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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 previously pledged to slow the country's rising carbon emissions, but did not announce a specific target to jumpstart climate talks. The China Council of International Cooperation on Environment and Development will present a report to the central government on reducing carbon intensity, with the goal of cutting emissions by 4 to 5 percent each year. In order to meet this target, China will need to reduce energy intensity by 75 to 85 percent by 2050. The newspaper stated that the proportion of manufacturing industry in 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 be fulfilled by low-carbon energy, and by 2050, all new energy should be clean energy. Additionally, the newspaper emphasized the promotion of carbon capture and storage technology by 2030. This report is the first time a high-level think tank has proposed concrete measures to reduce emissions since Hu's September address, according to China Daily. The think tank also recommended that China reform its environmental tax system. The report suggests that now is the right 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 for a more comprehensive and strict agreement from all nations to combat climate change at the Copenhagen meeting, but progress in negotiations has been slow, leading to concerns about the chances of achieving success. | 1 |
The almost certain approval of Judge Brett M Kavanaugh for the Supreme Court is just one highlight of a week that also included the president finalizing a new trade deal with Canada and Mexico, fulfilling a key campaign promise. Additionally, the most recent jobs report revealed the lowest unemployment rate since 1969. While these events do not change the chaotic nature of Trump's presidency, they provide him with a positive narrative to take into the upcoming midterm elections. With the Mueller investigation quiet during campaign season, Trump has an opportunity to shift the focus to more favorable topics. According to David Axelrod, a senior adviser to President Obama, this has been a good week for Trump after many bad ones. He may claim to always be a winner, but he must have had some significant victories to boast about. The positive aspects include job numbers, considerations beyond wages, and the post-NAFTA agreement. However, even in his aggressive presidency, successes have come with consequences. His harsh negotiating tactics have damaged relations with Canada, and the battle over Kavanaugh's nomination has caused division in America, fueled by gender politics that Trump seemed to support and anger from both sides. The impact of Kavanaugh's nomination is mixed, with the potential to strengthen Trump's Senate majority but jeopardize the House. President Donald Trump discussed the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement in the Rose Garden, with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer holding his notes. The New York Times reported that Trump is the first president in American history who has never had any experience in public office or the military. This lack of experience has hindered his ability to achieve his goals, such as repealing Obama's health care law, implementing stricter immigration regulations, building a wall along the Mexican border, and bringing peace to the Middle East. While he has been successful in ending agreements, such as the Asian-Pacific trade pact, global climate change accord, and nuclear deal with Iran, he has struggled to negotiate new ones as promised. His most notable legislative accomplishment was the tax-cutting package from last year, which was largely crafted by Republican congressional leaders with their own motivations. However, in recent weeks, Trump was able to finalize a revised trade agreement with South Korea and replace NAFTA with Canada and Mexico, achievements that once seemed unlikely. The unemployment rate dropping to 3.7 percent was based on the economic recovery inherited from Obama, although Trump does not acknowledge this. The strong economy has become a key political asset for him. Additionally, with Kavanaugh nearing confirmation, Trump demonstrated his ability to successfully push through a significant nomination that many thought would fail due to allegations of sexual misconduct. Overall, it has been a successful week for him. "We are very excited," stated Kellyanne Conway, his counselor, during an interview. She believes that his determination, persistence, and commitment to his campaign promises and principles are finally paying off. Some Republican activists have noted that Trump's success proves that going against conventional wisdom can be successful. Ben Domenech, the publisher of The Federalist, a conservative news site, mentioned that President Trump has taken many risks, most of which have turned out positively. He added that even a poor gambler can have a lucky streak. The true test of a skilled gambler is revealed when luck runs out. While the White House celebrated recent victories, their opponents felt the sting of defeat. Critics argue that Trump's decisions have been controversial, such as appointing a Supreme Court justice accused of sexual assault and engaging in trade deals that have been overhyped. Despite this, some believe that Trump's efforts to update trade agreements are necessary, though they could have been executed more smoothly. As Trump's successes continue, the upcoming election will determine if his support will grow, as his approval ratings remain low compared to past presidents at this point in their term. Patti Solis Doyle, who served as Hillary Clinton's campaign manager in 2008, expressed that Independents are particularly fed up with the chaos and uncertainty surrounding the current situation. Despite acknowledging the strong economy and Trump's accomplishments, such as appointing conservative judges and fulfilling campaign promises on trade, tax cuts, and immigration enforcement, she raised concerns about the consequences, such as tariff wars, family separations, and a growing deficit. Trump is expected to ramp up his campaigning in the near future. He will be traveling to Kansas on Saturday and will be on the road for six of the next eight days, focusing on energetic arena rallies to rally his conservative supporters with passionate speeches. Democrats have been more energized for months leading up to the midterm elections, aiming to take control of the House and potentially the Senate from Trump's party. While conservatives were motivated during the battle for Kavanaugh, Democrats may now be more motivated to vote out of anger, especially women upset about the dismissal of sexual assault allegations. It remains uncertain if Trump will be able to stay focused on his key political points, as he tends to drift off to other subjects, even when discussing important topics like the new trade agreement, USMCA. One constant in Trump's presidency is how rapidly the narrative shifts from week to week or day to day. New stories of political drama, international conflicts, or investigative revelations could overshadow any message of progress leading up to the Nov 6 election. As Axelrod pointed out, it is uncertain how these events will impact the election in a month's time, as a month is a long time in the Trump era. | 1 |
India announced on Monday that its current energy policy is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 25 percent by 2020. However, India cautioned that imposing mandatory targets to address global warming could have negative impacts on economic growth. Despite being a major contributor to global carbon emissions, India, along with countries like the United States, China, Russia, and Japan, is not obligated under the Kyoto Protocol to reduce emissions, which are increasing by 2-3 percent annually. Prodipto Ghosh, the environment secretary, emphasized that India is committed to environmental responsibility and has implemented programs focused on energy efficiency and renewable energy, which have been successful in reducing emissions. Ghosh stated that India's combined policies are projected to result in a significant decrease in greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020. India and China, with their thriving economies, are expected to face increased pressure at the upcoming Group of Eight summit in Germany to further reduce their emissions. India is currently allocating 2.17 percent of its GDP each year towards addressing climate change variability through various projects. Experts predict that the Indian subcontinent will experience a significant impact from climate change, including more frequent and severe natural disasters, increased disease rates like malaria, and higher levels of hunger. It is argued that industrialized nations are primarily responsible for global warming and should set more ambitious emission reduction targets for themselves rather than placing the burden on developing countries. A recent study from the United States revealed that the wealthiest nations, including the U.S., were responsible for 60 percent of total emissions in 2004 and 77 percent of cumulative emissions since the Industrial Revolution began. Ghosh stated that developing countries such as India have not been, are not currently, and will not be a major source of emissions. He expressed concern that any legal requirements to reduce emissions could have a negative effect on GDP growth, which would in turn hinder efforts to alleviate poverty. Ghosh called for more assistance from Western countries to help developing nations adapt to the effects of climate change, as he believes that the poor will be most heavily affected by these impacts. | 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 about by the coronavirus crisis, stating that the world is currently facing unprecedented difficulties due to the pandemic. The virus has had a significant impact on our economy, in addition to health issues. Despite this, the pandemic has prompted global efforts to address climate change and competition for natural resources. It is essential for us to address this crisis collectively. Hasina emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in building the capacity of developing countries to sustainably utilize marine resources. She also emphasized Bangladesh's dedication to promoting growth in the blue economy as part of its long-term national development strategy. The prime minister emphasized the importance of oceans and seas as a valuable resource that can help alleviate poverty and provide employment opportunities. She highlighted the need for an integrated response to combat environmental pollutants in marine ecosystems and emphasized the promotion of the blue economy as part of the country's development strategy. The prime minister also discussed Bangladesh's conservation efforts and use of sustainable technologies to protect freshwater and marine resources, as well as the necessity of addressing "fundamental ocean issues" to enhance economic cooperation among ESCAP member countries. Hasina stressed the importance of receiving increased support for capacity building in the Blue Economy through sharing knowledge, expertise, and technology transfer from advanced countries. She also highlighted the necessity of collaborative research among member countries on fisheries development to boost regional fish production and establish a network to combat illegal fishing practices. Hasina called on ESCAP to lead in mapping and managing resources, protecting coastal habitats and biodiversity. Other leaders including Prayut Chan-o-cha, Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama, and Kausea Natano also delivered video messages during the session, where Asia Pacific nations agreed to work together to address the socio-economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic and adopted a resolution. | 1 |
The UN Security Council will discuss climate change for the first time on April 17, thanks to a British effort to bring it to the attention of a body focused on war and peace. "The impacts of climate change are likely to worsen traditional conflict triggers," said Britain's UN ambassador Emyr Jones Parry at a news conference outlining Security Council activities for April. The topic is considered crucial for global security, with Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett set to lead the debate. While Security Council debates typically involve ambassadors, countries have the option to send foreign ministers or heads of state for more important issues. Britain has invited other countries to also send their foreign ministers to participate in the discussion. In March, Britain announced its plan to raise the issue of climate change in the Security Council, but this decision had to be approved by all 15 members of the council, including the five permanent members with veto power. China and Russia, two of the permanent members, showed some opposition to having the debate, according to diplomatic sources. The United States, which has not ratified the Kyoto Protocol, did not oppose the idea. Led by Prime Minister Tony Blair and former Secretary of State for Environment Beckett, Britain has been actively advocating for urgent action against global warming in various international forums. Recently, the European Union agreed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 percent by 2020. In anticipation of some UN member states arguing that climate change should be handled by the General Assembly or other environmental agencies, Britain circulated a concept paper stating that climate change could potentially lead to conflicts, border changes, energy supply disruptions, and mass migrations. The paper identifies six potential areas where global security could be impacted by climate change: disputes over borders, mass migration, energy supply issues, scarcity of resources, societal tensions, and humanitarian crises. Changes in landmass due to melting ice and rising sea levels could potentially lead to shifts in political or maritime boundaries, and there is a possibility of significant displacement of up to 200 million people by the middle of the century. | 1 |
Australia's ex-anti-immigrant politician, Pauline Hanson, is planning to relocate to Britain in order to avoid ongoing controversy surrounding her previous remarks about Australia being overwhelmed by Asians. Hanson, who went from owning a fish-and-chip shop to establishing the One Nation party as a significant political entity over ten years ago, shared with Australia's Woman's Day magazine that she is selling her home in Queensland and moving to the UK in search of tranquility. "I will be gone for an indefinite period. It's essentially a final farewell," she stated. "I have reached my limit." I desire tranquility and satisfaction in my life, and that is my goal." Hanson gained popularity in 1996 when she joined the national parliament as an independent advocating for reductions in Aboriginal welfare and immigration from neighboring countries. Her nationalist One Nation party garnered a million votes in 1998, but she was eventually defeated and convicted of electoral fraud, serving a brief jail sentence. After her conviction was overturned in 2003, the red-haired mother of four retired from politics and found fame as a minor celebrity, even participating in a TV dancing competition at one point. Hanson mentioned that Australia has changed too much for her liking, despite some political analysts speculating that the country's mood ahead of the upcoming elections leans towards her views. She expressed disappointment that the once-land of opportunity no longer applies. The increase in asylum seekers arriving in the past year has once again caused division among Australians and is expected to be a major issue in the upcoming elections. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd is expected to win the elections, even though his support in opinion polls has recently dropped. Immigration is projected to increase Australia's population from 22 million to 35 million by 2050, with Rudd supporting a "big Australia" that would be more economically self-sustaining, but critics argue that it would struggle to handle the effects of climate change and aging infrastructure. | 1 |
The outgoing Director General of CIRDAP stated that ideas without donor support do not capture the interest of policymakers. Dr. Durga P Paudyal reflected on his eight-year tenure in Bangladesh, where the institute is based, highlighting the challenge of persuading policymakers to act on new policies and ideas without adequate funding. He emphasized the importance of financial resources in implementing ideas during a briefing with journalists about the center's upcoming anniversary celebration. CIRDAP was established on July 6, 1979 through collaboration between countries in the Asia-Pacific region and the UN's FAO, with the initial goal of promoting cooperation in rural development and poverty alleviation. The organization started with six member states and has since grown to 15, with Fiji being the most recent addition in 2010. The current members 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 easier to learn from neighboring or developing countries than from more developed ones. CIRDAP facilitates regional dialogues and meetings to share best practices among its member states. He explained that CIRDAP's activities in Bangladesh may not always be visible, but they have helped governments in various ways. He emphasized that discussions on climate change and rural development in the region involve all 15 member countries of the institution, not just Bangladesh. He clarified that programs organized in other countries may not be widely known in Bangladesh because CIRDAP primarily focuses on policy-level work, not grassroots initiatives. The Director General noted that CIRDAP was 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 stated that they received more than USD 2 million from Bangladesh to construct an international conference center. The Director General also mentioned that they will be hosting a 'Founding Day' lecture, with former Indian President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam discussing sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. Additionally, Dr Cecep Effendi from Indonesia will be taking over for Dr Paudyal on July 6, as per CIRDAP's official announcement. | 1 |
The prime minister of Denmark stated that China is dedicated to achieving a climate change agreement at important talks next year. He emphasized the importance of not using 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 is set to host final negotiations on a new climate change pact, Rasmussen has been focusing on building a relationship with China, a major producer of carbon dioxide, the primary greenhouse gas causing global warming. Rasmussen reported that he had discussions with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and received assurance that China is committed to reaching an agreement in Copenhagen. The negotiations, set to conclude late next year, are aimed at developing a treaty based on the current Kyoto Protocol climate agreement, which expires in 2012. Denmark's role as host has given it a unique position in facilitating agreement. Despite global focus on the financial crisis and various disagreements between wealthy and developing nations on how to address climate change, Danish PM Rasmussen sees China's commitment as a positive signal. He urges other countries not to postpone a new agreement due to the economic downturn, suggesting that investing in green technology could actually help stimulate economic recovery. Rasmussen warns against using the financial crisis as an excuse to weaken efforts to tackle climate change. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso emphasized the importance of staying focused on addressing climate change, urging China to also participate in the fight. He acknowledged that there may be costs associated with reducing emissions, but highlighted that the consequences of climate change would be even more costly, particularly for China. Barroso stressed the need for continued efforts to combat climate change, despite the financial crisis. Currently, under the Kyoto pact, China and other developing nations are not required to set limits on their greenhouse gas emissions. China's rapidly increasing emissions, which are believed to surpass those of the United States, have prompted other countries to urge China to accept stricter limits. EU environment ministers suggested that developing countries should aim to reduce emissions by 15 to 30 percent compared to current levels. The EU proposal, which does not impose a specific cap on emissions but requires measurable actions, could encourage China and other developing nations to make commitments. According to Rasmussen, it is essential for industrialized countries to take action, but engagement from major emerging economies is also necessary. During the ASEM opening on Friday, discussions on climate change policy will take place between the 27 EU member states, the European Commission, Japan, China, India, and 13 other Asian countries. Rasmussen expressed his hope that the meeting will result in an agreement to strive for a pact in Copenhagen. | 1 |
Foreign Minister AH Mahmood Ali announced that Hasina will engage in discussions with her Austrian counterpart during the upcoming conference in Vienna, which will be attended by leaders from various continents. Hasina will be flying to Vienna on a special Biman Bangladesh flight with her team, departing from Dhaka's Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 9am. Ali emphasized that Hasina's participation will demonstrate Bangladesh's dedication to global peace and enhance the country's reputation, particularly in its promotion of peaceful nuclear energy. Bangladesh joined the IAEA in 1972 with the help of the late nuclear scientist Dr MA Wazed Miah, who was the prime minister's husband. The prime minister is expected to discuss in her speech 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 emphasize the importance of science and technology in achieving a 'digital Bangladesh'. The foreign minister mentioned that Austria was among the first countries to recognize Bangladesh in 1972. The former Austrian Federal Chancellor Bruno Kreisky showed his support for Bangladesh, and in recognition of this, Hasina presented him with the 'Friends of Liberation War Honor Award' in 2012. In 2014, Bangladesh established a resident mission in Vienna. As part of the government's strategy to strengthen ties with Europe, steps were taken to improve relations and cooperation with Austria. Hasina is scheduled to have 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, livestock cooperation, direct flights, and 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. An MoU 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 scheduled to depart from Vienna on Tuesday evening and return to Dhaka on Wednesday morning. Besides the foreign minister, the prime minister will be accompanied by the minister for science and technology during her visit. | 1 |
In Tokyo on Sunday, anti-G8 summit protesters marched through the streets in heavy rain, accusing the Group of Eight rich nations of causing poverty and world instability. The protests, a common occurrence at G8 summits, coincided with heightened security in preparation for this year's summit in Hokkaido, Japan. Over 1,000 people, including anti-capitalists, labor union members, and protestors from other countries, participated in two separate rallies in Tokyo. The streets were heavily guarded by anti-riot police as protesters carried signs with various messages such as "shut down G8 summit" and "G8=hunger". Some protesters were involved in altercations with the police. Japanese TV channel TV Asahi reported that two individuals had been arrested, although this information could not be confirmed by the police. Yu Ando, a 31-year-old employee of a municipal government in western Japan, expressed frustration with the G8 governments, attributing issues like environmental destruction and poverty in Africa to their actions. Ahead of the summit at Lake Toya, located approximately 760 km north of Tokyo, various domestic and international NGOs, including Oxfam, are planning to protest against a variety of topics such as globalization, the food crisis, and wars. There are expected protests near the summit venue, with protesters planning to gather at three camp sites as well as in Tokyo and Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido. However, tight security and high travel costs to the remote summit location may decrease participation. Human rights lawyers have noted challenges with Japanese immigration authorities making it difficult for activists to obtain visas through a complicated application process, with reports of some activists being detained for hours at immigration. During last year's G8 summit in Heiligendamm, Germany, around 30,000 protesters gathered in the area and breached a restricted zone set up for the summit, as well as blocking land routes into the area. At Lake Toya, leaders from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States will discuss issues such as rising food and oil prices, climate change, and African development. Japan has extended invitations to eight additional countries, such as Brazil, China, and India, to engage in discussions on climate change during the sidelines of an event. | 1 |
