been a major concern for the delegates at Bali, as the current U.N. climate pact, the Kyoto Protocol, does not have provisions to reward developing nations for preserving tropical rainforests. The REDD scheme, at its core, would allow carbon credits to be given to qualifying developing nations, which can then be bought by wealthy nations to offset their emissions. The main point of contention revolves around whether future discussions on deforestation should be broadened to include other types of land use, a proposal supported by the United States but opposed by most developing nations, according to an Indonesian forestry official. The official informed Reuters that the proposal could shift the attention away from forests, complicate the plan, and delay its implementation. The Bali meeting has agreed to encourage individual countries to undertake projects to help them get ready for REDD, while also agreeing to further study the issue. The World Bank has initiated a $300 million fund to combat global warming by preserving forests. This fund includes a $100 million "readiness" fund to provide grants to about 20 countries to prepare for large-scale forest protection efforts. The grants will support projects such as surveys of current forest resources, monitoring systems, and improving governance. A separate $200 million "carbon finance mechanism" will enable some of these countries to carry out pilot programs and earn credits for reducing deforestation. Indonesia is a strong advocate for REDD and is ranked as one of the top three greenhouse gas emitters globally due to deforestation, peatland degradation, and forest fires. A recent report, supported by the World Bank and Britain's development arm, highlighted these issues. Indonesia has over 225 million acres of forest, accounting for approximately 10 percent of the world's remaining tropical forests, as reported by rainforestweb.org. | 1 |
A senior official from Japan's trade and industry sector suggested that 2005 would be a suitable base year for determining reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in a future climate agreement, instead of using 1990 as the base year as proposed by the Kyoto Protocol. Japan believes that using 1990 as the base year is unfair to Japanese industries that have already made significant investments in energy efficiency. However, Japan has not officially declared what the new base year should be. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) spokesperson stated that the vice minister, Takao Kitabata, believes that 2005 would be a fair base year. This potential change may face opposition from the European Union, which has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 from 1990 levels. Approximately 190 countries came to an agreement during UN-led discussions in Bali to begin two years of negotiations for a new agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The Kyoto Protocol currently only requires wealthy nations to reduce emissions by an average of five percent between 2008 and 2012 compared to 1990 levels. The successor to Kyoto would include all nations, with the "Bali roadmap" acknowledging the necessity of significant reductions in global emissions. However, disagreements exist regarding the specifics of binding targets and the reference year for those targets. | 1 |
Dozens of world leaders are set to meet in Washington for an unprecedented summit on nuclear security, where US President Barack Obama is hoping they can reach agreements on preventing terrorists from obtaining atomic bombs. While the focus of the meeting will not be on specific countries, discussions about the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea are expected to arise in Obama's bilateral meetings with leaders like Chinese President Hu Jintao. Hu's attendance at the summit is seen as a positive sign for Sino-US relations, as it demonstrates China's willingness to cooperate on key security and foreign policy issues. The draft communique for the summit includes a US proposal to secure all vulnerable nuclear material within four years, but it is likely to be revised before being officially adopted at the end of the meeting on April 13. According to analysts and Western diplomats, the significance of the summit meeting in Washington, one of the largest since World War Two, goes well beyond its official agenda. Ian Kearns from the British American Security Information Council stated in a report that many people view nuclear security as a narrow technical issue that only concerns those worried about nuclear terrorism. Kearns, who advises Britain's parliamentary committee on national security, believes that if the leaders at the summit address the issue properly, they could make nuclear power safer for combating climate change, strengthen the non-proliferation regime, and increase international confidence in nuclear disarmament. The summit will be attended by leaders such as China's Hu, Russia's Medvedev, France's Sarkozy, and Germany's Merkel, as well as representatives from India, Pakistan, and Israel, all of whom possess atomic weapons but are not signatories to the 1970 nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran and North Korea will not be invited to the meeting, but Pakistan will be included as they have pledged to improve their internal safeguards. Pakistani scientist Abdul Qadeer Khan was involved in providing atomic technology to Iran, North Korea, and Libya. Both Iran and North Korea, who are accused of pursuing nuclear weapons, are excluded from the meeting, while Pakistan's inclusion is seen as crucial. Joe Cirincione, a professor at Georgetown University, believes that securing nuclear materials worldwide within four years could greatly enhance global security. He stated that if they carry out this plan, it could effectively prevent nuclear terrorism by preventing radicals from obtaining the one component of the bomb they cannot create themselves. Cirincione, however, is eager to see if the final statement is more than just a brief press release and if the action plan includes specific targets and deadlines. He hopes that key nations will commit to securing their weapons material within four years and that the states will agree to reconvene in two years to review progress. The agenda includes plans to bring together a diverse group of countries with nuclear programs to gather dangerous atomic material from vulnerable sites worldwide, a practice that Russia and the United States have been doing with the assistance of the UN atomic watchdog for years. If successful, the summit can demonstrate a strong message to the world that the international community is united in enhancing nuclear security and that Washington is playing a leading role. The White House recently announced a new policy that limits US use of nuclear weapons, while also cautioning Iran and North Korea that they are still potential targets. The Nuclear Posture Review has reversed the stance of the former US administration, stating that Washington will not develop any new atomic weapons. Analysts believe that this, along with the success of Obama and Medvedev in agreeing to reduce their atomic arsenals and a productive nuclear summit, could set the stage for a successful gathering of NPT signatories in New York next month. The NPT has faced challenges due to North Korea's withdrawal, Iran's pursuit of nuclear technology, and developing nations' accusations of big nuclear powers not meeting disarmament commitments. The focus of a Thursday meeting in New York will be possible new UN sanctions against Iran over its nuclear program, with UN diplomats ready to discuss Iran on the sidelines of the summit if Obama desires. | 1 |
Despite a positive German business sentiment report, concerns about the US economy and banking sector troubles were weighing on investor confidence on Wednesday. This led to stocks and the dollar remaining under pressure. However, interest in commodities like oil, gold, and industrial metals increased due to a weakening greenback. Deutsche Bank's warning about potential credit market issues affecting its profits in 2008, along with data showing declining US consumer confidence and a drop in new orders for US manufactured goods in February, kept investors on edge. As a result, Wall Street appeared poised to open lower with major stock index futures all in the red. Sean Maloney, a fixed-income strategist at Nomura in London, stated that there is still nervousness in the banking sector, and the recent announcement from Deutsche Bank was a reminder that JPMorgan increasing its bid for Bear Stearns does not solve all the problems for the financial sector. The news that JPMorgan had raised its takeover offer for Bear Stearns by fivefold earlier in the week had initially led to a rally in financial stocks globally and alleviated concerns about the sector facing a credit crunch. However, European shares saw a decline, with the FTSEurofirst 300 index dropping by 0.9 percent and Germany's DAX falling by 0.7 percent, particularly affected by a 2 percent decrease in Deutsche Bank's stock. London's FTSE 100 index also fell by 0.7 percent, mainly due to a nearly 7 percent drop in Swiss miner Xtrata following failed takeover negotiations with Vale, the world's largest iron ore miner. In Asia, Japan's Nikkei ended with a 0.3 percent decrease, while MSCI's measure of other Asian stock markets saw a 0.7 percent increase. MSCI's primary global equity index increased by 0.2 percent. The dollar weakened against other major currencies, with the dollar index dropping 0.8 percent due to ongoing worries about the US economy. On the other hand, positive data indicating an improvement in the German business climate index, based on a survey of approximately 7,000 companies, helped boost the euro. The euro climbed by about 0.7 percent to $1.5736 for the day, with additional support from comments by European Central Bank Jean-Claude Trichet, which were seen as suggesting no immediate interest rate cuts. Trichet, speaking before an economic committee of the European Parliament, stated that the ECB believes the current monetary policy will help maintain price stability in the medium term. US light crude for May delivery increased by $1.25 to $102.47, while gold saw a rise to $947.70 per ounce compared to around $934.60 per ounce in New York on Tuesday. Copper for three-month delivery on the London Metal Exchange was last traded at $8,155/tonne, up by 0.8 percent. Despite a bleak US outlook, global demand for various commodities is expected to remain strong, especially due to thriving economies like China. Shuji Sugata, a manager at Mitsubishi Corp Futures and Securities Ltd in Tokyo, mentioned that the decline in the dollar has led to increased buying activity, although traders are cautious about taking large positions before the end of the quarter. Concerns about the US economy have also boosted demand for safe-haven U.S. Treasuries, with the benchmark 10-year yield falling by about 5 basis points to 3.457 percent. German 10-year bonds did not perform as well as US bonds, due to comments made by Trichet and new bond supply. The 10-year yield remained relatively stable at 3.887 percent. | 1 |
