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During his visit to New Delhi on Sunday, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown emphasized the importance of increased cooperation between India and the international community in the fight against terrorism. Brown specifically called for India to join the Financial Action Task Force, an organization that works to counter terrorist financing, and expressed his desire to assist India in acquiring advanced equipment to detect weapons and explosives at ports and airports. Brown stressed the need for major countries, including India, to work together to combat terrorism effectively. He also urged for a campaign to win over people's hearts and minds in order to fight against "extremist ideologies". Brown's visit to India followed his trip to China, where he focused on increasing trade and investment and collaborating on efforts to address climate change. During his time in India, he plans to have discussions with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, engage with business leaders, and deliver a speech on Monday regarding the reform of international institutions. Brown brought with him pledges of hundreds of millions of dollars in development aid to tackle poverty in India, a country where 400 million individuals live on less than $1 a day despite its rapid economic growth. The UK announced that it will provide India with 825 million pounds ($1.6 billion) in development aid over the next three years, with a majority of the funds allocated towards improving healthcare and education. The British government announced that the money would be used to hire 300,000 more teachers and allow four million additional children to attend school by 2011. This demonstrates the increasing economic relationship between Britain and India, as seen in Tata Steel Ltd's acquisition of Corus for 6.2 billion pounds and Ford Motor Co's consideration of Tata Motors Ltd to purchase Jaguar and Land Rover. Prime Minister Brown is expected to address trade issues and propose an international early warning system to prevent another financial crisis like the U.S. sub-prime lending shock, which has resulted in a global credit crunch and the collapse of mortgage lender Northern Rock in Britain. Brown has also called for renewed efforts to achieve a global trade agreement. Discussions on a new trade agreement aimed at liberalizing trade have progressed slowly over the years. (1 pound is equivalent to $1.945). | 1 |
Ukraine is currently investigating around 7,600 potential war crimes and over 500 suspects in response to Russia's invasion on Feb 24. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss stated that Russia has brought barbarity to Ukraine, committing heinous acts, including those against women. Truss is heading to The Hague to meet with International Criminal Court President Judge Piotr Hofmanski and Dutch Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra to discuss the matter. A specialist team will be assisting Ukraine in gathering evidence and prosecuting war crimes, with a focus on experts in conflict-related sexual violence. Moscow describes its actions as a "special operation" with the goal of weakening Kyiv's military capabilities and safeguarding Russian-speaking residents in the eastern part of the country. | 1 |
Britain, which hosted the COP26 UN climate conference and will continue leading efforts until the 2022 gathering in Egypt, is being urged to collaborate with activists and environmentally-conscious businesses to adjust plans and maintain pressure on countries that are not as proactive in addressing climate change. This could involve various measures such as expanding funding programs to help countries like South Africa transition from coal dependency, as well as increasing political pressure on nations like Australia, Russia, and Brazil to do more in terms of climate action. According to Richard Black of the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, the goal of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius is currently at risk and requires urgent action rather than just more pledges. "We don't need more pledges... That's not really credible anymore. We need actions, policies," Black emphasized during a briefing on the outcomes of COP26. The summit, concluded on Saturday, resulted in some significant commitments such as doubling financing for climate impact adaptation, reducing coal power, eliminating fossil fuel subsidies, and ending deforestation by 2030. Despite these achievements, campaign groups expressed disappointment that the outcomes were insufficient to ensure global safety. Asad Rehman from the COP26 Coalition criticized the lack of consideration for science and justice. Emissions reduction targets for 2030 are projected to lead to a 2.4C temperature increase, well above the 1.5C goal. The agreement was criticized for not fully grasping the severity of the crisis. However, the government of Bangladesh, leading the Climate Vulnerable Forum, acknowledged the talks as a step forward. After the meeting in Glasgow, a statement was released acknowledging the global recognition of the urgency of the situation. Mark Watts, executive director of C40 Cities, emphasized the need for significant progress in on-the-ground climate action. He stated that as world leaders leave Glasgow, it is now the responsibility of others to continue the work. The Glasgow Climate Pact calls for countries to return by the end of 2022 with more ambitious plans to reduce emissions by 2030 in order to maintain the 1.5C goal. This is a more frequent update than the previous requirement under the 2015 Paris Agreement. The increased demand for faster progress, combined with pressure from climate activists and businesses seeking clearer market signals for green transitions, is causing more leaders to feel pressured to take action, according to Chris Stark, head of Britain's independent Climate Change Committee. Emma Pinchbeck, chief executive of Energy UK, noted that the Glasgow deal's mention of phasing down coal and fossil fuel subsidies sends a strong message to businesses. Analysts believe this could lead to shifts in private investment that will have a greater impact on emissions than government climate finance. However, the newly established rules for carbon markets could lead companies and countries with net-zero pledges to rely too heavily on offsetting emissions instead of reducing them, Pinchbeck warned, calling for a cautious approach to determine if carbon trading systems will actually reduce global emissions. One significant change observed at the COP26 talks, according to her, is that more leaders have realized that climate change poses a real threat to their countries and that calls for action are coming from a wider range of society. Countries now not only understand the physical impact of climate change but also recognize the social and business pressures to address it. Former UK secretary of state for energy and climate change, Amber Rudd, emphasized the importance of maintaining public pressure for climate action, as politicians contemplate the implications of more immediate emissions reductions on their chances of re-election. She noted that politicians often prioritize future climate action that falls outside of their term in office, referred to as NIMTOO (not in my term of office). "Politicians are aware of what needs to be done." She mentioned that politicians struggle to get re-elected once they have already been in office, but public support for climate action could potentially ease this concern. | 1 |
Thailand has decided to move the location of ASEAN's annual meeting from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, citing the pleasant climate and a desire to showcase another part of the country. However, officials privately acknowledge that the decision is actually a response to the ongoing protests by the People's Alliance for Democracy in Bangkok. The last-minute change of venue is seen as an attempt to avoid potential trouble with the protest movement and prevent embarrassment to the government during the summit. Government leaders from the 10 Association of South East Asian Nations countries, along with China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand, are attending a summit in Bangkok. Diplomats in Bangkok are unhappy about the sudden change in location, as the city is already crowded during tourist season and may struggle to accommodate the influx of government officials and foreign media. When Laos hosted the summit four years ago, they barred all foreign visitors to ensure enough space. One diplomat in Bangkok described the situation as a major inconvenience. None of this has been planned for financially, and we are concerned about how we will secure hotel rooms during this busy time of year. It seems we will have to share rooms and even sleep on the floor. The Shangri La hotel in Chiang Mai, where the meeting will be held, has confirmed that the entire hotel has been reserved from Dec. 11-19, although existing tourists will not be displaced. It appears that the original venue for the meeting, the Centara Grand hotel in Bangkok, has not been informed about this change. | 1 |
Developing countries showed support for an EU plan aimed at combating global warming, but there were still significant disagreements evident in draft agreements at UN climate talks. The EU proposal includes a target date of 2015 for a binding agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from major polluters, with the agreement taking effect within five years. EU Climate Commissioner Connie Hedegaard noted that countries like Brazil and South Africa, despite being heavy polluters, have expressed willingness to commit to emissions cuts. However, she cautioned that the success of the talks in Durban depended on a few countries who had not yet agreed to the EU roadmap. "If there is no further progress by 4 o'clock this morning, I believe a deal in Durban is unlikely. This is the current situation we are dealing with." A potential text has been proposed that could require over 30 industrialized countries to reduce emissions as part of a new phase of the Kyoto Protocol. However, this text may only be approved if all major emitters, including China, India, and the United States, agree to legally binding targets in a separate agreement. Some climate experts are skeptical of the wording in the second text, which only mentions a "legal framework" rather than a fully binding treaty that the EU and many developing nations are pushing for. Rene Orellana, the chief negotiator for Bolivia and a member of the ALBA group of Latin American nations, expressed concern about the lack of a legal regime to control emissions from big emitters, particularly developed countries. He warned that without such a framework, there would be no control over what these countries do. He stated that if the proposed texts were to be accepted, it would not only mean the end of the Kyoto Protocol but also the destruction of the planet. Orellana emphasized the need for a regime to regulate emissions and ensure compliance. Critics also raised issues with the unclear timelines and depth of emissions reductions outlined in the texts. The EU's approach at the conference is to create a coalition to put pressure on the top three carbon emitters - China, the United States, and India - to agree to binding cuts. These countries are not obligated by the Kyoto Protocol. The US will only commit to binding cuts if all major polluters do the same. China and India argue that it would be unjust to expect them to make the same cuts as developed countries, which are responsible for most of the pollution causing global warming. Many delegates predict that the climate talks in Durban will result in a weak political agreement, with countries agreeing to begin negotiations on a new system of binding cuts in greenhouse gases. They claim that anything less than achieving change would be disastrous. Recent U.N. reports indicate that time is running out to make a difference, as a warming planet will worsen droughts and floods, lead to crop failures, and raise sea levels to the point of endangering several island nations. The Durban talks, set to conclude on Friday, are anticipated to continue late into the night and possibly into Saturday. Delegates from small islands and African nations expressed frustration with the slow progress of the talks and participated in a protest alongside environmental groups outside the main negotiation room. Maldives' climate negotiator Mohamed Aslam expressed the urgency for help in saving the islands from sinking, emphasizing the right of its inhabitants to live and determine their destiny. Grenada's foreign minister Karl Hood, who chairs the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), criticized the climate change talks for being stuck on less important issues instead of addressing the major problem of climate change, such as focusing on adaptation rather than mitigation. I believe that Durban could ultimately be responsible for the failure of UN climate negotiations. | 1 |
Rushanara Ali, a Labour MP and junior shadow minister, expressed concerns that the current British government is not giving enough attention to the issue of climate change. Ali, who was born in Bangladesh and arrived in Dhaka on Thursday, made these remarks at a press conference on Friday. She is in Dhaka to observe the climate change tribunal organized by Oxfam International. The tribunal, called the 'Shadow Climate Tribunal,' is being coordinated by an NGO alliance called Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihoods (CSRL) and is scheduled to take place on Monday at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre. The main goal of the tribunal is to find ways to legally protect victims of climate change, according to a statement by the organizers. The opposition MP criticized the current UK government for not increasing aid for the next two years, despite their commitment to reach 0.7 percent of gross national income by 2013. She also praised the previous Labour government for their efforts on climate change, including passing the world's first Climate Change Act with legally binding carbon emission targets. As a member of the shadow cabinet, Ali stated that they would focus on raising awareness about climate change. Ali emphasized the importance of keeping climate change at the top of the agenda, stating that the Labour Party will continue to back climate change adaptation programs and work towards ensuring that the funds allocated are utilized effectively. She expressed her desire to advocate for measures that support countries like Bangladesh, which are most impacted by climate change. Ali acknowledged that the international community is not taking sufficient action, calling on developed and wealthy nations to increase their efforts in addressing climate change, echoing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's recent remarks on the lack of seriousness from the international community on this issue. She, however, disagreed with the idea of allowing people affected by climate change to migrate to developed nations. Finance minister AMA Muhith had suggested that developed nations should take in climate change victims, but Ali argued that migration is not the solution to climate change. She believes that the focus should be on implementing preventive measures. Ali was elected as a Member of Parliament for Bethnal Green and Bow in May 2010, representing a community where one-third of the population is British-Bangladeshi. She made history as the first person of Bangladeshi descent to be elected to the House of Commons and one of the first three Muslim women MPs elected in 2010. | 1 |
Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai withdrew from a run-off election against President Robert Mugabe due to concerns about violence and a lack of fairness in the election process. Tsvangirai called on the United Nations and the African Union to intervene to prevent what he described as "genocide" in the country. Tsvangirai's decision came after his party's rally was disrupted by pro-Mugabe youth militia. Tsvangirai and the Movement for Democratic Change have accused government security forces and militia of using intimidation tactics to ensure Mugabe's victory in the upcoming election. Tsvangirai reiterated his belief that there was a state-sponsored effort to keep Mugabe in power. He stated that the MDC cannot expect voters to risk their lives by casting their votes on June 27. Tsvangirai, who has been detained by police multiple times during campaigning, mentioned that 86 MDC supporters had been killed and 200,000 displaced from their homes. Mugabe has consistently refused to hand over power to the opposition, accusing them of being controlled by Britain and the United States. Despite ruling since independence in 1980, Mugabe denies responsibility for the political violence and economic downfall in the country. Millions of people have left their country due to the political and economic crisis and sought refuge in neighboring states. During an MDC rally in Harare on Sunday, thousands of youth militia loyal to Mugabe attacked journalists and election observers, causing them to flee. Despite the police initially banning the rally, a high court in Harare overturned the ban on Saturday. Tsvangirai claimed victory in the March vote and agreed to a run-off only under international pressure. The state-run media has refused to air opposition political ads and police have obstructed some of their rallies. Tendai Biti, a high-ranking MDC official and close aide to Tsvangirai, is currently in custody facing charges of treason and other serious offenses that could result in the death penalty. A magistrate has ruled that he must remain in custody until at least July 7. There is increasing pressure on Mugabe's government to stop the violence, with a growing number of African leaders expressing concerns that the upcoming election will lack legitimacy. Angolan President Jose Eduardo dos Santos, a longtime ally of Mugabe, has urged the Zimbabwean leader to allow the election to proceed peacefully and in accordance with democratic principles. | 1 |
President Barack Obama promised on Tuesday to hold BP Plc accountable for their "recklessness" in the Gulf of Mexico oil spill and aimed to use public anger over the disaster to push for a national effort to reduce US reliance on fossil fuels. Obama stated that the government will do everything possible to combat the spill and make BP cover the costs of the damage they have caused. His address, intended to restore confidence in his handling of the crisis, emphasized the need for BP to take responsibility. The response to this environmental catastrophe will not only impact BP but also affect the future of offshore drilling in the US and Obama's efforts to address climate change legislation in Congress. Obama is urging Americans to take advantage of the current moment to break their dependence on fossil fuels. He did not provide a detailed plan or timeline for achieving this goal, but emphasized the need for a national effort to promote innovation and take control of the country's future. Obama supports comprehensive energy legislation to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and believes that putting a price on carbon pollution is crucial. He is open to ideas from both political parties to reduce America's reliance on oil, but he is adamant that inaction is not an option. Obama's decision to address the nation from the Oval Office emphasized the seriousness of the situation, a tradition followed by past presidents during times of national tragedy. In an election year, the crucial question is whether Obama can satisfy frustrated voters as his party's control of Congress is in jeopardy. Polls indicate that many Americans feel Obama has been too passive and lenient in handling the crisis and BP. To counter criticism of his leadership, Obama took a strong stance against BP, although he did not repeat his earlier statement about wanting to hold someone accountable. He stated that the following day, he would be meeting with the chairman of BP to instruct him to allocate necessary resources to compensate those affected by the company's negligence. He emphasized that the fund for compensation would be managed independently to ensure fair and prompt payment of all valid claims. Prior to a televised speech, executives from other oil companies testified in a US congressional hearing that BP did not follow industry standards in constructing its deep-sea well, which caused a massive oil spill. Despite attempts by oil company executives to distance themselves from BP, Democratic lawmakers still criticized industry plans for handling deepwater oil disasters as inadequate. Investors were also hoping for Obama to kick-start alternative energy projects like solar, wind, and geothermal that are currently stalled in Congress. US solar companies saw a rise in their shares before Obama's speech. In his first nationally televised address from the Oval Office, Obama aimed to demonstrate his leadership in handling the oil spill crisis, which has overshadowed his efforts to address unemployment and reform Wall Street. Public opinion polls indicate that most Americans believe Obama has been too distant in his response to the spill, putting pressure on him to show more decisive action. The urgency of the situation was highlighted by a team of US scientists who increased their estimate of the amount of oil flowing from the well by 50 percent, to a range of 35,000 to 60,000 barrels per day. | 1 |
Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, has warned that a combination of factors including the war in Ukraine, the COVID-19 crisis, and climate change are creating a dangerous situation for many developing countries. The UN's first official report on the war's impact highlighted the "alarming cascading effects" on the global economy, with up to 1.7 billion people, a third of whom are already living in poverty, facing disruptions in food, energy, and finance. Rising energy prices, inflation, and stalled development are putting many countries at risk of defaulting on their debts. The report emphasized that these are countries where people struggle to afford basic necessities, rely on imports for food and energy, and have limited resources to cope with global financial challenges. The report indicated that 107 countries are severely impacted by at least one of the three dimensions of the crisis, with 69 of those nations facing severe exposure to all three dimensions. Ukraine and Russia are responsible for approximately 30% of the world's wheat and barley production. The conflict has led to a surge in commodity prices, with food prices 34% higher than the previous year and crude oil prices up by around 60%, according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization. Vulnerable populations in developing countries are particularly at risk from these price increases, which could lead to social unrest. The report suggests that swift action, political will, and existing resources could help mitigate the effects, recommending measures such as not hoarding food supplies, supporting small farmers, stabilizing freight costs, and lifting export restrictions. Governments are urged to make strategic fuel reserves available to the global market and reduce the use of wheat for fuel. Text = The New York Times Company holds the copyright. | 1 |
However, if theatre owners and operators were interested in showcasing more work by Black artists, there are numerous plays and musicals by Black writers that could potentially make their way to Broadway. These shows have already been written, had successful productions elsewhere, and have the support of either commercial producers or non-profit presenters. This shift would require making space for producers and artists who may not have as much experience in commercial theatre as the industry veterans who typically dominate Broadway. Playwright Lynn Nottage, who faced challenges breaking into Broadway herself, is hopeful that the theatre scene will be more diverse and inclusive when it reopens. Currently, three-quarters of Broadway theatres are controlled by just three organisations. In order to stage a Broadway production, producers typically need to rent a theatre and agree to share box office profits with one of the landlords. In recent years, Broadway has been thriving, leading to limited availability of theatres. However, industry experts anticipate a change next year due to the uncertainty caused by the pandemic. The Shuberts, who own the most theatres, are planning to come back with a diverse lineup of shows. Robert E Wankel, the chairman and chief executive of the Shubert Organization, stated that they always prioritize booking plays with Black writers, directors, and subject matters. Some of the shows looking for theatres for the upcoming Broadway season include a revival of Ntozake Shange’s "For Coloured Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf," a revival of Charles Randolph-Wright’s "Blue," and a new play by Keenan Scott II called "Thoughts of a Coloured Man." Stephanie Ybarra, the artistic director of Baltimore Centre Stage, believes that "Thoughts of a Coloured Man" would be a hit on Broadway. The play, co-commissioned by Baltimore Centre Stage and Syracuse Stage, follows seven Black men through a day in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. There are several musicals in the works, with one of the most notable being "A Strange Loop" by Michael R Jackson, which recently won the Pulitzer Prize for drama. Despite not heading directly to Broadway, producer Barbara Whitman is planning a non-profit run next summer at Woolly Mammoth in Washington before attempting to bring the show to New York. Two other musicals with Black writers, "Born for This" and "Paradise Square," are also aiming for theatres next spring. "Born for This," a production that has been staged in various cities including Atlanta, Boston, Los Angeles, and Washington, is being produced by Ron Gillyard, a music executive. "Paradise Square," which had a production at Berkeley Repertory Theatre, has Marcus Gardley as one of its book writers and is led by Canadian producer Garth Drabinsky, who is aiming for a comeback after serving time in prison for fraud. Gillyard, along with veteran theatre industry player Jenny Gersten, is working to navigate Broadway and is asking for a chance. Among the 41 Broadway houses, six are controlled by nonprofit theatres, and two of them have plays by Black writers scheduled for the 2021-22 season. The Roundabout Theatre Company plans to stage a production of "Trouble in Mind," a 1955 play by Alice Childress that addresses racism in theatre, during the winter. Roundabout artistic director Todd Haimes stated that this decision reflects a deliberate effort to showcase lesser-known classics by artists of color. He described the play as remarkable, mentioning that it is not a completely unknown masterpiece but more of a partially discovered one that never received the recognition it deserved due to fear. Second Stage Theatre intends to produce a new comedic play by Nottage in the fall of 2021, focusing on a sandwich shop that hires formerly incarcerated individuals. The play, previously titled "Floyd's" after a production at the Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis, will be renamed to avoid any association with George Floyd. A more diverse representation on Broadway is crucial for artists, as it offers better pay and opportunities for career growth. Playwright Jocelyn Bioh, known for "School Girls; Or, The African Mean Girls Play," is working on a new Afrobeat musical called "Goddess," based on a Kenyan myth, set to premiere at Berkeley Rep with plans to bring it to Broadway. Bioh emphasized the importance of addressing diversity in the theater industry and nurturing fearless producers. Additionally, there are three jukebox musicals by Black writers set to debut next year, including "Ain't Too Proud" and "Tina," which were delayed by the pandemic but are finally getting their chance on the Broadway stage. The new arrival is a musical called "MJ" inspired by Michael Jackson, with a book by Nottage, set to premiere next April. While musicals often rely on popular song catalogs for success, plays on Broadway nowadays often hinge on having well-known actors in the lead roles. For instance, Producer Robyn Goodman is trying to bring Cheryl L West's play "Jar the Floor," which explores the lives of four generations of Black women, to Broadway. However, she noted that securing star power is crucial for Broadway productions, and the current uncertainty surrounding schedules has delayed their plans. Another play, "Blue" by Charles Randolph-Wright, focusing on a family of successful funeral home operators, is being produced by Brian Moreland, who also has "Thoughts of a Coloured Man" in the works. Moreland initially tried to secure a Broadway theater for "Blue," directed by Phylicia Rashad, co-produced by John Legend, and starring Leslie Uggams and Lynn Whitfield, but ended up booking it at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem due to the pandemic. Discussions are ongoing about potentially reconsidering its classification as a Broadway venue. Noticing a change in the atmosphere, he is feeling optimistic once more. He expressed interest in securing a Broadway theater if possible. Ron Simons, the main producer of "For Colored Girls," has joined forces with seasoned Broadway producer Nelle Nugent in the hopes that her expertise will help the show secure a theater. The production, originally performed on Broadway in 1976, had a revival at the Public Theatre last year. Camille A. Brown, the choreographer, will also take on the role of director on Broadway, replacing Leah C Gardiner who directed the show downtown. Several shows with Black writers are making their way through nonprofit theaters, including "Pass Over" by Antoinette Nwandu, "Toni Stone" by Lydia Diamond, and "Gun & Powder" by Angelica Chéri and Ross Baum. Additionally, "Dreaming Zenzile" about Miriam Makeba is in development with Mara Isaacs attached as a producer. Powerhouse producers like Disney Theatrical Productions and Scott Rudin are also working on Broadway adaptations of "Hidden Figures" and reviving August Wilson's "The Piano Lesson" and "The Black Clown" by Davóne Tines and Michael Schachter. Some newcomers to Broadway have experience in other areas of the entertainment industry. For example, film producer Lauren Shuler Donner is working on Nottage's stage adaptation of "The Secret Life of Bees," which may have another nonprofit production before going commercial. Lee Daniels, a film and television producer, is planning to bring Jordan E Cooper's "Ain't No Mo'" to Broadway. Daniels faced resistance when discussing the show with Broadway producers, as it is a bold comic fantasia originally staged at the Public Theatre. Despite challenges, Daniels, along with producer Sonia Friedman, is still determined to bring the show to Broadway once the pandemic situation improves. "It is the central point of New York City," he stated, "and we should have a presence right in the heart of New York City." c.2020 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
She mentioned that all polls conducted at different levels during her five-year tenure had been fair and impartial, and assured that the upcoming one would continue this trend. The Prime Minister made these remarks during a visit to the Senior Minister of State for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office of the United Kingdom, Sayeeda Warsi, at her office. The PM's Press Secretary, Abul Kalam Azad, provided details to the press following the meeting, where matters of bilateral interest were discussed. Sheikh Hasina expressed satisfaction with the historical and traditional ties between Bangladesh and the UK, hoping for further deepening of the relationship over time. She also recalled the valuable support received from the British people and Prime Minister Edward Heath's government during the 1971 War of Liberation. Additionally, a delegation led by China's Policy Advisor for Asian Affairs, Ambassador Luo Zhaohui, met with the Prime Minister to discuss various topics, including Bangladesh's stance on the One China Policy and the desire for increased Chinese investment in different sectors. Hasina highlighted the importance of regional connectivity in enhancing trade and commerce between the two countries, as well as the need to address the trade deficit. Various officials were present during these meetings, and later in the day, Warsi also met with Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury. | 1 |
In the latest results from Iraq's March 7 election, former Prime Minister Iyad Allawi has surpassed current Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki. These results could lead to prolonged political negotiations and a potential power vacuum. The reversal of Maliki's previous lead comes amid a backdrop of violence, with twin bomb attacks in Mussayab killing eight people. These attacks highlight Iraq's vulnerability as it faces possible political change and the impending withdrawal of US troops. The recent violence, along with previous attacks, raises concerns about Iraq's fragile security during what is expected to be a lengthy and contentious government formation process. Allawi's slim lead over Maliki's mainly Shi'ite State of Law bloc underscores the country's deep divisions following years of sectarian conflict. Allawi, a secular Shi'ite leader whose Iraqiya list is currently leading in five provinces, has garnered support from Sunni minorities looking to regain their lost influence after Saddam Hussein's regime ended in 2003. With approximately 80 percent of the estimated 12 million votes tallied, there is a narrow margin of about 9,000 votes between Maliki's and Allawi's coalitions. It may take weeks to determine the final results. One of the two blocs is expected to form an alliance with either the Iraqi National Alliance (INA), a predominantly Shi'ite bloc, or with the Kurdish parties in the north. Despite Maliki's popularity for stabilizing Iraq, Allawi's allies are feeling confident in their chances, as he is known for his criticism of the Shi'ite religious parties that have dominated Iraq in recent years. Thaer al-Naqeeb, a close associate of Allawi, expressed confidence that Allawi would ultimately be shown to be ahead of Maliki in the final election results, despite Maliki currently leading in Baghdad. Joost Hiltermann from the International Crisis Group warned that the post-election period, which has already been marred by claims of fraud, may see the loser refusing to accept defeat gracefully and trying to overturn the outcome. How Iraq can create a government that is acceptable to rival factions like Maliki and Allawi, as well as other factions in the country, is crucial for maintaining security as the US aims to withdraw by the end of 2011. A Kurdish alliance is leading in three provinces in northern Iraq and is close behind Allawi's bloc in Kirkuk. Allawi currently has a slight lead over the Kurdish bloc in Kirkuk. Toby Dodge, an expert on Iraq at the University of London, believes that Iran's influence could play a key role in forming a government alliance between Maliki, the INA, and the Kurds. He stated that this could somewhat resemble the coalition that poorly governed Iraq from 2006 to 2010. The Iranian government, hoping for a Shi'ite representative to lead Iraq, commended the elections. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast expressed approval of the Iraqi elections, stating that international supervision has verified their validity. | 1 |
Britain and France pledged to address financial market issues and urged banks to disclose the full extent of the damage caused by the credit crunch. Prime Minister Gordon Brown referred to his relationship with President Nicolas Sarkozy as a strong alliance during Sarkozy's visit to Britain. Both leaders expressed optimism about a new era of collaboration and agreed to work towards expanding the U.N. Security Council to include Germany, Brazil, India, Japan, and representation for Africa. The leaders' body language and compliments towards each other at a press conference in London demonstrated a significant improvement in Anglo-French relations. The team is overseen by Frenchman Arsene Wenger and includes several French-speaking players. Sarkozy, feeling emotional, praised the warm welcome his new wife, former model turned singer Carla Bruni, received after their recent marriage following a quick courtship that affected his popularity in polls. World leaders are working to ease concerns about a potential global economic downturn caused by a credit squeeze resulting from a U.S. housing loan crisis. However, wealthy nations have not yet reached a consensus on a unified action plan. "We have agreed on the importance of increased transparency in financial markets to ensure that banks disclose the extent of their losses in a timely manner," stated Brown and Sarkozy. Banks have reduced the value of their assets by over $125 billion because of the credit squeeze, with some estimates suggesting bad debts could be as high as $600 billion. Central banks have injected money into the financial system to boost confidence among commercial banks hesitant to lend to one another. The two leaders called for further discussions with the United States and others to address the crisis. French President Sarkozy criticized the strength of the euro compared to the U.S., Japanese, and Chinese currencies in a speech in London's financial district. He has continuously expressed his dissatisfaction with the euro's increasing value, which reached a peak above $1.59 last week, as it negatively impacts French exporters. Sarkozy has also expressed worry about the high costs of oil and other goods. While Britain and France are both permanent members of the U.N. Security Council, efforts to expand its membership have not progressed. Brown and Sarkozy proposed the idea of granting certain countries longer, renewable terms on the council, potentially leading to permanent seats. Sarkozy is aiming to strengthen ties with Britain in addition to the longstanding Franco-German alliance that has historically influenced the European Union. Analysts suggest that Prime Minister Brown's challenges with German Chancellor Angela Merkel may have influenced his stance. Despite criticisms of Britain's reluctance to fully engage with the European Union and adopt the common currency, Brown, often a target of such critiques, publicly aligned himself with French President Sarkozy. At a joint news conference, Brown emphasized the importance of both Britain and France playing a central role in a reformed, global Europe that is open, flexible, and forward-thinking. The two leaders also agreed on taking action on various issues, such as facilitating trade between wealthy and impoverished nations, addressing illegal immigration, combatting climate change, and fostering dialogue between China and Tibet to resolve ongoing tensions. | 1 |