The additional requirements, tariffs, and safety checks needed for goods to pass through Britain's border are especially difficult for businesses transporting small quantities. This is a challenge for specialist food importers in London who source products from small suppliers across Europe. Yannos Hadjiioannou, owner of Maltby & Greek, has imported unique food and wine from Greece for the past decade, offering products rarely found in Britain. However, the recent changes have made it more challenging to discover and import these items, affecting the availability of goat-milk butter, Mastelo cheese, mountain tea, and Gigantes beans from Greece. After being postponed for a 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, goods must be accompanied by customs declarations, whereas last year importers had a six-month reporting delay. Additionally, businesses importing animal and plant products, such as most food, must notify the government of shipments in advance. Despite the new rules, the introduction at the border has been relatively smooth. DFDS, a Danish logistics company that operates ferry services to Britain, has reported that some customers made errors on their paperwork, resulting in delays of food shipments. Shipments from the Netherlands had to be temporarily halted due to a backlog from the previous day. Torben Carlsen, the CEO of DFDS, mentioned that everyone involved learned from the issues that arose a year ago when the European Union implemented customs rules after Brexit. The problems included delays in deliveries, trucking companies ceasing service to Ireland, and food spoilage in ports. It took over a month to resolve most of these issues. Britain faced financial constraints due to import issues this year, as approximately 25% of the country's food is imported from the European Union. This percentage increases significantly in the winter months for fresh produce. However, there are underlying challenges beyond border issues. Some British companies are absorbing the export expenses of their European partners to retain them, while others are decreasing imports, resulting in fewer options for consumers. Furthermore, some individuals are opting to only make bulk purchases and are refraining from experimenting with new products. The decrease in purchases was evident even before the implementation of the latest import regulations. According to the Food and Drink Federation, food and drink imports in the first nine months of 2021 decreased by approximately 11% compared to 2019. Hadjiioannou mentioned that after the UK exited the EU's customs union in early 2021, he initially continued business as usual. However, within six months, the added customs expenses and resulting price hikes became too costly to sustain. He no longer receives weekly shipments of anthotyro, a soft fresh sheep's milk cheese from Crete, and traditional strained sheep or goat yogurt, causing these popular products to frequently be out of stock. Sausages from Crete are now frozen instead of fresh to allow for larger, less frequent deliveries. The perishable products, especially the ones that were small in volume but important for many restaurants and delis, have been affected the most. The main impact of Brexit has been the loss of flexibility, according to Hadjiioannou. Maltby & Greek's warehouse is located at Spa Terminus, a collection of railway arches housing various food producers, wholesalers, and wine importers. During this time of year, the fresh produce available at markets includes Sicilian citrus, Italian leafy greens, and French root vegetables. Rachel Sills, who sells cheese from Switzerland and the Netherlands, has experience exporting from Switzerland which has helped her navigate Brexit's trade rules. However, she still faces additional costs. Sills purchases cheese from four small producers in the Netherlands, some of which do not even have email addresses. Now, each producer must have an Economic Operator's Registration and Identification number, as well as customs agents to handle export and tax paperwork. Additionally, they must complete more detailed invoices that include tariff codes. Sills mentioned that she covered the additional expenses for export clearances for the cheesemakers. Recently, she was able to consolidate the orders and pay only 65 euros ($74.50) for each invoice, in addition to her own import fees. "So far, they have not started covering the actual costs of the export charges," she explained. "I have been the one to cover them." Sills stated that the paperwork and costs are not overly burdensome. However, for businesses with numerous suppliers, the costs can add up quickly and become overwhelming, especially when purchasing small quantities. And this is the current result of Brexit for these businesses: additional expenses. According to David Henig, a trade policy expert in London, there are no longer major shortages, but the impact will be gradual and ongoing. The increased costs will have a negative impact on the UK economy, with forecasts predicting a long-term decrease of around 4% of GDP. This will result in less choice for consumers and will also reduce the motivation for companies to invest in Britain. Franco Fubini, founder of Natoora, stated that the company has become less focused on the U.K. in recent years. Natoora, which originated in London in 2004, now supplies fresh produce from small farms in Europe and North America to 1,600 restaurants globally and various shops, including Selfridges and Whole Foods in the United States. The company reorganized its processes so that the British division no longer imports directly from farms in Italy, France, Spain, and Greece. Instead, more staff were hired in Paris and Milan to purchase the produce, which is then sold to the London office. This consolidation has streamlined operations, resulting in cost savings on trucks and customs. Despite finding a solution, Fubini expressed concerns about Brexit damaging Britain's international reputation and causing him to reassess the future of his company. He stated that after 15 or 16 years, he began to question the level of investment in the U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new trade deal with the European Union on Christmas Eve 2020, expressing hope that it would increase business with European partners. However, Brexit has actually made business more difficult due to increased red tape. While Brexit promised various benefits such as new markets and deregulation, the slow progress in realizing these benefits has frustrated supporters. Elena Deminska, who runs the fresh produce market at Spa Terminus, believes Brexit could be an opportunity for British farmers to produce more food that is currently imported from the EU. The nation's climate can support the growth of winter lettuce, broccoli raab, and even apricots with some effort, according to Deminska. However, she is frustrated by the inflexibility of farmers. Despite outsourcing customs work to an external company four years ago in anticipation of Brexit, Deminska is still struggling with the increased paperwork. She finds the situation unhelpful and believes there is already too much paperwork. These businesses are facing additional hurdles in the future. Starting in July, food imports will require health certificates signed by European Union inspectors and may undergo random checks at the border. These new regulations will increase complexity and costs, according to Fubini. It is expected to be disruptive. | 1 |
The European Union and the United States have agreed that addressing global warming is a pressing matter. President George W Bush acknowledged the need to persuade Russia on the importance of a missile shield in Europe. During a White House summit with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso, they also expressed their strong commitment to finalizing a global trade agreement as part of the Doha round of talks. The leaders maintained pressure on Iran to abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons despite Tehran's defiance of US-EU demands to halt uranium enrichment. Merkel, on her first visit to Washington as the EU president, emphasized the importance of addressing global climate change ahead of the upcoming Group of Eight summit in Germany. During a shared press briefing in the Rose Garden, the European representatives expressed satisfaction with the progress made on the issue, even though specific actions for the EU and the US to collaborate on addressing the problem were not outlined. Barroso stated, "I am pleased to see progress in this meeting. We acknowledge the existence of a significant global threat and the necessity to decrease emissions. We concur on the importance of working together." Bush, who was criticized for being slow to acknowledge climate change as a problem, emphasized 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 completely stopped emitting greenhouse gases, China could easily produce the same amount within a short period of time. However, Merkel argued that it is the responsibility of developed countries to take the lead in reducing carbon emissions. She stated that without action from developed countries, it would be difficult to persuade other nations to follow suit and reduce worldwide CO2 emissions. The leaders of the US and EU met amidst criticism from Russia regarding US plans for a missile shield in Eastern Europe. Russian President Vladimir Putin vowed to take action against the system. President Bush mentioned that German Chancellor Angela Merkel had previously voiced concerns about the missile shield and suggested he explain his vision to Putin. To address this, Bush sent Defense Secretary Robert Gates to Moscow to offer Russia the chance to participate in the shield, which is meant to counter terrorist threats rather than reignite the Cold War. Bush expressed hope that the dialogue with Russia would clarify intentions and show that the US is not an adversary, but a friend. | 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 the importance of adhering to the law and stated that one goal of the revisions was to limit the discretion of authorities in imposing penalties. The new section, which includes around 80 articles on crime and punishment, incorporates changes made to Church law since 1983 and introduces new categories. Monsignor Filippo Iannone, who oversaw the project, noted a trend towards leniency in interpreting penal law, where mercy sometimes took precedence over justice. The categorization of sexual abuse of minors has been updated to a new section called "Offences Against Human Life, Dignity and Liberty" from the previous vague classification of "Crimes Against Special Obligations". This revised section now includes additional offenses such as "grooming" minors or vulnerable adults for sexual abuse and possessing child pornography. | 1 |
A senior US diplomat stated that the Obama administration aims to expand the US-India civilian nuclear power deal to collaborate with India in enhancing the global non-proliferation system. US Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg emphasized that the 2005 nuclear power agreement between the two countries requires them to strengthen the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty system. Steinberg highlighted the importance of both the United States and India working together to develop a robust NPT regime that promotes safe nuclear power for energy and environmental needs while preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Despite not being a signatory to the NPT, India is encouraged to consider making commitments to participate in an international approach, according to Steinberg speaking at the Brookings Institution in Washington. The Nuclear Suppliers Group recently lifted a ban on nuclear trade with India, which was imposed following its first nuclear test in 1974 and its refusal to join the NPT. Washington faced strong opposition but ultimately succeeded in obtaining the NSG waiver to advance the nuclear cooperation agreement, which was a significant 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 noted that the nuclear deal and NSG waiver signified India being recognized as a partner in global nuclear matters. The envoy, Shyam Saran, stated that the civil nuclear agreement has elevated India's status in addressing previously sensitive and contentious issues. Bringing India and Pakistan into the NPT framework is a crucial issue, according to Steinberg. The details of cooperation between Washington and New Delhi on non-proliferation issues will be determined through discussions after the Obama administration appoints key officials and after India's general elections in April and May. | 1 |
The UN climate chief stated that instead of neglecting the fight against climate change, the global financial crisis could actually accelerate countries' efforts to develop 'green growth' industries by restructuring the financial system that supports them. He emphasized the importance of governments assisting poorer countries, who play a crucial role in preserving the planet's environment, rather than focusing all their resources on rescuing the financial sector. De Boer warned that the recent financial turmoil could disrupt UN-led climate change negotiations, but only if the potential benefits for addressing climate change are overlooked. He suggested that the crisis could be utilized as an opportunity to promote global green economic growth. De Boer believes that the credit crunch presents an opportunity to rebuild the financial system in a way that supports sustainable growth. He suggests that governments should implement policies that encourage private competition to invest in clean industries. He also emphasizes the importance of achieving a successful outcome in climate change negotiations, as it could lead to new markets, investment opportunities, and job creation. However, he warns that if global capital is primarily used to bail out the financial sector, it will harm the most vulnerable populations. De Boer hopes that the credit crunch will not delay attention to helping those in developing countries. De Boer stated that without providing support to developing countries, progress on the environmental agenda would be challenging. In two months, environment ministers will gather in Poznan, Poland, to prepare for the Copenhagen summit, where a new global-warming agreement will be discussed to replace the Kyoto Protocol. Ministers in Poznan need to show their commitment by allocating financial resources and establishing the necessary infrastructure for developing countries to participate in global efforts for both mitigation and adaptation. De Boer suggested that funding could come from sources other than governments and proposed a market-based approach. Despite the financial crisis, he noted that the Kyoto Protocol's Clean Development Mechanism, which allows wealthy nations to invest in clean energy projects in developing countries to offset their carbon emissions, has not been significantly impacted. | 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 organization, which was established 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, will speak at the opening session. Bhutan's Prime minister Lyonchhen Jigmi Y Thinley will chair the session as the host country. One of the main focuses of the two-day summit will be climate change, as outlined in the Thimphu declaration. Despite being in existence for 25 years, critics argue that SAARC has not made significant progress in reducing poverty and improving the lives of over 1.5 billion people in the region. The general perception among member countries is that SAARC serves as a platform for annual meetings where leaders make ambitious promises but struggle to follow through. Bhutanese foreign secretary Daw Penjo stated that the summit allows South Asian leaders to have direct discussions away from the media and bureaucrats, which in turn helps improve relations. The upcoming 16th SAARC summit aims to establish a 25-year plan based on the desires of the region's people. Additionally, foreign ministers have completed drafts for two agreements - one on environmental cooperation and the other on trade in services - to be presented for approval at the summit. The council of ministers and the standing committee have also drafted the Thimphu declaration and the Thimphu statement on climate change for the 16th summit, with member states expected to announce a common SAARC position on climate change. The declaration will not include legally binding emission cut targets for polluters. Bangladesh proposed including a SAARC charter for democracy in the declaration 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 for the summit, with Singh scheduled to arrive Wednesday morning before the summit begins at 2.30 pm. The summit will also include the official opening of the headquarters of the SAARC Development Fund in Thimphu. | 1 |
Dr David Nabarro wrapped up his brief visit to Dhaka on Sunday as part of his worldwide campaign. During his time in the city, he met with health minister Mohammed Nasim and other government officials. He also engaged with a group of journalists, including bdnews24.com, at the British High Commission in Dhaka. The election of the World Health Organization's eighth director-general will occur in May during the World Health Assembly in Geneva, where 194 member states will gather. The finalists vying for the position to succeed Dr Margaret Chan include Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, former Ethiopian foreign minister and health minister, and Dr Sania Nishtar, former health minister of Pakistan. The candidates are focusing on global challenges such as Ebola outbreaks, climate change impacts on health, an aging population, non-communicable diseases, and the need for new drugs. The WHO received harsh criticism for its handling of the Ebola virus outbreak, with some experts questioning the organization's relevance during that time. The outbreak in West Africa in 2014 resulted in over 11,000 deaths. Dr. Navarro, who has been serving as Special Envoy of the Secretary-General on Ebola since September 2014, is providing strategic and policy guidance 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 believes he can help "get WHO back on track with its work." Due to his employment history in South Asia, particularly in Bangladesh, he has a good understanding of the health and healthcare concerns in the area. He also mentioned that his work on Sustainable Development Goals and climate change as a special envoy for the UN Secretary General in the past two years is applicable to Bangladesh. He expressed his fondness for the country, recalling his work with Save the Children in 1982 and acknowledging the positive initiatives taken in Bangladesh. He expressed his eagerness for Bangladesh to vote for him in order to gain support from other countries. He has extensive experience in public health, nutrition, and development at various levels and has held positions in NGOs, universities, national governments, and the UN system. He has served in roles such as Senior Coordinator for Avian and Pandemic Influenza, Coordinator of the Movement to Scale Up Nutrition, and Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Food Security and Nutrition. He was brought in by the UN Secretary General during the Ebola outbreak when the virus was spreading rapidly. After assuming the responsibility, he stated that he identified a "problem" and with the assistance of everyone, they were able to assist WHO in getting back on track and eventually fulfilling its intended role. He realized that WHO needed changes to detect potential outbreaks more efficiently, respond promptly, and raise alarms more effectively. As a result, he was asked to lead a group to advise on reforming WHO in order to enhance its support for countries in responding to outbreaks. The advisory group proposed recommendations to strengthen response capacity, which inspired him to run for Director General of WHO as he was committed to seeing these changes implemented. This is a cause he strongly believes in. David Nabarro. It is essential because there is no substitute for WHO in handling outbreaks. I have experience dealing with avian influenza, SARS, cholera, and outbreak management. I am confident that I have the skills and expertise to lead WHO effectively in this area. My goal is to make WHO reliable and efficient during outbreaks. I have a proven track record in food, nutrition, infectious diseases, climate change, and SDGs, and have successfully raised funds and produced results in various fields. I believe this is exactly what WHO requires. He stated that WHO, under his leadership, will be a completely transparent and auditable organization for everyone, as that is the best way to manage public services in the modern era. The election process for the next Director-General began on Sep 23 last year with the announcement of nominated candidates by Member States. This was followed by interactions between member states and candidates in a password-protected web forum on the WHO website. In November, a live forum took place where candidates presented their vision for WHO Member States and answered questions about their candidacy. In January, WHO's Executive Board selected a shortlist of five candidates. The Board members conducted interviews with multiple candidates and chose three of them for the final voting, which will occur at the World Health Assembly in May. The new Director-General will begin their term on July 1 this year. Learn more about the other candidates, including one from Africa, one from Asia, and one from Europe. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus of Ethiopia received the highest vote from executive members and is endorsed by the African Union. According to his campaign page, Ghebreyesus is described as a visionary leader who has led Ethiopia and various global health organizations to achieve significant results and enhance their impact. He expressed his vision for a world where all individuals can live healthy and productive lives, regardless of their identities or locations. Dr. Sania Nishtar from Pakistan made 10 commitments in her campaign that focused on addressing issues to revitalize the WHO. She emphasized the need for implementing reforms quickly, promoting transparency, establishing accountability, ensuring efficiency, and fostering a results-driven culture. | 1 |
Kim Jong Un provided guidance for initiatives to increase cooperation between North and South Korea following a visit by his sister, Kim Yo Jong, to the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The specifics of these instructions were not disclosed. The United States has indicated support for continued dialogue between the two Koreas post-Olympics, potentially leading to discussions between Pyongyang and Washington. South Korean President Moon Jae-in stated that the U.S. is willing to engage in talks with North Korea, as confirmed by Moon's spokesperson during a briefing. Moon relayed this information during a conversation with Latvian President Raimonds Vējonis. US officials are calling for increased tough international sanctions in order to pressure North Korea to abandon its nuclear program. Japan's Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of maintaining maximum pressure on North Korea. North Korea's continued missile launches and nuclear tests have defied UN resolutions as it seeks to develop a nuclear-armed missile capable of reaching the US. Japanese officials are emphasizing unity between Japan, the US, and South Korea in their approach to North Korea. The US remains committed to the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, according to a senior Japanese diplomat. A senior military official at the North-South Korea border told Reuters that the main objective is denuclearization, and the approach involves dialogue and reciprocal actions. He mentioned that if North Korea does not take concrete actions, the United States and Japan will not alter their policies. The official also noted that North Korea has reduced the intensity of its border propaganda broadcasts since the start of the Olympics on February 9. Despite still being audible, the broadcasts are now much quieter. Moon, who was offered a meeting with Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang through his sister, is advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict regarding North Korea's nuclear and missile programs. Additionally, Seoul intends to move forward with plans for family reunions of those separated by the Korean War in order to continue the dialogue initiated by the North Korean delegation's visit. In the meantime, Trump has called on 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 a summit between North and South Korea, the first since 2007, has been discussed after months of tension between the three nations. Despite North Korean media not mentioning the summit offer to Moon, Kim Jong Un expressed gratitude to Seoul for their hospitality towards the delegation. Moon and his government organized various meetings and meals for the delegation at the presidential Blue House and luxury hotels, with Moon personally accompanying Kim Yo Jong to Olympic events and an orchestra concert. In addition to a high-level delegation, hundreds of North Koreans, including an orchestra and cheer squad, have traveled to South Korea for the Winter Olympics. The cheerleading team will be present at the final game of the united women's ice hockey team on Wednesday, where they will face off against old rival Japan in the preliminary round. | 1 |