At the end of UN climate talks in POZNAN, Poland, developing nations criticized rich countries for their lack of generosity. They were disappointed by the small size of the Adaptation Fund, which was only $80 million. This amount was seen as a negative sign halfway through the negotiations for a new treaty to combat global warming, set to be agreed upon in Copenhagen in 2009. Colombian Environment Minister Juan Lozano expressed sadness and disappointment, stating that the talks did not address the human impact of climate change on vulnerable populations. The talks were overshadowed by concerns that the global economic downturn was affecting funding from donors. Prodipto Ghosh, the Indian representative, expressed that the current situation is one of the most heartbreaking moments he has seen in his 12 years of attending U.N. climate meetings. Other nations such as Brazil, Costa Rica, and Maldives shared similar sentiments. Many delegates are hopeful that the incoming U.S. President, Barack Obama, will implement more aggressive climate policies. At the talks in Poland, environment ministers established regulations for the Adaptation Fund, aimed at assisting developing countries in building flood defenses, creating drought-resistant crops, and issuing storm warnings. Polish Environment Minister Maciej Nowicki, the host of the talks, stated that the launch of the fund was the most significant accomplishment of the event in Poznan. The fund, which may begin distributing funds in 2009, currently has $80 million but is expected to increase to $300 million annually by 2012. According to U.N. projections, developing nations will require tens of billions of dollars per year by 2030 to address climate change. Poland spent 24 million euros ($31.84 million) to host the Dec. 1-12 conference. Developing countries alleged that wealthy nations hindered an agreement in Poznan on a broader funding mechanism that could potentially generate around $2 billion annually. This matter was postponed until 2009. Yvo de Boer, the leader of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, stated that the discussions successfully accomplished their objectives, although he recognized that there was some discontent. He mentioned that only half of the work needed for Copenhagen had been completed. Despite this, he noted that Poznan had successfully fulfilled its main goal of assessing advancements towards a comprehensive new worldwide climate agreement to be finalized in Copenhagen in December 2009 as a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol. However, environmentalists held a different opinion. Stephanie Tunmore, a member of the Greenpeace environmental group, expressed deep disappointment with the lack of progress. She mentioned that taking stock of the situation was not difficult, as there had been minimal action in 2008. Environmentalists criticized Australia, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand for hindering progress and not setting ambitious targets to reduce emissions. In contrast, Mexico, China, and South Africa presented proposals to address the issue of increasing emissions. European Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas stated that discussions were progressing well. He mentioned that everyone agreed that addressing climate change is compatible with addressing the economic crisis. EU ministers in Poznan were relieved after EU leaders in Brussels reached an agreement on Friday to reduce greenhouse gases by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, despite having to make costly concessions to eastern European countries. Through the Adaptation Fund, funds are raised through a 2 percent levy on a U.N. system of projects aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. To date, the levy has generated 60 million euros ($80 million). | 1 |
Australia's Prime Minister John Howard is facing a decline in support as polls favor his new opponent, Kevin Rudd. Despite Howard's recent setbacks, analysts believe he still has a chance to win a fifth term in office during the upcoming elections in 2007. Rudd, the leader of the Labour opposition party, has gained popularity by promising to withdraw Australian troops from Iraq and support the Kyoto protocol on climate change. However, Howard is expected to regain support as voters focus on his strong track record in the economy and national security. Monash University political analyst Nick Economou believes that the government's fate lies in the hands of the Reserve Bank. With Australia experiencing record-low unemployment and a decrease in inflationary pressures, supporters of Howard are hopeful that the central bank will halt its cycle of interest rate hikes and possibly implement a rate cut before the end of the year. Economou suggested that an early rate cut could negatively impact Labour and prompt Howard to call for elections as soon as August. However, it is more likely that the government will use the May budget to shift the focus of the debate back to the economy, potentially by introducing significant tax cuts. The latest Reuters Poll Trend indicates that Howard's Liberal-National Party coalition is currently trailing Labour by 13.4 points, marking the government's worst result since March 2001. The latest poll trend indicates that Howard is no longer the preferred prime minister over Rudd, marking the first time since May 2001 that Howard has trailed in this aspect. The polls from February seem to have unsettled Howard, as evidenced by a rare mistake he made in parliament by denying a link between greenhouse gases and global warming. Although he later corrected himself, the initial comments were already broadcast on television news bulletins, further damaging his government's already weakening support on environmental issues. In a recent development, Howard sparked controversy by criticizing US presidential candidate Barack Obama's plan to withdraw American troops from Iraq in 2008, leading to backlash both in Australia and the United States. He was accused of interfering in US politics, risking Australia-US relations due to his close ties to President George W Bush. Laura Tingle, the chief political correspondent for the Australian Financial Review, wrote on Friday that the government has had a challenging fortnight. They have relied on their usual strategies of economic management, national security, and leadership to combat opposition leaders, but these tactics have not been as effective this time. Kevin Rudd, a former diplomat who speaks Mandarin, has emphasized his relative youth and family image, while John Howard has emphasized his experience over Rudd's inexperience. Greg Craven, a government professor at Curtin University, pointed out that while Rudd may have seemed middle-aged as a child, he has highlighted Howard's age as a weakness for the government. According to Craven, Howard's greatest weakness is his age, which is obvious but difficult to address. Craven wrote on Friday that he is getting older and seems to be aging more rapidly. Howard has been able to recover from similar polls slumps in the past, winning elections and serving 11 years in power. Analysts and commentators caution against counting him out too soon, as he has bounced back before. Economou believes Howard is in a better position on defense and foreign policy, and there is still the economic debate to come. | 1 |
While certain companies are getting ready to bring back employees to their offices, the amount of available office space for lease in Manhattan has reached a record high, as stated in reports released on Thursday. This highlights how the sudden shift to remote work during the coronavirus pandemic is disrupting the city's commercial real estate industry. In Manhattan, where the two largest business districts in the country are located, 18.7% of office space is currently available for lease. This is an increase from over 15% at the end of 2020 and more than double the rate from before the pandemic, according to Newmark, a real estate services company. Many New York employers are now offering more flexibility to their employees, allowing for some remote work even as the pandemic eases, and reassessing their space requirements. Consequently, companies are continuing to terminate leases or look for new tenants at a steady pace. Certain areas, like Downtown Manhattan, are experiencing more challenges, with 21% of offices currently unoccupied, as reported by Newmark. Kathryn Wylde, the president of the Partnership for New York City, stated that New York City is currently facing its most significant crisis since the 1970s, when half of the city's 125 Fortune 500 companies relocated. She emphasized that the city is at risk of experiencing a similar exodus, which took 30 years to recover from. Wylde believes that New York must find ways to attract people beyond just office work. New York City, which used to draw 1.6 million daily commuters to its offices before the pandemic, is now grappling with the changing workplace more than any other city in the United States. The pandemic has also created challenges for the commercial real estate sector, a key component of New York's economy, as landlords are offering incentives like lower rent to retain and attract businesses. Additionally, property taxes, particularly from commercial properties, are a significant source of revenue for New York City, accounting for 41% of the total. Commercial areas nationwide are facing difficulties, but the office buildings in Manhattan are experiencing a higher rate of vacancies compared to other cities such as Atlanta and Los Angeles, which are showing signs of recovery from the pandemic. While New York's vacancy rate was above the national average of 16.2% at the end of March, other cities like Los Angeles and Chicago also struggle to fill their office spaces. Los Angeles has a vacancy rate of 24.1% and Chicago has a rate of 21.9%, both higher than New York's rate. However, these cities had higher vacancy rates prior to the pandemic. There are