The Dalai Lama stated that US President Barack Obama is not lenient towards China and expressed hope that he would bring up the topic of Tibet with the Indian Prime Minister during their meeting in Washington. In an interview with NDTV news channel, the Dalai Lama mentioned that Obama has a different approach rather than being soft on China. Obama had recently urged for dialogue between the Dalai Lama's representatives and China to address the Tibet crisis during his recent visit to Beijing. The Tibetan government-in-exile showed willingness to engage in discussions with China following Obama's remarks. Despite having had eight rounds of talks, there has been little progress in resolving the issue between Chinese officials and the Dalai Lama's envoys. The Dalai Lama, who left Tibet for India in 1959 following an unsuccessful rebellion against Chinese control, expressed no regret for not being able to meet with Obama during his trip to the U.S. in October. Despite being labeled a "splittist" by Beijing, the Dalai Lama insists he is only advocating for autonomy for Tibet, which experienced unrest last year with riots and demonstrations against Chinese influence. Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is scheduled to visit the United States this week to address regional matters, climate change, and a nuclear agreement. | 1 |
During a severe drought in the United States, a government agency announced that a heat record from July was broken, a record that had been in place since the Dust Bowl summer of 1936. Despite widespread crop damage in July, Midwest farmers received some relief with rain forecasted over the next 10 days, which could potentially stabilize rising grain prices and global concerns of food inflation. July was confirmed as the hottest month ever recorded in the continental United States, surpassing the previous record from July 1936, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The period from January to July was also the warmest since record-keeping began in 1895, and the warmest 12-month period, breaking the previous record set just a month ago. This marked the fourth consecutive month that U.S. temperatures broke the record for the hottest 12-month period, as reported by NOAA. Experts predict that the current drought, the most severe since 1956, will result in the smallest corn harvest in six years. This has led to high prices and limited supplies. Despite extensive planting, this would mark the third consecutive year of reduced corn production. The drought and heat in July exacerbated each other, as explained by Jake Crouch from NOAA's National Climatic Data Center. He stated that as temperatures rise, the soil becomes drier, creating a vicious cycle. While some relief may come from predicted rain and cooler temperatures in the Midwest, it is unlikely to salvage the already damaged corn crop. Jason Nicholls, a meteorologist for AccuWeather, stated that although the upcoming weather is an improvement from previous conditions, he is not convinced it will end the drought. The long-term forecast still shows warm and dry conditions returning. Nicholls predicts that 0.25 to 0.75 inches of rain, with some areas getting more, will fall on about 75 percent of the Midwest between Wednesday and Friday morning, with a similar weather pattern expected next week. He mentioned that there may be slightly less rain in southeast Iowa, but increased rainfall in Missouri. Drew Lerner, a meteorologist for World Weather Inc., predicts that there will be some rain in the northwest over the weekend. Temperatures in the Midwest are expected to be in the 80s Fahrenheit for the next few days, a relief from the previous high temperatures that were damaging corn and soybean production. The impact of the drought on these crops has led to rising grain prices, which will in turn affect consumer staples such as milk, cheese, beef, fish, and poultry. Many producers are reducing the size of their herds to cut costs and avoid significant losses. Corn and soybeans are used in a variety of products, including biofuels, starch, edible oils, and lubricants. US corn prices have increased by more than 50 percent in the last two months, reaching a record high on July 20. Soybean prices, which were planted later than corn, also rose by more than 20 percent during the same period and hit a record high on the same day. Delivery prices during harvest time have decreased by about 7 percent due to light rains in parts of the Midwest over the past two weeks, which analysts believe could benefit the crops as they are filling pods. The rains, however, are considered to have come too late for the corn crop, as it has already passed its crucial pollination stage when final yields are determined. Initially, grain prices at the Chicago Board of Trade decreased on Wednesday but then rebounded. The government's initial assessment of the autumn harvest will be released on Friday. Projections for corn yields have already been reduced by 12% because of the hot and dry conditions in the Farm Belt. The drought has become a factor in election year politics, with President Obama urging Congress to pass a farm bill that includes disaster aid for farmers and ranchers. The administration is committed to helping alleviate the effects of the drought. Obama stated that the ongoing historic drought is significantly affecting farmers and ranchers in multiple states. With the US election approaching, he emphasized the importance of Congress finishing the new five-year farm bill. Although Republican leaders in the House were unable to pass the bill, they suggested a $383 million disaster package for livestock producers before taking a summer break. Obama expressed his hope that lawmakers will listen to their constituents during the recess and return on September 10 ready to promptly finalize the farm bill. | 1 |
Yvo de Boer, head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, stated that despite the global financial turmoil, a new world climate deal should not be hindered as high energy prices continue to encourage improvements in energy efficiency. While some analysts believe the financial crisis may limit investments in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, de Boer has not seen evidence that the crisis is having a greater impact on the global economy than current oil prices. However, he acknowledged that the uncertainty and lack of trust in financial markets present obstacles to developing green energy projects, despite the high oil prices. He believes that lack of capital is not the main issue at hand. Investment uncertainty is causing nervousness in the market. De Boer believes that clear government policies on climate change could help reduce this uncertainty, especially for major investments like a 500 million euro power plant. He expressed optimism about the United States joining a new global warming accord in Copenhagen in December 2009. Contrary to many analysts, he believes it is possible for the US to sign up to the agreement. De Boer explained that the same reasons that prevented Washington from agreeing to the Kyoto Protocol in 1997, such as concerns about damaging the U.S. economy and the lack of emissions targets for developing countries, are still relevant today. The Kyoto Protocol requires 37 industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5 percent below 1990 levels by 2008-2012, with no targets set for developing countries. In order to persuade the United States, now second to China in greenhouse gas emissions, to participate, the United Nations must involve developing countries. De Boer emphasized the importance of protecting their economic growth while minimizing the costs associated with ambitious climate policies. One method of attracting developing nations is through the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), where an industrialized country can increase its emission quota by investing in clean energy technology in a developing nation. There is ongoing debate within U.N. talks about whether the CDM should include coal power plants with carbon dioxide storage capabilities. De Boer believes that carbon capture and storage could be crucial for coal-based economies like China and India, and suggests that storing CO2 underground in empty gas fields could be a safe option. De Boer is hopeful that the upcoming talks in Poznan in December involving environment ministers from 192 U.N. member states could lead to a new agreement in Copenhagen to replace Kyoto, despite doubts from many. | 1 |
During a meeting with his counterpart from Bangladesh, Abul Hassan Mahmood Ali, at his office in The Hague on Wednesday, it was mentioned that King Willem-Alexander himself showed a strong interest in Bangladesh's flood-control efforts and climate change adaptation. Timmermans expressed his government's ongoing interest in collaborating with Bangladesh to address the challenges brought by climate change. He mentioned that Bangladesh and the Netherlands have very close bilateral ties. Mahmood Ali appreciated the Dutch development cooperation projects aimed at water management, agricultural productivity, and income generation in hard-to-reach char areas. He also thanked the Dutch government for their contribution to the 'Better Work Programme' of the ILO, which aims to improve working conditions in Bangladesh's ready-made garments sector. Mahmood Ali is currently in The Hague to attend the Global Oceans Action Summit for Food Security and Blue Growth, organized by the government of the Netherlands, FAO, and the World Bank. The two ministers agreed to explore the possibility of establishing a regular mechanism for bilateral foreign office consultations. Mahmood Ali thanked the Netherlands for providing training to young Bangladeshi diplomats and requested the extension of the current program by another five years. They also discussed providing reciprocal facilities and services to each other's missions in the two capitals. Mahmood Ali invited the Netherlands King to visit Bangladesh at a convenient time and also invited his counterpart to visit Bangladesh, an invitation that was accepted. Bangladesh's ambassador to the Netherlands, Sheikh Mohammed Belal, was also present during the meeting. | 1 |
In Copenhagen on December 18, efforts were made by world leaders to salvage a global climate agreement. However, the lack of new proposals from major greenhouse gas emitters China and the United States hindered the chances of a comprehensive deal. US President Barack Obama and other leaders are working towards consensus on issues such as carbon emissions reductions, financial assistance to developing countries, temperature limits, and international monitoring of emissions control. Though some progress has been made, there are still gaps in areas such as emissions targets and monitoring, according to delegates. Obama expressed readiness to finalize the agreement but stressed the need for all parties to take action rather than just talk, highlighting the lack of significant progress in international climate discussions over the past two decades. The period for discussion has ended. What is at risk is a potential agreement for global collaboration to prevent climate change, which could result in increased flooding and droughts. The talks in Copenhagen, lasting two weeks, have struggled with mistrust between wealthy and impoverished nations regarding how to distribute emissions reductions. Developing countries, particularly those most susceptible to climate change, argue that affluent nations bear a historical obligation to lead the way. Andreas Carlgren, the environmental minister of EU president Sweden, stated that the United States and China are crucial in reaching a deal. He mentioned that the United States had made late commitments to address climate change. China's reluctance to be monitored was a major hindrance. Carlgren stated that the biggest sufferers were the developing countries, as the EU's efforts to assist them were thwarted by the powerful nations. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton arrived in Copenhagen on Thursday and pledged that the United States would assist in raising $100 billion annually to aid developing countries in dealing with climate change, contingent on reaching an agreement. However, President Obama did not offer any new commitments and maintained the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 17 percent by 2020 from 2005 levels, which is equivalent to a 3-4 percent reduction compared to 1990 levels, unlike the EU's target of 20 percent. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao also reaffirmed current targets, although he mentioned that China, the world's largest carbon emitter, may surpass them. Wen stated that they will follow through on their promises with tangible actions, regardless of the outcome of the conference. Following a productive meeting between Obama and Wen, a White House official described it as a positive step forward. The two leaders had a constructive discussion covering all key issues and have instructed their negotiators to work both bilaterally and with other countries to try to reach an agreement. Sweden's Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt called on China and the United States, who are responsible for 40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, to take action. Reinfeldt emphasized the importance of these two countries doing their part to help meet the 2 degree target. A British official expressed pessimism about the prospects for a deal following Obama's speech. Several important countries are resisting the proposed package, and there is a limited amount of time left. Negotiators were unsuccessful in reaching an agreement on carbon reduction measures during overnight discussions. Both Obama and other leaders were unable to make progress in talks on Friday morning. French President Nicolas Sarkozy pointed out that the main issue was China's reluctance to agree to monitoring emissions. Sarkozy mentioned that although the negotiations are ongoing, they have not yet reached a resolution. A preliminary document obtained by Reuters proposed a target of $100 billion annually by 2020 to assist developing countries in dealing with the effects of climate change. It also suggested providing $30 billion to the most impoverished nations between 2010 and 2012, and stressed the importance of limiting global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. Scientists argue that staying within this limit is crucial in order to prevent severe consequences such as rising sea levels, species extinction, and crop failures. The goal of the Copenhagen talks, which span two weeks, is to reach an agreement on a climate accord that can be formalized into a legally binding treaty in the following year to replace the expiring Kyoto Protocol. It is worth noting that the United States did not ratify the Kyoto Protocol, and it does not apply to developing countries. The draft text for Friday anticipates ongoing negotiations to reach agreement on one or more new legal treaties by the end of 2010. | 1 |
In his inaugural address to the nation as prime minister, Khan outlined his vision for a "New Pakistan" and emphasized the importance of implementing an Islamic welfare system, reducing poverty, and decreasing high levels of debt. Khan criticized the country's reliance on loans and aid from other nations, stating that a country must be self-sufficient to prosper. Khan, a former cricket star, was sworn in as prime minister after his party won the recent election. Despite his popularity due to his anti-corruption efforts, Khan faces challenges such as a currency crisis and strained relations with the United States. Khan did not provide details on how he will address the currency issues that analysts believe will lead Pakistan to seek another IMF bailout. Instead, he focused on debt and appointed Ishrat Husain to head a task force for austerity measures. Khan criticized the opulent lifestyles of Pakistan's ruling elite and announced plans to live in a modest three-bedroom house rather than the prime minister's residence. He also plans to reduce the number of servants from 524 to just two and sell bullet-proof vehicles to address Treasury shortages, despite the ongoing threat from Islamist militants in the country. He stated that he plans to lead a modest life and be frugal with money, encouraging overseas Pakistanis to invest in the country and urging the wealthy to fulfill their tax obligations. Khan emphasized the importance of paying taxes for the country's progress, addressing the issue of tax evasion in a nation where very few people file income tax returns. He expressed concerns about the impact of climate change on Pakistan and vowed to improve maternal and infant mortality rates, as well as address the high number of out-of-school children in a country with a low literacy rate. Khan, who lacks experience in government, announced his 21-person cabinet over the weekend, mainly selecting seasoned politicians. Critics expressed disapproval, noting that around half of the cabinet members had worked under the former military dictator Pervez Musharraf and belonged to the old guard. Khan revealed on Sunday that he will personally oversee the interior ministry. Once known as a playboy in London's social circles, Khan has embraced a more religious image and aims to establish a welfare state in Pakistan inspired by Western models rooted in the teachings of Prophet Mohammad in Medina. He stated his intention to allocate funds to support those in need. | 1 |
Upon her arrival in Myanmar, Prime Minister Hasina was welcomed by Myanmar Labour Minister Aye Myint and Bangladesh ambassador to Naypyidaw Anup Kumar Chakma at 10.15am local time on Monday. She received a warm reception with a red carpet at the airport and was escorted to the Royal Naypyidaw Hotel in a motorcade, where she and her entourage will be staying during her two-day tour. As part of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) summit, Hasina is set to have bilateral meetings with the Prime Ministers of India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Bhutan. This regional grouping, established in 1997, aims to promote economic cooperation among seven member countries from South Asia and South East Asia. Bangladesh is leading in trade and investment, as well as climate change initiatives within the group. Additionally, during her visit, Hasina is scheduled to meet with Myanmar President Thein Sein, visit the country's parliament, and have a meeting with Nobel laureate Aung Sang Suu Kyi. The summit will also include the inauguration and joint press briefing on the second day of her visit. The most recent summit took place in 2008 in New Delhi, while the first was held in 2004 in Bangkok. During the summit, it is anticipated that three agreements will be signed, including a memorandum of association for establishing a climate change center in India and a memorandum of understanding for creating a Cultural Industries Observatory in Bhutan. Additionally, a memorandum of association will be signed to establish a permanent secretariat in Bangladesh, which was approved over two years ago. Dhaka has already allocated a location in Gulshan for the Secretariat. The issue of Rohingya has caused tension between Bangladesh and Myanmar, with the bilateral trade volume between the two countries currently at a low $100 million. Bangladesh has provided refuge to many Rohingya Muslim refugees who fled Myanmar due to sectarian violence, with officials estimating there are several hundred thousand unregistered Rohingyas in Bangladesh. Officials stated that the Prime Minister will return to Dhaka on March 4. (File Photo) | 1 |
Ambassador Tran Van Khoa met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka on Thursday, during which he expressed his satisfaction with the extension of the memorandum of understanding on rice trade between Bangladesh and Vietnam. The ambassador also informed reporters that the first shipment of rice from Vietnam is expected to arrive in Chittagong within 15 days. Following the meeting, Prime Minister Hasina stated the importance of preserving extra food to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances. She also highlighted Vietnam's impressive socioeconomic progress since the war. She stated that Vietnam serves as a model for them to follow, noting that they had to struggle for independence just like Vietnam. The prime minister highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity and economic collaboration between Bangladesh and Southeast Asian countries. She mentioned that Bangladesh and Vietnam could exchange their knowledge in various areas such as trade and culture. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with the new Vietnam Ambassador to Bangladesh Tran Van Khoa at her office in the parliament. A photo was taken during the meeting. Hasina emphasized the need to work together to eradicate poverty, which she referred to as a common issue for developing nations. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina held a meeting with the newly appointed Vietnam Ambassador to Bangladesh, Tran Van Khoa, at her office in the parliament. During the meeting, she mentioned the importance of working together to achieve success. The Vietnamese ambassador commended Bangladesh's efforts in combating terrorism and addressing the impacts of climate change, stating that there are many areas where the two countries can learn from each other. Tran Van Khoa also praised Bangladesh's 7.24 percent GDP growth in the previous fiscal year and conveyed best wishes from Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Prime Minister Hasina. He also gave Hasina a book about the life of Vietnamese communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, which held memories of the War of Liberation. Khoa mentioned that both countries had acknowledged their respective Wars of Liberation and highlighted the importance of high-level delegations exchanging visits. The newly appointed envoy stated that his goal was to strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries and continue cooperation in various sectors. The event was attended by PM's Principal Secretary Dr Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and Senior PMO Secretary Suraiya Begum. Bangladesh plans to import 250,000 tonnes of rice from Vietnam to replenish crops affected by unseasonal downpours in April. The official figures indicate that the damaged crops would have produced approximately 600,000 tons of rice, while unofficial estimates suggest the number is closer to 2.2 million tons. To combat rising local prices, the government has reduced import duties and issued new tenders. | 1 |
The event, which included a joint fly-over of fighter jets from two countries as a symbol of military cooperation in various regions, followed a series of meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron, a sightseeing tour of Paris for the first ladies, and a dinner for the four individuals at a restaurant in the Eiffel Tower. Trump expressed his enjoyment of the evening in a tweet, stating that his relationship with France is stronger than ever. These ceremonies mark the end of a visit that Macron sees as crucial for enhancing France's global reputation, and which could also benefit a US leader who has alienated some international allies with his positions on trade and climate issues. Trump, who is also facing an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 US election, hinted at the possibility of further discussions on the Paris accord during a recent event. Macron made a grand entrance at the event, arriving in a military jeep surrounded by cavalry, emphasizing France's military strength. The event also highlighted a recent dispute between Macron and General Pierre de Villers over proposed defense budget cuts. During the parade, both leaders sat together, applauding and pointing as military aircraft flew overhead. Trump saluted as military personnel, some in World War One uniforms, marched past with the Arc de Triomphe in the background. This year's Bastille Day holds special significance for France as it marks the first anniversary of a devastating Islamist militant attack. Following the parade, President Macron will travel to Nice to participate in a ceremony honoring the 86 individuals who lost their lives in the tragic event where a Tunisian man drove a truck into a crowd along the waterfront. | 1 |
The United Nations's annual World Day to Combat Desertification, known as 'World Desertification Day', will be celebrated on Sunday. The focus of this year's theme, ''desertification and climate change—one global challenge'', is to raise awareness about the dangers of desertification and the importance of prevention. Experts have warned that nearly a fifth of the world's population is directly or indirectly threatened by desertification. Countries such as China, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Central Asia, the Middle East, parts of Africa, Argentina, Brazil, and Chile are particularly vulnerable to this crisis. In Bangladesh, some non-governmental organizations are planning to observe the day, as government initiatives to address the issue have been lacking. Abu Sumon, who is the director of Wetland and Coastal Biodiversity Project at the Department of Environment, emphasized the significant impact of global warming this year. He also highlighted desertification as a consequence of global warming, noting the discovery of plants growing naturally in harsh environments as evidence of desertification in the northern region of the country. Sumon pointed out that Barindra land has the hardest soil in the country and mentioned the decreasing underground water level as a recent phenomenon directly linked to the issue. The United Nations has issued a warning that global warming is contributing to the expansion of arid land, potentially displacing millions of people in the future. The UN's leading authority on global warming cautioned in April that rising global temperatures could have severe impacts on precipitation patterns, snowmelt runoff, and river flows in many countries already facing water scarcity. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) estimates that between 80 and 200 million more people could face food insecurity by 2080. The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) reports that 70 percent of the world's agricultural drylands are degraded and at risk of desertification due to factors like overgrazing and deforestation, with climate change exacerbating the threat. The UN body stated that desertification is growing rapidly, with well-known environmental and social impacts, yet it has not been given the necessary attention at national, regional, and international levels. | 1 |
Mitch McConnell, the Majority Leader, announced that the Senate will not consider any nominee to replace Justice Antonin Scalia until after the next president is inaugurated in January. McConnell, who has been a vocal opponent of President Obama, stated that he will not even meet with the nominee chosen by Obama. According to the US Constitution, the Senate has the authority to confirm or reject the president's Supreme Court pick. Republicans are hoping that the next president, who will be elected in November, will be a Republican and will be able to fill Scalia's vacancy. McConnell stated that the nomination will depend on the winner of the fall presidential election, as Senate Republicans believe that the vacancy should not be filled by President Obama. The nominee chosen by Obama could change the court's balance for the first time in many years, as Scalia's death left the court evenly split between liberals and conservatives. The intense battle over a Supreme Court vacancy has not been seen since the nominations of Robert Bork in 1987 and Clarence Thomas in 1991 by Republican presidents, and Obama has not yet revealed his choice. The White House and Senate Democrats criticized McConnell's position, with Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid calling it extreme obstruction. Reid lamented the lack of compromise and rationality in today's politics. McConnell and other Republican lawmakers have consistently opposed Obama's key policies, from healthcare to climate change. McConnell referenced a previous statement by Vice President Joe Biden to defend the Senate's inaction on Supreme Court appointments. McConnell pointed out that Biden, during his time as Senate Judiciary Committee chairman in 1992, had advocated for delaying the consideration of Supreme Court nominees in an election year. Biden later clarified that he was speaking hypothetically since there were no vacancies at the time. McConnell's decision to withhold confirmation hearings came after Chairman Chuck Grassley and other Republican members of the Judiciary Committee sent a letter indicating their stance. Grassley had previously suggested the possibility of holding hearings. Republican senators expressed their desire to allow the American people to have a thorough discussion before the Nov 8 presidential election on the type of judge they want to address important issues. If the Senate delays considering a nominee until after a new president takes office, it is unlikely that the Supreme Court will have all nine justices before early 2017. This would leave the court short-staffed for over a year, affecting its ability to make decisions. In cases with tied 4-4 rulings, lower court decisions remain in place and no national precedent is established. Senator Reid suggested that the Republican party's strategy is influenced by its right-wing, including presidential candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz. Reid stated that Senate Democrats will not block legislation like appropriations bills as a form of retaliation for Republican inaction, in order to avoid becoming known as the "obstruct caucus." White House spokesperson Josh Earnest expressed concern that denying a hearing for Obama's nominee would be unprecedented and would introduce politics to the Supreme Court, which has been insulated from such interference for over two centuries. Earnest pointed out that since 1875, a president's nominee has never been denied a hearing unless the nomination was withdrawn later. McConnell emphasized that while presidents have the right to nominate, the Senate also has the right to provide or withhold consent, and in this case, consent would be withheld. Schumer, a member of the Senate Democratic leadership, predicted that pressure from voters on vulnerable Republican Senate incumbents seeking re-election would lead to a change in the Republican position regarding Obama's nominee. Schumer criticized the Senate Republicans for their risky and ultimately doomed strategy, while Senator Hatch defended their stance, stating that they are standing up for the principle that the next president should address the issue. The Democrats are at a disadvantage in the Senate, lacking the necessary votes to push through contentious legislation or a Supreme Court nominee. Currently, Democrats hold 46 seats, while Republicans hold 54, with two independents caucusing with the Democrats. | 1 |
Finance leaders from the top industrialised nations of the world showed unity in response to an economic slowdown and acknowledged that the situation could worsen due to the deteriorating US housing market. The Group of Seven released a statement after meetings in Tokyo, stating that economic growth prospects had declined since their last meeting in October. While they noted that the fundamentals were stable and the US economy was likely to avoid a recession, there was a sense of increased pessimism and concern compared to October. Ministers and bankers from Japan, the US, Canada, the UK, Germany, Italy, and France predicted varying degrees of slowdown in their countries in the near future. They highlighted the significant risks posed by the US property market decline and the resulting credit tightening, which has hindered the flow of money to consumers and businesses that drive the global economy. Banks with high levels of debt are reducing their lending due to significant losses stemming from declining U.S. home loans, surpassing $100 billion. This situation has led to concerns about a negative cycle where decreased consumer spending leads to businesses scaling back operations and laying off workers. Glenn Maguire, the Asia Pacific chief economist at Societe Generale in Hong Kong, observed that the G7 did not provide much detail on collaborative efforts to bolster the economy. He stated that the current economic crisis, driven by U.S. domestic issues, cannot be effectively addressed through a globally coordinated strategy. U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson warned that global markets may endure an extended period of instability. Paulson stated that the current financial crisis is severe and ongoing. He mentioned that although the financial markets will eventually recover from this stressful period, there will still be continued volatility as risk is reassessed. The G7 leaders emphasized the importance of banks fully disclosing their losses and strengthening their balance sheets to help return markets to normal functioning. German finance minister Peer Steinbrueck estimated that writeoffs could amount to $400 billion. The leaders also expressed their commitment to closely monitoring developments and taking necessary actions to ensure stability and growth in their economies. Promises to collaborate in restoring the financial system were overshadowed by disagreements regarding fiscal and monetary policy ahead of the G7 meeting. Concerns arose in Europe over the U.S. Federal Reserve's rapid interest rate cuts and fiscal stimulus package, potentially straining relations with allies. However, tensions eased after the European Central Bank indicated it may also cut rates to address economic growth risks and inflation concerns. French Economy Minister Christine Lagarde welcomed the ECB's move but expressed a desire for more action. European leaders were especially worried about the euro's strength when it reached a record high against the dollar following the Fed's decision to cut rates in September. However, the currency weakened after the ECB's change of stance. At the Saturday meeting, foreign exchange matters were put on hold due to more urgent economic issues. The communique echoed the October statement, emphasizing the need for China to allow its yuan to appreciate at a faster pace. Several G7 leaders believe that China's undervalued yuan gives them an unfair trade advantage and are urging Beijing to increase domestic investment to help balance the global economy. The message also advised oil producers to increase production following a brief period where oil prices exceeded $100 per barrel last month. Prices have since decreased, but they rose by 4 percent to $91.77 on Friday - the largest increase in nearly two months - due to supply issues and an upcoming cold spell in the United States. | 1 |
Ministers stated that the European Union is unlikely to increase its commitment to reducing carbon emissions from 20 percent to 30 percent unless other countries demonstrate a greater willingness to do the same. The EU's current target is to cut carbon dioxide levels by 20 percent from 1990 levels in the next decade, with a promise to deepen the cuts to 30 percent if other countries also commit to similar reductions. The EU does not see any indication that major economies will set comparable targets by the United Nations' Jan. 31 deadline for emissions cuts. Spanish Secretary of State for Climate Change Teresa Ribera stated that it is unlikely that the EU will be able to reach the 30 percent target. The decision, which was widely anticipated, was made by the EU. Despite being marginalized at the previous year's climate meeting in Copenhagen, the EU, responsible for 14 percent of global CO2 emissions, is eager to take a leading role in climate talks. Environmentalists had urged the EU to set a more ambitious target to set an example. While the EU has not committed to a 30 percent cut yet, they may consider it in the future if they receive concessions from other countries. Connie Hedegaard, the nominee for European climate commissioner, stated at a European Parliament hearing that she hopes the conditions for the EU to move to a 30 percent cut will be met before the upcoming meeting in Mexico later this year. Before the Copenhagen talks, the United Nations had requested that affluent nations reduce emissions by 25-40 percent by 2020 in order to limit the average increase in worldwide temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius from pre-industrial levels. | 1 |