The BIMSTEC grouping, consisting of seven nations, has adopted a convention to combat terrorism and insurgency in Nay Pyi Taw. This move is expected to strengthen India's efforts against militancy, particularly in its northeast region, according to the Press Trust of India. Foreign ministers from India, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Thailand, and Nepal signed the Convention on Cooperation in Combating International Terrorism, Trans-National Organised Crime, and Illicit Drug Trafficking during the 12th BIMSTEC Ministerial meeting in Myanmar. The ministers also agreed to prioritize climate change as a key area of cooperation within the BIMSTEC countries. Myanmar's prime minister, Thein Sein, emphasized the importance of cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational organized crime during the ministerial meeting. The Prime Minister of Myanmar emphasized the issue of terrorism during his inaugural address, which has become a prominent topic for discussion. Regional connectivity is expected to be a key focus at the upcoming summit of BIMSTEC foreign ministers, with plans to discuss and devise a route for connectivity in the region at subsequent meetings of transport ministers from member countries. The member states of the economic bloc, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand, came together to establish the bloc in 1997. The connectivity plan aims to connect six South Asian countries with South East Asian countries like Thailand and Myanmar. This plan serves as an alternative method for integrating the South Asian region, excluding Pakistan and Afghanistan. | 1 |
The top tobacco companies are concerned that new regulations on plain packaging in Australia and Britain could spread to other markets, potentially limiting their future profits. Health advocates are pushing for cigarettes to be sold in plain packs with standard font and graphic health warnings to discourage youth smoking. Australia is set to be the first country to implement this by the end of the year, while Britain is currently considering it. Analysts predict that if Australia is successful, other countries like Britain, Canada, and New Zealand may follow suit, causing worry for tobacco companies that have seen strong share performance in 2012. Analyst Martin Deboo from Investec Securities expressed concerns about the high valuations of tobacco stocks and the potential impact of plain packaging regulations spreading from Australia. Analysts believe that the biggest risk to industry profits would be if plain packaging regulations were to reach emerging markets like Brazil, Russia, and Indonesia, slowing the transition of smokers to more expensive Western brands like Marlboro and Lucky Strike. Smokers in mature markets like Western Europe and North America are less likely to switch brands, so changes to packaging are expected to have a limited impact on their choices. To counteract declining smoking rates in mature markets, major tobacco companies are focusing on growth in emerging markets. The tobacco industry's growth has been supported by new packaging designs to attract customers, and if plain packaging regulations are implemented, cigarette companies will struggle to promote more expensive products to smokers. The industry is opposing the plain packaging legislation in Australia, taking their fight to the high court and providing evidence over several days. Tobacco groups are concerned that other governments may follow Australia's lead. Australia has strict anti-smoking laws, including bans on tobacco advertising, smoking in public, and displaying cigarettes in stores. Only 15 percent of adults smoke in Australia, compared to 23 percent a decade ago. In the UK, around 22 percent of adults smoke, with the market slowly declining. Despite this, Britons still consume 56 billion cigarettes annually, leading to over 100,000 deaths each year and straining the healthcare system. Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has announced that his consultation process will last for 12 weeks until July 10, and he has emphasized that he is remaining impartial. | 1 |
After engaging in private discussions for weeks, Biden appeared before the cameras at the White House on Thursday, accompanied by an equal number of Democratic and Republican lawmakers, to proudly reveal a bipartisan infrastructure agreement worth $1.2 trillion over eight years. This deal has the potential to secure his reputation as a leader who can work across party lines. While Biden and his team reached a limited agreement with centrist senators on rebuilding infrastructure, they also indicated to progressives that they still plan to pursue a separate bill focused on climate change, education, child care, and other economic priorities that may only receive Democratic support. This moment highlighted Biden's confidence in his ability to handle legislative negotiations. However, during a later news conference, Biden unexpectedly stated that he would not sign the compromise bill without the partisan one. He made it clear that he needs both bills to be presented to him for approval. "I am not simply going to sign the bipartisan bill and move on." This statement by Biden caused concern among centrist senators and Republicans, as it implied that he would only sign their bipartisan plan if a larger, more ambitious package was also passed. This unexpected revelation led to confusion and concern among key negotiators, such as Sen Susan Collins, who had not anticipated this linkage between the two bills. The White House spent over 24 hours trying to mitigate the damage caused by Biden's statement, reaching out to senators from both parties. On Friday, the president's spokesperson attempted to distance the administration from his comments in a gentle manner, but it was not sufficient. As lawmakers and aides remained upset and the likelihood of a legislative victory appeared to diminish, Biden acknowledged on Saturday that he had misspoken. While the drama did not seem to jeopardize the deal, Biden confessed that his remarks on Thursday gave the impression that he was threatening to veto the very plan he had just agreed to, which was not his intention. The agreement that Biden celebrated on Thursday initially seemed like a major success for a president who had promised voters he could pass legislation that was both boldly progressive and broadly bipartisan. It took several weeks to put together a bipartisan framework involving Senators Rob Portman and Kyrsten Sinema and eight other centrist colleagues to discuss the potential for a successful bill similar to the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill passed in December. Sinema described the process as focusing on the difficult aspects rather than the easy ones. The possibility of liberal Democrats using reconciliation to bypass the filibuster threshold added tension to the meetings, prompting the senators to invite top advisers to President Biden, including Steve Ricchetti, Brian Deese, and Louisa Terrell. For several days, they moved back and forth within the Capitol building, with Sinema even attending meetings on crutches after breaking her foot running a marathon. They negotiated in private rooms, often ordering pizza, salads, and wine for sustenance. Portman's hideaway became crowded with extra staff, prompting an aide from Sen. Mitt Romney's office to secure a fan for the room. During a late-night session, Ricchetti personally poured wine for each senator at the table. Tensions rose as the senators debated how to fund the framework without increasing taxes, and the White House objected to user fees for drivers. On Wednesday, many centrist senators attended a funeral for former Sen. John Warner of Virginia before returning to the Capitol for final meetings, with thoughts of Biden's history of bipartisan agreements in mind. Sen Mark Warner, who is not related to John Warner but considered him a friend, wondered what John Warner would do in a difficult situation. He believed that many others in the room were also reflecting on this. Eventually, the 10 senators came out with a unified message that they had a plan and would be meeting with the White House the following day. The plan involved working together in tandem. This moment was seen as a validation for President Biden, who had been navigating tough legislative negotiations. By reaching a bipartisan agreement, Biden's team hoped to secure the support of centrist Democratic senators for a larger bill that included various liberal priorities funded by tax increases on corporations and the wealthy. Some Republicans, encouraged by business leaders, tried to block the larger bill by persuading moderate Democrats that the narrower infrastructure bill was sufficient. Lawmakers and Biden saw it as a crucial moment to demonstrate that the government could still function. Failure, according to Sen Jon Tester, would highlight extreme dysfunction. Sen Warner emphasized the importance of the message to both Americans and the global community, particularly after the events of January 6. Progressive lawmakers were concerned that the narrower bill would prevent a larger one from passing. Sen Chuck Schumer addressed these concerns on Thursday morning, reassuring his colleagues about the plan he and Speaker Pelosi had worked out with the president before making the deal public. Schumer emphasized the interconnectedness of the two efforts, stating that Speaker Pelosi also recognizes the importance of passing both together. Biden also echoed this strategy, expressing his commitment to working closely with Pelosi and Schumer to ensure both bills progress through the legislative process simultaneously. Biden emphasized the need for both measures to be addressed simultaneously, admitting that Democrats had anticipated such a statement. However, he surprised them by stating that he would not sign only one of the measures if presented to him, reiterating Schumer's earlier remarks. "It's happening at the same time." Senators left Washington on Thursday afternoon for a two-week recess for Fourth of July, and it wasn't until later in the evening that some negotiators saw Biden's comments, which Republicans viewed as a potential veto threat. Senators and their staff started communicating with each other and the White House. Liberal Democrats dismissed Republican frustration and accused them of seeking an excuse to oppose the deal, despite Democrats' public pursuit of reconciliation. On Saturday, Biden admitted his mistake as lawmakers and aides indicated they would continue working on writing text and gaining support. "The main point is this," he said. "I made a commitment to back the infrastructure plan, and I plan to follow through on that promise with determination. The plan, which both Democrats and Republicans agreed upon last Thursday, is beneficial for the economy, our nation, and our citizens. I support it wholeheartedly and without any doubts." | 1 |
"How can a party be successful if its leadership is in such a dire situation?" questioned the prime minister during a media briefing held on Monday to discuss her recent trip to the US. She pointed out that one leader had been convicted of embezzling funds from orphans, while another was implicated in a 2004 grenade attack and has fled the country. Hasina questioned why the public would support such a party that cannot even participate in elections. She mentioned that the opposition party has lost confidence due to their inability to secure power. Hasina accused the BNP of trying to disrupt the election process and sow division among the people, as they are aware they have no chance of winning. 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 trip abroad since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. During her visit, she participated in the UNGA and various other significant events from Sept 19-23. Last year, the prime minister had attended the UNGA virtually due to the pandemic. In her speech on Sept 24, she urged the international community to work together on global issues and create opportunities for new partnerships and solutions to address emergencies. Hasina mentioned in her speech that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the deficiencies in the global response to emergencies and emphasized the importance of global solidarity and collaboration. She participated in a high-level meeting on climate change in New York on Sept 20, at the invitation of British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. Hasina planted a sapling at the UN Headquarters to commemorate the birth centenary of Bangladesh’s founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Additionally, she took part in a virtual event called ‘Sustainable Development Solution Network’ on the same day. On September 21, Hasina participated in the opening session of the general debate at the UN Headquarters. She also took part in the 'Business Roundtable: US-Bangladesh Business Council' event on the same day. The prime minister spoke at the 'White House Global COVID-19 Summit: Ending the Pandemic and Building Back Better'. Additionally, she attended a discussion on finding a sustainable solution to the Rohingya crisis during the UNGA. Hasina conducted bilateral meetings with Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Vietnam President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, UN chief Guterres, and several other leaders while in New York. | 1 |
A recent online poll conducted by Reuters/Ipsos asked 2,809 Americans to assess the level of threat posed by various countries, organizations, and individuals to the United States. The poll revealed that 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 are not surprising given the intense political polarization in the United States. Glassner suggested that demonizing the current officeholder is common in American politics, and he predicted that fear-mongering by both the Republican and Democratic parties would be prominent in the upcoming 2016 presidential campaign. "The television industry in this country, along with American politics, heavily rely on instilling fear," he commented. A study conducted by Ipsos from March 16 to March 24 surveyed 1,083 Democrats and 1,059 Republicans. According to the results, 27% of Republicans viewed the Democratic Party as a looming danger to the nation, while 22% of Democrats considered Republicans to be a pressing threat. The participants in the survey expressed the most concern about potential terror threats. Specifically, 58% of respondents saw Islamic State militants as an immediate threat, followed by 43% who viewed al Qaeda in the same light. The survey showed that 34 percent of respondents viewed North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un as 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 respondents, and drug trafficking was viewed as a threat by a third of the participants. Democrats were more concerned about climate change, with 33 percent rating global warming as an imminent threat, compared to 27 percent of Republicans who did not see climate change as a threat at all. The data was weighted 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 is set to travel to China next week in order to strengthen the recently improved relations between the two countries. The focus has shifted away from a border dispute towards a trade boom and cooperation on climate change. Despite ongoing issues such as Beijing's disputes with the United States and Google, analysts believe that India and China stand to benefit from maintaining a positive relationship. The two nations have quickly moved past the global financial crisis and are looking to build on a decade of commercial growth that has solidified China as India's top trade partner. The turning point in their relationship appears to have been the climate conference in Copenhagen last December, where India and China worked together to reach a deal despite facing criticism for obstructing a more ambitious agreement. In an article for the Business Standard, Sanjaya Baru, former media adviser to India's prime minister, noted that there has been a noticeable shift in China's attitude towards India, with a new warmth in their tone. Despite being two of the largest emitters of carbon emissions, China and India are calling for developed nations to take the lead in addressing global warming, while also maintaining their own economic growth. Krishna is set to begin a four-day visit to China, following recent tensions over border issues and the Dalai Lama's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. The mistrust between the two countries, which dates back to a war nearly fifty years ago, still lingers, particularly regarding the disputed territory spanning 90,000 sq km. China was upset when the Dalai Lama visited Arunachal Pradesh last year, viewing it as evidence of his separatist intentions. Both China and India now seem to want to move towards a more normal relationship after tensions in 2009. India's Foreign Minister Krishna mentioned concerns about the border before his trip, but both sides seem to be avoiding escalating conflicts through verbal sparring. Trade Minister Anand Sharma has expressed concerns about the Chinese currency impacting Indian industry. However, unlike the United States, India has chosen not to pressure China, the world's fastest growing economy, to increase the value of the yuan. The surge in bilateral trade has brought both positive and negative consequences 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, according to data from the Indian central bank. Despite occasional disputes over tariffs and perceived protectionist measures, India has recently launched more anti-dumping investigations against China than any other country. Both countries acknowledge that there is untapped potential for trade and investment between them and have agreed to work towards balancing trade flows. The World Trade Organisation has projected a 9.5 percent expansion in global trade volumes for 2010, with the two countries expected to lead this growth. India is concerned about China's increasing military power, as highlighted by suspicions of Chinese hackers targeting the outgoing National Security Adviser's computers. Afghanistan is also a topic of concern for India, as it fears losing strategic influence to rival Pakistan. | 1 |
British government officials announced on Thursday that they are urging the UN Security Council to address climate change in order to emphasize its potential threat to global stability. With Britain set to assume the presidency of the United Nations in April, ministers believe the timing is right to bring this important issue to the highest level of the international forum, especially as it has already been a focus at European Union and G8 summits. Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett, both strong supporters of action on climate change, are leading this initiative. According to a Downing Street spokeswoman, climate change is a top priority for the Prime Minister, while a Foreign Office official stated that they aim to make climate security a key foreign policy issue. The official did not comment on reports that Britain is facing opposition from the United States and South Africa regarding their idea to address climate change. Many government ministers are optimistic about the growing recognition of climate change's potential impact and the goals set at the EU summit to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. British Foreign Secretary Margaret Beckett has warned that failure to address climate change could lead to global security threats such as famine, water shortages, and energy infrastructure failures. Beckett emphasized the importance of developed countries taking action within the next 10 years. Experts are cautioning that climate change could lead to severe tensions in already volatile regions like the Middle East by depleting resources. International Alert, a conflict resolution charity, recently warned that global warming could spark conflicts in various parts of the world as people are forced to migrate due to unsustainable habitats. Dan Smith, the head of IA, pointed out that if people move to areas already struggling with limited resources, it could worsen an already fragile situation. For example, in Kenya's Rift Valley, there has been fighting over water rights as the region becomes increasingly arid. Deforestation in various regions, such as South East Asia, has resulted in conflicts. | 1 |
China is urging wealthy nations to support a fund aimed at accelerating the dissemination of technology that reduces greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. This initiative is part of China's efforts to shift the focus of responsibility onto the West during global warming discussions. At the Bali talks, where a new international agreement to combat climate change post-2012 is being discussed, some developed countries are insisting on setting emission targets for major polluters. China, now the largest emitter of carbon dioxide due to industrial, transportation, and agricultural activities, is advocating for increased financial support from rich nations to promote the adoption of clean technology in poorer countries. Despite resistance to setting specific emission targets, China is emphasizing the need for financial assistance from wealthy nations. Zou Ji from the People's University of China in Beijing, who is part 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 disseminating clean coal-power and emissions-cutting technology, and called for developed countries to demonstrate their commitment to this issue in the new negotiations. Ji suggested that this fund could be overseen by a new body focused on promoting technology transfers, although he acknowledged that negotiations would take time to finalize the details. China's request for concrete commitments on technology, along with increased funding for adapting to the effects of global warming, reflects its desire to stand in solidarity with other developing nations and hold wealthy countries, particularly the United States, accountable for their contributions to climate change. Hu Tao of Beijing Normal University stated that the United States is the main barrier to addressing climate change. He emphasized that while China must play a role in finding a solution, developed countries need to take the lead in reducing their own emissions and assisting China in reducing theirs. China argues that it is unjust to require them to limit emissions when global warming is primarily a result of the long-standing pollution from wealthier nations. According to the United Nations, Americans produced an average of 20.6 tonnes of carbon dioxide per person in 2004, compared to just 3.8 tonnes per person in China. A senior Chinese official involved in climate change policy, Gao Guangsheng, recently expressed to Reuters that China has faced obstacles in acquiring clean energy technology due to concerns from foreign politicians and companies about intellectual property theft, lost profits, and sensitive technology. Zou, an adviser, suggested that a technology transfer organization could combine government support with private investment to alleviate concerns about profitability and protecting intellectual property. 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, proposed that increased funding could support collaborative research projects and assist developing countries in developing their own energy-saving technologies. The goal is not just to purchase technology, but to develop it. Zhang expressed a desire to learn how to fish independently instead of relying on buying fish at expensive prices. | 1 |