concerns that the situation in New York may worsen. According to CBRE, approximately one-third of leases at large buildings in Manhattan will expire in the next three years, and companies have expressed the need for less space. The availability rate in New York City is currently at its highest level since the mid-1970s, when the city was facing a financial crisis and the Manhattan skyline was evolving with the construction of towering office buildings like the Twin Towers. Franklin Wallach, a senior managing director at Colliers, predicts that the amount of available office space in Manhattan will continue to increase due to new construction and companies carrying out relocation plans announced before the pandemic. With about 14 million square feet of office space currently under construction in New York City, the market may rebound in varying ways in Manhattan. Neighborhoods near major transportation hubs such as Pennsylvania Station and Grand Central Terminal may recover quicker than other parts of Manhattan, according to Wallach. Savills, a real estate firm, predicts the Manhattan office market may not return to pre-pandemic levels until late 2022 or later. A survey found only 12% of Manhattan office workers had returned to their desks by the end of May, with over 60% expected to return by September. The technology sector has been the most active in signing leases in New York during the pandemic, with companies like Facebook and Google successfully transitioning to remote work. Facebook's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, announced in June his intention to spend half of the next year working outside of the office. Wylde expressed that the tech sector's rapid growth seems to be temporary, with employees increasingly seeking permanent remote or hybrid work options. Workers are pushing for the ability to work from home to avoid expensive apartment leases in cities like New York, where they may only need to be in the office a few days a week. Wylde noted that other cities have become more appealing due to the pandemic and the rise of remote work, emphasizing the need for a shift in public policy towards prioritizing quality of life, a positive business environment, and affordability. | 1 |
The ruling Awami League and its affiliated organizations are commemorating the historic March 7 with extensive programs in the capital and throughout the country. In Dhaka, party leader and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, along with party members, paid tribute to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Bangabandhu Museum in Dhanmondi at 7am. To celebrate the occasion, Awami League will host a discussion at Bangabandhu International Conference Centre at 3pm, with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina as the keynote speaker. Special programs highlighting the importance of the day will be broadcast on Bangladesh Betar (radio), Bangladesh Television, and other private TV channels. The historical importance of the day can be traced back to 1971 when Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, during a large gathering at Suhrawardy Udyan, had called for a liberation movement. In response to his call, the people of East Pakistan took up arms against the Pakistani occupation army in a nine-month bloody war, which ultimately led to the birth of Bangladesh as an independent nation. President Mohammad Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina both emphasized the historical significance of the day in separate statements. The president stated, "March 7 is a day that will always be remembered in the history of the Bengali nation. On this day, I pay tribute to the father of our nation, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, who spearheaded the struggle for the establishment of an independent and sovereign Bangladesh." He further mentioned that the 'Golden Bengal', which had been a longstanding aspiration of Bangabandhu, has not yet been realized. To achieve this vision, the country must confront issues such as hunger, poverty, superstitions, and the impacts of climate change. The prime minister noted that the powerful speech on March 7 expressed the desires of the nation before the liberation war, following years of subjugation by West Pakistan. She also highlighted how this speech had brought the nation together and paved the way for the liberation war. | 1 |
Australia has pledged to move forward with a comprehensive carbon trading scheme in 2010, despite concerns that it may not be enough to effectively address global warming. The plan includes targets to reduce emissions by at least 5 percent of 2000 levels by 2020, with the possibility of increasing to 15 percent depending on international agreements. Climate Change Minister Penny Wong emphasized the importance of the scheme for Australia, which has high greenhouse gas emissions due to its reliance on coal. The policy aims to mitigate the economic impact of the scheme in light of the global financial crisis, as Australia's economy, food production, agriculture, and water supplies are at risk. If we do not take action immediately, we will face severe and rapid consequences such as the loss of key industries and Australian jobs. The new plan involves allowing market forces to determine prices through auctions in the first half of 2010, instead of sticking to a fixed price. The government anticipates a price of around A$25 ($16.70) per tonne, which is lower than the current European emission allowance trading price of about 15 euros (A$30) per tonne. Additionally, the government plans to implement a temporary price cap of A$40 per tonne, a measure that analysts believe could initially restrict the market's growth. Brett Janissen, executive manager of the consultancy Asia-Pacific Emissions Trading Forum, compared the carbon scheme to a precarious balancing act, with one foot on the brake and one foot on the accelerator. He expressed doubts about the effectiveness of allowing polluters to import carbon permits from overseas while prohibiting exports from Australia. This decision could lead to participants choosing the cheapest option, rather than making meaningful cuts in emissions as desired by scientists and green groups. Critics, such as Greenpeace climate campaigner John Hepburn, have labeled the scheme a failure. The government, however, believes that the scheme will have minimal impact on economic growth, with a slight increase in inflation. Wong stated that carbon trading would account for 75 percent of Australia's carbon emissions and involve 1,000 of the nation's largest companies. However, major polluters would receive up to 90 percent of carbon permits for free. The rapidly expanding liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry, initially left out of an earlier plan, was happy to receive exemptions in the final version. Belinda Robinson, CEO of the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association, noted the significant progress made since the model was first outlined in the Green paper. She expressed satisfaction on behalf of the LNG industry and believed that Australia should also be pleased, as the industry had the potential to help the world reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, the targets set were considered cautious compared to global standards. Europe has committed to a 20 percent reduction by 2020, while the IPCC has recommended that wealthy nations aim for reductions of 25 to 40 percent by then. Martijn Wilder, a partner at Baker & McKenzie in Sydney, expressed disappointment in the proposed scheme, stating that it falls short of the IPCC's recommended reduction levels. He noted that the A$40 price cap may provide companies with cost certainty but also allows them to buy their way out of compliance if the carbon price exceeds that limit. Janissen described the scheme as a gentle introduction with more stringent emission reduction targets expected after the 2012-2013 financial year. However, he noted that the scheme appears to offer significant protection for key industries concerned about their emissions intensity, including subsidies for emissions-intensive and trade-exposed industries. Participating companies in the scheme will be required to give up a permit for each ton of carbon they emit. The auction of these permits is projected to generate A$11.5 billion in the fiscal year 2010/11. This revenue will be used to provide compensation to businesses and households for increased costs of electricity and transportation. Australian farmers, who have endured an extended period of drought, will be exempt from participating in carbon trading for a minimum of five years. Agriculture contributes to around 16 percent of Australia's emissions, while the scheme will encompass transport and fuel. The government plans to bring carbon-trading legislation to parliament in 2009. In order for the laws to be passed, the government will require the backing of the Greens and two independent senators. However, the conservative opposition, who are concerned about the impact of the global economic downturn, may seek to delay the scheme. The exchange rate is currently $1 to A$1.49. | 1 |