Bhupesh Baghel, chief minister of Chhattisgarh, stated that the government is planning to educate local women on how to generate and sell clean energy as the state aims to move away from coal. Baghel emphasized the global trend towards green energy and acknowledged coal's importance in meeting energy demands but expressed the need to explore alternative sources. He mentioned that the decision to gradually transition from coal was made with the well-being of the people, especially the indigenous population, in mind, with a focus on preserving forests and biodiversity. India is a major player in the coal industry, being the second-largest importer, consumer, and producer of coal, with significant reserves located in Chhattisgarh. During the COP26 climate summit last year, India announced its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and increasing the proportion of renewable energy in its energy mix to 50% by 2030. In alignment with this, the government of Baghel introduced a circular economy plan in 2020 to enhance the livelihoods of over 40% of Chhattisgarh residents living below the poverty line. This initiative aims to create more employment opportunities, raise incomes, and establish a sustainable rural economy by establishing industrial parks and supporting women's groups in producing and selling natural products. Recently, energy derived from cow dung was included in this plan. Through Baghel's prominent initiative, villagers receive 2 rupees ($0.03) for each kilogram of dung collected, which is then transformed into various products such as organic compost, fuel, and herbal colors for local festivals. Baghel discussed various initiatives during a break at the legislative assembly in Raipur, including setting up 8,000 gouthans in villages to process cow dung into products and eventually generate power. Despite India's push for coal mining, Baghel has resisted opening new mines in the Hasdeo Arand region to protect the intact forest. He acknowledges the need for a master-plan for the future and has signed an agreement with the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre to install 500 biogas plants in the gouthan spaces, each capable of powering over 2,500 homes daily. Depending on the amount of cow dung collected, the plants will either be permanent installations or small mobile units. Baghel stated that they will generate power right at the doorstep of the community. While the state is waiting for approval for solar power projects, energy from cow dung will be produced 24/7, with women being trained to operate and maintain the digesters that convert biogas from the animal waste. The biogas will be used for cooking and electricity production, which will be distributed through a micro-grid to the local area. The electricity will be provided to rural industries and households, used for street lighting, and any excess power will be sent to the state electricity grid. Decentralizing power generation and distribution will facilitate equal access to electricity for all, including indigenous communities, while also creating environmentally friendly jobs and improving quality of life, according to Baghel. He emphasized the importance of utilizing cow dung as a valuable resource, drawing inspiration from Hindu teachings and his own upbringing in a village. Ramanjaneyulu, from the Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, supported the idea, noting that decentralized energy production not only increases access to power but also addresses agricultural waste. He highlighted the practicality and profitability of using dung as an energy source. Baghel's administration is aligning with the Indian government's initial strategy of transitioning away from coal in regions affected by mine closures. They are also working to assist workers in gaining new skills to pursue opportunities in eco-tourism or fish-farming. Baghel stated that they are demonstrating the profitability of these alternative jobs through incentives, and workers are beginning to embrace the changes. | 1 |
Japanese Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda will meet with Russia's outgoing and incoming presidents on Saturday to seek Moscow's support for a new global initiative to reduce greenhouse gases. The meeting will briefly touch on a longstanding territorial dispute over four islands in the Pacific. Japan, hosting this year's Group of Eight summit on Hokkaido, is focused on finding a more effective replacement for the Kyoto Protocol on climate change, which ends in 2012. Fukuda's main goals for the visit are to build trust with President Putin and president-elect Medvedev and to prepare for the upcoming G8 summit. Tokyo is optimistic that the G8 summit will facilitate the creation of a climate change agreement that includes major polluters like the United States, China, and India, who have not agreed to the emissions limits set by the Kyoto Protocol. Russia, a G8 member, is one of the few emerging economies that has committed to the Kyoto Protocol. Japanese officials are hopeful that Russia will support a new agreement in Hokkaido. The disputed islands, referred to as the Southern Kuriles in Russia and the Northern Territories in Japan, are located near the G8 summit site in Hokkaido. Personal relationships have been strained between Russia and Japan since Soviet troops seized the disputed islands in the last days of World War Two. Both countries have not recognized each other's sovereignty over the islands, which has hindered the signing of a treaty to end wartime hostilities. Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda plans to push Russian leaders to speed up negotiations to resolve the territorial dispute. A senior Japanese government official stated that Fukuda will stress the importance of advancing negotiations in order to improve bilateral relations. While Russia has expressed willingness to discuss the issue, they have not shown any indication of being willing to relinquish control of the islands. A Kremlin official stated that their position remains unchanged and they do not anticipate any significant progress in talks with Fukuda. Trade between Russia and Japan reached $20 billion in 2007, driven by companies like Toyota Motor Corp that have established factories in Russia to take advantage of its growing market. However, trade volume is much lower compared to that of Russia's main trading partner, the European Union. Japan believes it is a suitable partner to assist Russia in realizing its goal of developing the Far East region, which is abundant in energy resources but sparsely populated. Companies from Japan have invested in large oil and gas ventures on Sakhalin Island in Russia's Pacific region, and there is currently a pipeline being built to transport oil from eastern Siberia to the Pacific coast in the future. | 1 |
Ian Shippen, a 42-year-old farmer with spiked hair, is considered a rural prophet in the arid salt plains located 1,000 kilometres west of Sydney. Shippen believes that the drought affecting Australia's food bowl will bring about permanent changes to agriculture in the driest settled continent. He predicts a return to traditional farming methods from 100 years ago, focusing on growing broadacre areas and raising sheep. Shippen shared his thoughts with Reuters at his property near Moulamein, stating that large areas of land will become unproductive, with one sheep needing 5 to 6 acres to graze. He believes that the current drought will have a significant impact on farming practices. Shippen, along with many others, is looking for solutions to overcome the drought and is taking a risk by transitioning away from irrigated cropping. Nine years ago, he cultivated rice on 2,000 acres of previously arid land that had been irrigated with water from the eastern Australian alps, a long drive away. He and his wife, Camilla, who is the daughter of a city doctor, anticipated the shift in conditions as a prolonged dry period began and water prices started to rise, altering the economics of irrigation. Shippen expressed concern about the increasing cost of water, viewing it as a liability rather than an asset. Farmers are selling their water to buy more land, which has resulted in large debts and high interest payments due to the drought affecting their incomes. Shippen, a local councillor, is being closely watched by other farmers for his strategy. Starting with a few thousand acres, he now owns over 180,000 acres and is struggling to keep up with the demands of the bank. Shippen sees opportunity in the midst of drought concerns, acknowledging the nervousness surrounding the upcoming summer and its impact on crops and livestock. He anticipates the potential for cheap farm opportunities for those who can endure the challenges. Shippen notes the competitive nature of farmers and the changing water politics in Australia as governments prioritize conservation in response to climate change. Shippen expresses dismay that due to the current commodities boom and the sale of Australian resources to China, farmers have lost the ability to advocate for national projects such as redirecting coastal rivers westward to potentially mitigate future droughts. He believes that farmers, who make up only 2 percent of the population, are now seen as insignificant and dispensable. As a result, he anticipates having to sell off livestock, convert wheat to hay, sell crops for food, lay off employees, and hope to simply survive the difficult times ahead. | 1 |
In the midst of a recent surge in political violence in Kenya, the United States issued a warning to its citizens about the dangers of traveling to the troubled East African country. Since President Mwai Kibaki's controversial re-election on December 27, 850 people have been killed in political and ethnic violence in Kenya. The killing of an opposition lawmaker on Thursday led to further protests and deadly clashes. The State Department cautioned that the situation in Kenya is unstable and can change suddenly, noting that some U.S. officials had been relocated from Kisumu to Nairobi. The State Department also highlighted recent protests in Nairobi and violent unrest in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Naivasha as examples of the potential for spontaneous violence in the current political environment. The warning advised American citizens to refrain from traveling to certain cities and areas outside Nairobi. It also cautioned them to be ready for potential clashes between police and demonstrators or rival groups, even during peaceful protests. The alert emphasized the importance of avoiding demonstrations, protests, and large public gatherings to ensure safety. | 1 |
Shehabuddin Kislu reports from New York that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina presented a five-point plan to achieve a hunger-free world at a seminar on food security at the United Nations Headquarters. Hasina emphasized the need for more effective assistance from the UN in dealing with natural disasters and improving health and education services in member countries. She expressed support for the food security proposal developed by the UN Task Force. The recommendations made by the prime minister for achieving food self-sufficiency include implementing integrated planning, securing multinational funds, fulfilling financial commitments, and promoting fair food distribution domestically and internationally. She also proposed initiating food security activities involving various organizations, including the private sector and civil society. The prime minister noted that Bangladesh had achieved food self-sufficiency in 1996 under the Awami League government, and she aims to maintain the same goal during her administration. Ensuring food security for all is a top priority for her government, despite challenges such as recurring droughts, tidal surges, and tropical storms linked to climate change. She mentioned that the government is making efforts to guarantee food security by offering various subsidies. Bangladesh has received recognition from the UN for achieving self-sufficiency in food production. In his opening speech, Ban highlighted the issue of hunger affecting a billion people worldwide and the unequal distribution of food globally. He emphasized the importance of showing solidarity with food-insecure nations and working together to create a plan of action for tangible outcomes. The United Nations Secretary-General described the situation as extremely regrettable and hoped that the task force would effectively tackle the issue. Clinton viewed the UN meeting as an opportunity to share ideas and collaborate in addressing a significant challenge, emphasizing that this problem impacts everyone. She highlighted the US's commitment to providing at least $3.5 billion over three years to enhance global agriculture, guided by principles including addressing the root causes of hunger and improving coordination across different levels. Clinton stressed the interconnectedness of global food security and peacekeeping efforts. | 1 |
Less than a month after an independent inquiry commissioned by the World Bank concluded that she had a significant role in interfering with its 2018 Doing Business survey, a decision was made regarding her leadership at the IMF. The findings of the inquiry led to questions about her judgment and ability to continue in her position. However, the IMF's executive board ultimately decided that there was not enough evidence to definitively prove that she had acted improperly. In a statement, the executive board expressed its full confidence in her leadership and ability to effectively carry out her duties, emphasizing her commitment to upholding the highest standards of governance and integrity at the IMF. Despite the controversy, Georgieva, a Bulgarian economist, continued to receive strong support from many of the IMF's shareholders, particularly from France, which had advocated for her appointment in 2019. The United States, as the largest shareholder of the fund, did not publicly support Kristalina Georgieva following the allegations against her. However, the Treasury Secretary, Janet Yellen, spoke with Georgieva and acknowledged that the World Bank investigation raised valid concerns. Yellen stated that without further evidence of Georgieva's involvement in data manipulation, there was no reason to remove her from leadership. This decision could have political consequences for the Biden administration, as both Republicans and Democrats in Congress had called for full accountability in the matter. The Biden administration and lawmakers from both parties have expressed concerns about China's increasing economic power and influence in international organizations. Officials at the Treasury Department have been discussing the seriousness of the situation regarding Georgieva's actions at the World Bank for several weeks, stating publicly that the review process should be allowed to continue. The World Bank's Doing Business report evaluates the business environment in various countries, with developing nations being particularly interested in their rankings to attract foreign investment. During the alleged manipulation of data, World Bank officials were worried about negotiations with members regarding a capital increase and were under pressure to avoid upsetting China, which was ranked 78th in 2017 and was expected to drop in the 2018 report. An investigation revealed that Jim Yong Kim's staff, along with Georgieva, worked to enhance China's ranking without impacting other countries. Georgieva was directly involved in these efforts and even reprimanded the bank's China director for mishandling the relationship with the country. The IMF's executive board recently interviewed officials from WilmerHale, the law firm that conducted the investigation, as well as Georgieva, who defended her actions and criticized the investigation process. In a statement to the board obtained by The New York Times, Georgieva expressed that the WilmerHale Report inaccurately describes her actions regarding Doing Business 2018 and does not accurately reflect her character or her conduct throughout her lengthy professional career. Georgieva, who had a long tenure at the World Bank before becoming its chief executive, also served on the European Commission and holds a Ph.D. in economics from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia, Bulgaria. Georgieva stated on Monday night that the situation had been personally challenging for her and she was thankful for the IMF board's confidence in her leadership. She expressed her satisfaction that, following a thorough and unbiased review of the facts, the IMF board determined the allegations against her to be baseless. "Trust and integrity have been the foundation of the multinational companies that I have dedicatedly worked for for over forty years." - © 2021 The New York Times Company. | 1 |
The Swedish embassy in Dhaka announced that they would be increasing aid to the Palestinians after officially recognizing the State of Palestine. This decision was met with approval from the Palestinian president and criticism from Israel. Sweden is the first long-term EU state to make this recognition, which comes after Prime Minister Stefan Lofven expressed his government's commitment to a two-state solution. By recognizing Palestine, Sweden hopes to contribute to peace and security in the region. The Palestinians have been seeking independence for decades, and Sweden's decision is seen as a way to support moderate forces and bring hope to both sides. The Swedish government also plans to increase aid to Palestine over the next five years to support state-building efforts and promote democracy, human rights, and gender equality. | 1 |
Italian authorities arrested numerous Mafia suspects in Sicily on Tuesday, as part of ongoing efforts to weaken the organized crime group. Interior Minister Giuliano Amato stated that the government's actions are altering the atmosphere in Sicily and dismantling the criminal clans. Among the 70 arrest orders executed, one was for Enzo Santapaola, the son of notorious mob boss Benedetto "Nitto" Santapaola in Catania. The suspects are facing charges related to extortion, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities. This operation is part of a series of recent crackdowns on the Sicilian Mafia, including the capture of Salvatore Lo Piccolo, known as the "boss of bosses," last month after being on the run for nearly 25 years. Magistrates are of the opinion that Lo Piccolo took control of the Cosa Nostra after Bernardo Provenzano was captured in 2006. Another significant Mafia leader, who was among Italy's 30 most wanted individuals, was fatally shot by police on Monday while attempting to evade arrest. | 1 |
The key themes of the 193-member General Assembly agenda include trade wars, migration, energy supplies, climate change, and poverty eradication. The Trump administration's actions, which have at times shown disregard for international institutions such as the United Nations, have become a common focus. Veteran US diplomat Jeffrey D Feltman noted that US policy is a major topic of discussion among leaders at the assembly. Some notable leaders, such as Xi Jinping of China, Vladimir Putin of Russia, Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel, and Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, are not expected to attend. However, only one notable figure, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy of Ukraine, is set to attend the event. Zelenskiy intends to hold a meeting with President Donald Trump amidst rising concerns that Trump had applied pressure on him regarding US domestic political matters. The early part of the week may witness some significant moments and potential confrontations. The speeches will kick off on Tuesday, with Trump being joined by leaders who share similar views such as Bolsonaro, El-Sissi, and Erdogan. Trump, known for his bold and controversial statements, will be in the company of like-minded leaders. Bolsonaro, often referred to as the mini-Trump, shares Trump's skepticism towards climate change and his tendency to ridicule critics on social media. Following Trump is President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi of Egypt, a former general who has become a symbol of the suppression of the Arab Spring movements, although his position was questioned this past weekend due to protests in his country. Next in line is President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey, a dictator who has intimidated critics and whose government is known for imprisoning journalists. The United States and Saudi Arabia are preparing to present their case against Iran. There was speculation that Trump would make history by meeting with President Hassan Rouhani of Iran, but the recent attack on Saudi oil facilities on Sept 14, which US and Saudi officials attribute to Iran, has made such a meeting unlikely. US officials are expected to provide evidence that Iran was behind the attack using drones and cruise missiles. Iran has rejected the accusation, with Yemen's Houthi rebels claiming responsibility. President Rouhani is expected to blame President Trump for starting the conflict by withdrawing from the nuclear agreement and imposing sanctions on Iran. The United States is working to form a coalition to counter Iran, although it is uncertain how this will be achieved. The General Assembly allows the administration to focus on building a coalition and applying political and economic pressure instead of rushing into a military response. Washington will not be present at a climate change meeting where around 60 heads of state will address the issue at the Climate Action Summit. The United States, under Trump's leadership, has withdrawn from the Paris Agreement on climate change, but some state governors from the US Climate Alliance will still attend. Additionally, US Treasury Secretary Mnuchin is set to meet with Chinese officials in an effort to improve the atmosphere for trade negotiations. The two governments have temporarily halted their increasing tariff dispute. However, some officials in the administration are advocating for Trump to tackle other topics that are seen as delicate by China, such as the pro-democracy demonstrations in Hong Kong, the suppression of Tibetans, and the imprisonment of over 1 million Muslims, mainly ethnic Uighurs. A government official suggested that Trump should at the very least condemn China for attempting to intimidate Uighur-American activists. Trump has never been vocal about human rights issues and has openly praised Xi and other authoritarian figures. Nevertheless, lawmakers from both political parties in Congress are urging Trump to take action. Bills targeting the Uighurs, Tibet, and Hong Kong are intended to push Trump and his administration towards taking stronger stances. The leaders of Japan and South Korea are currently in a feud due to historical issues, resulting in strained trade relations and the termination of an intelligence-sharing agreement. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Moon Jae-in are not anticipated to hold a meeting. It is uncertain if Trump can bring them together for a three-way discussion. Progress on the shared objective of North Korea's nuclear disarmament may be minimal. While Moon is anticipated to encourage Trump to once again prioritize diplomacy with North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, there are no plans for any high-ranking North Korean officials to attend the General Assembly. The focus will now shift to pressuring Europe to impose penalties on Venezuela's government. Foreign ministers from 18 countries in the Western Hemisphere, including the United States, are scheduled to meet to discuss potential actions against Maduro, who has overseen a severe economic collapse and a regional crisis due to mass emigration. The goal is to persuade the European Union to increase economic sanctions on Maduro's supporters, including freezing their assets in Europe. Additionally, there may be a push for Europe to penalize those involved in smuggling Venezuelan gold into the continent. Despite facing demands to step down from the opposition led by Juan Guaidó, Maduro, who claimed victory in disputed elections, remains in power. Last week, talks between the opposing parties in Venezuela fell apart. Tensions between the United States and Turkey are mounting as Trump and Erdogan are set to meet, but the results are uncertain. Various challenging matters have created conflict between their administrations. The Trump government is contemplating imposing sanctions on Turkey, a fellow NATO member, for purchasing a Russian S-400 missile defense system instead of American-made Patriots. Erdogan, on the other hand, has shown increasing frustration towards the US for their collaborative efforts in northern Syria, which is adjacent to Turkey. He states that the United States has not been successful in creating a safe zone big enough to prevent Kurdish fighters from entering Turkey, which sees them as terrorist insurgents. Erdogan issued a warning on Saturday, stating that his forces would take independent actions along the border if the United States did not take action by the end of the month. Lastly, Afghanistan will be the final national delegation to address the General Assembly this year, following the breakdown of talks between the Taliban and the United States. President Ashraf Ghani is not expected to attend due to upcoming national elections. Afghanistan's delegation will be headed by Hamdullah Mohib, the national security adviser to Ashraf, rather than someone else. Mohib caused anger within the Trump administration in March by forecasting that the peace talks would not result in peace. | 1 |
Biden, holding a family heirloom Bible, was sworn in as the oldest US president in history by Chief Justice John Roberts at a subdued ceremony in Washington. The event was scaled back due to the pandemic and security concerns following the Capitol attack. Outgoing President Trump broke tradition by not meeting with Biden or attending the inauguration. Trump, who never conceded the election, did not mention Biden by name in his final remarks before leaving for his Florida retreat. Key Republican figures, such as Vice President Mike Pence and congressional leaders, were present at Biden's inauguration, as well as former Presidents Barack Obama, George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton. Kamala Harris, Biden's running mate and the daughter of Jamaican and Indian immigrants, made history as the first Black person, first woman, and first Asian American to become vice president. She was sworn in by US Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, the court's first Latina member, using two Bibles, including one that belonged to Thurgood Marshall, the first Black US Supreme Court Justice. Biden enters office during a time of significant national turmoil, with the country facing multiple crises, including the pandemic, economic struggles, climate change, and racial inequality. He has pledged immediate action, including a series of executive orders on his first day in office. The event on Wednesday took place in front of a heavily guarded US Capitol, where two weeks ago a group of Trump supporters broke into the building following his claims of election fraud. The violence led to Trump being impeached by the Democratic-controlled US House of Representatives for a second time. Thousands of National Guard troops were deployed to the city after the attack, which resulted in five deaths and forced lawmakers to hide briefly. Instead of a crowd of supporters, the National Mall was adorned with flags and pillars of light representing people from different US states and territories. President Biden, who has promised to "restore the soul of America," is expected to emphasize unity during his inaugural speech in the midst of crisis, as per his advisors. His inauguration marks the peak of a fifty-year career in public service, which included over thirty years in the US Senate and two terms as vice president under former President Barack Obama. However, he is now confronted with challenges that would test even the most seasoned politician. On Trump's last full day in office, the United States reached alarming milestones with 400,000 deaths and 24 million infections due to the pandemic - the highest numbers globally. Many Americans are unemployed as a result of pandemic-related closures and limitations. Biden has promised to utilize the entire resources of the federal government to address the crisis. His main focus is a $1.9 trillion proposal that aims to improve unemployment benefits and give direct cash payments to households. However, this plan must be approved by a Congress that is sharply divided, with Democrats holding narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Vice President Harris is set to swear in three new Democratic senators, creating a 50-50 split in the Senate, allowing her to cast tie-breaking votes. Biden is expected to quickly move on from the Trump administration, with advisers stating that he will sign 15 executive orders on Wednesday addressing issues such as the pandemic, the economy, and climate change. These orders will include requiring masks on federal property, rejoining the Paris climate agreement, and ending Trump's travel restrictions on certain Muslim-majority countries. Even though Biden has a busy agenda for his first 100 days, which includes vaccinating 100 million people against COVID-19, the Senate may be focused on Trump's upcoming impeachment trial, which will proceed even though he is no longer in office. This trial could be an early test of Biden's pledge to promote bipartisanship in Washington. Trump granted over 140 pardons and commutations in his final hours as president, including one for his former political adviser, Steve Bannon, who is facing charges related to fundraising for a border wall. Despite speculation, Trump did not pardon himself or his family members. | 1 |
According to state media reports, Iran is seeking significant changes to a UN nuclear fuel agreement that it mostly agrees with, which could potentially disrupt the plan and make Iran vulnerable to harsher sanctions. The European Union's foreign policy chief stated that there is no need to alter the UN draft, and officials from France suggested that Iran may face increased international sanctions if it tries to modify the agreement. One key aspect of the plan that Iran opposes, but is requested by Western countries to reduce the risk of an Iranian nuclear weapon, is the transfer of most of its low-enriched uranium stockpile abroad for processing all at once, as reported by state television. Despite Iran's claims that it is only enriching uranium for energy purposes and not for nuclear weapons, suspicions persist in the West due to Iran's history of nuclear secrecy and continued limitations on UN inspections. According to an unnamed official cited by Iranian state Arabic-language satellite television station al Alam, Iran will provide its response to the proposed agreement within 48 hours of the deadline set by UN nuclear watchdog chief Mohamed ElBaradei. Al Alam reported that while Iran will accept the general framework of the draft proposal, it will seek some significant amendments. The details of these changes were not specified. Iranian lawmakers have suggested that Iran should import foreign fuel instead of sending a large portion of its low-enriched uranium stock abroad as outlined in the proposal. Iran's foreign minister has mentioned the possibility of both options being considered in the deal, indicating that Tehran may not ship out as much uranium as the big powers desire in order to delay the potential weaponization of enrichment. The preliminary agreement requires Iran to send approximately 75 percent of its known 1.5 tonnes of Low Enriched Uranium to Russia for further enrichment and then to France for conversion into fuel plates by the end of the year. The fuel plates would then be returned to Iran to power a research reactor that produces radio-isotopes for cancer treatment. Key agreements on the fuel plan and U.N. monitoring of a newly-revealed enrichment site were reached during talks in Geneva on October 1 between Iran and six major world powers. A group of U.N. inspectors arrived in Iran to inspect the new site located 160 km south of Tehran. Iran reportedly disclosed the existence of the plant to the IAEA after discovering that Western intelligence agencies had detected it. Iran managed to temporarily avoid sanctions on its oil sector with its promises in Geneva, but the Western powers are growing impatient and emphasize that they will not wait indefinitely for Iran to fulfill its commitments. The agreements made in Geneva are seen as tests of Iran's intentions regarding its use of refined uranium for civilian purposes, and are seen as a starting point for more substantial negotiations on limiting Tehran's enrichment activities to address the ongoing standoff over its nuclear ambitions. While there were plans to reconvene in October, delays in the fuel proposal and ongoing inspections have made it unlikely that talks will resume this week. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner expressed concern about the latest Iranian statements, calling them a bad sign and warning that time is running out for Iran. The Middle East region is highly volatile and risky, according to Kouchner. He believes that Iranians cannot afford to delay in this tense environment. Kouchner also mentioned the possibility of implementing new sanctions by the end of the year if necessary, as requested by EU ministers. ElBaradei stated that Iran must send most of its Low Enriched Uranium overseas in order to build trust. He emphasized the importance of reducing tension and building confidence, suggesting that removing this material could create a peaceful environment for negotiations. ElBaradei also mentioned that this step would allow Iran to prove its peaceful intentions regarding uranium enrichment. Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki stated that Iran will reveal its decision regarding the pact in the coming days. Alaeddin Boroujerdi, who heads parliament's Foreign Affairs and National Security committee, suggested that any exported Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) should be done in small, gradual amounts. However, Western and UN officials oppose this idea as it would not lead to a reduction in Iran's overall LEU stockpile. | 1 |
The environment state minister stated that no non-government organisation (NGO) has received funding from the Climate Change Trust Fund. He mentioned that while 53 NGOs have been approved in principle by the technical committee, the final decision is pending. This information was in response to a report in a national daily claiming that 53 NGOs would receive Tk 213.4 million from the fund. The minister explained that the technical committee's decision will be carefully reviewed. Following an inter-ministerial meeting, the junior minister revealed that Tk 5.48 billion has been allocated from the fund for 48 projects. He mentioned that the remaining Tk 2 billion will be distributed by the end of the year. Out of this fund, 1.2 percent will be given to NGOs. He also noted that the majority of the 4,000 NGOs seeking the fund do not have any previous experience in climate change mitigation. | 1 |
The formal launch of the partnership will take place later today. Methane, the second most significant greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide, has a greater ability to trap heat than CO2 but breaks down more quickly in the atmosphere. Therefore, reducing methane emissions can quickly help combat global warming. Half of the top 30 methane emitters, representing two-thirds of the global economy, have now joined the Global Methane Pledge, which was initially introduced in September. Brazil, one of the world's largest methane emitters, is among the new countries that will be announced as signatories today. China, Russia, and India, which are also top-five methane emitters, have not agreed to the pledge. These countries were previously mentioned as targets to join the pledge. Since the pledge was first announced in September with a few initial signatories, the United States and European Union have been working to persuade the world's largest methane emitters to join. Just last week, around 60 countries had signed up after a final diplomatic effort from the US and EU before the COP26 summit. Even though it is not officially part of the UN negotiations, the methane pledge could be one of the most important outcomes of the COP26 conference due to its potential impact in preventing catastrophic climate change. According to a UN report released in May, significant reductions in methane emissions within the next decade could prevent nearly 0.3 degrees Celsius of global warming by the 2040s. Failing to address methane emissions would make it impossible to achieve the goal set by the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels and mitigate the most severe consequences of climate change. The reduction in methane emissions, which would need to be a 30 percent cut jointly achieved by all signatories, would encompass all sectors, including leaky oil and gas infrastructure, old coal mines, agriculture, and landfill sites. Experts believe that the energy sector would be the most significantly impacted by this pledge, as fixing leaky oil and gas infrastructure is viewed as the most efficient and cost-effective way to reduce methane emissions. The largest oil and gas producer in the world is the United States, and the EU is the largest gas importer. This week, the United States is set to introduce regulations on oil and gas methane. Later this year, both the EU and Canada are expected to announce legislation on methane specifically targeting the energy industry. | 1 |
He has also requested for a transformation of the seven-nation BIMSTEC grouping, which includes Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand, from South Asia and Southeast Asia into a more dynamic organization. This appeal was made during the 16th BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Kathmandu, chaired by Nepalese Foreign Minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali. Foreign Minister Mahmood Ali highlighted the progress made since the previous BIMSTEC meetings and reiterated Bangladesh's dedication to cooperation within the organization. He urged BIMSTEC foreign ministers to assess the organization's structure and enhance the Secretariat, with a focus on cooperation in key areas like connectivity, energy, poverty alleviation, climate change, and people-to-people contact. Bangladesh emphasized the importance of concluding the BIMSTEC Free Trade Area and its associated MoUs and protocols for prompt implementation. The meeting also confirmed the agenda for the upcoming summit, which Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will attend in Kathmandu starting Thursday morning. | 1 |