Russian voters have delivered a significant blow to Vladimir Putin's ruling party by reducing its majority in parliament, indicating a growing dissatisfaction with his leadership as he prepares to return to the presidency. Preliminary results show that Putin's United Russia party struggled to secure even 50 percent of the votes in the recent election, a sharp decline from the more than 64 percent it received four years ago. Opposition parties have accused the government of fraudulently inflating the results. Despite the likelihood of Putin winning the presidential election in March, the outcome of Sunday's election could weaken his authority. United Russia currently holds 49.94 percent of the votes, with results from 70 percent of voting districts counted for the State Duma election. Exit polls also showed United Russia receiving less than 50 percent of the vote. According to Vladimir Ryzhkov, a liberal opposition leader who was not allowed to run in the election, these elections are unique because they took place during a period of declining trust in Putin, Medvedev, and the ruling party. Ryzhkov believes that the upcoming presidential election in March will result in an even larger political crisis, with more disappointment, frustration, and disenchantment leading to a greater protest vote. Putin is known for restoring order in a country that was in turmoil following the collapse of the Soviet Union, including putting down a separatist rebellion in Chechnya and overseeing an economic recovery. He has maintained a tough guy persona by doing stunts like riding a horse shirtless, tracking tigers, and flying a fighter plane. However, the public seems to be getting tired of these antics, and although his popularity is still high, it has decreased. Many people, disillusioned with the widespread corruption, now see United Russia as the party of dishonest people and criminals, and they are unhappy about the large wealth gap. Some are worried that Putin's return to the presidency could bring about economic and political stagnation. Putin and Medvedev, who took over the presidency in 2008 when Putin had to step down after serving two consecutive terms, made a short appearance at a quiet meeting at United Russia headquarters. Medvedev stated that United Russia, which previously had a two-thirds majority enabling it to modify the constitution without opposition support, was willing to form alliances on specific issues to gain support for legislation. Putin, aged 59, described this as an ideal outcome that accurately reflects the current situation in the country and ensures stable development. However, this news may not be as positive for the man who has been a dominant figure in Russian politics since taking office in 1999, with concerns rising that voters feel deceived by his decision to switch roles with Medvedev next year and disheartened by the prospect of another decade under the leadership of the same person. "It's the start of the downfall," political analysts Andrei Piontkovsky remarked, noting a decline in both the party's and the country's reputation due to the election results. The Communist Party saw significant gains, nearly doubling their vote share to approximately 20 percent, two decades after the Soviet Union's collapse. "Russia has a different political landscape now, regardless of attempts to alter the narrative," observed communist parliamentarian Sergei Obukhov. While some voters supported the Communist Party's ideals, many cast their ballots as a protest against United Russia, viewing the Party as the only viable opposition. Yulia Serpikova, a 27-year-old freelance location manager in the film industry, sadly recalled promising her grandfather she would never vote for the Communists, but ultimately had to do so to vote against everything they stood for. Opposition parties raised concerns about election irregularities across a vast expanse of the country, while a Western-funded electoral watchdog and two liberal media outlets reported being targeted by hackers attempting to silence allegations of violations. Despite President Medvedev denying claims of fraud, police detained 70 people in St. Petersburg and dozens in Moscow during protests against alleged election misconduct. Opposition parties are claiming that the election was not fair due to the authorities' backing of United Russia with financial resources and television coverage. According to independent political analyst Dmitry Oreshkin, an analysis revealed that United Russia's support decreased even more in urban areas, where they had 30-35 percent of the votes compared to the Communist party's 20-25 percent. Oreshkin believes this is a challenging situation for Putin, as he is accustomed to having complete control but now faces a presidential campaign with United Russia alienating people against their leader. Putin currently does not face any significant challengers as the leader of Russia. He is still the main decision-maker between the various groups that oversee the largest energy-producing country in the world. This situation also negatively impacts Medvedev, who led United Russia in the recent election. His credibility as the future prime minister may now be doubted. | 1 |
President Barack Obama will propose a significant increase in US auto fuel efficiency, setting the most aggressive standards to date. This initiative will also involve direct regulation of emissions for the first time and will resolve a dispute with California regarding cleaner cars. The proposal includes raising average fuel standards for all new passenger vehicles by 10 miles per gallon to 35.5 miles per gallon between 2012-16. This would result in a 30 percent reduction in climate-warming carbon emissions, totaling 900 million metric tons over the life of the program. The plan is expected to save 1.8 billion barrels of oil and will require all companies to produce more efficient and cleaner cars. The proposal is supported by major US and overseas automakers, including General Motors Corp and Toyota Motor Corp. In a statement, GM Chief Executive Fritz Henderson stated that GM and the auto industry will benefit from more consistency and certainty in guiding their product plans. Toyota Motor Sales USA President James Lentz mentioned that a single national standard will improve vehicle choices for consumers. The new program, as per the administration, will increase the cost of producing a vehicle by about $600 compared to the current law, which mandates automakers to achieve a fleet average of 35 mpg by 2020, a 40 percent increase from the current performance levels. US auto companies have been resisting significant fuel standard increases for many years until Congress and the Bush administration agreed to stricter targets in 2007. Some vehicles, mainly produced by foreign manufacturers, already meet or surpass the standards set to be proposed. California had initially sought a waiver to enforce its own regulations on auto emissions, but the Bush administration denied this request. Auto companies also took legal action against California, arguing that if other states followed suit, it would result in a complex set of regulations rather than a unified national standard. However, California has now agreed to abide by the proposed national standard if it is approved. Senator Barbara Boxer welcomed this decision, stating that it is a positive step towards reducing global warming and decreasing America's reliance on foreign oil. The reduction in emissions of 30 percent is more ambitious than what California and other states have been seeking. In April, the administration changed its policy by declaring climate-warming pollution a threat to human health and welfare, allowing for regulation of emissions. The new policy would allow automakers some flexibility in meeting the standards and would consider the environmental impact of carbon-based fuels and other vehicle systems that emit emissions. David Friedman, research director of the clean vehicle program at the Union of Concerned Scientists, sees this as a potential breakthrough for clean cars. The plan is based on an assumption of average gas prices reaching $3.50 per gallon by 2016, which officials hope will encourage consumers to choose more fuel-efficient vehicles. Automakers are actively working on improving hybrids and electric cars, but with recent decreases in gas prices due to reduced demand during the recession, sales of less efficient pickups and SUVs have increased. To boost the industry's sales, 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, a key committee in the US Congress has started a week-long debate on climate change, with Democrats pushing for a bill to combat global warming and Republicans opposing a plan they believe will harm the economy. | 1 |
The massive white globe at Copenhagen's Bella Centre, where the world's largest climate change summit was held, may have inadvertently hinted at future consequences. An attendee pointed out that small Pacific island nations like Tuvalu and the Cook Islands, as well as Antarctica, were missing from the model. With scientists warning of rising global temperatures and melting polar ice caps leading to higher sea levels, island nations urged major economies like China and the US to reach a new climate agreement during the 12-day talks. This oversight by the organisers raised questions about the seriousness of the issue. 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. This agreement did not meet the original goals of the conference, leading many to view the talks as unsuccessful. The accord, which is not as strong as a legally binding treaty or even a anticipated political deal, lacked specifics on how to limit global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels. This target is considered crucial to prevent dangerous consequences such as floods, droughts, mudslides, sandstorms, and rising sea levels. The possibility of $100 billion in yearly aid starting in 2020 for developing countries was mentioned, but the source of this funding was not specified. Important decisions like emissions reductions were deferred, with another climate conference scheduled for November 2010 in Mexico. Negotiators are aiming to finalize a new treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, though 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. During their visit, they will focus on examining the effects of climate change and food security in the country. The delegation is scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Speaker Abdul Hamid, and several ministers responsible for various sectors including food and risk management, environment and forests, and women and children affairs. They will also visit different 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 a more tolerant attitude from traditional partners, has positively impacted Africa's development climate. The rise in China-Africa trade from $364 million in 1978 to $40 billion in 2005, and India-Africa trade from $613 million to $11 billion during the same period, has contributed to this shift. The influx of money and no-strings-attached trade and aid policies of China and India have also influenced Western donors to ease restrictions on funding for Africa. Meles noted a noticeable shift in the attitudes of traditional development partners, as well as a growing acceptance of alternative paths to development in Africa. He highlighted the increasing interest and investment from India and China, which have provided new sources of investment and technology for Africa, leading to significant economic growth. Despite this growth, trade among African nations remains low, making up only a small fraction of total trade on the continent according to the African Union. Meles addressed development issues such as increasing food and energy prices 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 increasing demand for food and resources had both positive and negative effects on Africa, leading to a rise in commodity prices and potential risks for African economies. The African Union and United Nations released a statement on Monday, warning that the rising cost of staples had caused social unrest 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 high food and oil prices worldwide would require Africa to find a balance between its roles as a producer and consumer. Janneh emphasized the need to make sure that these essential goods remain affordable without hindering the role of prices in encouraging higher production. | 1 |
According to sources, Trump praised Erdogan to the German chancellor, who then mentioned Erdogan's recent criticisms of Germany and its allies. Trump seemed unaware of the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Ankara and Berlin over Turkish ministers campaigning in Germany. The White House did not provide a comment on the matter. The German government chose not to comment on the situation due to the private nature of the call. This conversation took place shortly after Merkel visited Trump in Washington, highlighting the difficulties she faces in establishing a relationship with a president that several European officials have described as unpredictable, unprepared, and prone to extreme rhetoric. 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 capitals remain uncertain about the Trump administration's stance on key issues. Despite this uncertainty, there is a sense of relief that Trump has not drastically altered US foreign policy as some had feared since taking office. Trump has also changed his stance on NATO, no longer considering it obsolete. He has maintained a distance from Russia's Vladimir Putin and has not interfered in European politics or tried to weaken the European Union, aside from a recent comment linking an attack in Paris to far-right leader Marine Le Pen. His National Security Adviser Mike Flynn was fired and replaced by H.R. McMaster, who is perceived as reliable. The influence of Steve Bannon, a White House adviser feared by Europeans, may be decreasing. Peter Wittig, the German ambassador to Washington, stated that there is now a positive working relationship. However, there are still concerns about the president's character and policies on various issues. German officials are particularly worried about a potential move towards protectionism under Trump, despite his softer approach towards China and his decision to abandon plans for a border adjustment tax. European diplomats are also troubled by what they see as a lack of a clear U.S. strategy on Syria, and some have pointed to the sudden firing of FBI director James Comey as evidence of Trump's tendency to make impulsive decisions on crucial matters. The reports of him sharing sensitive information with Russia's foreign minister during a meeting in the Oval Office are likely to increase distrust in European capitals. A veteran German diplomat stated that doubts about the professionalism of Trump's team in foreign and security policy have decreased, but doubts about Trump himself have increased. Another German official emphasized the influence Trump has on his administration, calling it a unique challenge. German Chancellor Merkel has a lot at stake in the relationship with Trump. Germany heavily depends on the United States for its security, and any reciprocal protectionist actions could harm its economy, which is reliant on exports. In July, just before the upcoming election in Germany, Merkel will host a challenging G20 summit in Hamburg, where Trump is set to meet Putin for the first time. Erdogan and Xi Jinping will also attend the summit. Merkel has had disputes with Putin and Erdogan for more than ten years and has collaborated with two U.S. presidents prior to Trump. She developed a strong relationship with George W. Bush during his second term, which was seen as favorable to Europe. Despite a rocky start with Barack Obama, they eventually formed a close bond. Before meeting with Trump in Brussels on May 25, she will be appearing with Obama in central Berlin. Trump's unpredictability and mixed feelings towards Europe pose a unique challenge for her, as he is unpopular in Germany and it could be politically difficult for her to align too closely with him during an election year. Despite previous tensions, there is a sense of satisfaction in Berlin that Merkel and Trump have had a relatively smooth start to their relationship. They have spoken on the phone multiple times since their initial meeting, and both sides have downplayed previous incidents, such as Trump's failure to shake Merkel's hand. German officials have noted Merkel's efforts to minimize tensions with Trump, including inviting his daughter Ivanka to a G20 women's summit in Berlin. They observe that Trump has not followed through on his promises to withdraw from the Paris climate agreement, NAFTA, or the nuclear deal with Iran, which he had threatened to do during his presidential campaign. Trump has indicated that he will wait until after the G7 summit in late May to make a decision on the climate agreement, with European leaders, including Merkel, expected to strongly advocate for him to remain in the agreement. A senior French official stated that there are indications that the current administration can be influenced, as individuals close to Trump are willing to listen to outside perspectives and may be more flexible than previously believed. During Merkel's visit in March, she spent a considerable amount of time explaining to Trump and his team how the European Union operated. After four hours of meetings, which included a private discussion 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. While German officials were doubtful about the possibility of reviving the TTIP, they were pleased that Trump appeared willing to negotiate with the EU and demonstrated good listening skills. Despite reminders from his aides to leave for his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump decided to delay his departure as he felt the discussions were progressing well. Officials in the German chancellery were pleasantly surprised when, 10 days after their visit, Trump called Merkel to congratulate her on a surprise win for her party in the small state of Saarland - although he did bring up "fake polls" during the call, according to one source. The White House did not respond to a request for comment, and 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. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble had a meeting with Trump's economic adviser Gary Cohn during the spring meetings of the IMF and World Bank last month. His deputy Jens Spahn visited the White House and met with Bannon and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. German officials emphasize the importance of this outreach as key positions in the State Department are still vacant after more than three months since Trump's inauguration. This move is seen as a precautionary measure, as there is uncertainty about who Trump may be influenced by today and in the future. According to Robin Niblett, director of the London-based think tank Chatham House, it is risky to rely solely on one relationship with this administration. Trump's behavior can be unpredictable - one day he may agree to something and the next day he may not. It is important to protect yourself and be prepared for sudden changes, as he can turn on you unexpectedly. | 1 |
Edison Research, the organization that made the prediction, also forecasted that North Carolina, the only other state with an undecided vote count, would be won by Trump, bringing the final electoral vote count to 306 for Biden and 232 for Trump. This gave Biden, a Democrat, a clear victory over Trump in the Electoral College, matching the 306 votes Trump, a Republican, won in 2016 against Hillary Clinton, a victory Trump famously called a "landslide." Despite Trump's refusal to concede, Biden's team confirmed they were proceeding with transition efforts. Although the national popular vote doesn't determine the election outcome, Biden led by over 5.3 million votes, or 3.4 percentage points. His popular vote share, at 50.8%, was slightly higher than Ronald Reagan's share in 1980 when he defeated Jimmy Carter. Trump, a Republican, alleges, without proof, that he was a victim of widespread election fraud and has refused to admit defeat. State election officials have found no significant irregularities, and many of his legal challenges have been unsuccessful. In order to secure a second term, Trump would have to overturn Biden's lead in at least three states, but he has not provided any evidence to support this claim. States have until December 8 to certify their elections and select electors for the Electoral College, which will officially choose the next president on December 14. A Michigan state court recently denied Trump's request to block the certification of votes in Detroit, where Biden had a strong lead. The lawsuit in Arizona by Trump's campaign was dropped by lawyers after the final vote count, making it irrelevant. Federal election security officials have stated that there is no evidence of any voting system compromising votes. Trump was scheduled to make his first public remarks since Biden was projected as the election's winner on Nov. 7, addressing government efforts to develop treatments for the coronavirus pandemic. Biden officials are moving forward with the transition, focusing on legislative priorities, reviewing federal agency policies, and preparing to fill numerous jobs in the new administration. "We are moving forward with the transition," stated Jen Psaki, a senior adviser to Biden's transition team, 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 issues. 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 growing concern that without access to these briefings, the national security team, president-elect, and vice president-elect are at a disadvantage. Psaki noted that Biden will receive briefings from his own national-security experts next week. He once again met with transition advisors on Friday at his Delaware beach house to plan his strategy for handling the pandemic and selecting top officials, including Cabinet members. The official transition process has been delayed due to Trump's refusal to acknowledge his defeat. The General Services Administration has not yet recognized Biden's victory, preventing him from accessing federal office space and resources. Trump reportedly told Fox News correspondent Geraldo Rivera that he would follow the US Constitution and hand over his office after all votes are counted, indicating that he is a realist. Rivera stated in an interview with Fox that he was informed by the individual that he would act in a morally correct manner. Rivera did not believe that the individual was planning to overthrow the government that was democratically elected, as he simply desired a fair competition. | 1 |
As the prices of wheat and rice continue to rise, the potato is gaining recognition as a valuable crop that could provide affordable nutrition to a growing global population. India aims to increase potato production by twofold within the next five to ten years, while China has surpassed all other countries as the largest producer of potatoes. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the potato is experiencing significant growth compared to other crops. Originating from Peru, potatoes can thrive in a variety of climates and elevations, from the cold Andes Mountains to the warm flatlands of Asia. "The potato, a low-water crop that matures in as little as 50 days and can yield two to four times more food per hectare than wheat or rice, is seen as a potential solution to global food shortages," said Pamela Anderson, director of the International Potato Center in Lima (CIP). The United Nations designated 2008 as the International Year of the Potato to raise awareness about its potential as an antidote to hunger caused by various factors such as higher food prices, population growth, and increased production of biofuels. Governments are beginning to utilize potatoes as a solution to rising wheat prices. Peru has initiated a program to promote the use of potato flour in bread-making, distributing potato bread to school children, prisoners, and the military in the hopes of sparking a trend. Advocates claim that potato bread tastes just as delicious as wheat bread, but there is a limited availability of mills producing potato flour. Peru's agriculture minister, Ismael Benavides, stresses the need to alter people's eating habits in order to address this issue. The affordability of wheat led to people becoming addicted to it. Although the potato originated in Peru near Lake Titicaca 8,000 years ago, Europeans consume more potatoes than Peruvians. Belarus is the top consumer of potatoes globally, with each person eating an average of 376 pounds (171 kg) per year. Some individuals are transitioning to potatoes due to high bread prices. In Latvia, bread sales decreased by 10-15 percent in the first two months of the year, while potato purchases rose by 20 percent according to food producers. The potato is becoming increasingly popular in the developing world as more crops are being planted, allowing poor farmers to earn more money. Many countries see the potato as a good option for improving food security and generating income. Despite being the world's third most important food crop after wheat and rice, potatoes come in over 5,000 different types, offering a diverse and affordable range of colors. While corn is the most widely planted crop, it is primarily used for animal feed. Peru is providing numerous seeds to the Doomsday Vault near the Arctic Circle this year, contributing to a gene bank for food crops in case of a global catastrophe. Potatoes come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, offering chefs the opportunity to create visually appealing dishes. Juan Carlos Mescco, a 17-year-old potato farmer in Peru, enjoys eating potatoes in different ways throughout the day and highlights their great taste. Potatoes are a rich source of complex carbohydrates that provide slow-release energy and have a low fat content compared to wheat. Additionally, they contain fewer calories than bread, more protein than corn when boiled, and nearly double the calcium, as stated by the Potato Center. The potato contains vitamin C, iron, potassium, and zinc. One reason why the potato remains affordable is because it is not a global commodity like wheat, which attracts speculative professional investment. Wheat production is nearly double that of potatoes, with about 17 percent of wheat flowing into foreign trade compared to less than 5 percent of potatoes. Prices for potatoes are mainly influenced by local tastes rather than international demand. Raw potatoes are weighty and prone to spoilage during transportation, which has hindered the growth of international trade in them. Additionally, they are easily susceptible to disease, making it difficult to export them in order to prevent the spread of plant pathogens. Consequently, some countries have unappealing prices for farmers, discouraging them from cultivating potatoes. Peruvian market-goers believe that government intervention is necessary to boost demand, as prices remain low. Juana Villavicencio, who dedicated 15 years to planting potatoes and now sells them at a low price in a market in Cusco, Peru, believes that working with potatoes is not profitable. However, advancements in science are progressing rapidly. German chemicals group BASF is currently developing genetically modified potatoes that are resistant to "late blight," a disease that caused famine in Ireland during the 19th century and still results in approximately 20 percent of potato harvest losses globally. According to the company, farmers can increase their yields by 30 percent and receive approval for export by using clean, virus-free seeds. This would result in increased earnings for farmers and promote higher production levels, as companies would be able to export specialty potatoes rather than only selling them as frozen french fries or potato chips. | 1 |