Similar to Trump's visit to Davos last year, Bolsonaro attempted to soften the radical message that helped him win the presidency. He portrayed Brazil as a favorable place for business, focused on combating corruption and reducing regulations. However, Bolsonaro also declared his intention to eliminate leftist ideology from politics and society, prioritizing economic growth over environmental protection. Despite receiving lukewarm applause, he emphasized that his administration signifies a new era in Brazil where ideological biases will no longer be tolerated. His motto is "God above all things." Bolsonaro's speech at Davos marked a departure from the usual presence of American and European leaders, highlighting the clash between global cooperation and his nationalist views. Bolsonaro's history of controversial statements and actions, including loosening gun restrictions and curbing rights for marginalized groups, contrasts sharply with the typical attendee at the conference. Despite concerns, he has not yet withdrawn from the Paris climate accord, but did cancel Brazil's pledge to host the 2019 United Nations global summit on climate change. On Tuesday, Bolsonaro reaffirmed Brazil's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and working in harmony with the world, without referencing any specific agreements. He stated that those who criticize Brazil have much to learn from the country. Bolsonaro and Trump have formed a close relationship, with similarities between them being evident. Bolsonaro, like Trump, has claimed victory despite facing unfair attacks and has also criticized the news media. Despite speaking in a warm room, Bolsonaro was wearing a long winter coat. Trump has a preference for this as well: He was seen wearing one recently in the State Dining Room while posing with a spread of fast food for the Clemson University football team. Following Bolsonaro's inauguration, Trump congratulated him on Twitter and Bolsonaro responded with a message of unity. Trump, who was the focus of last year's meeting, decided not to attend this year due to the government shutdown. He also cancelled the rest of the American delegation after denying House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other lawmakers the use of a military aircraft. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo delivered a video appearance from the State Department, summarizing Trump's foreign policy stance with criticism towards Iran and China. He informed the audience that Trump's disruptive approach was a positive reaction to voters who were disenchanted with traditional politicians, and was similar to political upheavals in various countries including Britain, France, Italy, and Brazil. Prime Minister Theresa May of Britain and President Emmanuel Macron of France did not attend the meeting due to dealing with domestic challenges. Pompeo argued that critics of the Trump administration were not prepared to reform international institutions like the United Nations, but Trump was up for the challenge. When asked if the United States was isolated, Pompeo disagreed and said they were not isolated at all. However, the changing world order was evident in Davos. While traditional Silicon Valley companies like Facebook and Salesforce still showcased their presence with impressive pavilions, Saudi Arabia stood out with a large billboard on the side of a hotel promoting investment in the kingdom. The Saudi investor conference, Davos in the Desert, faced cancellations due to connections between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Alongside were advertisements for the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, President Vladimir Putin's alternative to Davos. Despite limited Chinese participation, sessions focusing on China's economy, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, attracted the largest audiences. The United States maintained a lower profile but continued to have a significant influence over the event. Economic analysts believe that Trump's trade war with China is responsible for lowering their predictions of global economic growth. Additionally, foreign policy analysts argue that Trump's unpredictable behavior is the biggest risk factor in the world. Karin von Hippel, a former State Department official and current director-general of the Royal United Services Institute in London, stated that challenging the international system requires a clear alternative plan, which seems to be lacking. | 1 |
Pope Benedict called on all Christians on Sunday to assist in global efforts to address a food price crisis that could lead to more people going hungry. He emphasized the importance of not turning a blind eye to those who lack access to basic nourishment in today's society. The pontiff, speaking at St. Peter's Square in Rome, expressed concern over the escalating severity of the problem and the challenges faced by the international community in finding a solution. The United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization is set to hold a summit in Rome next month to address the impact of rising commodity prices on food security, particularly for the poorest nations. This includes discussions on climate change and the use of biofuels, which have led to a significant decrease in food production. | 1 |
Lars Sorensen is confident that the demand for his products will continue to increase due to the global rise in obesity leading to type 2 diabetes. However, he faces challenges in negotiating prices for insulin and other diabetes treatments with cost-conscious reimbursement authorities worldwide. Despite facing difficulties, Sorensen remains optimistic about the company's long-term growth goals but acknowledges the increasing competition and pricing pressures in the market. Novo Nordisk's success in achieving double-digit sales growth has been impressive, but falling short of market expectations has raised concerns among investors. Sorensen emphasizes the importance of finding the right pricing strategy to maintain the company's growth, especially in the face of increasing competition and pricing challenges in the healthcare industry. The climate is shifting for Novo, as they have lost a major US managed care contract with Express Scripts due to cheaper competition to Victoza. In Europe, where austerity measures are in place, there is resistance to paying for Novo's new drugs at the premium prices they are asking for. Despite these challenges, Sorensen, the CEO of Novo, is determined to price their innovations at a premium to fund future innovations. He is unwavering in his stance, even if it means certain drugs may not be launched in certain markets. Investors are concerned about Novo's growth, but with the increasing number of people living with diabetes, there is still potential for growth. Sorensen is hopeful for the future, aiming for technological breakthroughs such as oral pills for delivering insulin. Novo is currently behind in clinical testing for an insulin pill compared to Israel's Oramed Pharmaceuticals, but Sorensen is not considering a deal with them at this time. Despite the challenges, Sorensen remains committed to leading Novo and has extended his retirement age to 65. He regularly bikes to work and enjoys cross-country skiing, getting ready to participate in the 90-km Vasa race in Sweden this winter. Sorensen believes there are strong internal candidates for his position when he steps down. He mentioned that they are currently focusing on careful succession planning to ensure a smooth transition. Lars Sorensen, the CEO of Novo Nordisk, discussed these topics during an interview at the company's headquarters in Bagsvaerd near Copenhagen. | 1 |
She stated that this would lead to improved exchanges of parliamentary delegations and further enhance cooperation in socioeconomic, educational, agricultural, energy, and cultural sectors. Hasina made this suggestion during a meeting with Valentina I Matvienko, Chairperson of the Council of Federation of Federal Assembly of Russia, at the Council of Federation building in Moscow. After the hour-long meeting, the Prime Minister's Deputy Press Secretary Bijan Lal Dev briefed reporters. Hasina mentioned that Bangladesh and Russia could collaborate on counter-terrorism and acknowledged Russia's support during Bangladesh's Liberation War and post-independence development. She highlighted her government's efforts to establish democracy and protect people's rights. Describing Bangladesh as a bridge between Eastern Asia and Western countries, she expressed a desire for regional peace. Matvienko, the highest-ranking female politician in Russia, agreed to work with Bangladesh on counter-terrorism and praised Hasina's leadership. The two leaders also agreed to address the impact of climate change. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, State Minister for Science and Technology Yeafesh Osman, and AKM Rahmatullah MP were also present during the meeting. Hasina's visit to Russia marks the first official visit by a Bangladesh Prime Minister since Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's visit to the Soviet Union in 1972. During her visit, Bangladesh and Russia signed six memorandums of understanding and three agreements, including funding for a nuclear power plant in Rooppur. | 1 |
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina departed for New York on Saturday night for a nine-day official trip to the USA to participate in the 67th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). She boarded an Emirates flight with her entourage from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9.30 pm. The flight is scheduled to arrive at John F Kennedy (JFK) International Airport in New York at 8.15 am (New York time) on Sunday. During the journey, they will have a two-hour layover at Dubai International Airport. Upon arrival at JFK Airport, the Prime Minister will head directly to Hotel Grand Hayatt in New York for her stay during the visit. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, Environment and Forest Minister Hasan Mahmud, Ambassador-At-Large M Ziauddin, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammad Wahid-Uz- Zaman and Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad, along with others, will be accompanying Hasina during her visit to the USA. A 23-member high-level business delegation, led by AK Azad, president of the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI), will also be accompanying the Prime Minister to explore new trade and business opportunities in the USA. Hasina is scheduled to attend a high-level event on 'Rule of Law' on Sept 24 at the General Assembly Hall at the UN headquarters. Additionally, she will attend a reception hosted by US President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama on the same day. On Sept 25, Hasina will attend a reception hosted by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. She will also participate in the opening session of the 67th UN General Assembly on the same day. The following day, the Prime Minister will host an event titled 'Second Edition of the Climate Vulnerability Monitor'. Expatriate Bangladeshis will hold a reception for her at Marriott Marquis Hotel near Times Square in New York. On September 27, Hasina will take part in a meeting on autism organized by the US First Lady at the Roosevelt House. She is also set to participate in the Scaling Up Nutrition (SUN) initiative. She is scheduled to give a speech at the General Assembly at 8pm local time on September 27. The theme of this year's session is "Bringing about adjustment or settlement of international disputes or situations by peaceful means". Prior to returning home on September 30, Hasina will participate in a press conference at 4pm. It is anticipated that she will arrive in Dhaka in the morning on October 2. | 1 |