Barack Obama's first foreign trip as president will be to Canada in an effort to address Canadian concerns about US protectionism. Obama and Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper will discuss trade, clean energy technology, the global economic crisis, and the war in Afghanistan during the one-day trip to Ottawa. Trade will be the main focus of the discussions, with Harper seeking assurances that the "Buy American" clause in the US economic recovery package will not harm Canadian firms. US officials have stated that Obama will work to alleviate these concerns, as he believes protectionist policies can have negative consequences. The "Buy American" provision requires that any public works project funded by the stimulus package must use only iron, steel, and other goods manufactured in the United States. Obama has emphasized that the U.S. will abide by its international free trade commitments, but Harper expressed concerns about the wording of the provision. Canada is worried about Obama's proposal to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement, as it could potentially create new trade barriers. Obama aims to enhance environmental and labor standards, and U.S. and Canadian labor unions are calling for changes in various NAFTA provisions ahead of Obama's meeting with Harper. In a joint letter to the two leaders, the AFL-CIO labor federation and the Canadian Labour Congress emphasized the importance of addressing the worsening economic crisis through coordinated efforts. They called for addressing the flaws in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and implementing a range of policies related to energy, climate change, green jobs, industrial policy, migration, and development. Despite the fact that three-way trade between the United States, Mexico, and Canada has significantly increased since NAFTA was implemented in 1994, the agreement has been criticized for causing job losses in the US, particularly in manufacturing states. US administration officials downplayed the issue, stating that while President Obama would bring it up in discussions with Prime Minister Harper, the current state of the global economy meant that pushing for a review of NAFTA would not be a top priority. Obama's foreign policy adviser, Denis McDonough, highlighted the president's commitment to enhancing trade between the neighboring countries, which currently amounts to $1.5 billion per day and represents the largest trading partnership in the world. Obama, who is committed to leading the United States in the fight against climate change, will address clean energy technology with Harper, according to US officials. They will also emphasize Canada's importance as a key energy supplier to the US. Environmentalists are urging Obama to push Canada to address the environmental impact of its tar sands in Alberta, which produce a significant amount of greenhouse gases. Obama expressed interest in collaborating with Canada on developing technology to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, acknowledging the US's dependence on Canada for energy. Additionally, Obama will discuss Canada's involvement in Afghanistan, where it has troops as part of a NATO-led mission to combat an escalating insurgency. Obama recently deployed additional troops to Afghanistan in an effort to stabilize the situation. However, as Canada is set to remove its troops in 2011 and Obama has stated that he will not be asking Ottawa to extend their stay, the discussions are anticipated to center on alternative ways that Canadians can offer assistance. US authorities have characterized Thursday's meeting, occurring just a month after Obama assumed office, as a chance for him to strengthen his personal rapport with Harper, a conservative leader who shared a close relationship with former President George W. Bush. | 1 |
The leaders of the United States, Mexico, and Canada, also known as "the three amigos," are meeting in Mexico for a summit to discuss trade issues and the threat of drug gangs. President Barack Obama, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, and Mexican President Felipe Calderon will have dinner on Sunday night followed by talks on Monday. The main topics of discussion include boosting their economies, ensuring smooth trade, and addressing Mexican drug gangs that are active along the US border and into Canada. Jim Jones, Obama's national security adviser, does not expect major agreements to be announced at the summit, but sees it as a step towards future agreements. Calderon is likely to press Obama to resolve a cross-border trucking dispute. According to the North American Free Trade Agreement, Mexican trucks should be permitted to enter the United States, but American trucking companies argue that Mexican trucks are unsafe. This disagreement has been ongoing for many years. In response to the cancellation of a program allowing Mexican trucks to operate outside of the U.S. border zone, Mexico imposed tariffs on $2.4 billion worth of U.S. goods in March. U.S. business groups have been urging the White House to resolve the dispute, as they believe the ban could result in the loss of thousands of American jobs. Mexico's ambassador to the United States, Arturo Sarukhan, has expressed a desire for a final resolution to the trucking issue. He expressed his desire to reach an agreement by the end of the year. Michael Froman, a top official in the White House, informed reporters that the Obama administration is fully focused on the issue and is collaborating with the US Congress to address safety concerns. Canadian officials are expected to voice their worries about the "Buy American" components of a $787 billion economic stimulus bill that could potentially exclude Canadian companies from US construction contracts funded by the stimulus. Canada, being the United States' biggest trading partner, is concerned about this issue. Froman mentioned that the Obama administration is in talks with Canada and other countries to find a way to implement the 'Buy American' provision without violating the law or international agreements, while also minimizing trade disruptions. Obama addressed concerns about potentially reopening NAFTA by stating that it is not the right time to add labor and environmental protections due to the weakened economies of the three nations involved. He expressed interest in improving the treaty but emphasized that the focus should be on the difficult economic situation at hand. Another important issue discussed at the summit was the escalating violence caused by Mexican drug gangs, despite President Calderon's efforts to combat them. Police in the United States and Canada have attributed crime to the Mexican traffickers, with a higher death rate this year compared to 2008. Obama is supporting Calderon's actions against drug cartels, praising his courage and promising full support during a visit in April. Mexico is concerned about delays in receiving anti-drug equipment and training, and hopes the summit will help move things forward. The leaders will also discuss H1N1 swine flu and climate change as they prepare for international talks in Copenhagen in December. | 1 |
According to a report cited by state media on Thursday, China must reduce its carbon intensity by 4 to 5 percent annually in order to achieve a goal of low-carbon development by 2050. Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged to slow the country's carbon emissions in September, but did not reveal a specific target. The China Council of International Cooperation on Environment and Development will submit a report to the central government on reducing carbon intensity, with the goal of cutting emissions by 4 to 5 percent each year. The newspaper stated that the manufacturing industry's proportion within the national economic structure should be reduced from 50 percent to around 30 percent by the middle of the century. It also mentioned that by 2030, over half of new energy demand should come from low-carbon energy, and by 2050, all new energy should be clean energy. Additionally, the newspaper recommended promoting carbon capture and storage technology by 2030. The China Daily noted that this report was the first time a high-level think-tank had proposed concrete measures to reduce emissions since Hu's September speech, and suggested that China should reform its environmental tax system. The report suggests that it is now a good time for the country to start taxing companies that release pollutants and carbon dioxide through the burning of fossil fuels. This recommendation comes before a significant UN climate conference in Denmark in December. The United Nations is hoping that the Copenhagen meeting from December 7-18 will result in a more comprehensive and stringent legally binding agreement among all nations to combat climate change. However, negotiations have stalled, leading to decreased optimism for a successful outcome. | 1 |
The almost certain approval of Judge Brett M Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court will conclude a week where the president also finalized a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, fulfilling one of his major campaign promises. Additionally, the most recent jobs report revealed the lowest unemployment rate since 1969. While these developments do not alter the core aspects of a presidency often marked by chaos and scandal, they provide Trump with a positive narrative as he approaches critical midterm elections. With the special counsel investigation quiet during the campaign season, Trump has the opportunity to shift the conversation to more favorable topics. Former senior adviser to President Obama, David Axelrod, noted that Trump has had a good week following a series of bad ones. He has had some significant victories to boast about, but even in his presidency of aggressive tactics, there are consequences to his wins. The relationship with Canada suffered from harsh negotiations, and the battle over Kavanaugh's nomination worsened division in America. The impact of Kavanaugh's nomination has heightened tensions on both sides, potentially helping Trump in the Senate but putting the House at risk. President Donald Trump discussed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer by his side. Trump, who is the first president in American history to have never held public office or served in the military, has displayed his lack of experience on numerous occasions. His unfamiliarity with government operations, legislation, and diplomacy has hindered his ability to achieve goals such as repealing Obama's health care law, implementing stricter immigration regulations, constructing a wall along the Mexican border, and resolving conflicts in the Middle East. Despite being more successful at dismantling agreements rather than creating new ones, Trump has failed to make progress in negotiating replacements for agreements such as the Asian-Pacific trade pact, global climate change accord, and nuclear deal with Iran. His most significant legislative accomplishment was the tax-cutting package passed last year, which was largely shaped by Republican congressional leaders with their own motives. Recently, Trump successfully negotiated a revised trade agreement with South Korea and replaced NAFTA with Canada and Mexico, achievements that initially seemed unattainable. The decreasing unemployment rate of 3.7 percent is partly due to the economic recovery initiated by Obama, a fact that Trump refuses to acknowledge. Despite this, the thriving economy has become one of his most valuable political assets. With Kavanaugh's confirmation nearing, Trump demonstrated his ability to push through a significant nomination despite previous doubts. Overall, it has been a successful week for him. In an interview, Kellyanne Conway, counselor to Trump, expressed excitement over his success, attributing it to his perseverance, tenacity, and commitment to his campaign promises and principles. Republican activists also noted that Trump's willingness to defy conventional wisdom had proven effective, with some calling him a successful gambler despite the risks he has taken. A good gambler's true skill is revealed when the dice settle. While the White House celebrated, his opponents mourned. Critics believe he is appointing a man accused of sexual assault to the Supreme Court, damaging relationships with neighboring countries for a trade deal with exaggerated benefits, and taking credit for the economy while increasing the deficit. Despite this, some acknowledge the need for updated trade agreements, but question Trump's tactics. The success of Trump's actions will be tested in the upcoming weeks, as his approval ratings remain low for a president this close to an election. Patti Solis Doyle, who served as Hillary Clinton's campaign manager in 2008, stated that Independents are particularly fed up with the chaos and uncertainty under President Trump's administration. Despite the positive aspects such as a good economy and conservative judges, she questions the cost of Trump's actions, including tariff wars, separation of families, and a large deficit. Trump is gearing up for an intense campaign in the upcoming weeks. He will travel to Kansas on Saturday and will be on the road for six of the next eight days, mainly holding lively arena rallies to energize his conservative base with passionate speeches. The upcoming midterm elections are focused on voter turnout, with Democrats showing more enthusiasm and determination to take control of the House and possibly the Senate from Trump's party. Conservatives were more engaged during the battle for Kavanaugh, but once he is confirmed, Democrats, especially women upset about the treatment of sexual assault allegations, may be more motivated to vote out of anger. Trump's ability to stay focused on his strongest political points is uncertain, as he tends to veer off into other topics, even when discussing important issues like the new trade agreement, the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). One constant in the Trump presidency is the rapid shifts in the narrative, with new developments in palace intrigue, international tensions, and investigations potentially overshadowing any progress by the upcoming Nov 6 election. According to Axelrod, it is uncertain how these factors will impact the election in a month's time, as time moves quickly in the era of Trump. | 1 |
India stated on Monday that its current energy policy is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25 percent by 2020. However, India also expressed concerns that mandatory targets to address global warming could negatively impact economic growth. Despite being one of the top polluters in the world, India is not obligated under the Kyoto Protocol to decrease emissions, which are currently increasing by 2-3 percent annually. Prodipto Ghosh, the environment secretary, emphasized that India is actively implementing programs to improve energy efficiency and promote renewable energy, which are yielding positive results. Ghosh stated that their modeling approaches indicate that the combination of these policies will lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020. India and China, two countries with strong economies, are expected to face increased pressure at the upcoming Group of Eight summit in Germany to reduce emissions. India is currently spending 2.17 percent of its GDP annually on addressing climate change through various projects. The Indian subcontinent is projected to be significantly impacted by natural disasters, diseases like malaria, and food insecurity. Many experts argue that industrialized nations bear the responsibility for global warming and should set higher emission reduction targets for themselves instead of placing the burden on developing countries. According to a recent U.S. study, the wealthiest nations, including the United States, were responsible for 60 percent of total emissions in 2004 and have accounted for 77 percent of emissions since the Industrial Revolution. Ghosh stated that developing countries such as India have not, are not, and will not be major contributors to emissions. He warned that any mandated emission reduction measures could have negative effects on GDP growth and poverty alleviation efforts. Ghosh called on Western countries to provide more support to help developing nations adapt to climate change. He emphasized that the impacts of climate change will disproportionately affect the poor, putting their lives and livelihoods in jeopardy. | 1 |
She delivered her comments during her speech at the 76th session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) through a video conference on Thursday. The session's theme was centered around "promoting economic, social and environmental cooperation on oceans for sustainable development". Originally planned to attend the meeting in Bangkok and give the keynote address, Hasina had to participate virtually for the first time due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Bangladesh Ambassador to Thailand and Permanent Representative to the ESCAP, Nazmul Quaunine, was chosen as the chair of the 76th Commission of UNESCAP. Hasina addressed the challenges brought on by the coronavirus crisis, stating, "The world is facing unprecedented challenges of the century due to the COVID-19 pandemic." The virus has caused significant damage to both our health and economy. Despite this, the pandemic has also brought about positive changes in global efforts to address climate change and the competition for natural resources. It is important for us to come together to combat this pandemic. Hasina emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in helping developing countries build their capacity to sustainably use marine resources. She also highlighted Bangladesh's dedication to promoting the growth of the blue economy as a key component of their long-term national development strategy. The prime minister emphasized that oceans and seas are a valuable resource that can help reduce poverty and create job opportunities. She stated that environmental pollutants are a major concern for the marine food-web and called for a global effort to use ocean resources in a sustainable and efficient manner. The government has prioritized the growth of the blue economy as part of its long-term national development strategy. The prime minister highlighted Bangladesh's conservation programs and use of eco-friendly technologies to protect freshwater and marine resources. She also discussed key ocean issues that need to be addressed to enhance economic cooperation among ESCAP member countries. Hasina stressed the importance of receiving enhanced support for capacity building in the Blue Economy through knowledge sharing, expertise, and technology transfer from advanced countries. She also highlighted the significance of joint research among member countries on fisheries development to increase regional fish production and establish a common platform network to combat illegal fishing. Hasina called on ESCAP to lead efforts in mapping and managing resource identification, protecting coastal habitat, and biodiversity. Other leaders, including the Prime Ministers of Thailand, Fiji, and Tuvalu, also shared their video messages during the session where Asia Pacific nations agreed to cooperate in addressing the socio-economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and adopted a resolution. | 1 |
The UN Security Council will discuss climate change on April 17, marking the first time this topic has been included in the agenda of a body focused on war and peace. Britain pushed for this debate, believing that climate change could worsen traditional conflict triggers. British UN ambassador Emyr Jones Parry emphasized the importance of addressing this issue for global security. Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett will lead the debate, a rare occurrence for the Security Council. Other countries have been invited to send their foreign ministers to participate in the discussion as well. In March, Britain announced its plan to address climate change in the Security Council, but approval was needed from all 15 members, including the five permanent members with veto power. China and Russia, both permanent members, expressed some opposition to holding the debate, while the United States, not a signatory of the Kyoto Protocol, had no objections. Prime Minister Tony Blair and former secretary of state for environment, Beckett, have been leading efforts against global warming in various international forums, such as the EU, which recently agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020. In anticipation of potential opposition from some UN member states who believe climate change should be dealt with by the General Assembly or environmental agencies, Britain circulated a concept paper arguing that climate change could lead to conflicts, border changes, energy supply disruptions, and mass migrations. The paper identifies six key areas in which global security could be impacted by climate change: border disputes, migration, energy supplies, resource shortages, societal stress, and humanitarian crises. The melting ice and rising sea levels could change the world's physical landscape, potentially affecting political and maritime borders. Mass migration may also occur, with projections suggesting that as many as 200 million people could be displaced by the middle of the century. | 1 |
Australia's ex-anti-immigration politician, Pauline Hanson, is planning to relocate to Britain to avoid ongoing controversy surrounding her remarks about Australia being overwhelmed by Asians. Hanson, who transitioned from owning a fish-and-chip shop to establishing the One Nation party and making it a significant political entity over ten years ago, revealed to Australia's Woman's Day magazine that she is selling her home in Queensland and moving to the UK in search of tranquility. "I am planning to be away for an unspecified period. It's essentially a final farewell," she stated. "I have reached my limit." I desire tranquility and satisfaction in my life. This is my goal. Hanson became well-known in 1996 when she joined national parliament as an independent, advocating for reductions in Aboriginal welfare and immigration from nearby countries. Her nationalist One Nation party gained significant support in 1998 but she lost her seat and was convicted of electoral fraud, serving a brief jail sentence. After her conviction was overturned in 2003, she left politics and became a minor celebrity, even participating in a TV dancing competition at one point. Hanson expressed disappointment in how much Australia has changed, despite speculation that the country is once again leaning towards her views ahead of the upcoming elections. She mentioned that the idea of Australia being a land of opportunity no longer applies. The increase in asylum seekers has caused division among Australians and may become a significant issue in the upcoming elections, where Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is expected to win, despite a recent decline in his opinion poll support. Immigration is projected to increase Australia's population from 22 million to 35 million by 2050, with Rudd supporting a "big Australia" for economic sustainability, but critics argue that it may struggle to handle climate change and aging infrastructure. | 1 |
The outgoing Director General of CIRDAP stated that policymakers are not interested in ideas that do not receive support from donors. Dr. Durga P Paudyal shared this observation while reflecting on his eight-year term in Bangladesh, where the institute is based. He mentioned that although they come up with new policies and ideas, it is challenging to persuade policymakers to act on them without financial support. Dr. Paudyal made these remarks during a briefing with journalists about the upcoming celebration of CIRDAP's 33rd founding anniversary. CIRDAP was established on July 6, 1979, with six founding members from the Asia-Pacific region and the UN's FAO, with the aim of promoting cooperation in rural development and poverty alleviation. By 2010, the organization had expanded to include 15 member states, with Fiji being the most recent addition. The countries currently involved in CIRDAP are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, and Fiji. Dr. Paudyal emphasized the importance of south-south cooperation, stating that it is more beneficial to learn from neighboring or developing countries than from developed ones. Regional dialogues and meetings are regularly organized by CIRDAP to facilitate the sharing of best practices among member states. He explained that CIRDAP has helped governments in various ways, some of which may be visible while others may not be. He emphasized the importance of considering all 15 member countries when discussing climate change and rural development, not just Bangladesh. He also clarified that CIRDAP focuses on policy-level work rather than grassroots activities, so programs organized in other countries may not be well-known in Bangladesh. The Director General mentioned that CIRDAP is involved in developing Bangladesh's current poverty monitoring system and praised the government for showing interest in CIRDAP as a form of regional cooperation. He mentioned that they received more than USD 2 million from Bangladesh to construct an international conference center. The Director General announced that they would host a 'Founding Day' lecture featuring former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam discussing sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, as they do every year. Dr Cecep Effendi from Indonesia will take over for Dr Paudyal on Jul 6, as per CIRDAP's official statement. | 1 |
The Prime Minister of Denmark stated that China is dedicated to achieving a climate change agreement at important discussions next year, and encouraged countries not to use the global economic crisis as an excuse to postpone a deal. Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen, along with other European leaders, is currently in Beijing for an Asia-Europe meeting. As Copenhagen prepares to host final negotiations on a new climate change agreement late next year, Rasmussen has been working to gain China's support, as the country is a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, the primary greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. Rasmussen confirmed that he had discussions with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, who expressed China's commitment to reaching an agreement in Copenhagen. The two countries agreed to work towards a common goal of reaching a decision at the climate conference in December 2009. The talks, set to conclude late next year, are aimed at developing a treaty based on the current Kyoto Protocol climate agreement which ends in 2012. Denmark's role as host has given the country a unique position in the negotiations. Despite global focus on the financial crisis and disagreements between wealthy and developing nations on how to address climate change, Chinese commitment has been seen as a positive development by Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen. He urged other countries not to let the economic downturn hinder progress towards a new agreement, suggesting that investing in green technology could actually help boost the economy. Rasmussen expressed concern that the financial crisis could be used as an excuse to weaken efforts to combat climate change. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the importance of staying focused on efforts to combat climate change, urging China to join in the fight despite the financial crisis. He highlighted the potential consequences of delaying action on climate change and stated that while there is a cost to reducing emissions, the cost of climate change will be far higher, especially for China. Barroso called for continued progress in addressing climate change, stating that it is crucial to keep efforts on track, even in the face of the current economic challenges. China and other developing nations are not required to set limits on their greenhouse gas emissions under the existing Kyoto pact. However, China's rapidly increasing emissions, which experts believe now exceed those of the United States, have prompted other countries to demand that it adhere to stricter limits. European Union environment ministers recently suggested that developing countries should agree to keep emissions between 15 and 30 percent below "business as usual" levels. According to Rasmussen, the EU's proposal, which does not establish a specific cap on emissions for poorer countries but requires them to take measurable actions, could encourage China and other developing nations to make commitments. Rasmussen emphasized that contributions from industrialized countries alone will not suffice, stressing the need for involvement from major emerging economies. During the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) opening on Friday, the European Union's 27 member states and the European Commission will engage in discussions about climate change policy with Japan, China, India, and 13 other Asian countries. Rasmussen expressed his hope that this meeting will result in an agreement to strive for a pact in Copenhagen. | 1 |
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali announced on Sunday that Prime Minister Hasina will engage in bilateral discussions with the Austrian leader during her visit to Vienna for the "International Conference on the Technical Cooperation Programme: Sixty Years and Beyond – Contributing to Development". Leaders from various continents will be present at the conference. Hasina and her team will depart from Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka on a special Biman Bangladesh flight. Ali emphasized that Hasina's attendance at the conference will demonstrate Bangladesh's dedication to global peace and enhance the country's reputation for promoting peaceful nuclear energy. Bangladesh joined the IAEA in 1972 with the help of the late nuclear scientist Dr. MA Wazed Miah, who was the husband of the prime minister at the time. In her upcoming speech, the prime minister will emphasize how the IAEA's technical cooperation program has been beneficial for Bangladesh in improving its atomic energy capabilities, socio-economic development, and sustainable development. She will also discuss the importance of science and technology in achieving a 'digital Bangladesh'. The foreign minister noted that Austria was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh in 1972. In 2012, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Hasina recognized the support of Austrian Federal Chancellor Bruno Kriesky by awarding him the 'Friends of Liberation War Honor Award.' Following this, Bangladesh established a resident mission in Vienna in 2014 as part of their efforts to strengthen ties with Austria. It is part of the government's broader strategy to engage with Europe. Furthermore, Hasina is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Austrian Federal Chancellor Christian Kern. Foreign Minister Ali stated that during the upcoming visit, the prime minister will discuss areas such as agriculture and livestock cooperation, starting direct flights, and holding regular diplomatic consultations, in addition to trade, investment, and sustainable development. They will also address international issues such as global terrorism, migration, refugee crisis, climate change, and the post-Brexit Europe situation. A memorandum of understanding on foreign office consultations will be signed, and Prime Minister Hasina will have a courtesy call on Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen. Ali expressed hope that the visit will further strengthen bilateral relations. The prime minister is expected to depart from Vienna on Tuesday evening and return to Dhaka on Wednesday morning. The prime minister will be accompanied by the minister for science and technology in addition to the foreign minister on her visit. | 1 |
In Tokyo on Sunday, protesters against the G8 summit marched in heavy rain, accusing the wealthy nations of causing poverty and global instability. The protests, a common occurrence at G8 summits, took place as Japan increased security measures for the upcoming summit in Hokkaido. Over 1,000 people participated in two separate rallies in Tokyo, including anti-capitalists, labor union members, and protesters from other countries like Spain and South Korea. The streets were heavily guarded by anti-riot police as the protesters carried signs with messages such as "shut down G8 summit" and "G8=hunger". There were some clashes between protesters and the police. Japanese TV network TV Asahi reported that two individuals were taken into custody, although this information has not been verified by the police. Yu Ando, a 31-year-old municipal government employee in western Japan, expressed frustration with the G8 governments, attributing issues like environmental destruction and poverty in Africa to their actions. Ahead of the upcoming summit at Lake Toya, located approximately 760 km north of Tokyo, various domestic and international NGOs, including Oxfam, are planning protests on topics such as globalization, the food crisis, and warfare. Protests are anticipated near the summit venue, with demonstrators expected to gather at three camp sites as well as in Tokyo and Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. However, strict security measures and the high cost of travel to the remote summit location may decrease the number of participants. Human rights lawyers have raised concerns about Japanese immigration authorities making it difficult for some activists to obtain visas by complicating the application process, with reports of activists being detained for extended periods at immigration. During last year's G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, approximately 30,000 protesters converged on the area, breaching a restricted zone set up for the summit and blocking land routes into the area. In Lake Toya, leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States will hold discussions on topics including rising food and oil prices, climate change, and African development. Japan has extended invitations to eight other countries, such as Brazil, China, and India, to engage in discussions regarding climate change during informal meetings. | 1 |