Vice President Jusuf Kalla stated that Indonesia has the potential to achieve a growth rate similar to China and India if it addresses its infrastructure issues and attracts more foreign investment. Despite experiencing its fastest growth in 11 years at 6.3 percent, Indonesia still lags behind China and India, which are expected to grow at 11.5 percent and 9 percent respectively. Kalla expressed confidence in Indonesia's ability to reach such growth rates by improving infrastructure and creating a more favorable environment for investors. President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, elected in 2004, promised to address corruption, boost growth, and create jobs. Kalla mentioned that the government is working on overcoming obstacles to growth, such as corruption and labor laws that deter investors. The wealthy businessman from Indonesia's Sulawesi island stated that this is a period of change. With a presidential election scheduled for 2009, Kalla is being viewed as a potential rival to Yudhoyono rather than his partner. When questioned about his intentions to run alongside or against Yudhoyono, Kalla indicated that the decision would be made in 2009 and it would not be solely his personal choice, but also a decision of the party. Despite leading the prominent Golkar party in parliament, Kalla did not dismiss the possibility of running for president. Kalla expressed optimism about the economy despite recent struggles with the rupiah, attributing the currency's weakness to concerns about high oil prices and government fuel subsidies. He reassured that the central bank would address the issue, mentioning their typical intervention when the rupiah falls between 9,300 and 9,500 per dollar. Kalla, who expressed confidence in the economy's ability to meet a government growth target of 6.8 percent next year, stated that there are no plans to cut or reduce fuel subsidies in Indonesia, which are politically sensitive. Past cuts in subsidies have resulted in riots, and with elections scheduled for 2009, it is unlikely that the government will make any cuts. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati mentioned that energy subsidies could reach 88.2 trillion rupiah ($9.37 billion) this year, exceeding the 55.6 trillion rupiah allocated in the 2007 budget. Kalla also downplayed the importance of nuclear energy for Indonesia, citing budget constraints, safety concerns, and the country's preference for alternative energy sources like geothermal and hydropower. Despite Indonesia's plans to build its first nuclear plant by 2016, environmentalists have expressed worries about the potential for a nuclear accident given the country's frequent earthquakes. Kalla believes that it is appropriate for Indonesia, which possesses a significant portion of the world's tropical rainforests, to urge wealthier nations to contribute financially in order to protect forests and combat global warming. Indonesia is supporting a program that seeks to allow emission reductions from forests to be traded as carbon credits. If this initiative receives backing at the upcoming UN climate change conference in Bali, experts predict that Indonesia could earn over $13 billion by conserving its forests. Kalla emphasized the importance of global responsibility in preventing the exploitation of Indonesian timber by wealthier nations. | 1 |
According to travel firm ForwardKeys, international airline bookings to Southeast Asia had reached 38% of pre-pandemic levels by late March, up from 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 eliminate bureaucratic obstacles for tourists. This has made travelers happy as they are able to freely explore upon arrival. These nations now mandate that vaccinated travelers only need to undergo a rapid antigen test before reaching their destination, whereas Thailand's more complex requirements have caused it to lose its status as a top tourist destination. According to data from ForwardKeys, bookings in Singapore and the Philippines have reached 72% and 65% of 2019 levels, respectively, while Thailand's bookings are only at 24%. Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, president of the Thai Hotels Association, pointed out that the cost of on-arrival PCR tests in Thailand, which can range from 2,000-2,500 baht ($60-$75), can be a significant expense, particularly for group travelers, leading many to hesitate to travel. She added that if another country has fewer entry requirements, people would prefer to go there to avoid the hassle. It is important to note that bookings serve as a forward-looking indicator, and arrival numbers also include returning residents. Brendan Sobie, an independent aviation analyst, pointed out that Singapore and the Philippines have significant outbound markets compared to Thailand. However, Asia is experiencing a slower recovery compared to other regions like Europe, which lifted restrictions months ago. The International Air Transport Association predicts that domestic and international air traffic in the Asia Pacific region will only reach 68% of 2019 levels this year and is expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2025, a year later than the rest of the world. For instance, Singapore saw a significant increase in visitors in February compared to the previous year, but it was still only 9% of the arrivals in February 2020, and included a large number of work visa holders from Malaysia and India. According to the governor of Thailand's central bank, it will take the country until 2026 to fully recover. In 2019, tourism made up 12% of Thailand's GDP. Southeast Asia's travel and tourism industry contributed $380.6 billion to the region's GDP in 2019, accounting for 11.8% of the total. Chinese tourists, who used to be the largest group of international travelers in Asia, are currently unable to travel due to strict lockdowns. Over a quarter of the 40 million tourists who visited Thailand in 2019 were Chinese. This year, Thailand is expecting between 5 million and 10 million international visitors from countries such as Malaysia and other Southeast Asian neighbors. Japan, currently closed to tourists, has had few travelers to Southeast Asia, while the conflict in Ukraine has deterred the usual influx of Russian tourists. A third of this year's visitors to Southeast Asia are from Europe, an increase from 22% in 2019, with North American visitors more than doubling to 21% from 9% in 2019. Asian travelers have made up just 24% of visitors so far this year, down from 57% in 2019, according to data from ForwardKeys. Rabil Lian, a tour guide with a top Singaporean travel agency, recently returned to his job after temporarily working for the government during the pandemic. He has noticed a significant increase in bookings for European tours, as well as growing interest in Australia as a destination. However, he mentioned that many travelers are eagerly awaiting the easing of travel restrictions 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. However, despite lifting most restrictions just last month, the country anticipates only about 25% of the international arrivals it had in 2019. Singaporean journalist Justin Ong recently visited Vietnam and noted that popular food stores were still in business due to strong domestic demand, suggesting that the absence of tourism over the past two years did not create a significant gap. | 1 |
Four groups representing more than 100 insurers have recommended that world leaders and governments utilize insurance-linked products to safeguard developing countries from the effects of climate change. These organizations include the Geneva Association, ClimateWise, the Munich Climate Insurance Initiative (MCII), and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI). They are advocating for the use of better risk management and insurance strategies to decrease the susceptibility of developing nations to natural disasters. The insurance industry, including reinsurers who spread risk across the sector, has historically been a primary method for protecting against hurricanes, floods, and other calamities. Insurers have also sought to transfer risks related to natural disasters to investors in the capital markets through instruments like catastrophe bonds. For example, Swiss Re collaborated with the World Bank last year to issue a $290 million cat bond to provide coverage against earthquakes and hurricanes in a specific city. Vanessa Otto-Mentz, head of the strategy unit at Santam and a member of ClimateWise, emphasized at a news conference in London that if the developed world does not take action, the risks currently faced by developing countries will eventually affect developed nations. Major insurance companies like Munich Re and Allianz Insurance are advocating for global governments to collaborate with the insurance industry in order to strengthen national risk management processes in vulnerable developing countries, particularly in regards to climate change impacts. They are also pushing for the creation of new insurance products to cover risks related to climate and weather events, such as human health, crop yields, and animal diseases. Walter Stahel, deputy secretary general at the Geneva Association, highlighted the potential to minimize human and economic suffering through loss prevention and risk transformation. He urged governments to invest in gathering reliable risk data in developing countries and to establish public-private partnerships to provide coverage for catastrophe risks and micro insurance. He stated that the insurance industry has the necessary tools and knowledge to address natural catastrophes, but government leaders must create the framework and conditions for these tools to be effective. According to Munich Re, over the past three decades, global economic losses from natural catastrophes have averaged $90 billion annually, with the majority of these events being weather-related. Additionally, Munich Re reported that 85 percent of deaths from natural catastrophes have occurred in developing countries. The four associations will 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 heavy snowstorm hit the Northeast in January, bringing over a foot of snow and sleet. This led to dangerous conditions, as seen in a Chicago suburb where a 12-year-old girl tragically died when a snow fort she built collapsed on her. Her 9-year-old friend also suffered from hypothermia but was rescued and expected to recover. Temperatures dropped significantly, reaching single-digit Fahrenheit levels across New York City, Boston, and northern New England, causing the melting snow to freeze. Strong winds of up to 30-40 mph added to the dangerous conditions, creating potentially deadly wind chills. Chenard stated that the weather is extremely dangerous, with temperatures dropping to negative 20s in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Boston will be at 3 degrees Fahrenheit in the morning with wind chills of minus 12 or lower. New York City and DC will also experience similar temperatures, possibly reaching the teens later in the day, setting record or near-record cold temperatures. The National Weather Service has issued wind-chill advisories and warnings for over 10 states, ranging from North Dakota to East Coast cities. High temperatures for Monday are expected to be 17 Fahrenheit for New York City and 12 F for Boston. A large number of Americans had the day off on Monday, either due to the holiday or because they are part of the furloughed federal government workers affected by the longest shutdown in US history. This shutdown is a result of a disagreement over funding for President Trump's plan to build more barriers on the US-Mexico border. Flight delays, mainly in New York and New England, were reduced to over 7,500 on Monday from over 14,000 on Sunday, according to FlightAware.com. The weather on Tuesday will be slightly warmer, with temperatures in the Northeast reaching the low 20s Fahrenheit. | 1 |
China's chief negotiator for climate change talks expressed optimism about the UN climate talks in Cancun, stating that positive results are possible as long as all parties show sincere political will. Despite clashes between rich and developing nations over the future of the Kyoto Protocol, China believes that the talks will ultimately yield meaningful outcomes in line with the Bali road map. Su Wei emphasized the importance of compromising on minor issues while maintaining principles, such as the debate over the continuation of the Kyoto Protocol. China accused certain developed nations of attempting to sabotage the Kyoto Protocol, the United Nations' primary tool in the fight against climate change, in a tense standoff with Japan, Russia, and Canada. Despite pressure, China, the world's largest carbon emitter, remains steadfast in its commitment to the Protocol. With the first phase of Kyoto set to expire in 2012, the uncertainty of what comes next is concerning for investors seeking clarity on climate policies and funding. While most wealthy nations have agreed to binding emissions targets under Kyoto, the United States has notably not joined, and developing nations like China are only required to take voluntary steps to reduce emissions. The United States and other wealthy countries are pushing for a new international agreement that would eliminate the traditional divide between developed and developing nations in addressing greenhouse gas emissions. Developing countries like China and India, however, are hesitant to commit to specific targets without first seeing significant reductions from industrialized nations. | 1 |
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, known for his international role as a Middle East envoy, is now focusing on climate change by proposing a plan to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050. Blair recently traveled to Tokyo to introduce his climate change initiative and plans to visit China and India to discuss his proposals with the two largest developing economies. Blair emphasized the need for a new global deal with a significant reduction in emissions, acknowledging the challenge of determining the specifics of such a deal. During an interview with the Guardian newspaper, Blair expressed his intention to suggest reducing emissions by 50% by the middle of the century. He emphasized the urgency of this goal and stressed the importance of reaching a global agreement that involves key countries like America and China. Matthew Doyle, a spokesman for Blair, stated that the efforts of Blair were supported by the United States and the European Union, even though they had not officially committed to his proposed 50 percent reduction. Blair had conversations about the project with U.S. President George W. Bush, British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. In an interview with the Guardian, Blair emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement on reducing greenhouse gases within two years. He warned that without significant action in the next two years, the focus would shift from prevention to adaptation by 2020. Blair also noted that simply telling people to consume less would not lead to progress, as the Chinese and Indian governments were focused on economic growth. They have a large population of extremely impoverished individuals who are in the process of industrializing and improving their living conditions, which is a positive development according to former Prime Minister Blair. Despite leaving office and taking on a role promoting economic development for Palestinians, Blair has faced criticism for his involvement in lucrative business, publishing, and public speaking ventures. One such deal includes working with Zurich Financial Services to create insurance products aimed at addressing the impact of climate change. | 1 |
Leaders from the world's major industrialized nations will attempt to address significant disagreements on global warming and various foreign policy issues during the upcoming G8 summit on the Baltic coast. German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is hosting the annual meeting at the Kempinski Grand Hotel in Heiligendamm, has been working diligently to pave the way for progress in combating climate change. However, her efforts seem unlikely to succeed following US President George W. Bush's recent announcement of a climate strategy that diverges from the approach favored by Merkel and other European leaders. Merkel has emphasized the importance of the United Nations taking the lead in global efforts to address climate change, anticipating a challenging summit ahead. "We will continue to grapple with climate change until the very end," Merkel stated in an interview with Der Spiegel magazine. It will be evident that there are varying opinions due to the possibility of certain elements not being included in the final document. Despite the lack of agreement on climate-related matters, the German hosts are eager to redirect the focus of the June 6-8 meeting towards Africa. Facing criticism for not fulfilling promises made at a summit in Scotland two years ago to assist in alleviating poverty on the continent, G8 countries are expected to reiterate their commitments to doubling development aid by 2010. The group, consisting of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia, and the United States, will also reveal plans to increase funding for AIDS prevention in Africa. However, disagreements on major global issues may overshadow areas of agreement, even if leaders manage to avoid any public disputes. Disputed foreign policy matters include the US proposal to install a missile defense system in central Europe and efforts by the US and Europe to grant Kosovo effective independence from Serbia. Russian President Vladimir Putin strongly opposes both initiatives, causing concern among German hosts about a potential confrontation with US President Bush. However, recent actions by Bush, including referring to Putin as a "friend" and inviting him to his family home in Maine, suggest efforts to ease tensions. According to Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, the two leaders may ultimately agree to disagree on many major issues. The Europeans are aware that changes to US foreign and climate change policy will not occur until a new president is in office, so they are avoiding major confrontation. Bush, who surprised Merkel with a backrub at the 2006 summit, still has 1-1/2 years left in office. This will be the last G8 summit for Tony Blair and possibly Putin, who plans to step down next year. New leaders like Nicolas Sarkozy and Shinzo Abe will be attending. The informal meetings of the top industrial powers began in 1975 in Rambouillet, France to coordinate economic policy after a global oil crisis and the collapse of the Bretton Woods system. The club, responsible for a large portion of global growth despite having a small fraction of the world's population, is now being criticized for its lack of relevance and is being urged to adjust to the shifting global economic landscape. In response to these concerns, Merkel has extended invitations to the leaders of Brazil, China, India, Mexico and South Africa this year. Changes have occurred since world leaders first began meeting three decades ago, with events such as the 9/11 attacks, clashes between anti-globalization protesters and police, and bombings in London during summits altering the dynamics of such meetings. German police clashed with protesters in Rostock on Saturday after a peaceful demonstration, during which cars were set on fire, bottles were thrown, and bins were torched. Approximately 16,000 security personnel will be on duty for the three-day meeting, with leaders being kept separate 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 deal in the Doha free trade round. The landscape for these discussions has shifted significantly since the round began in 2001, with a focus on eliminating rich-country farming subsidies and tariffs that disadvantaged poor farmers. Recent changes, such as elevated food prices reducing the need for subsidies, concerns about food-price inflation and security, and increased protectionism in wealthy nations, have complicated the negotiations. The nine-day talks led by New Zealand's WTO ambassador Crawford Falconer will center on technical issues, including how to classify and handle sensitive products that nations wish to protect from tariff reductions. Diplomats mentioned that the significant numbers, like the reductions in farm subsidies and tariffs, would be decided by senior politicians at the end of the round. A negotiator from a wealthy country stated that this is the responsibility of ministers, and their role is to prepare and narrow down the options for the ministers to finalize. The success of the Doha process is heavily reliant on agriculture, as it is crucial for developing countries who are expected to benefit the most from the round. Developing nations are pushing for wealthy countries to reduce farm tariffs and subsidies in return for opening their markets to industrial goods and services. One of the unresolved issues in the Geneva talks is how to treat "special products" in agriculture. While WTO members have agreed that developing countries can exempt certain farm products from tariff cuts, there is disagreement on how many can be designated and how they will be treated. The G-33, a group of 45 developing countries, insists that any deal must allow them to fully exempt some special products from tariff cuts, but food-exporting developing nations such as Brazil, Argentina, and Thailand are siding with rich countries in opposing this. Falconer is aiming to narrow the gaps in negotiations during talks this week and next so that he can create a revised negotiating document by the end of the month. The discussions will involve key delegations and cover various aspects of agriculture negotiations, beginning with domestic support this week, then moving on to market access next week, and concluding with export competition, including sensitive topics like cotton. Falconer will update all WTO members on the progress of the talks next Friday. In December, he shared documents summarizing the previous four months of negotiations. They established a timetable for wealthy nations to reduce subsidies and suggested exceptions to the subsidy cuts for new members of the World Trade Organization. | 1 |
Johnson quickly appointed Rishi Sunak, Javid's deputy and a strong supporter of the prime minister, in an effort to minimize disruption from the cabinet reshuffle. The reshuffle was carefully planned by the prime minister's team to showcase new talent, particularly among women, and reward loyal supporters. However, Javid's resignation as finance minister, possibly at the request of Johnson's team, due to a disagreement over his advisers, highlighted the prime minister's intolerance for dissent within his government. Javid declined the offer to continue as Chancellor of the Exchequer after Johnson insisted he replace his advisers with those from Downing Street. The Chancellor stated that no minister with self-respect would agree to those conditions. Sunak, a former employee of investment bank Goldman Sachs and the son-in-law of an Indian billionaire, is viewed by many Conservatives as a reliable individual who will support Johnson's plans for a post-Brexit UK. The value of the pound increased as investors anticipated that Sunak's appointment would lead to a more expansive budget next month. Johnson has pledged to decrease the disparity in wealth and opportunities across different regions of the UK by directing investment into northern and central England, where he gained the support of traditional Labour voters. Johnson was not expected to make major changes to his government's key positions, aiming to keep disruptions to a minimum. However, even the minor changes in the lower levels of government provided some indication of his desire to consolidate his control. The dismissal of Northern Ireland minister Julian Smith, who had recently played a role in restoring a government in the British province, drew criticism from politicians on both sides of the Irish border. Smith, who had 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 staunch supporter and former minister for international development, was appointed as the new business minister and also tasked with leading the COP26 climate change summit in Scotland in November, which will be attended by world leaders. Javid's decision to resign disrupted Johnson's plan to maintain the status quo in his government. Despite previous attempts to downplay the possibility of major changes, Johnson's office confirmed on Wednesday that the prime minister wanted the reshuffle to lay the groundwork for both current and future governance, with a focus on promoting new talent, especially women. Loyalty was emphasized as crucial for Johnson to fulfill his agenda and electoral promises. However, opposition politicians criticized the reshuffle as chaotic. John McDonnell, the finance spokesman for the main opposition Labour Party, described it as a historical record of a government in turmoil just weeks after an election. | 1 |