President Bush and Queen Elizabeth celebrated the enduring friendship between the United States and Britain at a state dinner held at the White House. The dinner, honoring the British monarch during her six-day visit to the US, was attended by only 132 guests. Bush and his wife Laura hosted the first white tie event for the queen and Prince Philip. The royal couple arrived at the White House in a black Chevrolet Suburban, where they were greeted by the president and first lady. Queen Elizabeth wore a white gown with a blue sash and crown, while Laura Bush wore an aqua gown. During the dinner, Bush praised the US-British alliance as a positive influence for the "common good." He stated that we are assisting young democracies in Iraq and Afghanistan and working together to address global issues like poverty, disease, and terrorism. He is optimistic that the friendship between Britain and America will last for generations. The queen mentioned that current leaders can take inspiration from figures like Winston Churchill and Franklin Roosevelt. She pointed out that today's challenges, such as climate change and poverty, are just as complex as those faced in the 20th century. Nancy Reagan, Arnold Palmer, Calvin Borel, and Itzhak Perlman were among the guests at the dinner, where they discussed the importance of learning from past leaders to address current threats and issues. The royal couple's visit to America included ceremonies commemorating the 400th anniversary of the British settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, and the Kentucky Derby. They were also welcomed with a formal arrival ceremony at the White House South Lawn, which included a marching fife-and-drum corps and trumpets announcing the arrival of dignitaries. The US Air Force Band performed national anthems for 7,000 invited guests on a sunny spring day. Bush acknowledged the queen's extensive experience with various American administrations, nearly dating her back to 1776 when the 13 British colonies declared independence. Elizabeth, who has been on the British throne for 55 years and is 81, has dined with 10 US presidents during her visits to the United States. Bush expressed his gratitude for the queen's help in celebrating the nation's bicentennial in 1976. He shared a humorous moment with the queen, who looked at him in a maternal way, before she praised the strong relationship between the US and Britain. She stated that now is the time to evaluate our current friendship, appreciating its strengths without assuming them, and to also focus on the future by reaffirming our dedication to a better world. | 1 |
The prime minister emphasized the importance of governments not only fulfilling their national commitments under the Paris Agreement but also increasing their ambitions during her speech at the Climate Vulnerable Leaders' Event. She highlighted the need for the establishment of climate justice for the benefit of the planet and called for major economies, MDBs, and IFIs to provide more financial support and technology access. Bangladesh is proud to lead the Climate Vulnerable Forum again, representing over one billion people from the world's most vulnerable countries. CVF countries are experiencing significant negative impacts from climate change despite their minimal contribution to global carbon emissions. According to the 2019 Climate Change Vulnerability Index by German Watch, Bangladesh is ranked as the seventh most affected country in the world. The country has been facing recurring floods this monsoon season, leading to extensive damage to crops and displacement of a large population. Additionally, the effects of super cyclone Amphan and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have worsened the situation, as mentioned by Hasina. The presence of 1.1 million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in Cox's Bazar has also resulted in serious social and environmental consequences. Hasina emphasized the need to focus on rallying support to limit global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees, enhancing funding mechanisms, and highlighting the importance of climate resilience and addressing issues related to 'loss and damage'. In her speech, Hasina stressed the importance of appointing a UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and establishing a CVF and V20 Joint Multi-Donor Fund. As chair of the CVF, Hasina introduced the "Midnight Survival Deadline for the Climate" initiative to address the global impact of climate change. She called on leaders of every nation to take action and proposed the establishment of an international day called "Climate Resilience Day" during the Climate Vulnerable Leaders' Event. Hasina warned that the world is close to exceeding the Paris Agreement's 1.5 degrees Centigrade limit and urged G20 countries, responsible for the majority of global emissions, to set clear and concrete Nationally Determined Contributions for reducing their emissions effectively. She warned that if sea levels continue to rise, many island and coastal countries will be submerged, creating millions of climate refugees without anywhere to go. In response, Bangladesh parliament has declared a "Planetary Emergency" and urged the world to act urgently to stop climate change. The prime minister emphasized the importance of meeting the extended NDC deadline on December 31st and ensuring that developing countries have access to at least $100 billion annually for mitigation, adaptation, and disaster response. | 1 |
Malaysia's ruling coalition took 41 lawmakers to Taiwan for a study tour on Monday, as opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim tries to persuade MPs to defect in his campaign to overthrow the government. Top opposition leaders were meeting on Monday to plan their strategy to remove the government by Anwar's deadline of Sept. 16. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has called a meeting of his Barisan Nasional coalition on Tuesday to prevent any defections that could end its 50-year rule. Anwar's efforts to change the political landscape in Malaysia have increased political risks and worried foreign investors. The country's growing fiscal deficit, partly due to government spending to regain popularity after a poor election performance in March, has also negatively affected the ringgit, stock market, and bond prices. Anwar is set to appear in court on Wednesday to face a new sodomy charge, which he believes has been fabricated by the government to hinder his political goals, further contributing to the atmosphere of uncertainty. Barisan MPs denied any connection to the Anwar case before departing for Taiwan on an "agricultural study mission," insisting that the trip was not politically motivated. He and 40 other Members of Parliament departed on Monday. An additional eight MPs will leave on Tuesday. Barisan has 140 MPs while the opposition has 82. Lim Kit Siang, an experienced opposition leader, suggested that government MPs left Malaysia to prevent them from participating in potential political changes on September 16. He stated that the MPs could face constant surveillance and have their mobile phones confiscated while in Taiwan. According to a political analyst, the trip to Taiwan could serve as a convenient excuse for Anwar in case he does not meet his September 16 deadline. Suhaini Aznam, a columnist for the Star newspaper, stated that Barisan is falling right into Anwar's psychological warfare tactics. Anwar held a meeting with leaders of the opposition Pakatan Rakyat alliance on Monday to discuss the takeover plan, according to his aides. Anwar was expected to release a statement following the meeting. Anwar, a former deputy prime minister, was dismissed in 1998 during the Asian financial crisis and later imprisoned for six years on charges of sodomy and corruption. He was successful in a by-election last month, which enabled him to return to parliament and potentially become prime minister if the opposition alliance gains control. | 1 |
During a parliamentary discussion on poverty reduction strategies on Sunday, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina criticized the opposition for not caring about the poor people. Hasina expressed her disappointment over the absence of the main opposition BNP and suggested that they did not join because they do not have the desire to help the poor. She stated that she would have been pleased if they had participated in the discussion on this national issue. Planning minister A K Khandaker presented the draft PRSP-2 in Parliament on September 15 for the MPs to give their opinions. Hasina discussed the draft for 38 minutes during the four-hour discussion, which was overseen by speaker Abdul Hamid and attended by twenty-three MPs. Deputy leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury and finance minister AMA Muhith were also present. The planning minister stated at the beginning of the discussion that the paper would be completed by December of this year. He also requested MPs to provide specific suggestions. Prime Minister Hasina emphasized the importance of developing the country through the five-year plan and mentioned that the PRSP has already been formulated and discussed in parliament, which is unusual. She announced that the PRSP will be available online in Bangla. Additionally, she highlighted measures outlined in the strategy paper, such as working in partnership for development, addressing Monga, creating employment opportunities for those affected by floods, utilizing water resources for environmental improvement, ensuring food security, building infrastructure that is friendly to the poor, and improving the communication system. The prime minister mentioned the actions taken by her government to help garment workers, alleviate traffic congestion, and improve infrastructure in the capital. She acknowledged that power outages have decreased, but attributed any remaining issues to mismanagement by previous administrations. She also expressed concern about climate change, placing blame on developed countries and advocating for compensation at the United Nations. Additionally, she discussed plans to dredge rivers and allocate funds for those impacted by potential consequences. The prime minister discussed her government's plans to establish multi-purpose cyclone centers in coastal areas and urged people to remain vigilant against misinformation and plots against the government. She emphasized the importance of cooperation in reducing poverty and building the country into a developed nation. Hasina also mentioned recent terrorist attacks and reassured the public of their confidence in the government. She declared that she was willing to confront any situation in order to work for the benefit of the people. | 1 |