The requirements for additional forms, customs charges, and health safety checks for goods crossing Britain's border are especially challenging for businesses that transport small quantities. This is true for specialist food importers who purchase from small suppliers across Europe, contributing to London's reputation as a top city for dining. Yannos Hadjiioannou, owner of Maltby & Greek, has faced difficulties in discovering and importing unique products due to these new regulations. Despite this, the shop continues to offer rare Greek products such as goat-milk butter, Mastelo cheese, mountain tea, and Gigantes beans from Feneos. Obtaining these items has become more complex in recent weeks. After a delay of one year, Britain began enforcing stricter customs requirements for goods coming from the European Union on January 1. In 2020, half of all imports into the country came from the EU. Now, all goods must be accompanied by customs declarations, whereas last year British importers could delay reporting by up to six months. Additionally, businesses importing animal and plant products, such as most food, must notify the government of shipments in advance. The introduction of these new rules at the border has been relatively smooth. DFDS, a Danish logistics company that operates ferry services to Britain, mentioned that some customers made errors on paperwork, resulting in delays of food shipments. A backlog from the previous day caused shipments from the Netherlands to be paused temporarily. Torben Carlsen, the CEO of DFDS, stated that everyone involved tried to learn from the mistakes made a year ago. With the introduction of customs rules by the European Union following Brexit, issues such as delivery delays, trucking companies ceasing services to Ireland, and food spoilage in ports arose immediately. It took over a month to resolve most of these problems. Britain faced financial constraints due to import issues this year. Approximately 25% of the nation's food is brought in from the European Union, with this number significantly increasing during the winter for fresh produce. However, there are obstacles beyond the border. Some UK companies are absorbing the export expenses of their European partners to retain them as suppliers, while others are cutting back on imports, leading to fewer options for consumers. Other people are also limiting their purchases to buying in large quantities and are choosing not to experiment with new products. The decrease in imports was evident even before the new import regulations were put in place. Food and drink imports dropped by approximately 11% in the first nine months of 2021 compared to 2019, according to the Food and Drink Federation. Despite maintaining normal business operations after the UK's departure from the EU's customs union at the beginning of 2021, Hadjiioannou stated that within six months, the added customs expenses and resulting price hikes became too costly. He no longer receives weekly shipments of anthotyro, a soft fresh sheep's milk cheese from Crete, and traditionally strained sheep or goat yogurt, causing these popular products to frequently be out of stock. Sausages from Crete are now frozen instead of fresh in order to be sent in larger, less frequent deliveries. The perishable products, especially those that were small in volume but important to many restaurants and delis, have been significantly impacted. The main issue caused by Brexit has been the loss of flexibility. Maltby & Greek's warehouse is located at Spa Terminus, a row of railway arches that houses food producers, wholesalers, and wine importers. During this time of year, the fresh produce available at markets consists of Sicilian citrus, Italian leafy greens, and French root vegetables. Rachel Sills, who sells cheese from Switzerland and the Netherlands at Maltby & Greek, has experience exporting from Switzerland which helped ease the impact of Brexit's trade rules. However, she is still facing additional costs. Sills purchases cheese from four small producers in the Netherlands, some of whom do not even have email addresses. These producers now need an Economic Operator's Registration and Identification number, customs agents to handle export and tax paperwork, and they must provide more detailed invoices with tariff codes. Sills mentioned that she had covered the additional expenses for export clearances for the cheesemakers. She recently managed to consolidate the orders and pay only 65 euros ($74.50) for each invoice, in addition to her own import fees. She noted that the cheesemakers have not yet started paying for the actual costs of the export charges, as she has been covering them herself. Sills stated that while the paperwork and costs are not overly burdensome, they can become overwhelming for companies with numerous suppliers. This is particularly true for those purchasing small volumes. So far, Brexit has resulted in additional costs for businesses. According to trade policy expert David Henig, there are no longer extreme shortages, but the impact will be gradual and ongoing. The extra costs will harm the British economy, with forecasts predicting a 4% decrease in GDP. Consumers may have fewer options and companies may be less inclined to invest in Britain. Franco Fubini, the founder of Natoora, stated that the company has become less focused on the U.K. compared to a few years ago. Natoora, which was established in London in 2004, now sources fresh produce from numerous small farms in Europe and North America for approximately 1,600 restaurants globally as well as stores such as Selfridges and Whole Foods in the United States. The company has restructured its internal processes so that the British division no longer directly imports goods from farms in Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. Instead, additional staff were hired in Paris and Milan to purchase the produce for the London office. This consolidation has resulted in a single invoice, saving costs on transportation and customs. Despite finding a solution, Fubini mentioned that Brexit has negatively impacted Britain's global image, prompting him to reassess the future of his company. He expressed doubt about continuing to invest in the U.K for the first time in 15 or 16 years when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the new trade deal with the European Union on Christmas Eve 2020. The deal was expected to increase business with European partners, but in reality, it has made it more difficult. Brexit was intended to free Britain from EU bureaucracy, but instead has created new challenges for businesses. Supporters of Brexit have become frustrated by the slow realization of its promised benefits. Elena Deminska, who runs a fresh produce market, believes Brexit could be an opportunity for British farmers to produce more food that is currently imported from the EU. The country has the suitable climate for growing winter lettuce, broccoli raab, and apricots with some effort, according to Deminska. She criticizes the inflexibility of farmers and outsourced her customs work to an external company four years ago. Despite this foresight, she is frustrated by the additional paperwork caused by Brexit, stating that it is unhelpful and adds to the already burdensome amount of paperwork. She acknowledges that there are more challenges ahead for businesses like hers. Starting in July, food imports will require health certificates signed by European Union inspectors, and may undergo random checks at the border. These adjustments are expected to increase complexity and expenses, causing disruption. | 1 |
The European Union and the United States have both agreed that addressing global warming is a pressing issue. President George W Bush acknowledged the importance of convincing Russia about the necessity of a missile shield in Europe. During a White House summit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, they expressed strong commitment to finalizing a global trade deal under the Doha round of talks. They also continued to pressure Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons, despite Tehran's refusal to halt uranium enrichment. Merkel, in her first visit to Washington since assuming the EU presidency, emphasized the importance of addressing global climate change and hopes to make it a focal point at the upcoming Group of Eight summit in Germany in June. During a press conference held in the Rose Garden, European representatives expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the issue, even though no specific actions were outlined that the EU and US could jointly take to tackle the problem. Barroso highlighted the positive development, emphasizing the shared recognition of the threat posed by climate change and the importance of reducing emissions through collaborative efforts. Bush, who was criticized for being slow to acknowledge climate change as a problem, stated that any agreement between the United States and Europe would not have a significant impact unless developing countries like China were included. He explained that even if the United States stopped emitting greenhouse gases completely, China could easily produce the same amount in a short period of time. However, Merkel argued that it is crucial for developed countries to take the lead in reducing carbon emissions. She emphasized that if developed countries do not take action, it will be difficult to persuade other countries to do the same, resulting in worldwide CO2 emissions remaining high. The leaders of the US and EU came together amidst Russian criticism of US plans to set up a missile shield in Eastern Europe. Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to take necessary actions to counter the system. Bush mentioned that Merkel had voiced German and European concerns about the missile shield to him and suggested that he should explain his vision to Putin. Consequently, Bush sent Defense Secretary Robert Gates to Moscow to meet with Putin and offer Russia the chance to be part of the shield, which is intended to combat the threat of terrorism and not revive the Cold War. Bush stated that the dialogue has started with the hope of clarifying intentions and providing an opportunity for cooperation with Russia. He emphasized the importance of not being viewed as an adversary but as a friendly entity by the Russians. | 1 |
The revision of section six of the Church's Code of Canon Law, which has been in progress since 2009, is the most comprehensive update since the code was approved by Pope John Paul in 1983. The pope emphasized to bishops their responsibility to strictly adhere to the law and highlighted that one objective of the revisions was to limit instances where authorities had discretion in imposing penalties. The new section, which includes approximately 80 articles on crime and punishment, incorporates changes made to Church law since 1983 and introduces new categories. Monsignor Filippo Iannone, who headed the Vatican department overseeing the project, noted a trend of leniency in interpreting penal law, where mercy sometimes took precedence over justice. The categorization of sexual abuse of minors was changed to a more specific section called "Offences Against Human Life, Dignity and Liberty" from the previous broad category of "Crimes Against Special Obligations." This updated section now includes additional offenses such as grooming minors or vulnerable adults for sexual abuse and possessing child pornography. | 1 |
The Obama administration is interested in expanding the US-India civilian nuclear power deal in order to collaborate with India to strengthen the global non-proliferation system, according to a senior US diplomat. US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg emphasized that the 2005 atomic power deal, which allowed New Delhi to import nuclear technology after a 33-year halt, creates a shared responsibility for both countries to reinforce the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty system. Steinberg stated that the United States and India have a duty to enhance the NPT regime to promote safe and cost-effective nuclear power for global energy and environmental needs, while preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Despite not being a signatory to the NPT, India is urged to consider making commitments to align with international standards, as mentioned by Steinberg at the Brookings Institution in Washington. The Nuclear Suppliers Group recently agreed to end a ban on nuclear trade with India, which was originally imposed due to India's first nuclear test in 1974 and its refusal to join the NPT. Washington faced significant opposition but ultimately succeeded in obtaining the NSG waiver to move forward with the nuclear cooperation pact, an important goal for the United States in terms of strategy, clean energy, environment, and commerce. India, Pakistan, and Israel are the only countries that have not signed the NPT. India's special envoy for nuclear issues and climate change stated that the nuclear deal and NSG waiver have elevated India's standing as a partner in the global nuclear field. According to envoy Shyam Saran, the civil nuclear agreement has opened up new possibilities for engagement on previously sensitive issues. Steinberg emphasized the importance of figuring out how to involve India and Pakistan in the NPT. The details of cooperation between Washington and New Delhi on non-proliferation issues would be discussed in talks after the Obama administration had appointed key officials and after India's general elections in April and May, according to him. | 1 |
The UN climate chief believes that the global credit crisis could actually accelerate efforts to develop 'green growth' industries by reforming the financial system. However, this will only be possible if governments focus on assisting poor countries in addressing climate change issues, rather than solely concentrating on financial rescue efforts. De Boer warned that the financial crisis could potentially disrupt UN-led climate change discussions, but emphasized that it could also serve as an opportunity for promoting global green economic growth. De Boer sees the credit crunch as a chance to reshape the financial system in a way that supports sustainable growth. He believes that governments can take advantage of this opportunity by implementing policies that encourage private investment in clean industry. De Boer also emphasizes the importance of reaching a successful agreement on climate change in Copenhagen in order to create new markets, investments, and jobs. He cautions against focusing solely on reviving the financial sector at the expense of the world's poorest populations. De Boer hopes that the credit crunch will not delay aid to developing countries while wealthier nations focus on repaying debts. De Boer emphasized the importance of supporting developing countries in order to move forward on environmental issues. He mentioned that environment ministers will gather in Poznan, Poland in two months to prepare for the Copenhagen summit, where a new global-warming agreement will be discussed to replace the expiring Kyoto Protocol in 2012. De Boer stressed the need for ministers to show their commitment to providing financial resources and necessary infrastructure to assist developing countries in participating in global efforts to combat climate change. He also mentioned the possibility of utilizing market mechanisms for funding. Despite the financial crisis, De Boer stated that the Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol has not been affected. | 1 |
Kamran Reza Chowdhury reported that the 16th summit of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation will commence on Wednesday in Thimphu, Bhutan. The regional group, which was founded in Dhaka in 1985, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Various leaders including Afghan president Hamid Karzai, Maldivian president Mohamed Nashid, Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksha, Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina, Indian premier Manmohan Singh, Nepalese prime minister Madhav Kumar Nepal, and Pakistan's prime minister Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani are scheduled to deliver speeches at the opening session. Bhutan's Prime Minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley will chair the session, marking the first time the country has hosted the summit. In addition to the Thimphu declaration, the two-day summit will focus on a SAARC statement on climate change. Despite being in existence for 25 years, critics argue that the regional grouping has not made significant progress in reducing poverty or improving the lives of the more than 1.5 billion people in the region. The common perception in SAARC member countries is that the annual summit is a platform for leaders to make promises they do not fulfill. Bhutan's foreign secretary Daw Penjo stated that the summit allows leaders to meet in person without media and bureaucrats, improving relations. The 16th SAARC summit aims to create a 25-year roadmap based on the region's people's aspirations. Additionally, SAARC foreign ministers have finalized drafts of two agreements for approval - one on environmental cooperation and the other on trade in services. The council of ministers and standing committee have prepared the Thimphu declaration and Thimphu statement on climate change for the 16th summit. A common SAARC position on climate change will be announced by member states, without legally binding emission cut targets. Bangladesh's proposal includes a SAARC charter for democracy to promote democracy in all eight countries, according to foreign secretary Mohamed Mijarul Quayes. All heads of states and governments, except Indian prime minister Manmohan Singh, have arrived in Thimphu, a picturesque hilly city. Singh is expected to arrive Wednesday morning before the summit begins at 2:30 pm. The summit will also witness the establishment of the headquarters of the SAARC Development Fund in Thimphu. | 1 |
Dr David Nabarro concluded his brief visit to Dhaka on Sunday as part of his worldwide campaign. During his visit, he met with health minister Mohammed Nasim and other senior government officials. He also had discussions with a group of journalists, including bdnews24.com, at the British High Commission in Dhaka. The election for the new director-general of the WHO will take place in May during the annual general meeting, the World Health Assembly, where its 194 member states will convene in Geneva. The two other finalists competing for the position are former Ethiopian foreign minister and health minister Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, and former Pakistan health minister Dr Sania Nishtar. Issues such as the recent global outbreaks of diseases like Ebola, challenges caused by climate change, an aging population, non-communicable diseases, and the lack of new drugs are some of the major concerns for the candidates in the election process. The WHO faced harsh criticism for its handling of the Ebola virus outbreak in 2014, with experts questioning the relevance of the UN body during that time. The outbreak in West Africa 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 direction for the international response. In response to a question about why Bangladesh should vote for him, the British doctor stated that based on his previous experiences, he would be able to ensure that the WHO is effectively fulfilling its responsibilities. His familiarity with health and healthcare issues in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, stems from his work experiences in the region. His professional endeavors as a special envoy of the UN Secretary focusing on SDGs and climate change over the past two years are also applicable to Bangladesh. Expressing his affection for the country, he mentioned working there in 1982 with Save the Children and praised the significant accomplishments achieved in Bangladesh. He expressed his eagerness for Bangladesh to vote for him, believing that if they support him, it will garner attention from others. With over 30 years of experience in public health, nutrition, and development at various levels, including NGOs, universities, national governments, and the UN system, he has held significant positions such as Senior Coordinator for Avian and Pandemic Influenza and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Food Security and Nutrition. He was also involved in the response to the Ebola outbreak at the request of the UN Secretary General. After assuming the responsibility, he noticed a problem and with the help of everyone, they were able to assist WHO in getting back on track. It became apparent that WHO needed changes in order 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 to advise on reforming the organization to better assist countries in outbreak response. The advisory group made recommendations to enhance response capabilities, which motivated him to pursue the role of Director General. This is something he strongly believes in. David Nabarro. It is essential to have the World Health Organization (WHO) as there is no other organization that can effectively handle outbreaks. The speaker has experience dealing with avian influenza, SARS, and cholera, and is well-versed in outbreak management. They believe they have the expertise, courage, strategic skills, and management abilities to lead the WHO effectively. Their goal is to ensure the WHO is reliable and efficient during outbreaks. They have a strong track record in food, nutrition, infectious diseases, climate change, and sustainable development goals, and have previously raised funds and achieved results in various areas. They believe this experience is what the WHO needs. He stated that WHO, under his supervision, will be an organization that is completely transparent and open to scrutiny by everyone, as that is the best way to operate public services in the modern age. The process to select the next Director-General began on September 23rd of last year with the announcement of nominated candidates by member states. This was followed by interactions between member states and candidates on a password-protected web forum hosted on the WHO website. In November, a live forum took place where candidates presented their plans for the WHO Member States and answered questions about their candidacy. In January, the WHO's Executive Board created a shortlist of five candidates. The Board members conducted interviews with multiple candidates and ultimately selected three of them to be put to a final vote at the World Health Assembly in May. The new Director-General is scheduled to begin their term on July 1 of this year. The remaining candidates include individuals representing Africa, Asia, and Europe. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia received the highest number of votes from the executive members and is endorsed by the African Union. His campaign emphasizes his leadership skills and track record of achieving significant results in global health organizations and in guiding Ethiopia. He stated in his campaign vision that he imagines a world in which all individuals can live healthy and productive lives, regardless of their identity or location. Dr. Sania Nishtar from Pakistan made 10 pledges in her campaign addressing issues aimed at revitalizing the WHO. She emphasized the need for implementing reforms quickly, promoting transparency, establishing accountability, ensuring efficiency, and fostering a results-driven culture. | 1 |
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has given instructions for increased inter-Korean engagement following his sister Kim Yo Jong's visit to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The specifics of these instructions were not disclosed. The United States has indicated support for further 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. Moon relayed this information to Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis through a spokesperson. US officials are calling for stronger international sanctions to pressure North Korea into abandoning its nuclear program. Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reiterated this sentiment, stating that South Korea also agreed on the need 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 unified in their approach to dealing with the situation. The United States remains committed to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, according to a senior Japanese diplomat. A senior military official at the border between North and South Korea told Reuters that the ultimate objective is denuclearization, and the approach being taken is dialogue for dialogue, action for action. If North Korea fails to demonstrate tangible actions, both the United States and Japan will maintain their current policies. The official noted that North Korea has reduced the volume of its border propaganda broadcasts since the opening ceremony of the Olympics on Feb. 9. The official, stationed on the southern side of the border, mentioned that although the broadcasts can still be heard, they are much quieter than before. Moon, who received an invitation from Kim Jong Un via his sister for a meeting in Pyongyang, has been advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the tensions surrounding North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Seoul intends to proceed with plans for reunions of family members separated by the Korean War in order to sustain the dialogue initiated by the visit of the North Korean delegation. In the meantime, Trump encouraged Russia to increase their efforts in persuading North Korea to abandon its nuclear program, according to the White House. This is part of a strategy to put more pressure on Pyongyang. The possibility of an inter-Korean summit, the first since 2007, has been discussed after months of tension between North Korea, South Korea, and the United States. The KCNA report did not mention the summit offer to Moon, but instead, Kim Jong Un expressed gratitude to Seoul for their efforts in prioritizing the delegation's visit, which he found very impressive. Moon and his team arranged multiple meetings and meals for the delegation during their stay at the presidential Blue House and luxury hotels, with Moon personally accompanying Kim Yo Jong to various events at the Olympics and an orchestra concert. Hundreds of North Koreans, along with a high-level delegation, have traveled to South Korea for the Winter Olympics. Among them are an orchestra and cheer squad, who will be present at the united women's ice hockey team's final game against Japan on Wednesday. | 1 |
The seven-nation BIMSTEC group adopted a convention to combat terrorism and insurgency, which is expected to strengthen India's efforts against militancy, particularly in its northeast. 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 during the 12th BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting in Nay Pyi Taw. The ministers also agreed to prioritize climate change as a key area of cooperation among BIMSTEC countries. Myanmar Prime Minister Thein Sein emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating terrorism and trans-national organised crime during the ministerial meeting. The Prime Minister of Myanmar emphasized the issue of terrorism in his inaugural address, highlighting its significance in current discussions. Regional connectivity is set to be a key topic at the upcoming BIMSTEC foreign ministers' summit, with plans to devise a route plan for the region's connectivity in subsequent meetings of transport ministers. The group of member states, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, came together in 1997 to form the economic bloc. Their connectivity plan aims to connect six South Asian countries with South East Asian countries like Thailand and Myanmar. This plan offers an alternative method for integrating the South Asian region, excluding Pakistan and Afghanistan. | 1 |
The top tobacco companies in the world are worried that if new regulations on plain packaging are implemented in Australia and Britain, they may spread to other markets with higher growth potential, affecting their future profits. Health advocates are pushing for cigarettes to be sold in plain packaging with standard fonts and graphic health warnings to deter young people from smoking. Australia aims to be the first country to require tobacco companies to sell cigarettes in plain, brand-free packaging by the end of the year, while Britain is considering a similar move. Analysts believe that if Australia is successful, other countries like Britain, Canada, and New Zealand may follow suit, causing concern for tobacco companies whose shares have been strong in 2012. Analyst Martin Deboo from Investec Securities expressed concern over the impact of high tobacco stock valuations and the potential spread of plain packaging regulations from Australia. The real threat to industry profits would be if plain packaging reaches emerging markets like Brazil, Russia, and Indonesia, slowing the transition of smokers to more expensive western brands like Marlboro, Lucky Strike, and Camel. Smokers in mature markets like Western Europe and North America are less likely to change brands due to habit, so changes in packaging are expected to have minimal impact on their choices. To counter falling smoking rates in mature markets, tobacco companies such as Philip Morris, British American Tobacco, Japan Tobacco, and Imperial Tobacco are focusing on growth in fast-growing emerging markets. The tobacco industry has experienced growth due to innovative packaging attracting consumers. If plain packaging rules are implemented, cigarette companies will struggle to promote more expensive products. The industry is opposing plain packaging legislation in Australia by taking the battle to the high court. Analysts believe other governments are closely watching Australia as a test case. Australia has strict anti-smoking regulations, leading to a decrease in adult smokers from 23% to 15% in the last decade. In comparison, around 22% of adults in Britain smoke, with the market slowly declining. Despite this, Britons still consume around 56 billion cigarettes annually, contributing to over 100,000 deaths per year and straining the public health system. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has declared that his consultation process will last for 12 weeks until July 10, emphasizing that he remains unbiased in his decision-making. | 1 |
After weeks of private discussions, Biden confidently appeared before the cameras at the White House with both Democratic and Republican lawmakers to announce a $1.2 trillion infrastructure deal over eight years. This agreement could solidify his reputation as a bipartisan leader. While focusing on rebuilding roads and bridges with centrist senators, Biden also hinted at plans for a separate bill to address climate change, education, and other priorities supported only by Democrats. Despite his strong negotiating skills, Biden made a surprising statement during a press conference that he would not approve the compromise bill without the partisan one as well. "I will not just sign the bipartisan bill and move on," Biden's statement disrupted his moment of bipartisan pride. While this may have pleased liberals, it alarmed centrist senators and Republicans by suggesting that he may veto their bipartisan plan if a larger bill is not passed. Senator Susan Collins, a key negotiator, expressed surprise at this new condition, as they had always known there would be another bill but did not expect the two to be linked. The White House spent over 24 hours trying to repair the damage by reaching out to senators from both parties. On Friday, the president's spokesperson attempted to distance the administration from his remarks in a gentle manner. However, this was insufficient. By Saturday, as lawmakers and aides continued to be upset and the chances of a legislative victory seemed to diminish, Biden acknowledged that he had misspoken. The incident did not appear to have derailed the deal, but Biden confessed that his statements on Thursday gave the impression that he was threatening to veto the very plan he had just agreed to. He clarified that this was not his intention. The agreement that Biden had praised on Thursday initially seemed like a great success for a president who had promised voters he could achieve legislation that was both boldly progressive and widely bipartisan. It took weeks to put together a group of ten centrist senators led by Sens Rob Portman and Kyrsten Sinema, who were aiming to create a bipartisan framework similar to the one that led to the passage of a $900 billion coronavirus relief bill in December. Sinema mentioned that the easy decisions were quickly resolved, while the difficult issues required more time and effort. The talks were complicated by the possibility that liberal Democrats could use reconciliation to avoid the filibuster threshold. Tensions rose during meetings, leading to the involvement of key Biden advisers such as Steve Ricchetti, Brian Deese, and Louisa Terrell. They spent several days negotiating in the Capitol, with Sinema even participating despite breaking her foot during a marathon and having to use crutches. They often ate pizza, salads, and wine in back rooms while haggling. Portman's hideaway became crowded, so a staffer from Sen Mitt Romney's office had to get a fan. During a late-night session, Ricchetti poured wine for each senator. Tempers flared as they debated how to fund the framework without increasing taxes or using user fees for drivers. Many of the centrist senators attended a funeral for former Sen John Warner before returning to the Capitol for more meetings focused on reaching bipartisan agreements. Senator Mark Warner, who was not related to John Warner but considered him a friend, pondered, "What would John Warner do?" He believed that John Warner would have persevered. Almost everyone in the room had similar thoughts. By around 7 pm, the ten senators had reached a consensus and announced that they had a framework in place and would be meeting at the White House the following day. The plan was to move forward together. After weeks of behind-the-scenes discussions, this was seen as a positive moment for President Biden, who had faced doubts from his own party about his ability to navigate tough legislative negotiations. By reaching a bipartisan agreement, Biden's team hoped to gain the support of centrist Democratic senators for a larger bill aimed at addressing various liberal priorities, including paid leave, poverty, and climate change, all funded by tax increases on corporations and the wealthy. Some Republicans, encouraged by business leaders, wanted to block the larger bill by convincing moderate Democrats that the more limited infrastructure bill was sufficient. Lawmakers and Biden saw it as an important opportunity to demonstrate that the government could still operate effectively. Senator Jon Tester warned that failure would only highlight the dysfunction of the government. Senator Warner emphasized the importance of the message it would send to both the American people and other countries, especially in the wake of the events of January 6th. Progressive lawmakers were concerned that the limited bill would prevent a larger bill from being passed. On Thursday morning, Senator Chuck Schumer reassured them on the Senate floor by outlining the plan he and Speaker Nancy Pelosi had worked out with the president. Schumer emphasized that both efforts are connected and Pelosi agrees that they must be done together. It is understood that both initiatives need enough votes to pass. Biden also expressed his commitment to working with Pelosi and Schumer to ensure both move through the legislative process simultaneously. Biden surprised Democrats by saying he wanted both the bipartisan infrastructure measure and the bigger Democratic bill to come to him at the same time, adding that he would not sign only one of them if that was the case. "It's happening simultaneously." Senators left Washington for a two-week recess on Thursday afternoon for Fourth of July, and it wasn't until later that evening that some negotiators saw Biden's comments, which Republicans viewed as an implicit veto threat. Senators and staff members began communicating with each other and the White House. Liberal Democrats dismissed the Republican frustration and accused them of seeking an excuse to oppose the deal, despite the Democrats' public pursuit of reconciliation. On Saturday, Biden admitted his error as lawmakers and aides indicated they would continue with drafting text and gaining support. "In the end," he stated. "I made a promise to back the infrastructure plan, and I plan to follow through on that promise. I am committed to pushing for the passage of the plan, which both Democrats and Republicans agreed upon on Thursday, with determination. It would benefit the economy, our country, and our citizens. I support it wholeheartedly and without any doubts." | 1 |
The prime minister questioned how a party with leaders facing criminal charges could win an election, citing one convicted of theft from orphans and another accused in a grenade attack. She expressed disbelief that people would vote for such a party that cannot even participate in elections. Hasina stated that the opposition has lost confidence as they know they cannot win, so they try to discredit the election process to create controversy and division among the people. The press conference was initiated by the prime minister at 4 pm on Monday at her official residence, Ganabhaban in Dhaka. Hasina had recently returned from a two-week visit to the US, her first overseas trip since the start of the pandemic. During her visit, she participated in the UNGA and other significant events from Sept 19-23. Last year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the prime minister attended the UNGA virtually. She gave a speech at the UNGA on Sept 24, urging the international community to collaborate on global issues and create new partnerships and solutions to address emergencies. Hasina mentioned in her speech that the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the insufficiency of the global response to emergencies and emphasized the importance of global solidarity and collaboration. She participated in a meeting on climate change in New York on September 20 at the request of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Hasina also planted a tree at the UN Headquarters to commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Bangladesh's founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Additionally, she attended 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 a discussion on finding a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis during the UNGA. Hasina held one-on-one meetings with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, UN Secretary-General Guterres, and various other leaders in New York. | 1 |
An online poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos this month asked 2,809 Americans to assess the level of threat posed by various countries, organizations, and individuals to the United States on a scale of 1 to 5. According to the poll, 34 percent of Republicans considered Obama to be 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. Sociologist Barry Glassner, author of "The Culture of Fear: Why Americans are afraid of the wrong things," noted that the results were not surprising given the polarization in American politics. Glassner suggested that demonizing the current office holder is common, and predicted that fear mongering by both Republican and Democratic parties will be prevalent in the 2016 presidential campaign. He stated that both the TV media and American politics heavily rely on instilling fear. The Ipsos survey, conducted from March 16 to March 24, involved 1,083 Democrats and 1,059 Republicans. According to the survey, 27% of Republicans viewed the Democratic Party as a looming danger to the country, while 22% of Democrats saw Republicans in the same light. The respondents expressed the most concern about potential terror threats, with 58% considering Islamic State militants as an imminent threat and 43% seeing al Qaeda in the same way. Thirty-four percent of respondents considered North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un a threat, while 27 percent viewed Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a threat. Cyber attacks were seen as an imminent threat by 39 percent of those surveyed, while drug trafficking was perceived as a threat by one-third of respondents. 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 view 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 |