In Bonn, Germany, a UN report highlights the importance of deeper cuts in greenhouse gases by developed nations as a key obstacle in reaching a new climate treaty. Developing nations at the UN talks in Bonn see the outlined emissions cuts by developed nations as crucial for a deal to be reached in Copenhagen in December. However, many developed nations argue that such cuts would harm their economies. Yvo de Boer, head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat, describes the 25 to 40 percent range as a benchmark for measuring the success of the Copenhagen agreement. The 25-40 range was not included in the IPCC's "summary for policymakers" despite being based on a few studies. Shyam Saran, the special climate envoy to Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, expressed disappointment in the lack of progress in setting targets at the Bonn talks. Developing nations, led by China and India, are calling for the rich countries to make cuts in emissions of at least 40 percent, citing evidence of worsening global warming since 2007. Small island states are urging for even greater cuts, at least 45 percent below 1990 levels, to prevent being submerged by rising sea levels. Saran stated that achieving a forty percent reduction by 2020 is a reasonable goal if the problem is as serious as believed. De Boer mentioned that this percentage is not an agreed upon target, but rather a scenario to prevent the worst effects of global warming. Many developed nations, including the United States, believe this target is unattainable. President Obama aims to reduce U.S. emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and by 80 percent by 2050. Japan recently set a 2020 target of 8 percent below 1990 levels. Bill Hare from the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research believes a 25 percent reduction is still possible but will be challenging. He stated that recent scientific discoveries supported the range of 25-40 percent. The exclusion of this range from the summary was due to technical reasons rather than doubts about its accuracy. The 25-40 percent range gained significant political attention when it was referenced in a footnote on page 776 of a document presented at a meeting in Bali in 2007. Currently, wealthy nations have proposed cuts between 8 and 14 percent below 1990 levels by 2020. The European Union has offered cuts of 20 percent, or 30 percent if other developed nations participate. The text on page 776 suggests that developing nations must significantly reduce their emissions by 2020 to prevent the rise of emissions from business as usual. This divides rich and poor countries into distinct groups, rather than implementing a sliding scale of cuts where the wealthiest nations would make the largest reductions. According to Alden Meyer of the Union of Concerned Scientists, both sides feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on them. It remains uncertain how this deadlock will be resolved, as the wealthy nations may need to offer greater reductions or the developing nations may need to compromise in exchange for clean technologies and increased aid. Hare mentioned that Russia, the only major country yet to establish a greenhouse gas target, has emissions that are already approximately 30 percent lower than in 1990 following the Soviet Union's collapse. By setting a 2020 goal at current levels, Russia could significantly contribute to overall emissions reductions, which could range from 12 to 18 percent. However, some countries argue that reductions do not necessarily have to fall within this range, especially if more significant reductions are planned for the future. Jonathan Pershing, leader of the US delegation in Bonn and an author for the IPCC chapter that mentioned the 25-40 percent range, suggested that there are other possible trends to consider. | 1 |
However, there is still a significant amount of information that remains unknown. The new coronavirus is continuing to spread globally, leading researchers, doctors, policymakers, and economists to grapple with key questions. One of the primary concerns is the level of contagiousness of the virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus is transmitted from person to person through small droplets expelled from the nose or mouth during coughing or sneezing. Additionally, the virus can survive on surfaces for several days, increasing the risk of transmission through contact. Although it is suspected that virus particles in the feces of infected individuals may also spread the disease, this has not been confirmed. How many individuals have been infected and are asymptomatic? To date, over 550,000 cases have been documented globally, with over 127,000 recoveries and more than 24,000 fatalities. Certain experts suggest that as many as 80% of those infected exhibit mild symptoms or no symptoms at all, potentially leading to millions of unnoticed infections. However, further research and extensive testing are required to determine a more precise figure. Are younger individuals at a lower risk of dying from the virus? While younger people may be 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 suggested that the mortality rate for males is higher than that of females in all age groups. Health experts have warned that individuals with underlying conditions or weakened immune systems are at a higher risk. Additionally, the possibility of re-infection is being considered. This question is crucial, and the answer is still unknown. Some recovered patients have experienced possible "reinfection", although most experts believe these cases are more likely relapses. Even after testing negative for the virus in their nose and throat, a patient may still have the virus elsewhere in their body. Fully recovered patients have antibodies in their blood that should provide protection against new infections, but the duration of this protection remains uncertain. Some viruses may cause antibodies to diminish more quickly. Even if antibodies remain, SARS-CoV-2 could evolve over time like flu viruses, making antibodies ineffective. Various academic labs and medical companies are working on blood tests to identify those who have been infected and developed immunity. Serological testing will help determine the true scope of the pandemic. The timeline for treatments or a vaccine remains uncertain. Currently, there are no vaccines or antiviral medications tailored to the new coronavirus. Treatment primarily aims to alleviate symptoms, including providing breathing support. Various companies globally are working to create vaccines, with some already conducting initial safety trials on humans. However, experts believe it may take at least a year to fully develop and test a vaccine. Another challenge arises: viruses have the ability to mutate rapidly. Several researchers 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 remain effective once they are developed. Some experts have questioned whether the virus spreads more slowly in warmer climates, with hopes that the arrival of summer will naturally slow down the virus. The European Centre for Disease Control stated on Wednesday that the virus is not likely to decrease its spread. The WHO has also mentioned that the virus can be transmitted in any type of climate, including hot and humid conditions. The duration of the pandemic remains uncertain and will be influenced by various factors, such as the length of time people practice isolation and avoid gatherings, as well as the availability of effective drugs or a vaccine. President Donald Trump expressed his desire to "reopen" the U.S. economy by Easter Sunday on April 12, but his decision has been met with criticism for potentially rushing the process and increasing the risk of more deaths. In Hubei province, where the coronavirus outbreak originated, life has slowly begun to return to normal after a two-month lockdown. The possibility of another outbreak remains uncertain. The question of whether the severity of illness from the virus is determined by the amount of exposure to it also lingers. Viruses can invade the body and infect cells, using them to replicate in large numbers. The initial number of virus particles entering the body has little impact on the overall amount of virus present. However, repeated exposure does increase the likelihood of the virus entering the body. The International Monetary Fund predicts that the global pandemic will lead to a recession in 2020 that may be more severe than the one caused by the 2008 financial crisis. The extent of the recession, its duration, and the type of recovery that will follow are all subjects of ongoing discussion. Economists believe the impact of the lockdowns will depend on their duration and the government's support for individuals, businesses, and markets. Emergency spending in the trillions of dollars is aimed at aiding financial markets and the real economy. Government measures, like the $2 trillion US stimulus package, are expected to inject cash into the economy and help small businesses and individuals, but it is uncertain if these actions will be sufficient. Some investors and bank strategists are considering whether now is a good time to invest in the world's stock markets, which have dropped by about 25% since February. Hedge fund manager Bill Ackman has expressed optimism and is reinvesting in companies he believes are well-equipped to handle the current crisis at discounted prices. However, due to uncertainties, many analysts and investors are hesitant to predict when the market will hit its lowest point. | 1 |
Kim, a Korean American, was upset by the perceived racism in classical music, particularly towards Asian string players. He felt they were marginalized and mistreated, likening them to cattle or mechanical robots. Kim believed his white colleagues in the San Francisco orchestra did not share his sense of urgency in creating a more inclusive culture for Asian, Black, and Latino players. Feeling isolated and frustrated, Kim, 40, began to reconsider his career. In March, he resigned from his position as the only musician of color on an orchestra committee dedicated to equity and inclusion. After the group started performing again in May, he took a break because he was too upset to play. Despite speaking loudly, he felt invisible and lost his love for music. Artists from China, Japan, South Korea, and other countries are well represented in classical music, winning competitions and holding significant positions in orchestras and conservatories. Renowned performers like Yo-Yo Ma, Midori, and Lang Lang are some of the most popular artists globally. However, despite the success of certain Asian artists, a significant number of them experience regular racism and discrimination. In interviews with over 40 orchestra players, soloists, opera singers, composers, students, teachers, and administrators, it was revealed that Asian artists often deal with stereotypes that their music lacks emotion and is robotic. They are often seen as exotic and outsiders in a field dominated by European traditions. Additionally, they are accused of disrespecting cultural norms that do not belong to them and are frequent targets of online harassment and racial insults. While Asian artists may have a presence in classical music, many feel invisible and unheard. Nina Shekhar, a 26-year-old Indian American composer, expressed frustration that her music is often wrongly labeled as having Indian influences, saying it feels invalidating. While there has been an increase in Asian soloists and orchestra musicians, other areas of the industry such as opera, composition, conducting, arts administration, and cultural institution boards still lack Asian representation. This lack of role models has made success in these fields seem difficult to attain, with some artists feeling like endangered species. Xian Zhang, music director of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra, echoed this sentiment. Zhang is a Chinese American conductor who is part of a small group of Asian women leading important musical ensembles. She has faced challenges in gaining respect from male musicians, particularly during guest conducting appearances in Europe. The increase in anti-Asian hate has prompted musicians to form advocacy groups and urge cultural organizations to include more Asian leaders and showcase Asian artists and composers. Classical music has been slow to change over time and has faced persistent stereotypes about Asians. In a recent incident, renowned violinist and conductor Pinchas Zukerman faced backlash for making racist comments about Asians during a Juilliard master class, for which he later apologized. Some successful artists in the industry have also experienced a climate of casual racism impacting their careers. Sumi Jo, a well-known coloratura soprano from South Korea who is 58 years old, shared that she has had roles taken away from her because directors felt she did not look white enough. She emphasized that Asian artists must work much harder to achieve success. Artists of Asian descent have faced stereotypes and discrimination for decades, dating back to the 1960s and '70s when musicians from Japan, Korea, and other parts of East Asia came to the United States. A report in Time magazine from 1967, titled "Invasion From the Orient," exemplified the prevailing attitudes of the time. Despite these challenges, Asian artists have made progress in gaining recognition in orchestras and on the concert circuit. As of 2014, Asian musicians comprised around 9% of large ensembles, surpassing their representation in the general U.S. population. In prestigious orchestras like the New York Philharmonic, Asians make up a third of the musicians. In contrast, European orchestras have much lower percentages of Asian musicians, despite higher Asian populations in cities like London. Despite this progress, Asian artists still face racial stereotypes, with some conductors likening them to computer engineers rather than classical musicians. Audition committees have criticized some individuals as being too weak and young to be taken seriously, while others have been told their names are too difficult to pronounce or remember. Akiko Tarumoto, assistant concertmaster of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, mentioned feeling like an automaton in the industry. She highlighted the issue of musicians of Asian descent being mistaken for each other and referred to by generic terms like "Chinese girls." Renowned soloists like Lang Lang have tried to challenge stereotypes by embracing expressive styles in their performances. Yuja Wang, a Chinese pianist, has attempted to mock the stereotype of Asians as robotic, which some scholars believe is partly due to misunderstandings about the Suzuki method of music education. This method, which originated in Japan in the 1950s, has been criticized in the West for producing musicians who lack individuality, but is still widely used, even among non-Asian students. In 2019, Wang participated in a controversial concert at Carnegie Hall with a comedy duo that included crude jokes about her sexuality and Chinese background. Wang, who is 34 years old, stated in an interview that early in her career she faced stereotypes that she was skilled technically but lacked emotional depth. She expressed dissatisfaction with being labeled and put into a narrow category. While Wang stated that she has not often encountered blatant racism, she has sometimes felt like an outsider in the industry due to others mispronouncing her name or not taking her seriously. Other well-known soloists such as Lang Lang, Yo-Yo Ma, Midori, and Mitsuko Uchida declined to comment on the issue of race. Zubin Mehta, an influential Indian conductor, claimed to have never faced racism in the industry and did not believe that Asians were discriminated against. He expressed sympathy for those who felt mistreated but said he was unaware of any significant issues. Ray Chen, a Taiwanese Australian violinist with a strong social media following, has encountered surprise from audience members who question his ability to play composers like Mendelssohn due to his background. Despite believing that discrimination is decreasing, he faced challenges in Europe earlier in his career, attributing some of the difficulties to his Asian heritage. Chen, now 32, criticizes the classical music industry for its aversion to new ideas. Female artists of Asian descent, like Korean American pianist Soyeon Kate Lee, also face stereotypes and obstacles, such as being viewed as exotic and submissive. Lee recounted a disturbing incident where a conductor made inappropriate comments about her in front of other orchestra leaders. Xenophobic claims that Asians are displacing orchestra jobs or spots in conservatories are frequently made. Yuka Kadota, a violinist with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, compared Asian musicians to "invasive species" like carp or murder hornets. Kadota, who is Japanese American, expressed feeling self-conscious and apologetic during a recent performance where four out of five players were of Asian descent. She stated, "I don't want people to think we're taking over." Despite progress in orchestras, individuals of Asian descent are still underrepresented in areas such as conducting, composition, and opera. Mei-Ann Chen, a conductor serving as music director of the Chicago Sinfonietta and the upcoming leader of Recreation — Grosses Orchester Graz in Austria, shared that she has learned to accept rejection as part of her reality. Chen, a 48-year-old woman from Taiwan, shared that donors and presenters have canceled meetings and opportunities for her after discovering her Asian background. Despite facing discrimination, she persevered to come this far. While arts organizations have pledged to showcase works by a more diverse group of composers, artists of Asian descent feel excluded, except for concerts during holidays like Lunar New Year. An analysis of 88 American orchestras by the Institute for Composer Diversity at the State University of New York at Fredonia found that works by Asian composers make up only about 2% of pieces planned for the 2021-22 season. The lack of Asian artists in opera is especially noticeable, as the Metropolitan Opera, the largest performing arts organization in the US, only has 14 out of 233 singers of Asian descent cast in principal roles for the upcoming season. Despite Asians making up 14% of New York City's population, they are disproportionately underrepresented on opera stages, even though many are enrolled in vocal programs at conservatories such as the Manhattan School of Music. Nicholas Phan, a 42-year-old tenor of Chinese and Greek heritage, noted that Asians are often viewed as technically skilled but lacking in artistic depth. Phan shared an experience where a teacher advised him to use a non-Chinese surname to avoid being dismissed as just another Asian singer. Asian performers in opera are frequently typecast in roles like Cio-Cio San in "Madama Butterfly" or the princess in "Turandot," which have been criticized for racist portrayals. Despite this, Chinese soprano He Hui enjoys singing Butterfly. Mezzo-soprano Nina Yoshida Nelsen, who is half Japanese, expressed frustration at being mostly cast in stereotypical Asian roles in her career. After speaking out against typecasting on social media, Nelsen received three offers for non-stereotypical roles within a week. Advocating for Change "It is time for us to voice our opinions without fear," stated Sou-Chun Su, a 53-year-old violinist from Taiwan who has been a member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra since 1990. Su mentioned the challenge of getting orchestra leaders to address the concerns of Asian musicians until the tragic shooting in Atlanta in March, which sparked widespread outrage. "It is unfortunate that it took such a tragic event for change to occur," Su remarked. The orchestra released a statement acknowledging the need to create a more inclusive environment, but recognized that there is still much work to be done. Hyeyung Yoon, a former member of the Chiara String Quartet, established Asian Musical Voices of America last year to provide a platform for artists of Asian descent to discuss issues of racism and identity. The group now holds monthly meetings over Zoom. Yoon noted that Asians are often left out of conversations about increasing diversity in classical music because it is assumed they are already well-represented. She pointed out that the Asian perspective is rarely heard in these discussions. Some artists, like Miran Kim, have used social media to speak out against their employers. Kim, a South Korean violinist at the Metropolitan Opera, recently expressed her frustration on Twitter about performing works with racist stereotypes, such as "Madama Butterfly." She also criticized the Met for selling a Butterfly-themed sleep mask that she found offensive. Kim, 31, highlighted the lack of Asian representation in leadership roles in the industry. "We are not included in the discussion." There have been some improvements. San Francisco Opera is set to welcome Eun Sun Kim, a South Korean conductor, as its music director next month, making her the first woman to hold such a position at a major American opera company. However, there are still major obstacles to overcome. David Kim, a violist at the San Francisco Symphony who is reevaluating his career, has expressed frustration with disagreements among colleagues on issues such as the wording of public statements on racism. He also believes the orchestra does not do sufficient to showcase composers of color. Kim, who has been a part of the ensemble since 2009, expressed feelings of loss upon realizing that his work as a classical musician no longer reflects his values. He is critical of an industry that he believes lacks self-awareness, is entitled, and lacks regard for social justice. Kim believes that change will not occur in classical music until it confronts its history of intolerance, which he describes as "racism disguised as art." While Asians may be superficially accepted in orchestras and ensembles, Kim questions whether they are truly embraced. | 2 |
Bainimarama's Fiji First party received approximately 50 percent of the votes, while the opposition Social Democratic Liberal Party (SODELPA) came in close behind with nearly 40 percent, as reported by the Fiji Elections Office (FEO). Bainimarama, who has been Prime Minister since leading a bloodless coup in 2006, has secured 27 out of 51 seats, according to the electoral commission. He expressed his pride in being elected as Prime Minister once again during an interview with FBC News from Auckland, New Zealand, where he was attending his brother's funeral. SODELPA, which won 21 seats, along with three other losing parties, called on the electoral commission and FEO to hold off on officially announcing the results, claiming that the tally process lacked transparency. This election marked only the second time Fiji has held democratic elections since 2006. Mahendra Chaudhry of the Fiji Labour Party, along with SODELPA, National Federation Party, and Unity Fiji, expressed concerns on Facebook Live about the Elections Supervisor's rush to release results, which they believe has led to compromises in procedures and legal requirements. Chaudhry emphasized the importance of rectifying these issues for the election to maintain credibility. In response, Elections Supervisor Mohammed Saneem defended the transparency of the authorities, stating that the Fiji Elections Office is providing accurate and timely information to the people of Fiji. Endorsing Saneem's assertions, the Multinational Observer Group (MOG) stated in a brief interim statement on Friday that the Fijian election campaign was conducted in accordance with international norms. The MOG acknowledged concerns from some members of the public regarding the integrity of pre-poll ballots and committed to closely examining the process. The MOG concluded that the legal framework supporting the electoral system adheres to universal suffrage and non-discrimination principles. The election was affected by heavy rain earlier in the week, leading to the rescheduling of voting in certain venues to Saturday, Nov 17, to ensure all eligible votes were included in the final count. | 2 |