The United States attempted to downplay a recent confrontation between Chinese and US naval vessels while engaging in high-level talks to address economic growth and address North Korea's nuclear program. Tensions escalated following an incident in the South China Sea, where Chinese ships clashed with a US Navy survey vessel near China's Hainan island. The US claims its ship was in international waters, but China argues otherwise, citing a violation of their sovereignty. Despite this disagreement, it is unlikely to disrupt broader discussions on political and economic issues such as the global financial crisis, security threats, and climate change. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton discussed various issues, including recent incidents, with Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. They both agreed on the importance of preventing such incidents in the future. They also talked about human rights, North Korea, Iran, and the global economy. Clinton commended China's efforts to stimulate its economy and praised them as a positive step. President Obama is set to meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao next month to discuss coordinated efforts to boost growth and address the banking crisis. She emphasized the importance of the G20 meeting producing unified action to stimulate global recovery. Regarding North Korea, Clinton mentioned various options, such as UN Security Council intervention, that could be taken if Pyongyang were to test a long-range ballistic missile, which she described as a provocative action. North Korea recently announced its plans to launch a satellite using one of its rockets, suspected to be a trial of its longest-range missile, the Taepodong-2. This missile, intended to target Alaska, failed in its only test in 2006, breaking apart after just a few seconds of flight. North Korea has faced U.N. sanctions for previous missile tests and is prohibited from conducting further trials. It is argued that the missiles are a component of the peaceful space program and that the country has the right to launch satellites into orbit. The statement also called for North Korea to return to negotiations to discuss an aid-for-disarmament agreement, expressing regret that Pyongyang did not allow the new envoy, Stephen Bosworth, to visit. Addressing criticism from human rights groups, the U.S. Secretary of State emphasized the importance of human rights in their discussions with China, including Tibet on the 50th anniversary of an uprising against Chinese rule. Clinton stated that human rights are a crucial aspect of their overall dialogue. "It is not a matter of taking a front, back, or middle seat," she told reporters. "It is one of the many issues we are discussing, but it is crucial to establish a platform for actually seeing results from our human rights efforts." The US House of Representatives passed a resolution 422-1 acknowledging the 50th anniversary and urging Beijing to find a lasting solution. "If advocates for freedom worldwide do not advocate for human rights in China and Tibet, then we lose the moral high ground to address it elsewhere," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi stated on the House floor prior to the vote. | 1 |
The link to Donald J. Trump's Dec 7 proposal calling for a ban on Muslim immigration disappeared on Thursday, along with other details such as his potential Supreme Court justice picks and economic, defense, and regulatory reform plans. The Trump campaign did not respond to inquiries about the website changes. The links now redirect to a fundraising page, and it appears they were removed around Election Day when Trump defeated Hillary Clinton. Saudi Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal praised Trump for removing the Muslim ban proposal from his website and also noted that offensive statements to Muslims were deleted from Trump's Twitter account. However, some anti-Muslim tweets Trump sent during his campaign remained on his feed. A supporter's tweet from Nov 30, 2015, quoted by Trump, repeated the claim that Muslims celebrated the attacks of Sept 11, 2001, and suggested including footage of the celebrations in political ads. Samer Khalaf, president of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee, expressed concerns about Trump's policies' impact on Muslims at a news conference with other civil rights leaders. Khalaf thanked Trump for removing the words regarding the Muslim ban proposal, but emphasized that actions speak louder than words. Despite this, most of Trump's core policy positions, including building a wall on the border with Mexico and having Mexico pay for it, remained on his website. The Trump campaign has a history of making unexplained changes to its website. Earlier this year, they switched out the section detailing Trump's healthcare policy. After being contacted by Reuters in September, the campaign restored the original page. | 1 |
A YouTube video featuring Australian Prime Ministerial candidate Kevin Rudd dressed as Chairman Mao in a spoof Chinese propaganda film is leading a guerrilla video campaign that is undermining the election advertising of the major parties. The clip shows Rudd seeking votes from enthusiastic supporters and Labour lawmakers, with subtitles and heroic Chinese music and commentary. Rudd, who is ahead of conservative Prime Minister John Howard in polls before the November 24 election, is promising generational change and reforms in education, health, and labor laws. In order to appeal to young voters, both major political parties have turned to the Internet for their campaign announcements, flooding voters with millions of dollars worth of election advertising each day. However, a two-minute video featuring Rudd as Mao, created by Sydney law student Hugh Atkin, has gained more views than official party material. Other videos depict Rudd allegedly picking ear wax and eating it, as well as a comedic cover of Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" titled "Stairway to Kevin". Howard, 68, has also faced criticism on YouTube as he seeks re-election for the fifth time, with videos mocking his fear campaigns against refugees and Islamic extremists in past elections. In 2007, "Killerspudly" is seeking something unique to persuade people to vote for him, confessing this to nearly 50,000 viewers. The official party is using traditional TV advertising to target Labour and Rudd's union ties, while Labour is criticizing Howard for not signing the Kyoto climate pact, which is important to young voters. Smaller parties are also participating in the election process. The Australian Greens have utilized YouTube to share a video depicting Howard and Rudd in bed, asleep, amidst the issue of climate change. The video suggests that both politicians are closely aligned with Australia's coal industry, which is playing a significant role in fueling China's economic growth. Atkin, who created a similar video featuring Rudd and Mao, stated that he intends to vote for the Labour party despite making light of their leader's polished and presidential image. He explained to the Sydney Morning Herald that he hopes Labour will win the election, but he also enjoys poking fun at them in the process. | 1 |
Political disagreements overshadowed a gathering of European and Latin American leaders in Peru, posing a threat to their joint efforts to combat poverty and global warming. Evo Morales, the leftist President of Bolivia, clashed with his regional counterparts on the issue of free trade leading up to the summit. Meanwhile, tensions escalated between Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and neighboring Colombia. Proponents of free trade, such as Peru, are becoming increasingly frustrated with skeptics like Morales, who accused Peru and Colombia of trying to sideline Bolivia in discussions between the EU and Andean nations. President Alan Garcia of Peru emphasized the need to move forward despite differing paces, while Morales, a former coca grower, expressed concerns that free trade agreements could harm small-scale farmers in his country. "We are interested in trade, but it must be fair," he informed journalists in Lima. In addition to ongoing negotiations with Mercosur, led by Brazil and Argentina, and Central American countries, the EU is also engaging in discussions. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, one of the first leaders to attend the summit, stated after meeting with Garcia that the EU is willing to facilitate trade. Merkel did not address a recent conflict with Chavez, who accused her of being a political successor to Adolf Hitler for suggesting that he had harmed European-Latin American relations. Chavez often insults conservative leaders, particularly U.S. President George W. Bush. During a summit in Chile last year, Spain's king told Chavez to be quiet. Chavez is currently involved in a conflict with Colombia that could potentially lead to war in the Andean region. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe accuses Chavez of supporting the FARC guerrillas. Chavez mentioned that he was reconsidering diplomatic relations with Bogota before leaving for Lima. These disputes may be a major focus at the upcoming gathering of leaders from Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Additionally, they may struggle to find agreement on combating cocaine trafficking and utilizing food crops for renewable biofuels as a substitute for fossil fuels. Brazil supports greener fuels, but some poor countries believe they contribute to higher food prices. Despite this, developing nations are becoming more concerned about climate change and are calling for wealthy countries to reduce carbon emissions. Peru recently established an environment ministry to address the effects of global warming on its Andean glaciers. Peruvian representatives at the summit will advocate for stronger actions to combat climate change, criticizing governments who only pay lip service to the issue. We are encouraging those governments to take tangible steps," stated Kim Howells, a junior Foreign Office minister from Britain, in an interview with Reuters. | 1 |