Foreign Minister S.M. Krishna will be traveling to China next week in order to strengthen the ties between the two countries. The relationship has recently seen improvement due to a trade boom and cooperation on climate change, which has shifted the focus away from a border dispute. Both India and China have been able to move past the global financial crisis more quickly than developed countries and are looking to capitalize on a decade of commercial growth that has made China India's top trade partner. Despite ongoing issues between Beijing and the United States, Indian analysts believe that it is in the best interest of both countries to maintain a strong relationship. The turning point in their relationship appears to have been the climate conference in Copenhagen where they collaborated on a deal despite facing criticism for obstructing a more ambitious agreement. Sanjaya Baru, former media adviser to India's prime minister, wrote in the Business Standard that there has been a noticeable change in the climate between Copenhagen and China, with a new warmth in China's tone towards India. Both China and India, the largest and fourth-largest emitters, are calling for rich nations to take the lead in slowing global warming, and are committed to ensuring that their own climate goals do not hinder economic growth. Despite lingering mistrust, particularly over border issues, Indian Foreign Minister Krishna is set to begin a four-day visit to China, following recent tensions over border incursions and the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. China was upset when the Dalai Lama visited Arunachal Pradesh last year, viewing it as evidence of his attempts to promote separatism. Both China and India now appear to be moving towards a more practical approach after tensions in 2009. India's Foreign Minister Krishna mentioned border concerns before his visit, and there is a feeling that both countries are trying to avoid escalating verbal conflicts. Indian 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 to appreciate the yuan, even though China is the world's fastest growing economy. The increase in bilateral trade has had mixed results for India, as they now face a trade deficit with China that has grown from $1 billion in 2001-2 to $16 billion in 2007-8, based on data from the Indian central bank. While there have been disputes over tariffs and perceived protectionist measures, India has recently launched more anti-dumping investigations against China than any other country. Despite these challenges, both countries acknowledge that their bilateral trade and investment levels are below their potential and have agreed to work towards balancing trade flows. The World Trade Organisation has projected a 9.5 percent expansion in global trade volumes in 2010, with expectations that two countries will lead this growth. However, Indian concerns about China's increasing military power may complicate the situation. The outgoing National Security Adviser has expressed suspicions that his computers were targeted by Chinese hackers. Additionally, the rivalry between India and Pakistan in Afghanistan could also be a topic of discussion. | 1 |
Government officials stated that Britain is urging the UN Security Council to address climate change in order to emphasize its potential impact on global stability. With Britain set to assume the presidency of the United Nations in April, ministers believe that this is the opportune time to elevate the issue to the highest level of the international forum, especially considering its prominence at EU and G8 summits. Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, who are strong advocates for action on climate change, are leading this initiative. Downing Street confirmed that climate change is a top priority for the Prime Minister, while a Foreign Office official expressed the desire to make climate security a key foreign policy issue. "We believe that climate change has the potential to worsen many of the global insecurities that contribute to global tension and conflict," stated the official. They chose not to address rumors in newspapers about Britain facing opposition from the United States and South Africa regarding their climate change plans. Government ministers are optimistic about the increasing acknowledgement of the potential impacts of climate change and the goals set for reducing 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 developed countries taking action in the next decade in her speech at the UN general assembly last September. Experts have cautioned that climate change could lead to severe tensions in regions like the Middle East due to a significant reduction in resources. International Alert, a prominent conflict resolution organization, has highlighted the risk of global warming causing conflicts in various parts of the world. According to IA head Dan Smith, as habitats become uninhabitable, people will be forced to relocate, potentially exacerbating already fragile situations in regions with inadequate resources. For example, conflicts over water rights have already occurred in Kenya's Rift Valley as the area becomes drier. Deforestation has caused disputes in multiple areas, such as South East Asia. | 1 |
China is urging wealthy countries to support a fund aimed at accelerating the dissemination of technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions in developing nations. China is emphasizing the need for delegates at global warming talks to recognize that the responsibility for addressing climate change lies primarily with Western nations. At the Bali talks, where an international agreement to combat climate change post-Kyoto Protocol is being discussed, some affluent countries have insisted that all major emitters must commit to greenhouse gas reduction targets. China, now the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, is advocating for increased financial support from wealthy nations to promote the adoption of clean technology in poorer countries. Despite resisting calls for emission targets, China is determined to push for its own demands at the negotiations. Zou Ji from the People's University of China in Beijing, a member of the country's delegation to Bali, emphasized the need for a significant fund for technology transfers and development. He expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in developing and spreading clean coal-power and emissions-cutting technology and called for developed countries to demonstrate their seriousness in this regard during new negotiations. Ji suggested that this fund could be managed by a new body dedicated to promoting technology transfers, although he acknowledged that specific details would take time to finalize. China's insistence on clear commitments regarding technology and increased funding for adaptation to climate change impacts is a genuine concern, as it aligns with the country's strategy to collaborate with other developing nations and hold wealthy countries, particularly the United States, accountable for their emissions. The US, the world's largest emitter, has notably not ratified the Kyoto Protocol. "The United States is the main obstacle," said Hu Tao from Beijing Normal University, who previously worked in a state environmental think tank. He believes that China must be involved in finding a solution, but the focus should be on developed countries reducing their own emissions and helping China reduce its own. China argues that it is unfair to expect them to accept emissions limits, as global warming is the result of pollution accumulated over time by wealthy countries. According to the United Nations, in 2004 Americans produced an average of 20.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person, compared to 3.8 tonnes per person in China. A senior Chinese official working on climate change policy, Gao Guangsheng, recently stated to Reuters that China has faced obstacles in obtaining clean power-generation technology due to concerns from foreign politicians and companies regarding intellectual property theft, lost profits, and sensitive technology. Zou, an advisor, suggested that a technology transfer organization could combine government support with private investments to address these concerns. Despite setting ambitious goals for increasing energy efficiency and transitioning from coal to renewable energy sources, China fell short of its efficiency target in 2006. Zhang Haibin, an expert on climate change negotiations at Peking University, believes that funding could support collaborative research projects and help developing countries create their own energy-saving technology. The focus is not just on purchasing technology, but on fostering innovation. Zhang expressed a desire to learn how to fish independently, stating that if someone insists on selling fish at inflated prices, they will not teach him. | 1 |
Russian voters have significantly weakened Vladimir Putin's ruling party by reducing its majority in the parliamentary election. The election results indicate a growing dissatisfaction with Putin's control over the country as he prepares to become president again. United Russia, Putin's party, struggled to secure even 50 percent of the votes in this election, a notable decrease from the more than 64 percent they received four years ago. Opposition parties claim that even this result was bolstered by fraudulent activities. Despite the likelihood of Putin winning the presidential election in March, the outcome of Sunday's election may undermine his authority. Putin, who has been in power for almost 12 years, has used a combination of strict security policies, political skill, and charisma to govern, but was recently met with boos and jeers after a martial arts event. As of now, United Russia has 49.94 percent of the votes after 70 percent of voting districts have been counted in the election for the State Duma. Exit polls also showed United Russia receiving less than 50 percent of the vote. According to liberal opposition leader Vladimir Ryzhkov, these elections are unique due to a lack of trust in Putin, Medvedev, and the ruling party. Ryzhkov believes that the upcoming presidential election in March will lead to even more political turmoil and dissatisfaction. Putin is known for bringing stability to a country that had suffered from chaos after the Soviet Union's collapse, including ending a separatist rebellion in Chechnya and overseeing economic growth. He has maintained a tough guy persona by doing things like riding a horse shirtless, hunting tigers, and flying fighter jets. However, the public seems to be getting tired of his stunts and his popularity, while still high, has decreased. Many people, fed up with corruption, view United Russia as the party of dishonest individuals and are unhappy with the growing gap between the rich and poor. Some worry that Putin's return to the presidency could lead to economic and political stagnation. Putin and Medvedev, who took over the presidency in 2008 when Putin had to step down after serving two terms, made a brief appearance at a low-key meeting at United Russia headquarters. Medvedev stated that United Russia, which previously had a two thirds majority allowing it to change the constitution without opposition support, was willing to form alliances on certain issues in order to gain support for legislation. Putin, 59, described this as an optimal outcome that accurately reflects the current situation in the country. He believes that this result will ensure the stable development of Russia. However, the future may be more challenging for the man who has been the dominant figure in Russian politics since he took over as acting president in 1999 and was elected as head of state shortly after. There are indications that voters feel deceived by his decision to switch roles with Medvedev next year and are disheartened by the prospect of another decade or more under one leader. "It marks the start of the decline," stated political analysts Andrei Piontkovsky. He noted that the recent election results indicate a decrease in the party's and the country's leaders' prestige. The Communist Party experienced significant gains, with their vote nearly doubling to approximately 20 percent. Sergei Obukhov, a communist parliamentarian, remarked that Russia now faces a new political landscape, regardless of any attempts to distort the outcome. A large portion of the votes were a form of protest against United Russia rather than an endorsement of communist principles, as some Russians view the Party as the only legitimate opposition. Yulia Serpikova, a 27-year-old freelance location manager in the film industry, sadly recalled her promise to her grandfather never to vote for the Communists, yet found herself having to do so in order to vote against them. Opposition parties raised concerns about election irregularities across a vast expanse of the country, while a Western-funded electoral monitoring group and two liberal media outlets reported being targeted by hackers attempting to silence allegations of violations. Despite President Medvedev denying claims of electoral fraud, websites belonging to Ekho Moskvy radio station, Slon.ru, and the Golos watchdog were taken offline. In response to the alleged fraud, protests were held in St Petersburg and Moscow, resulting in numerous arrests. 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 money and television coverage. Independent political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin stated that a separate analysis revealed United Russia's decreased popularity in cities, where they received 30-35 percent of the votes compared to the Communist Party's 20-25 percent. Oreshkin believes this poses a challenge for Putin, as United Russia's actions have turned people against their leader, creating an unfavorable environment for his upcoming presidential campaign. Putin still does not have any strong competitors as the leader of Russia. He continues to be the final decision-maker between the different groups that oversee the largest energy producer in the world. This situation also negatively affects Medvedev, who led United Russia during 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, marking a historic policy initiative that will also regulate emissions for the first time and settle a disagreement with California regarding cleaner cars. The proposal includes raising fuel standards for 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 over the program's lifespan. The government estimates that the program will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil and all companies will be required to manufacture more efficient and cleaner cars. Major US and international automakers, such as General Motors and Toyota, are in support of the plan. In a statement, GM Chief Executive Fritz Henderson expressed that GM and the auto industry will benefit from more consistency and certainty in guiding product plans. Toyota Motor Sales USA President James Lentz stated that a single national standard will improve vehicle choices for consumers. The new program, according to the administration, will increase the cost of producing a vehicle by about $600 compared to the current law, which requires automakers to achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020, a 40 percent increase from current performance. US auto companies had opposed significant fuel standard increases for many years until Congress and the Bush administration agreed to stricter targets in 2007. Some vehicles, mostly produced by overseas manufacturers, already meet or exceed the proposed standards. California had originally sought a waiver to impose its own regulations on auto emissions, but the Bush administration denied this request. Auto companies also sued California, arguing that if other states followed suit, it would create a confusing mix of regulations. However, California has now agreed to defer to the proposed national standard if it is finalized. Senator Barbara Boxer praised this decision, calling it a victory in the fight against global warming and reducing U.S. dependence on imported oil. The 30 percent decrease in emissions is more aggressive than what California and other supportive states have requested. In April, the administration shifted policies by regulating emissions due to the danger posed to human health and welfare by climate-warming pollution, departing from the Bush administration's approach. The new policy allows flexibility for automakers to meet standards and considers the environmental impact of carbon-based fuels and other emission-producing vehicle systems, such as air conditioners. David Friedman, research director of the clean vehicle program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, believes this could be a significant advancement in promoting clean cars. The plan is based on an assumption of average gas prices reaching $3.50 per gallon by 2016, with the hope of encouraging consumers to switch to more fuel-efficient vehicles. Car manufacturers are working hard to improve hybrid and electric vehicles, but lower gas prices have led to increased sales of less efficient trucks and SUVs due to a decrease in demand caused by a recession. In an effort to boost the struggling industry, Congress is considering a bill that would provide consumers with up to $4,500 to trade in older, less fuel-efficient vehicles for ones with better gas mileage. Additionally, there is a climate change debate in the US Congress, with Democrats pushing for a bill to combat global warming while Republicans are trying to oppose certain aspects of the plan that they believe will harm the economy. | 1 |
At the world's largest summit on climate change in Copenhagen, a massive white globe at the Bella Centre may have inadvertently hinted at future consequences. Despite the oversight of not including small Pacific island nations like Tuvalu and the Cook Islands, as well as Antarctica on the model, the rising global temperatures are causing polar ice caps to melt and sea levels to rise. While island nations urged major economies like China and the US to reach a new climate agreement during the 12-day talks, the absence of these regions on the globe raised questions about the organisers' oversight. The UN climate talks concluded with a minimal agreement on Saturday, in which delegates acknowledged an accord reached by the United States, China, and other emerging powers. The agreement fell short of the conference's original goals, leading many to consider the talks a failure. The accord, which is less binding than a treaty and even weaker than anticipated, left many details unspecified. It aimed to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, a threshold for potentially dangerous consequences such as floods, droughts, and rising sea levels, but did not outline how this goal would be met. The agreement offered the possibility of $100 billion in yearly assistance starting in 2020 for developing countries, but did not specify the source of this funding. It also postponed important decisions like emission reductions. The next climate talks are set for November 2010 in Mexico, where negotiators aim to finalize a new treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, although success is not assured. | 1 |
A press release announced that a three-member delegation from the European Parliament's Committee on Development will be visiting Bangladesh from Sunday to Tuesday. The delegation includes Al Svensson from Sweden, Franziska Keller from Germany, and Niccob Rinaldi from Italy. The main focus of their visit will be to assess the impact of climate change and food security in the country. 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. They will also visit a number of climate change and disaster management projects. | 1 |
Ethiopia's prime minister stated that the increase in trade and investment from China and India, along with greater tolerance from traditional partners, has positively impacted Africa's development. He mentioned that the external environment has become more favorable for African countries to determine their own future. China's trade with Africa has significantly grown from $364 million in 1978 to $40 billion in 2005, while India's trade increased from $613 million to $11 billion in the same period. This influx of money, along with the no-strings-attached trade and aid policies of these nations, has led Western donors to relax restrictions on funding in Africa. Meles noted a notable shift in attitudes among traditional partners in development, as well as a greater acceptance of different approaches to development in Africa. He pointed out that the interest shown by India and China has brought new opportunities for investment and technology, leading to significant foreign direct investment and rapid economic growth in Africa. Despite the continent's average growth of 5.8 percent in 2007, intra-African trade remains low, making up only a small portion of total trade on the continent, as reported by the African Union. Meles addressed development issues such as food and energy price increases and the impact of climate change on Africa's economies at an African Union-UN Economic Commission for Africa conference. He mentioned that China and India's growing demand for food, raw materials, and commodities had both positive and negative effects on Africa, leading to a rise in commodity prices and potential risks to African economies. The African Union and United Nations released a statement warning that the rising prices of staples had caused social disturbances in several African countries in 2008, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Senegal, and Mauritania. Abdoulie Janneh, U.N. under-secretary general and executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa, stated that the continent will need to find a way to balance its roles as both a producer and consumer in response to the global issue of high food and oil prices. Janneh emphasized the importance of ensuring that these crucial goods remain affordable without hindering the market's signaling mechanism for boosting production. | 1 |
According to sources, Trump described Erdogan as a great person to the German chancellor. However, Merkel pointed out that Erdogan had been criticizing Germany and its European allies for weeks, calling them descendents of Nazis. Trump was reportedly surprised and unaware of the ongoing diplomatic dispute between Ankara and Berlin over Turkish ministers campaigning in Germany. The White House did not provide a comment when asked about the situation. The German government chose not to comment on the call due to its confidential nature. This conversation took place shortly after Merkel's initial meeting with Trump in Washington, highlighting the difficulties she faces in building a relationship with a president described by multiple European officials as unpredictable, unprepared, and prone to exaggeration. Six months after Trump's election and just over a week 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 this uncertainty, there is a sense of relief that US foreign policy has not drastically changed during his early months in office, with Trump no longer labeling NATO as obsolete. He has maintained a distance from Russia's Vladimir Putin. Despite one instance where he implied that an attack in Paris would benefit a far-right leader, Trump has not interfered in European affairs or tried to weaken the European Union. His National Security Adviser Mike Flynn was fired and replaced by H.R. McMaster, who is considered to be knowledgeable and reliable. The impact of Steve Bannon, the White House adviser that Europeans are most concerned about, may be decreasing. Peter Wittig, the German ambassador to Washington, stated that there is now a productive working relationship, but there are still lingering questions about the president's character and policies on various issues. German officials are concerned about a possible shift to protectionism under Trump, despite his less aggressive approach towards China and his 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 the sudden firing of FBI director James Comey indicates that Trump is capable of making hasty decisions on significant matters. Reports that he shared top-secret information with the Russian foreign minister during a meeting in the Oval Office last week are expected to increase the level of mistrust in European capitals. One experienced German diplomat noted that concerns about the competence of Trump's team in foreign and security matters have lessened, but doubts about Trump himself, including his personality, maturity, and reliability, have intensified. Another German official emphasized the significant impact that Trump has on his own administration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel faces a particularly challenging situation due to her reliance on the relationship with the US. Germany heavily depends on the United States for its security and there is a risk that a protectionist trade war could harm its export-driven economy. In July, just before the upcoming election in Germany, Chancellor Merkel will face a challenging G20 summit in Hamburg where President Trump is expected to meet with President Putin for the first time. Turkish President Erdogan and China's President Xi Jinping will also be in attendance. Merkel has had tense relationships with Putin and Erdogan for more than ten years and has previously worked with two U.S. presidents before Trump. She developed a strong relationship with George W. Bush during his second term, which was favorable towards Europe. Despite a rocky beginning with Barack Obama when she did not allow him to speak at the Brandenburg Gate in 2008, they eventually formed a close connection. Prior to meeting with Trump in Brussels on May 25th, she will be seen with Obama at the central Berlin landmark. Her team recognizes that Trump poses a different kind of challenge due to his unpredictable behavior and uncertain stance on Europe. He is not well-liked in Germany, which makes it politically sensitive for her to align herself too closely with him during an election year. Nonetheless, there is a feeling of contentment in Berlin regarding the relatively smooth beginning of the relationship between Merkel and Trump. Despite previous tensions, the two leaders have spoken multiple times on the phone and have downplayed past incidents, such as Trump's failure to shake Merkel's hand during her visit. German officials have noted Merkel's efforts to reduce tensions with Trump, including inviting his daughter Ivanka to a G20 women's summit in April. They observe that Trump has not withdrawn from the Paris climate agreement, NAFTA, or the nuclear deal with Iran, as he had promised during his presidential campaign. Trump has stated that he will not make a decision regarding the climate agreement until after the G7 summit in late May, where Merkel and other European leaders are anticipated to strongly encourage him to remain in the agreement. A senior French official mentioned that there are indications that this administration can be influenced, as you can communicate with the individuals close to Trump and provide input. They may be more adaptable and receptive to external perspectives than previously believed. During Merkel's visit in March, she spent a significant amount of time explaining to Trump and his team how the European Union operates, as reported by participants. After four hours of meetings, which included a half-hour one-on-one between the two leaders, a meeting with business executives, and a lunch, Trump abandoned his push for a bilateral trade agreement with Germany and acknowledged that only a deal with the EU was feasible. German officials recognize that the chances of reviving TTIP, the transatlantic trade agreement that Europe attempted to finalize with Obama, are slim. However, they were pleased that Trump appeared willing to negotiate with the EU and were reassured by his attentive listening. At the end of a two-hour lunch, when the president's aides reminded him it was time to leave for his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida for the weekend, he declined, stating that the conversation was progressing well and his departure would have to wait. German officials in the chancellery were pleasantly surprised when Trump called Merkel 10 days after her visit to congratulate her on a surprise win for her party in Saarland. Despite using the call to discuss "fake polls," the White House did not respond to requests for comment. The German government also declined to comment. In recent months, German officials have been actively reaching out to various officials in Washington, including those in the White House and Congress. For example, 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 key positions in the State Department still being vacant over three months into Trump's presidency. It is also a way of being cautious, as nobody can predict who Trump will be influenced by on any given day. Robin Niblett, director of the London think tank Chatham House, stated, "You simply can't afford to put all your eggs in one basket with this administration." Trump's behavior is unpredictable - one day he may agree to something, but the next day he may not. It is important to protect yourself and be cautious, as he can change his mind suddenly and leave you in a difficult situation. | 1 |
Edison Research, the organization that announced the results, also predicted that North Carolina, the only other closely contested state with votes still being counted, would vote for Trump. This would bring the final electoral vote count to 306 for Biden and 232 for Trump. These numbers marked a significant win for Biden in the Electoral College, matching the 306 votes Trump received in 2016 to defeat Hillary Clinton, a victory he referred to as a "landslide." Despite Trump not conceding, Biden's team stated they were proceeding with transition plans. Additionally, Biden led the national popular vote by over 5.3 million votes, or 3.4 percentage points. His popular vote share of 50.8% was slightly higher than Ronald Reagan's share when he defeated Jimmy Carter in 1980. Trump, a member of the Republican party, has baselessly alleged that he was a victim of widespread election fraud and has not conceded defeat. Officials in various states have found no significant irregularities, and Trump's legal challenges have been unsuccessful in court. In order to secure a second term, Trump would need to overturn Biden's lead in at least three states, but he has not provided any evidence to support this claim. States must finalize their election results and select electors for the Electoral College by the "safe harbor" deadline of Dec. 8, with the new president being officially chosen on Dec. 14. A Michigan state court recently denied Trump's request to halt the certification of votes in Detroit, where Biden received strong support. Lawyers representing Trump's campaign withdrew a lawsuit in Arizona due to the final vote count making it irrelevant. Federal election security officials have stated that there is no evidence of any voting system deleting, losing, or changing votes, or being compromised in any way. Trump was scheduled to make his first public comments since Biden was declared the election winner on Nov. 7, focusing on efforts to develop treatments for the coronavirus pandemic. Biden officials stated they would continue with the transition process, focusing on legislative priorities, federal agency policies, and filling positions in the new administration. "We are moving forward with the transition," Jen Psaki, a senior adviser to Biden's transition team, stated during a conference call on Friday. She emphasized the importance of Biden receiving up-to-date information from the Trump administration to address the ongoing pandemic and national security threats. Psaki called on Trump's White House to grant Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris access to daily intelligence briefings on potential global threats. She expressed concern that without this information, the national security team, president-elect, and vice president-elect are lacking crucial insights. Psaki noted that Biden will be briefed by his own team of national-security experts next week. He once again met with transition advisers on Friday at his Delaware beach house to plan his strategy for the pandemic and begin selecting his top officials, including Cabinet members. The official transition has been delayed due to Trump's refusal to accept defeat. The General Services Administration has not yet acknowledged Biden's victory, preventing him from accessing federal resources and office space. Trump's confidant, Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera, stated that Trump indicated he would adhere to the US Constitution and concede after all votes are counted, claiming he is a realist. Rivera stated in an interview with Fox that he was assured by the individual that he would act in accordance with what is morally correct. Rivera did not sense any intention on the individual's part to scheme against the elected government; rather, the individual simply desires a fair competition. | 1 |
As the prices of wheat and rice continue to rise, the potato is gaining recognition as a nutritious crop that could efficiently provide food for a world experiencing increased hunger. India aims to double its potato production within the next five to 10 years, while China, historically a major consumer of rice, has become the leading producer of potatoes. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the potato is currently experiencing significant growth compared to other crops. Originating from Peru, potatoes can be cultivated in a wide range of elevations and climates, from the harsh, cold slopes of the Andes Mountains to the warm, tropical flatlands of Asia. They need very little water, can be ready to harvest in as little as 50 days, and can produce two to four times more food per hectare than wheat or rice. Pamela Anderson, director of the International Potato Center in Lima (CIP), a non-profit scientific organization studying the potato family to enhance food security, expressed concern about potential food shortages due to various factors. She believes that the potato can help address these issues and has the potential to alleviate hunger caused by rising food prices, population growth, increasing costs for fertilizer and diesel, and more land being used for biofuel production. The United Nations designated 2008 as the International Year of the Potato to draw attention to its importance as a valuable food source. Governments are also utilizing the potato as a solution to rising wheat prices. In Peru, leaders have implemented a program to promote the use of potato flour in bread-making due to the high cost of wheat. Potato bread is being distributed to various groups in the hopes of popularizing this alternative. Advocates of potato bread claim it has a similar taste to wheat bread, but there is a shortage of mills capable of producing potato flour. Peru's agriculture minister, Ismael Benavides, emphasizes the need to change people's eating habits in order to successfully implement this initiative. The affordability of wheat led to people developing an addiction to it. Despite the potato originating in Peru 8,000 years ago, Europeans consume more potatoes than Peruvians. Belarus is the top consumer of potatoes worldwide, with each person eating an average of 376 pounds (171 kg) annually. In Latvia, rising bread prices caused a decrease in sales, leading consumers to buy more potatoes instead. In the developing world, a large number of new potato crops are being planted, offering poor farmers the opportunity to increase their income as consumption of potatoes rises. Anderson stated that many countries view the potato as a viable option for improving both food security and generating income. Despite being the world's third most important food crop after wheat and rice, many people in the United States only associate potatoes with the common Idaho variety. In reality, there are approximately 5,000 different types of potatoes available in a wide array of colors. Peru is sending a large number of seeds to the Doomsday Vault near the Arctic Circle this year in order to contribute to a gene bank for food crops that was established as a precaution in case of a global catastrophe. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, shapes, textures, and sizes, offering creative chefs the opportunity to create visually appealing dishes. Juan Carlos Mescco, a 17-year-old potato farmer in Peru's Andes, enjoys eating potatoes in various ways throughout the day and attests to their great taste. Potatoes are a rich source of complex carbohydrates, which provide sustained energy release, and have a significantly lower fat content compared to wheat when not consumed with butter. Additionally, potatoes have fewer calories than bread, more protein than corn when boiled, and almost twice the calcium content, as stated by the Potato Center. The potato contains vitamin C, iron, potassium, and zinc. Unlike wheat, potatoes are not a global commodity and therefore have not attracted speculative professional investment. Wheat production is almost double that of potatoes, with 17 percent of wheat flowing into foreign trade compared to less than 5 percent of potatoes. Potato prices are mainly driven by local tastes rather than international demand. Raw potatoes are dense and prone to spoilage during transportation, which has hindered the growth of global trade in this commodity. Additionally, they are easily infected by pathogens, which complicates exporting them to prevent the spread of plant diseases. Consequently, some countries have not offered competitive prices to incentivize farmers to cultivate potatoes. Peruvian market vendors suggest that the government should intervene to boost demand, as prices remain low. Juana Villavicencio, who has spent 15 years working with potatoes, believes that it is not profitable. She now sells them for very low prices in a market in Cusco, in Peru's southern Andes. However, there are advancements in science happening quickly. BASF, a German chemicals group, is developing genetically modified potatoes that can resist "late blight." This disease caused a famine in Ireland during the 19th century and still results in approximately 20 percent of potato harvest losses worldwide, according to the company. Scientists suggest that farmers who use clean, virus-free seeds can increase their yields by 30 percent and be eligible for export. This would result in increased revenue for farmers and promote higher production levels, as companies would have the opportunity 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 that of economic powerhouses China and India, as long as it addresses its infrastructure issues and attracts more foreign investment. Despite experiencing its fastest growth in 11 years at 6.3 percent, Indonesia still falls behind China's projected 11.5 percent growth and India's expected 9 percent growth. Kalla expressed confidence in Indonesia's ability to reach such growth rates by improving infrastructure and creating investor-friendly regulations. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, elected in 2004, has aimed to combat corruption, stimulate growth, and generate employment opportunities. Kalla also mentioned the government's efforts to address obstacles to growth, including corruption and labor laws that discourage investors. "This is a period of change," stated the affluent businessman from Indonesia's Sulawesi island. As the presidential election approaches in 2009, Kalla is being viewed as a possible adversary to Yudhoyono rather than his partner. When questioned about his potential candidacy alongside or in opposition to Yudhoyono, Kalla responded that the decision will be made in 2009 and will not be solely his own, but rather the decision of the party. Despite this, Kalla, who leads the influential Golkar party in parliament, did not dismiss the possibility of running for president. Kalla expressed optimism about the economy and dismissed concerns about the weakening rupiah currency, attributing it to high oil prices and government fuel subsidies. He mentioned that the central bank would intervene between exchange rates of 9,300 and 9,500. The global community is responsible for forests. Kalla, who is confident in the economy's ability to reach a 6.8 percent growth target next year, stated that there are no plans to reduce fuel subsidies, which are politically sensitive in Indonesia. Past subsidy cuts have caused riots, and with elections coming in 2009, it is unlikely the government will make cuts. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati stated that energy subsidies could reach 88.2 trillion rupiah this year, exceeding the 55.6 trillion rupiah budgeted in 2007. Kalla mentioned that nuclear energy is not a priority due to budget constraints, safety concerns, and Indonesia's focus on alternative sources like geothermal and hydropower. Indonesia aims to construct its first nuclear plant by 2016, but this has sparked criticism from environmentalists worried about potential disasters in light of the country's frequent earthquakes. Kalla believes that Indonesia, with its significant portion of the world's tropical rain forests, is justified in asking wealthier nations to contribute financially to the preservation of forests in order to combat global warming. Indonesia is supporting a plan to allow emission reductions from forests to be traded as carbon credits, which could potentially earn the country over $13 billion if approved at the upcoming UN climate change meeting in Bali. Kalla emphasized the importance of global responsibility in preventing the exploitation of Indonesian timber by richer nations. | 1 |