The most recent actions taken, as well as decisions made by certain US states to enforce mandatory quarantines on health workers coming back from treating Ebola patients in West Africa, have been criticized by health authorities and the United Nations as extreme. The head health official responsible for handling Washington's reaction to Ebola cautioned against treating doctors and nurses who go to West Africa to combat Ebola as outcasts. The Ebola epidemic has resulted in the deaths of almost 5,000 individuals since March, with the majority in West Africa, but nine cases in the United States have caused concern. States like New York and New Jersey have disregarded federal recommendations by implementing their own strict measures. The United Nations strongly denounced the new restrictions put in place by certain US states on health workers returning from Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone. The Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stated that these returning health workers are selfless individuals who should not face restrictions that lack scientific basis. American soldiers coming back from West Africa are also being isolated, despite showing no symptoms of infection and not being believed to have been exposed to the virus. In a press release, the Army explained that the 21-day monitoring period for returning soldiers was ordered to reassure soldiers, their families, and the surrounding communities that all necessary steps are being taken to protect their health. The Army placed around twelve soldiers in isolation upon their return to their home base in Vicenza, Italy over the weekend. This group included Major General Darryl Williams, who supervised the military's initial efforts in response to the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Williams stated in an interview with Reuters that they are staying in a separate area on the base with no contact with the general population or their families, ensuring that they will not be walking around Vicenza. The US military has emphasized that their personnel are not coming into contact with Ebola patients, but are instead constructing treatment facilities to assist health authorities in combating the epidemic. According to Dr. Jeff Duchin, up to 4,000 U.S. troops could be sent on the mission, and he believes that isolation is not necessary from a public health perspective. The decision to deploy troops goes against military protocols and is in response to concerns over quarantines for healthcare workers returning from Ebola-affected countries. Federal health officials have updated guidelines for returning medical workers, recommending isolation only for those at highest risk of Ebola infection, while others will require daily monitoring. Dr. Thomas Frieden of the CDC stated that decisions are based on science and experience. Frieden mentioned that guidelines and recommendations are adjusted as science and experience evolve. The new guidelines by the Obama administration are not obligatory, allowing states to implement stricter policies if desired. Australia has implemented a ban on visas from Ebola-affected countries in West Africa, a move criticized by experts as being politically motivated and short-sighted. Medical professionals emphasize that Ebola is not easily transmitted and is not airborne. Mandatory quarantines have been denounced by various organizations as unjustified and hindering efforts to combat the disease in West Africa. Anthony Banbury, head of UNMEER, stated that health workers returning home should be treated as heroes. | 2 |
The UK's new £40 million Disasters and Emergencies Preparedness Programme aims to provide training, simulation drills, and disaster monitoring systems to countries vulnerable to natural disasters like Bangladesh, Nepal, Ethiopia, and Sudan. International Development Secretary Justine Greening will announce the programme at the World Bank's Spring Meeting in Washington, emphasizing the need for improved humanitarian response. Greening highlights the increasing demands on the humanitarian system due to factors like climate change, population growth, conflict, and extremism. Funding will be awarded competitively to projects that enhance the quality and speed of humanitarian response. The programme will work with organizations like the START network and the Communicating with Disaster-affected Communities Network to provide training in at-risk countries. Additionally, support will be given to innovative early warning systems to improve disaster communication and coordination. A new £20 million fund will be set up for UNICEF and the World Food Programme to enhance disaster planning in high-risk areas, benefiting 17 million people, including 14 million women and children in emergencies. The countries that will be involved in this initiative are Afghanistan, Burma, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Chad, Madagascar, Central America, Central Asia, African Great Lakes, and the Syria region. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by Bangladesh's success in reducing casualties from cyclones from 500,000 in 1972 to 3,400 in 2008. In addition, Greening will outline DFID's five key areas for improvement to alleviate the demand for emergency assistance. These areas include preparing for disasters, supporting national and local leadership, letting recipients drive aid, and tailoring responses to meet the specific needs of those affected. Response in the 21st Century requires new and creative methods for humanitarian aid, such as utilizing mobile phones, incorporating more adaptable shelter kits, and providing cash instead of traditional relief supplies to allow individuals to choose what they require most urgently. The development challenge lies in addressing humanitarian disasters in regions where extreme poverty is concentrated, necessitating long-term planning to mitigate the impact in areas susceptible to recurring or prolonged crises like food shortages. | 2 |
A member of the ruling ANC in South Africa has filed a legal request to delay the party's upcoming conference, citing disagreements over leadership and violations of the bill of rights. The internal conflict between supporters of President Thabo Mbeki and his deputy Jacob Zuma has caused significant divisions within the party, which has historically been known for its unity and discipline. The lawyer and ANC member Votani Majola plans to file for an interdict in the Johannesburg High Court to halt the conference scheduled for December 16-20, stating that the current environment is not conducive for a conference. The ANC Secretary-General Kgalema Motlanthe confirmed that the party has been served with legal papers regarding alleged breaches of the bill of rights. The article did not provide any specific information, and Motlanthe and ANC spokesperson Smuts Ngonyama were not available for comment on Thursday. Zuma is currently ahead of Mbeki in the competition for ANC leader, potentially paving the way for him to become president in 2009, due to the ANC's strong influence in South African politics. Investors are concerned about Zuma's connections to the left, but a senior aide to Mbeki stated to Reuters on Wednesday that South Africa's economic policies are unlikely to undergo significant changes regardless of the election outcome. The aide also dismissed worries about potential instability if Zuma wins. | 2 |
The global competition for electric car batteries has significant economic implications for automakers, battery startups, and consumers. In the near future, consumers will have a wide variety of electric cars to choose from, each utilizing different battery technologies. The composition of batteries, once a technical matter for engineers, is now a key topic of discussion in the corporate offices of major automakers like General Motors, Toyota, Ford, and Volkswagen, as well as in government circles. These companies are investing in startups that are revolutionizing battery technology in order to stay competitive in the electric car market. Mastering battery technology will be crucial for automakers hoping to succeed in the face of competition from companies like Tesla. The price and performance of new cars may ultimately be determined by the advancements in battery technology. Just like how consumers used to focus on megapixels in cameras and processing speeds in computer chips, the features of batteries will now be the key factor in determining the success of cars and trucks. According to Hau Thai-Tang, chief product platform and operations officer at Ford Motor, the battery in electric vehicles will be the new brand differentiator. Batteries will also play a crucial role in combating climate change by transitioning vehicles and the power sector away from oil, coal, and natural gas. With the increasing demand for electric cars, automakers are quickly learning about battery chemistry in order to make batteries more affordable and efficient. Currently, batteries make up a significant portion of the cost of electric cars, with most of them being produced by a small number of Asian companies. Even Tesla, a major player in the electric car industry, depends on Asian suppliers and is working towards increasing its in-house manufacturing. President Joe Biden recently urged companies to shift more of the battery supply chain to the United States, highlighting the strategic significance of such efforts in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Volkswagen had to close its main electric vehicle factory in Germany temporarily due to disruptions in the supply of parts from western Ukraine. Auto companies like Stellantis are investing heavily in startups like Factorial Energy, a company with less than 100 employees in Woburn, near Boston. Factorial is working on developing a battery that charges faster, holds more energy, and is less likely to overheat than current batteries. The co-founder of Factorial, Siyu Huang, is focused on creating a safer battery to improve people's lives. High-ranking officials in the Biden administration have expressed their desire to assist in improving the use of battery technologies developed in the United States, acknowledging that China has seen great success in this industry. The Energy Department is considering providing financial support to companies involved in manufacturing batteries or supplying necessary components and minerals. There are currently 10 pending applications requesting over $15 million in funding for battery-related projects. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned that a lack of innovation had negative effects on his hometown of South Bend, Indiana, where the now-defunct Studebaker company was once located. "Innovation is crucial for the past, present, and future of our automotive industry, as we can see now with the opportunity for the United States to lead the electric vehicle revolution," he stated. The most immediate change on the horizon is in the composition of batteries. While most electric vehicle lithium ion batteries utilize nickel, manganese, and cobalt, some manufacturers like Tesla and Ford are transitioning to lithium iron phosphate batteries, which are widely used in China. These LFP batteries, as they are referred to, may not have the same energy storage capacity per pound as traditional batteries, but they are more affordable and have a longer lifespan. Tesla intends to provide LFP batteries in less expensive electric vehicles with shorter ranges. Ford is also planning to incorporate these batteries in certain trucks for fleet owners under its Ion Boost Pro brand. Ford executive Thai-Tang mentioned that these trucks may be suitable for delivery, plumbing, electrical work, and landscaping within a specific area. Ford is collaborating with SK Innovation from Korea to produce the batteries, with the goal of eventually moving much of the manufacturing to the United States to reduce geopolitical and logistical costs. However, it is important to note that the LFP battery is not a comprehensive solution. Teslas equipped with these batteries have a range of approximately 270 miles per charge, whereas comparable models with nickel and cobalt batteries can travel about 358 miles. In addition, LFP batteries may experience a decrease in power in freezing temperatures and take longer to recharge. Ford's upcoming electric F-150 pickup truck, with 200,000 reservations already made, will utilize batteries with a higher nickel content from SK Innovation. Tesla has produced 1 million cells for its new "4680" battery, featured in the Model Y crossovers, which CEO Elon Musk claims will offer a 16 percent increase in range due to its unique honeycomb design. "In 2020, he stated that something is difficult until it is uncovered, and then it becomes easy. GM asserts that their Ultium battery cell requires 70% less cobalt compared to the cells in the Chevrolet Bolt electric hatchback. The company has included aluminum in their battery. The GMC Hummer pickup, recently released by GM, is the first vehicle to utilize this battery technology. In collaboration with South Korea's LG Chem, GM is constructing a $2.3 billion battery factory in Lordstown, Ohio." It is one of at least 13 major battery factories currently being built in the United States. The importance of batteries in auto branding is growing, as seen with GM advertising Ultium batteries. This underscores the need for these batteries to be dependable and safe. GM recently had to recall the Bolt due to a battery defect that could cause fires. Numerous car manufacturers are keen on decreasing their use of cobalt, largely because most of it is sourced from the Congo through Chinese-financed companies or freelance miners, some of whom may employ child labor. Markus Schäfer, a senior Mercedes executive in charge of research and development, expressed concerns about potential human rights violations, child labor, and difficult working conditions for artisan miners. The auto industry is particularly worried about nickel supply, as Russia is a key supplier of this metal. A team of approximately 25 government scientists at the Oak Ridge National Lab is working on advancing these innovations. They are comparing conventional electric car batteries with a cobalt-free alternative by charging and discharging them for weeks to measure performance. Ilias Belharouak, the head of the Oak Ridge Battery Manufacturing Center, stated the objective is to reduce battery costs by up to 50%, extend their range to over 300 miles, and decrease charge times to 15 minutes or less. Funding for this project will come from the $200 million granted by the Energy Department to seven national labs. In the upcoming month, the department will organize a virtual event where battery designers will present their ideas to scientists, government officials, and industry leaders. US startups like Factorial Energy, Solid Power, and QuantumScape are working towards a major transformation in battery construction, rather than just changing the materials used. Today's batteries use a liquid solution as an electrolyte to conduct electricity between components. Solid-state batteries, on the other hand, do not require a liquid electrolyte, making them lighter, able to store more energy, and charge faster. They are also safer and do not require as much cooling equipment. Many car manufacturers are investing in solid-state technology, with Volkswagen backing QuantumScape, a company located in San Jose, California. BMW and Ford are betting on Solid Power, a company located in Louisville, Colorado. General Motors has invested in SolidEnergy Systems, which was founded at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is headquartered in Singapore. The timeline for the arrival of solid-state batteries is uncertain. Stellantis aims to release mass-market vehicles with these batteries by 2026, but other industry executives predict the technology may not be widely accessible until around 2030. The first automaker to offer solid-state batteries will have a significant competitive edge. Huang, the co-founder of Factorial, mentioned that she and her business partner, Alex Yu, often work overnight to meet technical benchmarks. She is driven by memories of the polluted air she experienced growing up near Shanghai. Huang stated that the company's main goal is to work towards a fossil-free future, which is also her personal aspiration. Despite currently operating on a second floor, Factorial aims to expand globally and build factories worldwide, with investments from Mercedes-Benz and Hyundai. In laboratories, employees in white coats diligently test prototype cells. Andrew Miller, the chief operating officer at Benchmark Minerals Intelligence, stated that despite the frenzied activity in the auto industry, there could be a struggle to meet demand for new batteries due to limitations in mining and processing raw materials, especially lithium. Miller expressed uncertainty about where the necessary raw materials will come from for the ambitious plans of companies in the next three years. | 2 |
Three years ago, a purchase was made in Exeter with the promise of turning the community into a key player in Canada's burgeoning legal marijuana industry. However, before any of the 200 expected jobs could be filled or any marijuana seeds planted, it became clear that Canada was already producing more marijuana than the market demanded. As a result, the 1-million-square-foot greenhouse sat idle for two years before being sold for significantly less than its original purchase price. Exeter's experience with the greenhouse reflects the challenges faced by the Canadian legal pot industry as a whole, with analysts attributing the lack of success to the strict distribution regulations implemented by the country. The slow opening of stores in certain provinces, notably Ontario, is contributing to the delay. Additionally, surveys have indicated that a significant number of Canadians are not inclined to embrace this new habit. "We were anticipating it," remarked Mayor George Finch as he stood outside Exeter's historic Town Hall. "It seemed almost too good to be true, didn't it? It's disappointing." When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government legalized marijuana in 2018, the main intention was to promote a fairer justice system rather than creating a large new industry. However, investors saw potential in the market, leading to a surge in investment in companies catering to the Canadian and US markets. This resulted in the revitalization of old greenhouses and the establishment of new indoor growing facilities, with newspapers hiring journalists to cover this new beat. Just like plastics in the movie "The Graduate," marijuana appeared to be on track to become a major industry in Canada. The frenzied investment in marijuana stocks mirrored the dot-com stock boom of the late 1990s, but ultimately ended in a similar collapse. Despite a modest rebound due to increasing legalization in the United States, with New York recently legalizing marijuana and four states voting for legalization in November, a marijuana stock index remains down approximately 70% from its peak in 2018. Even 2 1/2 years after legalization, many marijuana producers in Canada are still facing significant financial losses. A significant new competitor is on the horizon as Mexico recently passed a law legalizing recreational marijuana use. This could make the business environment even more difficult for Canadian growers. Kyle Murray, vice dean at the University of Alberta School of Business, predicts there will likely be a series of business failures in the industry. The situation is being compared to the dot-com boom and subsequent bust. Canopy Growth, Canada's biggest producer, reported a loss of CA$1.2 billion in the first nine months of its current operating year. Mass layoffs have occurred in the industry, leading to large producers merging to increase their strength. Many greenhouses in several provinces have permanently closed. Analysts had high hopes for the marijuana industry in Canada, expecting sales to follow the same pattern as liquor sales in the US post-Prohibition. However, this has not been the case, as seen in the struggles of major grower Tilray based in British Columbia. Kennedy is one of the few remaining leaders in Canada's marijuana industry, facing challenges in competing with the illicit market due to strict regulations. Despite losses and stock declines leading to the departure of many pioneers, Kennedy will continue as a director after a planned merger between Tilray and Aphria. In Ontario, initial plans to sell marijuana through government-owned liquor stores were canceled by a new Conservative government, leaving only online sales through a provincial website. After that, the province has altered its plans twice more, resulting in a disorganized rollout of privately owned shops. Despite an increase in licensing, Ontario has only approved 575 shops so far. In contrast, Alberta, with around one-third of Ontario's population, has 583 shops. Although initial expectations of marijuana profits were too high, Murray believes a successful industry will develop, with the growing number of Ontario shops as evidence. The fact that prices have decreased to be more competitive with street prices should also boost legal sales. Murray stated that the poor start does not necessarily indicate a bad market. He believes that despite the initial involvement of too much money and too many companies, some companies will eventually become very successful and could even become global leaders. A positive aspect is seen in British Columbia, where legal marijuana sales in stores grew by 24% from June to October 2020, despite being previously known as the center of Canada's illegal marijuana industry. In Quebec, the government-owned cannabis store operator, Société Québécoise du Cannabis, initially lost nearly CA$5 million in its first fiscal year but has since become profitable. Despite some of the larger growers in Canada turning to foreign markets, particularly for medical marijuana, as their next big opportunity, many analysts are doubtful. According to Brent McKnight, a professor at McMaster University, Mexico's recent move towards creating the world's largest legal market could threaten marijuana production in Canada due to lower labor costs and a more favorable climate. Trade agreements may make it difficult for Canada to restrict imports from Mexico. He mentioned that it would definitely lower prices for local growers. Some are concerned about the impact of large, publicly traded companies taking over the industry as Canada's market consolidates. Before legalization, nonprofit "compassion clubs" were the first to sell marijuana to medical users. Dr. Daniel Werb, a public health researcher, stated that the current focus on corporate profits has excluded many minority community members from the industry. Preliminary research findings have indicated a lack of diversity in the leadership of legal suppliers. Vendors in Indigenous communities have also been uncertain about their legal status, as they are not typically targeted by police raids but also operate outside of the legal system. Ontario has started licensing shops in some Indigenous communities, but there is still concern about the lack of diversity in the industry and the missed opportunity to approach it in a more creative and socially responsible way, according to Werb. | 2 |
South African President Thabo Mbeki expressed his belief that Zimbabwe President Robert Mugabe will resign peacefully, stating that the main challenge for the region is to ensure free and fair elections in Zimbabwe next year. Mbeki, who was appointed by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to lead mediation efforts in Zimbabwe, made these comments in an interview with the Financial Times on Tuesday. When asked if Mugabe, who has been accused of electoral misconduct and economic mismanagement by the opposition, would eventually step down, Mbeki confidently stated that he believed he would. In an interview, it was mentioned that President Mugabe and the leadership of ZANU-PF believe they are governing a democratic country, evidenced by the presence of an elected opposition and their ability to run municipal governments in Harare and Bulawayo. The Southern African Development Community (SADC) appointed Mbeki as a mediator between Mugabe and the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) following a violent crackdown on political opponents by the Zimbabwe government. Despite suggestions that Zimbabwe's neighbors could enforce change in the country, the South African leader stated that they do not have the power to do so alone, but a collaborative effort by African leaders could lead to a resolution. Mbeki stated that he has been in communication with both of the MDC's main factions and ZANU-PF to establish a negotiating framework for the upcoming elections, in which Mugabe has already been chosen as the ZANU-PF candidate. Mbeki mentioned that the future discussions will likely focus on MDC requests for legal and electoral reforms, such as media and security laws that critics believe Mugabe has used to maintain his power in the country. He explained that the MDC is likely to bring up issues like media legislation and laws regarding public gatherings, and that ZANU-PF will need to address these concerns. Mbeki suggested that eventually both parties may need to come together to decide on actions that will create a favorable environment for free and fair elections. The main leader of the MDC, Morgan Tsvangirai, stated in Johannesburg that he would be open to participating in any election that is guaranteed to be free and fair. However, he emphasized that quick action from Mbeki is necessary to create the right conditions for such an election. The SADC, criticized in Western countries for overlooking Mugabe's crackdown, is hopeful that Mbeki's appointment will result in direct negotiations between Mugabe and the MDC, despite previous failed attempts to reach a political agreement. The West accuses Mugabe, who has been in power since Zimbabwe gained independence from Britain in 1980, of ruling authoritatively and mismanaging the economy. Mugabe claims that he is being punished for redistributing white-owned farms to landless black individuals. | 2 |