Yvo de Boer, the head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, expressed concern that the Bali climate talks may collapse if 190 nations do not quickly resolve their differences and agree on terms for launching negotiations on a new global warming pact. De Boer emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that failure to make progress on the future terms for negotiations could cause the entire process to fall apart. The talks in Bali are currently deadlocked over the specifics of launching negotiations for a new global climate deal to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The United States, Japan, Canada, and Australia are opposed to including a guideline for wealthy nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 in future negotiations. The European Union, on the other hand, supports this range as a way for rich countries to lead the way in addressing climate change. The EU has accused Washington of being the main obstacle to progress in Bali. The guideline was included in a recent draft aimed at preventing famines, droughts, rising seas, and the melting of Himalayan glaciers. Portugal's Secretary of State for Environment, Humberto Rosa, expressed disappointment that the United States is holding back global efforts to combat climate change. He told Reuters that the U.S. has been incorporating new terms such as engagement and leadership, but he stressed that actions are necessary and mere words are insufficient. This is seen as the primary obstacle. Washington, not a part of the Kyoto Protocol, argues that setting guidelines would influence the results of the negotiations. Additionally, they believe that the 25-40 percent range is not well-supported by scientific research. De Boer stated that negotiations needed to resolve all existing disagreements by midday on Friday in order to allow sufficient time for the translation of documents into the six official U.N. languages. U.N. climate talks often continue late into the night on the final day. The Kyoto Protocol obligates 37 developed nations to reduce their emissions between 2008 and 2012, with exemptions for poorer nations like China and India. President George W. Bush withdrew from the agreement in 2001, citing concerns that it would negatively impact the U.S. economy and did not hold developing nations accountable. The United Nations aims to reach a consensus on a successor to the Kyoto Protocol by late 2009 to give governments ample time to ratify the new agreement by the end of 2012 and provide clear guidance to markets on investing in clean energy technology. China is suggesting that discussions about a new global agreement should continue until 2010, as they want to wait for a new American president to join the negotiations. However, not many other countries support this idea, as President Bush will leave office in January 2009. The Norwegian Prime Minister stated that the goal should be to limit global temperature increases to 2 degrees Celsius and ensure that global emissions peak by 2015. Our actions will be evaluated by future generations, and the wealthy will need to bear the majority of the expenses in assisting developing countries in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. | 1 |
Meetings between China and the European Union focused on achieving balanced trade and collaborating on climate change, despite tensions surrounding Tibet protests and the Olympics. EU officials, led by President Jose Manuel Barroso, aimed to address issues such as China's trade deficit and promote sustainable growth. Economic tensions have risen as China's trade surplus with the EU reached 160 billion euros in the previous year. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao emphasized the importance of cooperation on energy conservation and emissions reduction, highlighting the mutual benefits that outweigh conflicts. Wen stated that a better future for the Sino-EU relationship is possible as long as there is respect, trust, and mutual learning between the two parties. Barroso emphasized that the talks focused on climate change and China's commitment to including domestic emissions in a global climate change agreement post-2012. Both sides acknowledged trade imbalances and the need for a rebalance. The talks, which were planned in advance, were overshadowed by anti-Chinese protests in Tibetan areas, disruptions during the Beijing Olympic torch relay in London and Paris, and Chinese counter-protests. Barroso also expressed approval of China's decision to hold discussions with representatives of the Dalai Lama. Barroso told reporters that while respecting China's sovereignty, they have always supported dialogue as the best way to find a sustainable solution to the Tibet issue. Mandelson urged an end to threats of boycotts and stated that the EU has asked leaders to boycott the Beijing Games' opening ceremony unless China engages in talks with the Dalai Lama. He also mentioned that calls for boycotts and Chinese counter-campaigns against European companies like Carrefour are not beneficial for either side. | 1 |
Newspapers reported on Wednesday that India has expressed disapproval of a United Nations report that suggests developing countries should reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The latest Human Development Report, released by the UN Development Programme on Tuesday, emphasized the urgent need for global cooperation to prevent severe climate change impacts, especially on impoverished communities. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, deputy chairman of India's Planning Commission, criticized the report for appearing fair but actually being biased against developing nations. He challenged the research team to provide further evidence to support their recommendations. Ahluwalia was speaking as a guest at the Indian launch of the report, which precedes a UN climate summit in Bali, Indonesia, where nations will discuss commitments to reduce carbon emissions, believed to be the cause of climate change. The UN report emphasizes the importance of quantitative commitments from developing countries for the agreement to be credible. However, India, along with other developing countries, argues against binding cuts, claiming they are unfair and would impede poverty alleviation efforts. These countries believe that the responsibility for reducing emissions should lie with rich nations, as they became wealthy through extensive use of fossil fuels during industrialization. Despite the fact that Indians make up approximately one-sixth of the global population, they only contribute around one-twentieth of total carbon emissions, as reported by the UN. This is due in part to India's slow development, with around 500 million Indians, primarily in rural areas, still lacking access to electricity and relying on traditional fuels like cow dung, wood, and kerosene. However, many believe that India can achieve both development and reduced emissions by investing in more efficient and renewable energy sources rather than increasing coal usage. Indian scientist Rajendra Pachauri, a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize and member of India's Council on Climate Change, has warned that following the carbon-heavy development path of wealthy nations would be disastrous for India. | 1 |
Hillary Clinton, the US Secretary of State, stated that the relationship between Washington and India needs to be improved, emphasizing the importance of closer cooperation on security, trade, and other issues. Clinton is scheduled to visit India the following month and expressed her hope for the two countries to collaborate on global challenges such as climate change and securing Afghanistan. In a speech to the U.S.-India Business Council, Clinton emphasized the need for an enhanced bilateral relationship, noting that official ties between the two nations are overdue for an upgrade compared to other aspects of cooperation such as people-to-people and economic ties. Last year, India and the US signed a significant civil nuclear deal, lifting a 30-year ban on global nuclear commerce with India. The agreement will allow India to purchase nuclear technology and fuel from the global market. To strengthen their relationship, it is necessary for Washington and New Delhi to build trust and address any remaining uncertainties. Concerns exist among Americans about potential job loss and lower wages due to increased economic ties with India, while some Indians see a closer partnership as conflicting with their country's tradition of independence. Closer economic and trade relations are promised, with talks starting soon on a bilateral investment treaty to enhance trade opportunities between the two nations. President Obama has emphasized that the United States has taken past lessons into account. She stated that despite the global financial crisis, they will not resort to protectionism. Clinton emphasized the need for increased cooperation between the two countries in fighting terrorism and improving intelligence-sharing, without giving specifics. She expressed commitment to enhancing India's ability to defend itself, mentioning the American casualties in the Mumbai attacks. Clinton also welcomed the recent meeting between the leaders of India and Pakistan following the Mumbai attacks, and expressed confidence that both India and the US would support Pakistan's efforts to combat terrorism within its borders. | 1 |
In the years since the last time Iraqis proudly showed their purple-stained fingers to signify voting in a free election, their country has experienced and slowly recovered from a brutal sectarian war. As Iraq's leaders, citizens, and the remaining 140,000 US troops eagerly await the upcoming elections at the end of the month, there is a strong sense of anticipation for democracy. Nearly 400 parties and groups have registered to compete for 14,431 candidates vying for just 440 provincial council seats. Campaigning has led to a multitude of posters covering the concrete blast walls that have become a common sight in Iraq. According to Western diplomats, the most significant accomplishment of the election may be simply the act of conducting it. A subsequent round of elections can pose greater challenges for a new democracy than the first, as stated by U.S. ambassador Ryan Crocker. The election serves as a crucial indicator that Iraq has moved past the worst of the violence that plagued it post-2003 invasion and intensified after the 2005 election. Just 18 months ago, the monthly death toll from violence was much higher, making holding a vote seem impossible. Many Iraqis are hopeful that the upcoming election will bring about change and reform regional governments that are perceived as corrupt, unaccountable, and influenced by sectarian groups. A senior Western diplomat noted that there is a widespread belief that current leaders have performed poorly. However, the high stakes of the election also raise concerns about potential violence in a country where political disputes have historically been settled with guns and bombs. So far, two candidates have been killed and the deputy head of a Sunni Arab party was assassinated by a suicide bomber during a meeting with other candidates. Changing the landscape will be decided by the provincial election, which will impact the national election later this year. Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki will be fighting to maintain his leadership as U.S. forces prepare to leave Iraq by the end of 2011. In the southern region, where the Shi'ite majority resides, Maliki's ruling coalition will be competing against each other, with the Supreme Islamic Iraqi Council (ISCI) currently holding control. Maliki aims to gain individual support for his Dawa Party by promising improved services from a stronger central government. Supporters of Moqtada al-Sadr, a Shi'ite cleric known for his anti-American views and whose Mehdi Army militia once had control over many southern towns until Maliki intervened last year, are maintaining a low profile during the elections. Instead of standing as a united group, they are endorsing independent lists of candidates. In western and central Iraq, Sunni Arab tribal groups referred to as "Awakening Councils" will be participating in the elections for the first time. These councils played a crucial role in assisting U.S. troops in eliminating Sunni militants, including al Qaeda, and are now aiming to take power from traditional Sunni religious parties. Most of the violence leading up to the elections has occurred in the north, particularly in Nineveh province around Mosul, where U.S. forces are still engaged in combat with Sunni militants who are regrouping after being driven out of other regions. The last round of elections saw a boycott by many Sunni Arabs, allowing Kurds to take control of the provincial government in a region where they are a minority. This imbalance has contributed to unrest, according to Western diplomats. While the election could potentially reduce violence by involving Sunnis in politics, the shifting power dynamics have led to conflict among militant groups. In Kirkuk, a city claimed by Kurds as their capital, the election has been postponed indefinitely due to disagreements over voting rules among Kurds, Arabs, and Turkmen. | 1 |
India introduced a national climate plan on Monday in response to the threat of global warming. The plan focuses on using renewable energy for sustainable development and creating a climate change fund to research green technologies. The country's policy does not include specific emission targets in order to prevent hindering economic growth. This stance may not satisfy wealthy western countries seeking more commitment from India, one of the top polluters globally. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh emphasized the importance of making India's economic development energy efficient and providing its citizens with opportunities for economic and social growth. Despite India's commitment to clean technology, coal continues to be the main source of power in the country, making up approximately 60 percent of electricity generation. The government plans to add 70,000 megawatts to the power sector in the next five years. A recent report by Goldman Sachs warned that climate change could have negative effects on India's land area, productivity, labor productivity, and increase the risk of toxic waste in the environment. The report stated that while these predictions may be premature, the combination of urbanization, industrialization, and global climate change could have severe consequences on India's environment if not properly managed. India argues that it needs more energy to lift its population out of poverty and points out that its per-capita emissions are significantly lower than those of wealthy nations that have been burning fossil fuels since the industrial revolution. According to U.N. data, India's per-capita carbon dioxide emissions were 1.2 tonnes in 2004, compared to 20.6 tonnes for the United States in the same year. India's economy has been growing at a rate of 8-9 percent annually and currently contributes about 4 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Despite this, the country's per capita emissions are not expected to surpass those of developed industrialized nations, according to Singh. As a developing nation, India is not obligated to reduce its emissions under the Kyoto Protocol, even though they are increasing by 2-3 percent each year. Singh mentioned that India is open to transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources gradually, showing flexibility in their plans. The plan for addressing climate change in India is meant to adapt and adjust as circumstances change. Currently, the focus is on improving energy efficiency, utilizing solar energy, preserving water, promoting sustainable agriculture, protecting the Himalayan ecosystem, and creating environmentally-friendly habitats to build a greener India. Prime Minister Singh emphasized that while people desire better living standards, they also prioritize access to clean water, fresh air, and a healthy environment. | 1 |
The increasing demand for olive oil worldwide is revitalizing rural North Africa, where olive oil has been a traditional product for centuries. However, local producers are facing challenges such as drought, outdated production methods, and ineffective marketing strategies as more countries enter the olive oil market. Tunisia and Morocco, lacking significant energy reserves like their OPEC-member neighbors Algeria and Libya, see olive oil as a promising alternative export due to their dry, hot climates. The majority of the world's olive trees are located around the Mediterranean, with Spain leading the industry from its hub in Martos, followed by Italy and Greece. After making significant investments in modern machinery, the quality of Tunisian olive oil has improved to the point where industry officials in Spain say it now commands prices comparable to their own. Efforts by North Africa to close the gap have been well-received by European producers who are struggling to keep up with the global demand for olive oil as middle-class populations in countries like Brazil and Russia develop a taste for it. Despite being more expensive than other cooking oils, olive oil is valued for its high content of healthier mono-unsaturated fat and polyphenols. Tunisians, regardless of wealth, have cultivated their expertise in olive oil production over centuries, incorporating it into their cuisine, medicines, beauty products, and even using it as a moisturizer. "I've maintained my health by drinking a glass of olive oil every morning, and my wife uses it in every meal," said 90-year-old Hamed, a lively former night security guard from Tunis. In the country of 10 million, more than 500,000 families depend on the olive oil industry, with 56 million olive trees covering 1.6 million hectares (4 million acres). The olive harvest from November to February is a significant event in the rural calendar, prompting many Tunisians to return to their hometowns to assist with the harvest. Women sing traditional songs and share jokes while collecting the olives dropped by the men. A farmer named Haj Smida from the town of el-Jem expressed how a successful olive harvest benefits his entire family. Similarly, 68-year-old olive oil producer Salem Rhaim had to postpone his son's wedding last year due to a poor crop. Rhaim expressed optimism about a successful harvest this season, stating that he would be prepared for costly wedding preparations if the harvest meets expectations. Despite their expertise, Tunisian producers believe that a significant amount of high-quality oil is being undersold locally due to a lack of technology to meet export standards. Some individuals have entered the olive oil industry solely for tax benefits, producing low-quality products that could damage the industry's reputation. Abdelmajid Mahjoub, the owner of an old olive press in Tbourba, also pointed out that inadequate packaging is hindering export opportunities. He stated that more effort is needed to improve their products in order to compete with the Spanish, Greeks, and Italians. In Morocco, the government is providing financial incentives to expand olive cultivation to 1 million hectares by 2010, up from 1,000 hectares in 1999. Some of the production will be used to meet local demand in a country that imports 300,000 tonnes of vegetable oils annually. Mohamed, a 42-year-old farmer in Ain Balidan, on the outskirts of the Rif mountains in northern Morocco, currently grows enough olives for his family and has recently planted additional trees provided by the government. "He expressed his desire to have more land for planting olive trees as prices have been increasing rapidly. The olive trees, which are grey-green in color, have become a symbol of hope for many Moroccans facing drought or desertification, and could serve as a legal alternative to the profitable but illegal cannabis cultivation. According to Mohamed Badraoui, who leads Morocco's anti-desertification program, the country has been considering plant options that can help preserve nature and adapt to changing weather patterns over the past decade. Morocco, along with Algeria, still has a long way to go in adopting modern technology, with some olive oil presses still using traditional methods like a donkey-powered stone or wooden mortar." Jose Ramon Diez, an olive expert at the Spanish farm union ASAJA in Madrid, stated that the world market has significant potential for growth as olive oil currently makes up only 2.8 percent of the fats consumed. Last year, Spain's olive harvest decreased, prompting some farmers in northern Morocco to report that Spanish traders had approached them to purchase olives. Italy, the second largest producer of olive oil, buys some oil for re-export and has been assisting the Tunisian industry in improving its machinery. Italian oil buyers are seeking more consistent quality standards from North African producers and express frustration at the difficulty of contacting them directly, often having to go through intermediaries. Mauro Miloni, who leads the economic observatory of Unaprol, an Italian olive oil industry group, stated that the growth of exports from North Africa could help to diversify a market that is currently dominated by Spain. He emphasized the importance of being able to purchase olive oil from various sources and expressed optimism about the potential for stronger relationships with North African producers in the future, as trade continues to open up. | 1 |
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