According to travel firm ForwardKeys, international airline bookings to Southeast Asia had reached 38% of pre-pandemic levels by late March, compared to less than 10% 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 cut through bureaucratic obstacles, allowing tourists to freely explore upon arrival. According to the data from ForwardKeys, Singapore and Philippines have seen bookings at 72% and 65% of 2019 levels, respectively, while Thailand's bookings are only at 24%. The more complicated entry requirements in Thailand, such as the costly on-arrival PCR test, have caused it to lose its status as a top tourist destination. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association, mentioned that the high cost of the PCR test has made people hesitant to travel to Thailand, as it can be a significant expense, especially for groups. As a result, travelers may choose to visit countries with less strict entry requirements to avoid the hassle and additional costs. It is important to note that bookings are a forward-looking indicator, and arrival figures also include returning locals. According to independent aviation analyst Brendan Sobie, Singapore and the Philippines have significant outbound markets compared to Thailand. Asia is experiencing a slower recovery compared to other regions such as Europe, which eased restrictions months ago. The International Air Transport Association predicts that domestic and international air travel within the Asia Pacific will only reach 68% of 2019 levels this year and will not return to pre-pandemic levels until 2025, one year behind the rest of the world. For instance, visitor numbers to Singapore in February increased significantly compared to the previous year due to eased restrictions, but were still only 9% of February 2020 levels, with an increase in holders of work visas from Malaysia and India. The governor of Thailand's central bank stated that it will take the country until 2026 to fully recover. In 2019, tourism made up about 12% of Thailand's GDP. Southeast Asia, known for its beaches, historical sites, and warm weather, contributed $380.6 billion to the region's GDP in 2019, accounting for 11.8% of the total. Chinese tourists, who were once the largest group of international travellers to Southeast Asia, are currently unable to travel due to strict lockdowns. In 2019, over a quarter 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 had very few travelers to Southeast Asia. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has deterred many Russian tourists from visiting the region. In 2021, a third of travelers to Southeast Asia were from Europe, up from 22% in 2019, while North American tourists have more than doubled to 21% from 9% in 2019. The percentage of travelers from Asia has decreased to 24% this year, down from 57% in 2019, according to ForwardKeys. "Things have significantly improved in Europe recently," stated Rabil Lian, a tour guide for a prominent travel agency in Singapore. After temporarily working for the government during the pandemic, Lian has returned to his job and has noticed a surge in bookings. Over the past four months, the 51-year-old has led five tour groups to Europe and has observed an increasing interest in Australia as a travel destination. However, many are anticipating the relaxation of rules in Japan and Taiwan. In Vietnam, the number of foreign tourists has almost doubled in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year." The country recently removed almost all restrictions, but it anticipates only a fraction of the international visitors it had in 2019. A Singaporean journalist who recently visited Vietnam noted that many popular food stores were still open due to domestic demand, and he did not feel a significant impact from the lack of tourism in the past two years. | 1 |
Four organizations representing more than 100 insurers are urging world leaders and governments to utilize insurance-linked products to protect developing nations from the effects of climate change. 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 better risk management and insurance approaches to decrease the susceptibility of developing countries to natural disasters. The insurance industry, including reinsurers, has traditionally been a key method of mitigating risks such as hurricanes and floods. Additionally, insurers have sought to transfer risks related to natural disasters to investors in capital markets through instruments like catastrophe bonds. For example, Swiss Re collaborated with the World Bank to issue a $290 million cat bond last year to provide coverage against earthquakes and hurricanes in a specific city. Vanessa Otto-Mentz, head of the strategy unit at Santam and a member of ClimateWise, warned that if action is not taken, the risks faced by developing countries will spread to developed nations. She emphasized the need for global governments to work with the insurance industry to improve national risk management in vulnerable developing countries. The group also advocated for the development of new insurance products to cover risks related to climate change impacts on human health, crop yields, and animal diseases. Walter Stahel of the Geneva Association highlighted the opportunity to prevent human and economic suffering through loss prevention and risk transformations, urging governments to invest in reliable risk data and public/private partnerships 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. Munich Re, the world's largest reinsurer, reported that over the past thirty years, global economic losses from natural catastrophes have averaged $90 billion annually, with 78 percent of these disasters being weather-related. Additionally, Munich Re stated that 85 percent of deaths from natural disasters during this period occurred in developing countries. The four associations will work together to advocate for world leaders and United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change negotiators. | 1 |
The freezing cold air from the arctic has arrived after a winter storm in January dumped over a foot of snow and sleet in the Northeast. The snow started to melt on Sunday. In a Chicago suburb, a 12-year-old girl died when a snow fort she built collapsed on her after church on Sunday. The Arlington Heights Police Department reported that a 9-year-old girl who was playing with her was treated for hypothermia after being rescued from the snow and is expected to recover. Temperatures dropped to single digits Fahrenheit from New York City to Boston and across northern New England, causing the melting snow to freeze late on Sunday and early Monday. Marc Chenard from the National Weather Service stated that winds of 30 to 40 miles per hour could create dangerously low wind chills. Chenard emphasized the extreme danger of the current weather conditions, predicting temperatures in the negative 20s for Minnesota and Wisconsin. Boston will be just 3 degrees Fahrenheit with wind chills of minus 12 or lower, while New York City and DC will also experience near-record cold temperatures in the teens later in the day. The NWS has issued wind-chill advisories and warnings for over 10 states, spanning from North Dakota to the East Coast. High temperatures for Monday are expected to reach 17 Fahrenheit for New York City and 12 F for Boston. A large number of Americans had a day off on Monday due to either the holiday or being furloughed federal government workers impacted by the ongoing shutdown, which is the longest in US history. The shutdown is a result of a disagreement over funding for President Trump's border wall plans. Flight delays were reduced to over 7,500 on Monday, down from over 14,000 on Sunday, with most delays occurring in New York and New England. The weather on Tuesday 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 outcomes are possible if all parties show genuine political determination. Despite tensions between rich and developing nations over the future of the Kyoto Protocol, China believes that a successful outcome is achievable. Su Wei emphasized the importance of following the Bali road map and UN texts, urging compromise on minor issues while standing firm on principles such as the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol. China accused some developed countries on Friday of attempting to undermine the Kyoto Protocol, which is the United Nations' primary tool in the battle against climate change to reduce global warming. China, the world's largest emitter of carbon, has consistently stated that it will not succumb to pressure to reconsider the Protocol. As the first phase of Kyoto, which requires approximately 40 wealthy nations to meet emission targets, expires in 2012, there is uncertainty about what will happen next, causing concern for investors seeking clarity on long-term climate policies and funding. Although almost all affluent countries have committed to legally binding emission targets under Kyoto, the notable exception is the United States, which has not joined the agreement. Developing nations, like China, are expected to take voluntary measures to control the growth of their emissions. The United States and other wealthy countries are pushing for a new international agreement that does not solely focus on dividing responsibilities between developed and developing nations, as emissions from the developing world now make up over half of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, countries like China and India are hesitant to commit to mandatory emission reduction targets until they see more significant efforts from industrialized nations. | 1 |
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who is currently serving as a Middle East envoy, is now focusing on addressing climate change by proposing a plan for the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2050. Blair recently visited Tokyo to introduce a climate change initiative and announced plans to meet with officials in China and India in the coming week to discuss his proposals with the world's two largest developing economies. Blair emphasized the need for a new global agreement to reduce emissions, acknowledging the challenges in reaching a consensus on the specifics of such a deal. He shared his ongoing work on this issue in a video on his website, www.tonyblairoffice.org. Blair expressed in an interview with the Guardian newspaper that he plans to suggest a 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2050. He emphasized the urgency of this goal and stressed the importance of reaching a global agreement that involves key countries like America and China. Blair's spokesperson Matthew Doyle stated that Blair's efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent were supported by the United States and European Union, although they had not officially agreed to the proposal. Doyle mentioned that Blair had discussed the project with 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 without substantial action, the focus would shift from prevention to adaptation by 2020. He also noted that progress would not be achieved by simply telling people to consume less, as the Chinese and Indian governments are committed to economic growth. They have a large population of extremely impoverished individuals, and they are planning to industrialize and improve their living conditions, which is a positive step," Blair stated. After stepping down as prime minister, Blair has been working as an envoy for the Quartet, focusing on economic development for Palestinians. He has faced backlash for taking on lucrative business ventures, including working with Zurich Financial Services to create insurance products that address the impacts of climate change. | 1 |
Leaders from the world's major industrialised nations will gather on the Baltic coast this week for a G8 summit, where they will attempt to address deep divisions on global warming and foreign policy issues. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is hosting the annual meeting at the Kempinski Grand Hotel in Heiligendamm, has been working tirelessly to make progress in the fight against climate change. However, her efforts may be in vain following US President George W. Bush's recent announcement of a climate strategy that differs from the approach favored by Merkel and other Europeans. Merkel has emphasized the importance of the United Nations taking the lead in global efforts to combat climate change, acknowledging that the summit will be challenging. She anticipates that discussions on climate change will continue until the very end of the summit. There are differing opinions on whether some things will be included in the final document. The German hosts of the June 6-8 meeting are looking to shift the focus to Africa due to the lack of a climate consensus. G8 countries, facing criticism for not meeting promises to fight poverty in Africa, are expected to reaffirm commitments to double development aid by 2010. The club, consisting of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States, will also announce plans to increase funds for combating AIDS in Africa. However, disagreements on global issues may overshadow areas of agreement, even if leaders avoid public disputes. Controversial foreign policy issues include US plans to deploy a missile shield in central Europe and efforts by the United States and Europe to grant effective independence to Kosovo, a breakaway Serbian province. Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly opposes both initiatives, leading to concerns of a potential clash with President Bush. However, recent gestures of friendship, such as Bush referring to Putin as a "friend" and inviting him to his family home in Maine, suggest an attempt to ease tensions. Despite their differences, experts believe that on many major issues, they will simply agree to disagree. Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, noted this approach. The Europeans understand that significant changes to US foreign and climate change policy will not happen until a new president is in office, so they are trying to avoid any major confrontation. Bush, who surprised Merkel with a backrub at the 2006 summit in St. Petersburg, still has 1-1/2 years left in office. However, Heiligendamm will mark the final G8 summit for Tony Blair and possibly Putin, who plans to step down next year. Newcomers to the summit include French President Nicolas Sarkozy and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The informal meetings of the world's top industrial powers have been taking place since 1975, when the G6 (which later became the G7 and then the G8) met in Rambouillet, France to coordinate economic policy after a global oil crisis and the collapse of the Bretton Woods system. Now the club, which represents almost two-thirds of global growth but only about one-eighth of the population, is being criticized for its lack of relevance and is being urged to adjust to a shift in the global economic balance. In response to these concerns, Merkel has invited the leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa this year. The emergence of new economic powers is not the only thing that has changed since world leaders first met three decades ago. As recently as 1999, during Germany's last G8 summit, heads of government were seen mingling with locals in the streets of Cologne. However, the events of the Sept. 11 attacks, clashes between anti-globalisation protesters and police at a 2001 summit in Genoa, and bombings in London during the 2005 summit have altered this dynamic. German police had confrontations with hundreds of protesters in Rostock on Saturday, where cars were set on fire, bottles were thrown, and bins were torched following a larger peaceful demonstration. The port will be heavily guarded by up to 16,000 German security personnel during the three-day meeting, with leaders being 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 essential for finalizing a comprehensive 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. Rising food prices have reduced the pressure on governments to provide subsidies, leading some to lower import tariffs. However, increased protectionism in wealthy nations is complicating efforts to reach a consensus among the WTO's 151 member states. The nine days of talks, convened by New Zealand's WTO ambassador Crawford Falconer, will concentrate on technical issues such as how to classify and protect sensitive products from tariff reductions. Diplomats mentioned that senior politicians would be responsible for finalizing the major figures related to farm subsidy and tariff cuts at the peak of the round. This is considered ministerial work, and diplomats aim to set the stage for ministers to make final decisions. Agriculture plays a crucial role in the Doha process, especially for developing countries who are supposed to benefit the most from the round. Developing nations are requesting that wealthy countries reduce farm tariffs and subsidies in return for opening their markets to industrial goods and services. A key unresolved issue in the Geneva talks is the classification 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 exempted. The G-33, a coalition of 45 developing countries, has insisted that any agreement should allow them to fully exempt certain products from tariff cuts. However, developing countries that export food, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Thailand, are aligning with wealthy nations in opposing this stance. Falconer is optimistic that the discussions taking place this week and next will help to bridge the gaps sufficiently for him to create a revised version of the negotiating document he initially authored last July. Trade negotiators anticipate that the talks, involving thirty-six important delegations, will address a wide range of agriculture negotiations. This week's discussions will focus on domestic support, particularly subsidies, followed by market access and tariffs next week, and concluding with export competition, including food aid, export credits, and the delicate issue of cotton. Falconer will update all members of the WTO on the progress of the talks next Friday. In December, Falconer distributed documents summarizing the discussions from the previous four months. They established a timetable 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 any disruption caused by the cabinet reshuffle, quickly appointed Rishi Sunak, the deputy of Javid, who is a strong supporter of the prime minister and has frequently been tasked with representing government policy in front of the media. The reshuffle, carefully orchestrated by the prime minister's team, was presented as an opportunity to promote new talent, especially women, while also rewarding loyal supporters to help achieve his vision for Britain post-Brexit. However, Javid's resignation as finance minister, which some believe may have been encouraged by Johnson's team, following a disagreement over Javid's advisers, further demonstrates the prime minister's intolerance towards dissent within his government. A source close to Javid revealed that Johnson had demanded Javid to dismiss his advisers and replace them with those from the prime minister's office in Downing Street. The Chancellor stated that no minister with self-respect would agree to those terms. Sunak, who has a background working for Goldman Sachs and is married to the daughter of an Indian billionaire, is viewed by many Conservatives as a reliable figure who will support Johnson's plans for a post-Brexit Britain. The pound increased in value as investors anticipated that Sunak's appointment would lead to a more expansive budget next month. Johnson has pledged to address the wealth and opportunity gap in different parts of Britain by investing in northern and central England, where he gained support from traditional Labour voters. Johnson was not expected to make significant changes to his government's key positions, opting for minimal changes. However, even the minor changes in the lower levels of government provided some indication of his desire to strengthen his control over power. The dismissal of Northern Ireland minister Julian Smith, who had recently played a key role in restoring a government in the British province, drew criticism from politicians on both sides of the Irish border. Smith, who had previously overseen parliamentary discipline for Johnson's predecessor, Theresa May, was the first minister to be removed in the reshuffle. He was accompanied by business minister Andrea Leadsom and environment minister Theresa Villiers. Alok Sharma, a steadfast supporter and former international development minister, was appointed as the new business minister and also tasked with leading the COP26 climate change summit in Scotland in November, which is expected to be attended by world leaders. However, it was Javid's decision that disrupted the traditional appearance of Johnson's administration. Despite previous attempts by Downing Street staff to downplay the idea of significant changes, based on Dominic Cummings' desire for a major government reorganization, a source within Johnson's office stated on Wednesday that the prime minister aimed to use the reshuffle to lay the groundwork for both present and future administrations, while also highlighting new talent, particularly women. Johnson prioritized loyalty in order to fulfill his agenda and uphold the promises he made leading up to his successful election on December 12. Despite his intentions, opposition politicians criticized the reshuffle as chaotic. John McDonnell, the finance spokesman for the main opposition Labour Party, described it as a historical document, showing a government in turmoil just weeks after an election. | 1 |
A small mention in a large UN report about the need for deeper cuts in greenhouse gases by rich nations has become a major obstacle in reaching a new climate treaty. Developing nations at a UN conference in Bonn are pushing for emissions cuts of 25 to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020, which they see as crucial for a deal to be reached in Copenhagen in December. However, many developed nations argue that such reductions would harm their economies. Yvo de Boer, head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, described the 25 to 40 percent range as a benchmark for measuring the success of the Copenhagen agreement. The 25-40 range was derived from a few studies and was not included in the "summary for policymakers" of the three-part report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which involved 2,500 experts. Shyam Saran, the special climate envoy to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, stated that little progress has been made in setting targets during the Bonn talks. Developing countries like China and India believe that wealthy nations should reduce emissions by at least 40 percent, primarily from burning fossil fuels, due to worsening evidence of global warming since 2007. Additionally, small island nations, concerned about rising sea levels, are calling for a 45 percent reduction in emissions below 1990 levels from wealthy nations. Saran stated that a target of forty percent by 2020 is reasonable if the problem is as serious as believed. De Boer clarified that this level is not a confirmed target, but rather a goal to help mitigate the effects of global warming. Many developed countries, including the United States and Japan, have set their own emissions reduction targets for 2020 and beyond. Bill Hare from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research believes 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 information from the summary was more due to technical issues rather than doubts about its accuracy. The 25-40 percent figure gained significant attention in political circles after being referenced on page 776 and other findings were included as a footnote in a document presented at a meeting in Bali in 2007 with over 190 nations. Currently, wealthy nations have proposed cuts ranging from 8 to 14 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. The European Union has offered cuts of 20 percent, or 30 percent if other developed nations also participate. The text on page 776 also states that developing countries must make a significant change by 2020 to reduce the increase in their emissions compared to normal business practices. This decision divides wealthy and impoverished nations into two distinct groups, rather than implementing a graduated system of reductions where the wealthiest nations would have to make the largest cuts. Alden Meyer from the Union of Concerned Scientists mentioned that both sides believe they are being asked to do too much. It is uncertain how this impasse will be resolved. The wealthy nations may propose more substantial reductions, or the developing nations may compromise in exchange for clean technologies and increased aid. Hare stated that Russia, a significant country that has not yet established a greenhouse gas target and has emissions that are already around 30 percent lower than 1990 levels since the collapse of the Soviet Union, could have a significant impact. Setting a 2020 goal for Russia to maintain current emission levels would increase overall promised reductions to between 12 and 18 percent. However, some countries argue that reductions do not necessarily have to fall within this range, especially if deeper cuts are made later on. Jonathan Pershing, leader of the US delegation in Bonn and an author of the IPCC chapter that included the 25-40 percent range, mentioned in a briefing last month that there are other possible trends to consider. | 1 |
However, there is still a significant amount of information that researchers, doctors, policymakers, and economists do not yet know about the new coronavirus as it continues to spread globally. One of the key questions that they are still working to answer is how contagious the virus is. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is primarily spread through small droplets from the nose or mouth when a person coughs or sneezes. It can also survive on surfaces for several days, meaning that in addition to inhaling the virus, individuals can become infected by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their own face. While there is some evidence suggesting that the virus can be transmitted through contact with feces, this has not been confirmed. How many individuals have been infected and how many are asymptomatic? To date, over 550,000 cases have been documented globally, with over 127,000 recoveries and more than 24,000 deaths. Some experts suggest that as many as 80% of those infected display no or mild symptoms, potentially not even realizing they are ill. This could mean that millions of individuals may have been infected. However, further research and widespread testing are needed to obtain a more precise estimate. Are younger individuals at a lower risk of dying from the virus? Although younger people are less susceptible, they can still contract COVID-19 and require hospitalization. The extent of their safety is still unknown. The World Health Organization indicates that older individuals with pre-existing conditions are more likely to develop severe illness, while a US health official noted that the mortality rate in males is twice that of women in all age groups. Health experts have warned that individuals with underlying conditions or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk. The possibility of reinfection is also being considered. This question is crucial, as the answer is still unknown. Some recovered patients have experienced possible "reinfection," although most experts think these are more likely to be relapses. Even after testing negative for the virus in their nose and throat, a patient may still have the virus in other parts of their body. Fully recovered individuals have antibodies in their blood that should provide protection against a new infection, but the duration of this protection is uncertain. Some viruses may cause antibodies to disappear more quickly. Even if antibodies remain, SARS-CoV-2 could evolve over time like flu viruses, making antibodies less effective. Various academic labs and medical companies are working on developing blood tests to identify individuals who have been exposed to the virus and who may have developed immunity. Serological testing will also provide a more comprehensive understanding of the pandemic's scope. When can we expect treatments or a vaccine to be available? As of now, there are no vaccines or antiviral medications specifically designed for the new coronavirus. Current treatment strategies primarily aim to alleviate symptoms, such as providing breathing assistance. Worldwide, companies are working diligently to create vaccines for the virus. Some have already begun early safety trials in humans, but it is predicted that it may take over a year to develop and thoroughly test a vaccine. Another issue to consider is that viruses have the ability to mutate rapidly. A few scientists have noticed slight alterations in SARS-CoV-2 since it first appeared in Wuhan, China in December. However, recent research indicates that the virus is fairly stable, indicating that vaccines should still be successful once they are developed. There was some speculation among experts that the virus may spread more slowly in warmer climates, with hopes that the arrival of summer would naturally slow the virus down. The European Centre for Disease Control stated that the spread of the virus is unlikely to decrease. The World Health Organization also mentioned that the virus can be transmitted in all types of climates. The duration of the pandemic is uncertain and will be influenced by various factors such as people's adherence to isolation measures and the availability of effective drugs or a vaccine. President Donald Trump announced his desire to have the U.S. economy "reopen" by Easter Sunday on April 12, despite concerns that this timeline may be too rushed and result in more fatalities. Life in Hubei province, where the coronavirus outbreak originated, has slowly begun to normalize after a two-month lockdown, raising questions about the possibility of another outbreak. It remains uncertain whether the level of exposure to the virus affects the severity of illness in individuals. Viruses invade the body and infect cells, using them as factories to produce many copies of themselves, so the initial quantity of virus particles entering the body does not significantly impact the total virus count in the system. However, frequent exposure does increase the likelihood of virus entry. The International Monetary Fund predicts that the pandemic will lead to a global recession in 2020, potentially surpassing the severity of the 2008 financial crisis. The duration and intensity of the recession, as well as the nature of the economic recovery, are subjects of ongoing discussion. According to economists, the impact of the current lockdowns will depend on their duration and the extent of government support provided to individuals, businesses, and markets during the crisis. Emergency spending in the trillions of dollars is aimed at assisting the economy, with central bank measures supporting financial markets and government stimulus packages putting money in the hands of individuals and businesses. It is still uncertain whether these measures will be sufficient to mitigate the economic impact of the crisis. Some investors and bank strategists are beginning to consider if now is a favorable moment to invest in the world's stock markets, which have dropped around 25% from their peak in February. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman recently stated that he is feeling more optimistic about stocks and credit, and is reinvesting in companies he believes in at discounted prices. However, due to the numerous uncertainties surrounding the market, several analysts and investors are hesitant to predict when the market will hit its lowest point. | 1 |
Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed has asked leaders of the G8 countries to assist least developed nations in overcoming trade barriers in developed markets. He emphasized the importance of ensuring market access for LDC products without discrimination. Foreign adviser Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury mentioned that Fakhruddin had written individual letters to G8 heads on behalf of the WTO LDCs Consultative Group, which is chaired by Bangladesh. Iftekhar stated that the chief adviser specifically requested market access benefits for all products from LDCs without any bias. | 1 |
In Geneva, at the Human Rights Council's second Universal Periodic Review of member states, she defended Bangladesh's human rights record, as stated in a Ministry of Foreign Affairs media release. Moni emphasized the importance of agencies being aware of their human rights obligations while carrying out their duties. During the three and a half hour session, the minister addressed questions from various states regarding Bangladesh's recent achievements and challenges in promoting and protecting human rights. She highlighted the importance of upholding the rule of law in all aspects of society and protecting the rights of vulnerable and marginalized populations. The minister reiterated the government's commitment to showing zero tolerance towards attacks on minorities, such as those in Ramu, Cox's Bazar, and against Hindu communities during recent political violence. This was the first time Bangladesh participated in the review process with a delegation that included prominent figures from religious and ethnic minority groups. The minister presented her government's initiatives to improve the human rights situation, noting significant progress made over the past four years. The review process allows member states to discuss actions taken to enhance human rights within their countries and fulfill their obligations. | 1 |
The series "9/12" by Dan Taberski offers a unique and thought-provoking perspective on the events of September 11. The show follows a group of reality show contestants on a historical voyage just before the attacks, highlighting their initial disconnect from the world's reaction. Through little-known stories from the post-9/11 era, Taberski challenges common perceptions of the time. Accompanied by a beautiful score from Daniel Herskedal, the series delves into the complexity of the "war on terror" years. Another series, "Forever Is a Long Time" by Ian Coss, explores the concept of lifelong commitment in a personal and reflective manner. Motivated by his own marriage concerns, he interviewed family members who had been divorced and their ex-spouses to understand why their relationships ended. Each episode of his show tells a unique love story, with the host gathering evidence like a determined investigator. The details he discovers are transformed into original songs inspired by the couples, reflecting the complexities of human intimacy. "La Brega," meaning "the hustle" or "the struggle," is the central theme of this collection of stories and tribute to Puerto Rico. Produced in both English and Spanish by a team of Puerto Rican journalists and hosted by Alana Casanova-Burgess, each episode of "La Brega" vividly captures the essence of the island. Rich and often overlooked American histories are filled with stories of individuals such as pothole fillers, political activists, and basketball heroes who face their own struggles, many of which can be traced back to the concept of self-governing territories in the United States. "The Midnight Miracle," a conversation show featuring Dave Chappelle, Yasiin Bey, and Talib Kweli, goes beyond being just a celebrity podcast with its sound-rich, unpredictable, and almost hypnotic atmosphere. The three hosts, who are long-time friends and collaborators, are joined by various entertaining and insightful guests who discuss a range of topics related to art, philosophy, and politics. The show's inventive sound design, where voices and music seamlessly blend into the conversations, creates a feeling of being at the world's most interesting dinner party. "One Year: 1977," hosted by Josh Levin, a former host of "Slow Burn," uses a forensic historical approach to delve into the events and controversies of a specific year in American life, capturing the essence of that time period. In a similar fashion to compelling history, certain episodes stand out and continue to be relevant in the present day. Julie Salamon's podcast adaptation of "The Devil's Candy" delves into a dangerous trend involving a questionable cancer treatment that gained popularity among celebrities and skeptics of science. Originally written in 1991, Salamon's book highlighted the troubled making of Brian De Palma's film "The Bonfire of the Vanities"; the podcast brings this chaotic production to life through forgotten tape recordings and on-set interviews with key figures like De Palma, Tom Hanks, Bruce Willis, and Melanie Griffith. Meanwhile, the podcast "Resistance" was inspired by the smaller-scale revolutions that emerged after 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 explore compelling stories that highlight lesser-known injustices and struggles faced by individuals in their daily lives. These stories include a woman fighting to free her incarcerated partner and co-parent, and the exploitation of a historic oasis for Black bathers in Manhattan Beach. The latest season of "Rough Translation" focuses on the American "Civ-Mil divide" between civilians and the military, shedding light on acts of compassion and sacrifice on both sides. NPR correspondent Quil Lawrence introduces a range of characters, such as Alicia and Matt Lammers, whose marriage is affected by trauma, and Marla Ruzicka, an aid worker who influenced the Pentagon's approach to civilian casualties. Dan Pashman, a food critic and host of "The Sporkful," spent years pursuing the perfect pasta shape, a quest that unfolds like a mix of popular podcast styles. Natalia Petrzela's detailed look at Chippendales goes beyond the sensational elements to focus on mood, characters, and story. The story is truly remarkable. It follows the incredible journey of Steve Banerjee, the founder of the troupe, from a small-business owner immigrant to a successful figure in the sex industry with jealousy issues, ultimately leading to his involvement in criminal activities. This story is a quintessential American tale. | 1 |
Obama's visit to India represents an attempt to strengthen the country's strategic partnership and build a friendship with Prime Minister Modi, who was previously unwelcome in Washington. Obama will be the first US president to attend India's Republic Day parade, a demonstration of military strength once associated with Cold War-era anti-Americanism. He will also appear on a radio show with Modi. The invitation to the parade and warm welcome at the airport signal a turnaround in the relationship between the two countries, which was in bad shape just a year ago. In an interview with India Today, Obama expressed hope for India and America to become true global partners. The two leaders embraced each other warmly, deviating from the usual protocol where the prime minister does not personally greet foreign leaders upon their arrival. Instead, they are met at a formal ceremony at the presidential palace. Modi decided to break this tradition himself, surprising even his own staff, as reported by the media. Obama's motorcade then proceeded to the welcome ceremony at President Pranab Mukherjee's residence, with the roads lined with armed police and soldiers in a meticulously planned visit. 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 parties have been working to come to agreements on climate change, taxation, and defense cooperation before the visit. Negotiations on civil nuclear trade were intense but ultimately did not produce a clear solution. The US sees India as a valuable market and potential balance to China's influence in Asia, but is often frustrated by India's slow economic reforms and its reluctance to align with US interests globally. India hopes for a new approach from the US towards Pakistan, especially in terms of security, and desires a better understanding from the US on regional issues. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley expressed these sentiments in Davos before Obama's visit. Elected in May, Modi has brought new energy to the economy and foreign relations, and has started to push back against China's expanding influence in South Asia, much to the approval of Washington. There is a belief that the annual bilateral trade of $100 billion between India and the US is far below its potential, and the US hopes to see it increase fivefold. In light of King Abdullah's passing, Obama will leave India early to visit Saudi Arabia instead of making a planned stop at the Taj Mahal. Both Obama and Modi come from humble beginnings and have broken into a political elite dominated by powerful families. Aides say the two leaders connected during a visit to the Martin Luther King memorial in Washington, as King's civil rights movement was inspired by India's Mahatma Gandhi. The unique bond between Modi and Obama is noteworthy due to their differing political ideologies and the past controversies surrounding Modi's leadership. Despite Obama's close relationship with Modi's predecessor, Manmohan Singh, tensions between India and the US have arisen in recent years, particularly over trade issues. According to Ashley Tellis of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, there is still work to be done in solidifying a strong geopolitical partnership between the two countries. The 2009 nuclear deal, which initially fell short of expectations for US businesses, is being revisited as officials seek to address challenges posed by Indian liability laws. 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 associated with al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attacks. Uganda's opposition has called for the withdrawal of peacekeepers from Somalia. A government official reported that the unexploded suicide belt was found in a different location in Kampala, a day after the bombings at two bars filled with soccer fans. "Arrests were made after the discovery of the unexploded suicide belt in the Makindye area," stated government spokesman Fred Opolot. He did not provide details on the number or origin of those arrested. Coordinated attacks, similar to those seen in al Qaeda and groups associated with Osama bin Laden's network, have been a common tactic. The al Shabaab militants have threatened further attacks unless Uganda and Burundi remove their peacekeeping troops from Somalia. The opposition Forum for Democratic Change party in Uganda has called for President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw soldiers from Somalia, stating that there is no peace to be upheld and Uganda has no strategic interest in the region. FDC spokesman Wafula Oguttu told Reuters that they are sacrificing their children for no reason, with the objective of withdrawing troops immediately after gaining power. Despite the explosions, AMISOM stated that it would not impact their mission in Somalia, where they protect the presidential palace and the airport and port in Mogadishu. The FBI is now investigating the coordinated blasts, marking the first time al Shabaab has extended its violent tactics beyond Somalia. Analysts warn that the group's threats should be taken seriously, as they have shown the capability and determination to launch attacks abroad. Foreign direct investment in the third largest economy in East Africa has increased significantly due to oil exploration on the western border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Analysts believe that a sustained bombing campaign could harm Uganda's investment environment, but a single attack is unlikely to deter major companies like British hydrocarbons explorer Tullow Oil from investing. An American citizen was killed in the attack, and the United States has offered assistance with the investigation by sending three FBI agents to collect evidence. Another FBI team is ready to be deployed to the East African nation if needed. Opolot stated that there was no indication that the African Union summit scheduled to be held in Uganda this month would be called off due to the bombings. | 1 |
The newly elected Australian prime minister has made signing the Kyoto Protocol his top priority, according to his deputy, Julia Gillard. Kevin Rudd plans to act quickly to sign the climate change pact, fulfilling a campaign promise. This move will allow Australia to have a more prominent role at an upcoming international meeting on environmental issues in Bali, Indonesia. The US, the world's largest emitter of carbon dioxide, is now isolated as the only Western country not to ratify the pact, while Australia remains the worst polluter per capita. Rudd's proposal to gradually withdraw Australia's 550 combat troops from Iraq could potentially strain Australia's close relationship with the US. Following congratulatory messages from foreign leaders, including a phone call from US president George Bush, Rudd revealed plans to visit Washington next year. After winning the elections on Saturday, Rudd spent a second day in meetings with senior officials to prepare for assuming power. He is scheduled to meet with newly elected members of parliament from his Labor party on Thursday to select his ministerial team, which will then be sworn in by governor-general Michael Jefferey shortly thereafter. The government is currently in caretaker mode. Officials have stated that Rudd, who ended almost 12 years of conservative rule with his victory, has already begun working on rewriting the country's labour laws as he promised during his campaign. There are still uncertainties regarding the leadership of the coalition that lost the election and is now the new opposition. John Howard, the outgoing prime minister, is likely to lose his seat in parliament, while his chosen successor, deputy Peter Costello, surprised everyone on Sunday by announcing he did not want the job. Former environment minister Malcolm Turnbull and former health minister Tony Abbott have both stated their intentions to compete for the position of opposition leader. The ballots were still being counted on Monday, with the extent of Rudd's victory and a few closely contested districts still to be determined. One of these districts is Bennelong in Sydney, which has been held by Howard for 33 years. This could result in Australia's second-longest serving leader losing both the government and his seat in parliament. Howard admitted on Saturday that he will likely no longer represent Bennelong. Labor's Maxine McKew, a former TV presenter, currently has a slight lead over Howard, and the final outcome may come down to postal votes. | 1 |
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras surprised creditors by calling a referendum on proposed austerity cuts in an aid package. He announced capital controls on television to prevent bank collapse, marking a turbulent weekend for Greece heading towards a likely default on IMF loans and possible exit from the euro. French President Hollande urged Tsipras to resume negotiations, while German Chancellor Merkel expressed willingness to talk. Time was running out as Greece's bailout programme neared expiration. Greeks, who are accustomed to prolonged discussions with creditors leading to last-minute agreements, were shocked by the situation. An Athens resident, Evgenia Gekou, expressed her disbelief and hoped that the situation would improve soon. European officials gave conflicting indications about their future actions. A European Commission spokesperson stated on French radio that Brussels would not be presenting any new proposals on Monday, which seemed to contradict earlier remarks made by EU Economics Commissioner Pierre Moscovici. Moscovici had indicated that a new offer was on the way and that a deal was close. European bank stocks dropped significantly on Monday, particularly in Spain, France, and Germany, with fears of potential negative effects on banks in other peripheral euro zone countries causing concern among investors. The Greek government announced that banks would remain closed at least until after the July 5 referendum, with withdrawals from ATMs limited to 60 euros a day when they reopened at midday. The stock exchange will not be open, as Greece's European partners blame Tsipras for the crisis after months of discussions. Creditors desired pension cuts and tax increases which Tsipras argued would worsen the economic crisis in a country with high unemployment rates. Emergency measures were declared by Tsipras, leading to long lines 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, stated that he had five euros in his pocket and decided to try his luck for more money at an empty cash machine in central Athens on Monday. He mentioned that the queues in his neighborhood were too long the previous day and expressed frustration, saying "It's a mess." Newspapers featured images of the long lines outside cash machines on their front pages. The Nafetemporiki daily newspaper featured the headline "Dramatic hours" in its Monday edition, while the Ta Nea daily simply asked, "When will the banks open?" The conservative-leaning Eleftheros Typos newspaper accused Tsipras of using the referendum as a tactic to trigger early elections in the hopes of winning them. In an editorial, it stated that Tsipras' decision to call for a referendum and a potential euro exit was a premeditated crime, adding that he has lost the trust of citizens as evidenced by the long lines at ATMs and petrol stations, and this lack of trust will be further evident in the upcoming ballot on Sunday. As rumors spread, numerous elderly individuals lined up outside two branches of the National Bank of Greece on Monday in hopes of withdrawing pensions, only to be turned away, according to Reuters photographers. One shop owner, collecting his wife's pension, expressed frustration at the sudden financial crisis. However, daily activities continued as usual, with shops and pharmacies opening, Greeks discussing their country's future at cafes, and tourists observing the changing of the presidential guard outside parliament. A demonstration organized by Tsipras's Syriza party to oppose austerity measures and encourage voters to vote "No" in the referendum on bailout terms is scheduled for later today. Officials in Europe and the United States have been busy making calls and setting up meetings in an effort to resolve the crisis. U.S. President Barack Obama contacted Merkel, and high-ranking U.S. officials like Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, who spoke with Tsipras, urged Europe and the IMF to come up with a plan to maintain the euro currency and keep Greece in the euro zone. Administrative Reforms Minister George Katrougalos criticized the lack of liquidity being provided to Greek banks, calling it a form of blackmail and intimidation. He warned that a "yes" vote would result in cuts to pensions and the introduction of fees for healthcare in public hospitals. If your children are unable to attend school, you will express gratitude while they may retort that you brought it upon yourself. However, if you refuse, you have the power to advocate for a brighter tomorrow. | 1 |
In the upcoming elections next year, Democrats have the opportunity to strengthen their Senate majority, which would increase their influence regardless of who becomes the next President after George W. Bush. Due to retirements, scandals, and the Iraq war affecting Republicans, there is a chance that Democrats could potentially gain up to nine seats in the 100-member Senate in November 2008. This would give them a crucial 60 seats, which is the number needed to overcome Republican procedural obstacles that have hindered their efforts to change Bush's Iraq war policy, particularly regarding the withdrawal of U.S. troops. The last time Democrats had a significant majority in the Senate was during the 1977-1979 congressional session when they held 61 seats. Jennifer Duffy, who monitors Senate races for the nonpartisan Cook Political Report, believes that reaching 60 seats is a realistic possibility. She stated that for everything to go well, there would need to be a lot of luck involved. It is currently too soon to make any definite statements. With the elections approaching in a year, numerous Republicans are trying to distance themselves from Bush, who has a low approval rating. However, they are still closely associated with his unpopular position on the Iraq war, which has been ongoing for five years. Many are worried about what lies ahead, especially since Senate Democrats have received more campaign donations than Republicans. A senior Senate Republican aide predicts 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, while Democrats have 12. All Democrats plan to seek re-election and are expected to win easily. Additionally, five Republican incumbents have already stated they will not run for another term in 2008. Last week, Senators Pete Domenici of New Mexico and Larry Craig of Idaho both announced they would not be seeking re-election, following in the footsteps of fellow Republicans John Warner of Virginia, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, and Wayne Allard of Colorado. Domenici, 75, cited declining health as his reason, while Craig, 62, mentioned his disputed conviction in an undercover sex-sting in an airport men's room. The Craig conviction has caused embarrassment for Republicans, who claim to uphold "conservative family values." Additionally, the party has been affected by a political corruption investigation in Alaska involving Senator Ted Stevens, the longest serving Republican senator in history. 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 vulnerable in the upcoming 2008 elections. The Iraq war played a role in Democrats gaining control of Congress last year and may help them further increase their majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate next year. Despite polls showing low approval ratings for the Democratic-led Congress, Republicans still see some hope due to partisan gridlock. Rebecca Fisher, a spokeswoman for the Democratic Senate campaign committee, stated that Democrats have not yet shown their ability to lead the country effectively and voters are noticing. She believes Republicans will regain control of the Senate. Despite this, Democrats are confident as surveys show that Americans still favor them over Republicans in Congress. However, many are hesitant to make predictions about their success in the upcoming elections. Duffy from the Cook Political Report believes Democrats are trying to lower expectations for Senate gains to avoid energizing the Republican base. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid, who doubted his party's chances in the past, now prioritizes maintaining the majority without making any predictions for the upcoming election. Similarly, Sen. Charles Schumer of New York expresses optimism about their chances without specifying potential seat gains. | 1 |
CEO Farzad Rashidi stated that all 45 of their workers are currently unemployed. According to Reuters interviews with multiple business owners in Iran, numerous companies have halted production and many workers are being let go due to new US sanctions creating a challenging business environment. The Iranian rial has dropped to unprecedented levels and economic growth has significantly declined following President Trump's decision to withdraw from the nuclear deal with Tehran and impose sanctions on US dollar transactions, gold trading, and the automotive industry in August. Iran's key oil and banking industries suffered a blow in November, leading to significant financial losses. As a result, all activities have been suspended until the volatile currency market stabilizes. Rashidi, a board member, emphasized the importance of recognizing when it is futile to continue in a certain direction. This decision comes amidst previous unrest in the country due to issues such as unemployment and high prices. With sanctions exacerbating the economic crisis, there are concerns that further unrest may erupt in the future. Four days prior to being dismissed by parliament in August for not adequately protecting the job market from sanctions, labor minister Ali Rabiei predicted that Iran would lose one million jobs by the end of the year as a direct result of US measures. Unemployment is currently at 12.1 percent, leaving three million Iranians without work. A parliamentary report in September warned that the increasing unemployment rate could pose a threat to the stability of the Islamic Republic. The report also highlighted that if Iran's economic growth remains below 5 percent in the future, unemployment could reach as high as 26 percent. The International Monetary Fund has forecasted a 1.5 percent contraction in Iran's economy this year and a further 3.6 percent decline in 2019 due to decreasing oil revenues. Iran's vice president has expressed concern over the impact of sanctions on the country, specifically highlighting unemployment and a decrease in purchasing power as the main threats. Eshaq Jahangiri emphasized the importance of job creation as a top priority to prevent productive firms from stagnating due to sanctions. However, business owners have cited challenges such as contradictory monetary policies, foreign exchange market fluctuations, rising raw material costs, and high interest loans from banks as factors making it difficult to sustain their businesses. As a result, many companies have been unable to pay wages or have had to lay off workers, with some considering halting operations altogether, leading to potential job losses for hundreds of workers. The manager, who requested to remain anonymous, stated that approximately 200 workers were let go in August, and the situation has deteriorated since then. There is a strong likelihood that the factory will close down. Ahmad Roosta, the CEO of Takplast Nour, expressed optimism that a drought in Iran would benefit his recently established factory, which manufactures plastic pipes for agricultural use. However, he mentioned to Reuters that if the current situation persists and farmers, the primary consumers of their products, are unable to afford them, he may have to shut down the factory within one or two months. The Iranian car industry has been impacted by sanctions, causing a setback after experiencing growth following the lifting of sanctions two years ago. French and German companies, such as PSA Group and Daimler, have suspended or dropped plans for business in Iran due to US sanctions. This has resulted in over 300 auto parts makers ceasing production, putting tens of thousands of jobs at risk. The Iran Tire Producers Association spokesperson attributed problems in the sector to the government's changing monetary policies in recent months, affecting production growth. Youth unemployment in Iran is a major issue, with economic pressures on Tehran primarily targeting the government and its proxies in the region. Despite claims that the Iranian people are not the intended targets, young Iranians are feeling the impact most severely. Maryam, a public relations manager at a food import company, recently lost her job due to high prices leading to a loss of customers. The company has stopped importing goods, and remaining employees fear the company may shut down after selling off its inventory. Youth unemployment in a country where 60 percent of the population is under 30 is currently at 25 percent. In some regions, the unemployment rate among young people with higher education is even higher, reaching above 50 percent according to official statistics. Armin, a 29-year-old mechanical engineering graduate, lost his job in the housebuilding industry due to a recession following the fall of the rial. He mentioned that the property market is slowing down due to high prices, making houses unaffordable, and the situation is deteriorating day by day. Nima, a legal adviser specializing in startups and computer companies, believes that sanctions have already had a significant impact on many companies in the sector that relied on exports and had plans for regional expansion. He mentioned that even the gaming industry in Iran has been affected, with many teams choosing to halt game development due to the lack of access to international markets. Saeed Laylaz, an economist based in Tehran, took a more optimistic view, attributing youth unemployment in Iran to demographic and governmental factors, with sanctions exacerbating an existing issue. Despite the challenges posed by sanctions, market uncertainty, and shifting government policies, Laylaz predicted that the economy and job market would stabilize in the near future. Laylaz, who recently met with Rouhani along with other economists to provide input on economic policies, stated that they will overcome the current sanctions just as they have successfully done in the past. | 1 |
The blimp, measuring six meters (20 feet) high, will hover over Parliament Square for two hours starting at 0900 GMT during Trump's meeting with Theresa May at Downing Street. Trump and Melania arrived on Monday for a three-day state visit, which included a lavish banquet at Buckingham Palace. Ajuub Faraji, one of the blimp's organizers, stated that the blimp sends a message of solidarity against Trump's politics and protests the red carpet treatment he is receiving. In central London, a large number of protesters are expected to participate in a "Carnival of Resistance" later in the day to express their opposition to the president, with various activist groups joining the demonstration. The police will block off the road outside Downing Street to ensure the safety of the president and his family. President 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 Trump's honor, leading to backlash from his supporters who viewed it as disrespectful to snub the leader of the US's closest ally. Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has shown support for the demonstrators, allowing them to fly the blimp as a form of protest against the president. The president criticized the mayor as a "stone-cold loser" before arriving in Britain and has previously accused him of not doing enough to prevent deadly terror attacks in London. Despite facing protests, Trump claimed he is popular in Britain, mentioning his Scottish heritage and ownership of two golf courses in the country as evidence of his close connection to the UK. He expressed his belief that no other American leader has been as close to Britain as he is. I definitely have a strong affection for the UK." Demonstrations are anticipated to intensify later in the day as protesters assemble at Trafalgar Square at 10:00 GMT. They will march through Embankment to reach Parliament Square in the afternoon due to the closure of the southern part of Whitehall by police. People from various parts of Britain will journey to London to participate in the protests. Additionally, protests against Trump's visit are scheduled in 14 other cities and towns. Trump's most recent visit in July resulted in a police cost exceeding 14.2 million pounds ($17.95 million), with 10,000 officers from across Britain being 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 American presidents typically experiencing larger protests compared to 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 friends, such as America. Typically, you tend to be more worried about those who live in your immediate vicinity, such as your household members or neighbors, rather than individuals in a neighboring village or town. | 1 |
Kim Yong Chol, vice-chairman of the North Korean Workers' Party's Central Committee, will lead a high-level delegation at the Winter Olympics closing ceremony in Pyeongchang on Sunday. The delegation will also have a meeting with President Moon Jae-in. Kim Yong Chol previously headed the Reconnaissance General Bureau, a key North Korean military intelligence agency, which South Korea accused of causing the 2010 sinking of the Cheonan, a South Korean navy corvette. North Korea has denied any involvement in the incident. The South Korean Unification Ministry's Baik Tae-hyun said in a media briefing on Friday that, despite the challenging circumstances, the focus should be on the potential for peace on the Korean peninsula and better inter-Korean relations through dialogue with the visiting North Korean officials, rather than their past actions or identities. Kim's visit will coincide with Ivanka Trump's visit to South Korea, who is attending a dinner with Moon and the Winter Olympics closing ceremony. The Blue House stated that there are no official meetings planned between U.S. and North Korean officials. South Korea's decision to allow Kim, who is under sanctions by the United States and South Korea, to cross the border has caused protests from the families of the deceased Cheonan sailors and opposition parties. The main opposition Liberty Korea Party staged a protest in front of the Blue House, demanding the government reverse its decision. The party called President Moon's acceptance of North Korea's peace efforts a serious issue and a historical crime. A group of relatives of the victims of the Cheonan sinking has announced plans to hold a press conference on Saturday to express their disagreement with the decision. Despite acknowledging the public's unease about Kim's upcoming visit, Baik emphasized that South Korea's belief that North Korea was responsible for the Cheonan sinking remains unchanged. Baik emphasized the importance of working towards establishing genuine peace on the Korean peninsula to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed his desire to improve relations with South Korea, while the United States has emphasized the need to increase pressure on North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons. North Korea conducted numerous missile launches and its largest nuclear test last year in violation of United Nations sanctions. It has been over two months since the last missile test was conducted in late November. | 1 |
Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh stated that India cannot sustain high economic growth and a rapid increase in carbon emissions, especially since the country is now the third largest emitter after China and the United States. Ramesh's remarks were made during the ongoing negotiations among representatives from nearly 200 governments in Tianjin, China, to determine the next steps after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012. Despite India's low per-capita emissions, the demand for energy is growing due to the middle-class purchasing more cars, televisions, and better housing, primarily fueled by coal, oil, and gas, which are major contributors to global warming. Ramesh emphasized that India's pursuit of wealth should not harm the environment. Government officials noted that he was the first minister to acknowledge that India has surpassed Russia in greenhouse gas emissions. Ramesh stated that India will transition to a low-carbon growth trajectory voluntarily. He expressed that high GDP growth cannot be achieved at the expense of high carbon emissions. Ramesh mentioned during a conference in Nepal that India aims for 8-9 percent growth while keeping carbon emissions low. Less wealthy countries are now the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions, and many major developing nations have made efforts to reduce their emissions growth. However, they are reluctant to commit to absolute cuts, fearing negative impacts on their economies. India, which weathered the global financial crisis well, is aiming for nearly 10 percent economic growth in the near future, currently growing at around 8.5 percent. Despite being the third largest emitter of greenhouse gases globally, India has been hesitant to adopt a low-carbon economy due to perceived economic risks. In January, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh requested a panel to start planning for a more environmentally friendly economy. The report is set to be released by the end of the year. While India has introduced a new climate plan focusing on renewable energy like solar power, coal still plays a major role in the country's energy supply, especially since nearly half of the 1.1 billion population lacks access to electricity. Minister Ramesh emphasized the importance of India's contribution to reducing emissions despite the significant gap between the top two emitters and the rest. The UN climate talks have faced challenges due to distrust between wealthy and developing nations regarding climate funds, the call for more transparency on emission reduction promises, and dissatisfaction with the level of cuts offered by wealthy nations. The United Nations has decided to no longer push countries to make stronger commitments to reduce carbon emissions out of concern that it could cause the talks to come to a standstill, potentially jeopardizing the progress of negotiations for a more ambitious climate agreement. | 1 |
President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives, who is widely recognized for bringing democracy to the secluded resort islands, stepped down on Tuesday following weeks of opposition protests that escalated into a police mutiny and what his aide described as a coup. Nasheed, the Maldives' first democratically elected leader, transferred power to Vice-President Mohamed Waheed Hassan Manik, stating that remaining in office would necessitate the use of force against the people. In a televised speech, Nasheed explained, "I am resigning because I do not wish to govern through force," expressing concern that staying in power would lead to the harming of citizens. He added, "I am stepping down because I fear that if the government continues, we may be subject to foreign influences." It was not immediately clear what influences he was referring to, but Hassan Saeed, leader of the DQP, a party in the opposition coalition, and an Indian diplomatic source in Colombo mentioned that Nasheed had asked India for help, but was denied. India had previously assisted in thwarting a coup in the Maldives in 1988 by sending soldiers to support the government. India's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Syed Akbaruddin, stated that the rebellion was an internal matter for the Maldives to resolve. Nasheed won the election in 2008, promising to establish full democracy in the islands and speaking out passionately about the threats of climate change and rising sea levels. However, he faced criticism for arresting a judge he believed was biased towards his predecessor, Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who had been in power for three decades. Demonstrations following the arrest led to a constitutional dilemma, with Nasheed facing allegations of behaving autocratically. An anonymous official at Nasheed's office described it as a coup, attributing pressure from the police, supporters of Gayoom, and certain factions within the military as the reason for Nasheed's resignation. The new president stated that Nasheed was under protective police supervision for his safety. Saeed of the DQP stated that they will push for Nasheed to be prosecuted for his corruption and disregard for the rule of law. He also mentioned that they will fully support the new president. Vandals vandalized the lobby of the VTV TV station, which is associated with the opposition, and mutinous police attacked and burned Nasheed's party headquarters before taking control of the state broadcaster MNBC and renaming it TV Maldives. Tear gas was used by soldiers on Tuesday against police and protesters outside the Maldives National Defence Force headquarters, while demonstrators chanted "Gayoom" outside the president's office. Gayoom's opposition party in the Maldives, the Progressive Party, accused the military of using rubber bullets on protesters, resulting in injuries to many people. A party spokesperson, Mohamed Hussain "Mundhu" Shareef, reported the incident but did not provide specific details. A government official denied the use of rubber bullets but confirmed that a group of police officers disobeyed orders and attacked a ruling party facility. The official, who chose to remain anonymous, stated that Gayoom's party had called for the overthrow of the democratically elected government and urged citizens to launch jihad against the president. The protests and competition for power before the upcoming presidential election have led to political parties using extreme Islamist language and accusing Nasheed of being anti-Islamic. This reveals the deep-seated rivalry between Gayoom and Nasheed, with Nasheed having been imprisoned for a total of six years after being arrested 27 times by Gayoom's government while advocating for democracy. The vice-president is expected to lead a national unity government until the presidential election. Despite these issues, the troubles have gone unnoticed by the nearly 900,000 affluent tourists who visit the Maldives each year to enjoy its pristine beaches and luxurious resorts. Most tourists are transported directly to their resort islands by seaplane or speedboat, where they can freely consume alcohol and indulge in spa treatments, shielded from the realities of everyday life in the Maldives, a strictly Islamic state where alcohol is prohibited and revealing clothing is disapproved of. Nasheed gained fame for his efforts to prevent the sea from overtaking his country, including holding a cabinet meeting underwater in 2009 to bring attention to the issue. Despite this, many people remember Nasheed for having a judge arrested instead. An anonymous Asian diplomat in Male mentioned that the underwater cabinet meeting is not as memorable as the incident with the judge. On the other hand, a Twitter user named Alexander Brown shared that he was in the Maldives witnessing a government overthrow while also observing a Vogue photo shoot at the Four Seasons, noting the strange nature of the world. | 1 |
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