Having been trained in soldering, she had hoped to pursue a career in electrical work, but instead she spent her time hemming saris for her husband's tailor shop in Pune, India. However, two years ago, she was able to secure a job in the country's growing electric vehicle sector. Her ambition, previously hindered by motherhood and safety concerns, has now flourished as she works in a factory assembling circuits for EV speedometers. This job marks her first formal employment with a fixed wage. She is part of a small but increasing number of women making strides in India's electric vehicle industry, which is experiencing a surge in sales due to government policies aimed at reducing emissions. Despite challenges such as safety worries and a lack of charging stations, the demand for EVs is surpassing supply, leading to more opportunities for women in an industry traditionally dominated by men. She expressed her satisfaction at working fixed hours and achieving financial independence while assembling circuits at Kinetic Communications, a manufacturer of EV components. She informed the Thomson Reuters Foundation that her soldering skills are excellent and she may be promoted, which has always been her dream. The factory has a workforce that is predominantly women, which is uncommon in India where only 20% of women are part of the labor force. India has one of the lowest rates of female participation in the world, with only 47% of women employed or seeking work compared to 74% of men. The COVID-19 pandemic worsened India's gender gap, with nearly half of women losing their jobs in both formal and informal sectors during lockdowns and not returning to work by the end of 2020, according to research. In the last two years, there has been a significant increase in electric vehicle (EV) sales in India, leading to the emergence of more factories and opportunities for women in manufacturing, design, and leadership roles. Unlike traditional internal combustion engine vehicle manufacturing, which relies heavily on machinery, EV companies focus on electronics, assembly, software, and design - areas where women are more commonly skilled, according to industry analysts. Advocates for labor rights see women's potential in the EV industry as a chance to enhance their wages and standing in the workplace. Startups in the EV sector are introducing fresh ideas and creating opportunities for women, unlike older auto companies with predominantly male workforces. Companies like Ola Cabs and Piaggio have established all-women shop-floors in their Indian factories in the past year. Kinetic Green, Hero Electric, Ather Energy, and Esmito Solutions are among the leading EV companies planning to expand and focus on hiring more women. Women are leading companies like Kinetic Green, Mahindra Electric, and the federal power ministry's energy transition company. Women like Urdhwareshe, who was one of the few women in India's auto industry in the 1980s, believe that women have the right mindset to overcome challenges in a new business because they prioritize safety and value for money. However, there is still a lack of women in the industry, but those who are present are setting a positive example. Mahindra's e2oPlus, operated by Ola, is a prominent example of an electric vehicle in India. The photo shows a Mahindra e2oPlus electric vehicle operated by Ola at a charging station in Nagpur, India on Jan 24, 2018. Prabhjot Kaur, co-founder and CEO of Esmito, a startup that produces batteries and battery-swapping stations for electric vehicles, recalls facing biases in meetings where she was often the only woman. She would have to repeatedly explain her role, as others assumed she was a secretary before she took the lead in making presentations. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, has experienced similar situations. After completing her university education and returning from the United States in the mid-1990s, she joined her family's auto business, where she was initially met with skepticism by the staff. Despite their doubts, she persisted and proved herself. Along with other women in the EV corporate world, she has faced challenges such as a lack of female facilities and not being taken seriously by colleagues. On a more positive note, many women leaders and workers shared that their parents, particularly their fathers, were supportive and encouraged them to pursue their ambitions. Raised in Rajpura, a small town in Punjab, Kaur credits her determination to her experience as the only girl in a karate class of 50 during her teenage years. Kaur initially did not want to go, but her father convinced her to. Despite feeling angry at first, she channeled that anger into becoming the best student. This experience also taught her not to fear her surroundings, including large groups of men. As a child, Motwani spent time in her grandfather's office drawing on the walls. Even after obtaining a degree from Carnegie Mellon University, she still had to prove herself in the industry. Motwani believes she has rightfully earned her place in the industry. Motwani expressed gratitude for the platform she had by stating, "I never took this platform for granted. I was back at work four days after my baby was born," while sitting in her office. In the beginning of her career, she traveled to 200 districts to familiarize herself with the firm's dealership network. It is not only female CEOs contributing to India's EV surge, but also numerous women factory workers. Nasreen Banu, aged 25, became the first woman in her family to pursue higher education and secure employment. She works as a production supervisor on Ather's battery assembly line for scooters and is determined to challenge stereotypes about what girls are capable of. Despite the belief that girls cannot lift a 25 kg battery, she confidently does so and enjoys her job, knowing how everything operates in the factory. In New Delhi, Mahua Acharya leads Convergence Energy Services Limited, the energy transition company under the federal power ministry, with a focus on promoting e-mobility for all. With a degree in environmental management from Yale and experience in green finance, renewable energy, and carbon markets, Acharya sees leading CESL as a chance to increase the deployment of electric vehicles on Indian roads. She focuses on developing business models and innovative strategies to increase the number of EVs on the road. Government incentives and tax benefits have contributed to the growth of EV production and sales in India, with around a million EVs currently accounting for nearly 2% of all vehicles. CESL aims to boost these numbers by expanding charging stations, offering easy loans to buyers, and placing bulk orders for public transport vehicles in cities. However, Acharya's goal of scaling up faces challenges such as vehicle shortages, limited battery and semiconductor supplies, safety concerns, and a lack of charging stations powered by renewable energy sources. She, as a woman leading the government's efforts in e-mobility, has not personally encountered bias, even though she is often the only woman in meetings with 15 men. She believes that women bring attention to issues that men may overlook, such as the importance of locating EV charging stations in safe areas rather than solely based on electricity and land availability. Some in the industry appreciate the perspective and nuances that women bring, making discussions more flexible compared to the cut-throat nature of male-dominated conversations. At a meeting eight years ago with male representatives from major auto brands discussing the future of EVs in India, she recalls questioning why they were only focusing on cars and Tesla. She spoke up amidst the noise to highlight the fact that in India, 90% of people use two- and three-wheeled vehicles or buses, while only 10% drive cars. Her persistence led to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers creating a focus group on two and three-wheelers, which she was asked to lead. This opportunity has allowed her to have a positive impact on India's new electric vehicle policy, which focuses on environmentally friendly transportation for the masses. Despite safety concerns as demand for electric vehicles surpasses supply in India, there is a sense of excitement in the industry. CEOs of EV companies are optimistic, predicting that the "sunrise industry" will make up 30% of all vehicle sales before India's target year of 2030. People working in policy are talking about an unprecedented response from Indian states to promote the switch to electric vehicles, which is expected to reduce crude-oil import costs and help India reach its goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070, as declared at the COP26 summit in Glasgow last November. However, despite the enthusiastic new EV users sharing their experiences on social media, the industry is facing significant challenges such as e-scooters catching fire and a shortage of charging points, which is undermining consumer confidence. Dolly Maurya, a 26-year-old resident of Delhi, bought an electric rickshaw in April with the help of a state subsidy, but she is concerned about the limited number of charging stations in the city. She wonders what she will do if the battery runs out while she is out and how she will get the rickshaw home. Maurya asked about using the vehicle for part-time work transporting passengers in the capital while preparing for a government job entrance test. Other concerns are rising among electric vehicle users as sales increase. Kaur from Esmito is troubled by recent cases of e-scooters catching fire and believes it is sending the wrong message as the industry grows. She plans to expand her manufacturing, currently located in the basement car park of the IIT research park in Chennai. Kaur, who also founded the Centre for Battery Engineering and Electric Vehicles, which partners with auto companies to develop batteries as an alternative to fossil fuel engines, emphasized the need for more research and development to ensure battery safety. "She mentioned that most companies, more than 400 in total, import parts and then put them together. We have to adjust everything to suit our environment and our specific needs," Kinetic Green's Motwani explained. In order to establish a customer base from scratch five years ago, she collaborated with non-profit organizations and governments to subsidize electric three-wheeler rickshaws. This initiative provided a new source of income for women in conflict-affected Dantewada and bicycle rickshaw pullers in Uttar Pradesh. Motwani highlighted that they promoted electric vehicles as a way to earn money with minimal operating costs. She stated that individuals could operate e-rickshaws and earn 1,000 rupees ($13) per day, while the company handled servicing. Sitting beside a collection of numerous business leadership awards, Motwani shared her belief in the Hindi proverb: "jo dikhta hai woh bikta hai (what you see, sells)". Acharya, a member of the federal government, is advocating for state agencies that run public buses to hire more female drivers. She believes that driving a bus is a good job with good pay and set hours, providing women with the certainty of when they can return home. The Delhi government has recently eliminated height requirements for bus drivers and waived the heavy vehicle driving license fee of 15,000 rupees for women. Additionally, the city has introduced e-rickshaws, setting aside a third of the subsidized vehicles for women like Maurya. Delhi transport minister Kailash Gahlot stated that the initiative is focused on providing women with employment opportunities and promoting the use of electric vehicles to enhance safety for public transport users. The increasing sales of EVs in India are attributed to factors such as awareness about climate change, high fuel prices, and challenges in mobility due to the pandemic. A Mumbai resident, Rajni Arun Kumar, switched to using an orange e-scooter for her daily commute and taking her children to their activities, as she was concerned about crowded spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, she is currently hoping to have a charging point nearby because the closest one is 3 km (1.86 miles) away and difficult to reach due to traffic. She stressed the importance of people taking action to help protect the environment. Companies are aware that women like Kumar play a significant role in household purchases. According to Hero Electric's Gill, e-scooters are preferred by women over traditional scooters because they eliminate the need to visit fuel stations and are easier to handle. In addition to being price-conscious, Indian women consider practical features when making purchases, as stated by Prerana Chaturvedi, co-founder and CEO of Evolet India, an EV startup located near Delhi in Gurgaon. Chaturvedi, a former military aviator in the Indian Air Force, stated that the scooter of Ather has a lower seat height and clean edges to prevent scarves and saris from getting tangled. He believes that electric vehicles should be as easy to operate as cell phones. Ather's factory is located off the highway between Chennai and Bengaluru, passing through the industrial town of Hosur. The road to the factory winds through rose plantations, offering a stark contrast to Banu's village in Bhatkal, a coastal town in southern Karnataka. Banu appreciates the independence her job at Ather has provided her, even though she initially aspired to work in a bank or an air-conditioned office. Her late father encouraged her to join the auto industry, telling her she could do what boys could do. She spoke with tears in her eyes about her "hero" as she worked on batteries, the essential component of an electric scooter. Banu, who holds a diploma in electrical engineering and electronics, is just one of many who have completed courses at industrial training institutes across the country before entering the workforce to enhance their skills through hands-on experience. TeamLease Digital, a recruitment agency for EV firms, reported a 30% increase in hiring of both men and women over the past two years, with a projected 40% growth by the end of 2022. The government anticipates that the EV sector will generate 750,000 new jobs in the next five years. Munira Loliwala, business head at TeamLease Digital, estimated that over 200,000 job opportunities have arisen in the last six months alone, with a particular demand for women in the industry. "It's similar to the beginning of mobile phone manufacturing in India, where women were essential for handling small components delicately due to their slender and agile fingers," she explained. The production of chips for electric vehicles also requires precision in soldering, welding, and assembly, leading to a higher demand for women in both the shop-floor and design and production roles. Loliwala mentioned that women leaders are serving as a source of inspiration for many individuals to enter this field. While the increase in job opportunities for women is welcomed, labor and gender advocates emphasized the importance of EV companies implementing strong measures to protect labor rights and ensure equal pay. In industries like clothing, which predominantly employ women, female workers are often preferred due to the perception that they are easier and more cost-effective to hire. Preeti Oza, coordinator of the non-profit Centre for Labour Research and Action, explained that women are often paid less than men for the same job, which helps keep production costs low and causes fewer problems for bosses. She also noted that women typically rush home after work, are hesitant to demand better working conditions, and are less likely to unionize, making them preferred employees. However, Banu, who plans to continue working even after getting married, considers the compact Ather factory her home. She fondly remembers the day she impressed her father by confidently stating she could dismantle and reassemble a scooter parked near the bus station. She mentioned that he laughed loudly and expressed concern that the owner might be offended. She also noted that he was very proud of her. | 2 |
In the fall, wine producers from Beaujolais release the first bottles of the year's harvest on the third Thursday of November in the annual "Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé" campaign that began in the 1960s. Le Mesturet owner Alain Fontaine described the day as a rebirth, offering free glasses of Beaujolais outside his Paris restaurant. Despite its reputation for being inexpensive, Parisians enjoyed the light red wine, which is only a few weeks or months old. A French national library employee named Felix described it as a pleasant and affordable wine, although not a top-tier grand cru. Wine producers in France are feeling less optimistic due to the country experiencing its lowest wine production on record, a result of vineyards being affected by spring frost, hail, and disease. The farm ministry has predicted that total production will be 25% below the average of the past five years, with the Burgundy-Beaujolais region being one of the hardest hit, with output expected to decrease by nearly half. Beaujolais Nouveau winemaker Julien Revillon in Villie-Morgon, north of Lyon, expressed that this year's weather conditions have been challenging, requiring more manual labor than usual, only for them to lose around 30% of the harvest. Despite the disappointing output, Revillon noted that people are still very attached to the Beaujolais tradition, viewing it as an opportunity to gather with friends and colleagues after months of isolation. During challenging times, individuals cling to customs. Even in times of conflict, individuals still desire to observe Christmas, and even during a health crisis, they still want to celebrate the release of Beaujolais Nouveau," he stated. Ninety-year-old Parisian Marie-Francoise, who initially thought the new Beaujolais was too sharp, altered her opinion after trying it again. "It's a fine wine, a truly fine wine. There is no Beaujolais better than this!" she mentioned. | 2 |
Hamila, a 40-year-old entrepreneur and owner of a Moroccan packaged food business in London, fondly recalls the excitement surrounding the holiday. She and her father used to bring an entire sheep back to the apartment, where the women would gather to clean the innards and trotters in the bathtub. "We even had a specific order for consuming the meat," she explained. The organs were eaten on the first day of Eid al-Adha, followed by the head and trotters on the second day. Only on the third day, after the fresh meat had rested, would they prepare kebabs, tagines, or grills. Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic holidays and coincides with the Hajj pilgrimage. It honors the prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail as requested by Allah. According to the Quran, God provided a ram for Ibrahim to sacrifice instead. Traditionally, people in the Islamic world have sacrificed a lamb, goat, cow, or camel at home and divided it among the needy, friends, relatives, and immediate family. However, home butchering of animals is now prohibited in many countries, including parts of the Arab world where a significant Muslim population resides. Meat remains a significant aspect of Eid al-Adha, also known as Eid al-Lahm or Festival of Meat, for many Arabs. However, as traditional celebrations begin to fade, particularly for Arab Muslims living outside their homeland, individuals are discovering new ways to honor a holiday that is known for its food. Areej Bazzari, a digital marketing director at Salesforce in San Francisco, reminisces about her childhood in Saudi Arabia and Jordan, where breakfast was the highlight of Eid al-Adha. Her family's holiday spread included a variety of offal dishes, such as braised with garlic, fried with onion and spices, or mixed with eggs. Bazzari fondly recalls the teamwork involved in preparing these meals. Bazzari recalls how her Palestinian family used to argue over who got to sit in front of which plate of organ meat during Eid celebrations in Saudi Arabia. Since moving to Sonoma County in 2000, they rarely have access to fresh organ meat, but her father will occasionally track some down to include in the meal. While the tradition continues, it is not as abundant as it once was. Bazzari appreciates how her Eid al-Adha celebrations have changed over the years, drawing on childhood memories and new cultural traditions learned from friends in the US. Eid al-Adha celebrations for her now typically involve a large gathering of extended family and friends, complete with Eid decorations and a variety of dishes, including nontraditional ones like fattehs, shushbarak, and manaqeesh. Dessert is always a special highlight, with flavors from her home country being a must-have. Her parents travel to Saudi Arabia or Jordan each year to bring back special desserts for Eid, such as ka’ak and ma’amoul, which are essential holiday cookies in the Arab world. This year, her dessert spread will include cookies filled with dates or nuts. However, the main highlight of her holiday meal will be mechoui, a slow-cooked leg of lamb that holds great significance in her feast, both for its symbolism and its taste. Alongside this dish, she plans to serve salads and vegetables to keep the meal light, considering it is summer. This year, Eid al-Adha is expected to fall on July 20, but the exact date is determined by the sighting of the new moon according to the Hijri lunar calendar, causing the holiday to shift through the seasons over time. In the past, Eid al-Adha was celebrated during cooler weather. In the last five years, the holiday has occurred during the summer, which has affected the food selections. Hamila values the changes from the usual customs. She believes that traditions must evolve and adapt. She emphasizes the importance of participating in the celebrations and connecting with the essence of the event. Sumaya Obaid, a chef and television personality in the UAE, remembers that during her childhood, neighbors of different backgrounds would come together to sacrifice sheep for Eid al-Adha, then clean and share the meat. "Now that laws have changed and people no longer slaughter animals at home, the sense of community through collaboration, sharing, butchering, and cleaning together has disappeared," she explained. Despite this, other aspects of Eid celebration, such as the traditional dish Machboos el-Eid, remain unchanged in the Emirates. The saffron-infused spice blend used for the roasted lamb dish varies among families, and women take pleasure in selecting fresh spices from the market to prepare at home before the celebration. Obaid expressed pride in her own unique spice blend, describing it as truly special." "I will only give this to my daughter because it is a family secret. The heart of Eid al-Adha meals is meat, but the spirit is generosity," explained Obaid. He then expressed his hope that one day they could share their family's machboos meal. The recipe for Ka'ak el Eid includes ingredients such as semolina flour, all-purpose flour, butter, nigella seeds, aniseed, fennel seeds, baking powder, yeast, sugar, salt, warm water, date paste, and cinnamon. The dough is prepared by combining the dry ingredients with butter and oil until it resembles wet sand. Cover and let sit at room temperature overnight (or for a few hours) to allow the semolina to absorb the butter and oil. The next day (or later), add nigella seeds, aniseed, fennel, baking powder, yeast, sugar, and salt to the semolina mixture. Gently combine with your hands, then add 1/2 cup warm water and knead gently for up to 2 minutes. The mixture may still be crumbly at this stage. Gradually add the remaining 1/2 cup water to the mixture in 1-tablespoon increments, kneading for about 1 minute after each addition. Be careful not to over-knead. The goal is for the dough to hold together when you take a clump in your fingers. You may not need all the water, or you may need more depending on factors like climate or flour. The desired outcome is for the dough to easily come together without falling apart when rolled into a log. Cover and allow to sit while you make the filling. To prepare the filling, line a medium baking sheet with either plastic wrap or parchment paper, then grease it with oil. Place some oil in a small bowl to use for greasing your hands as needed. In a bowl, combine the date paste and cinnamon, then knead slightly with greased hands until well mixed. Grease your hands and divide the filling into approximately 35 portions, each the size of a golf ball. Roll each portion into a thin string about 4 to 5 inches long on a flat surface. Place the strings on a greased baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap until ready to use. The filling can sit at room temperature for a couple of days without any problem. Step 6: To make the cookies, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and prepare a couple of baking sheets with parchment paper. Take a piece of dough the size of a golf ball, keeping the remaining dough covered to prevent it from drying out, and roll it into a sausage shape about 4 inches long using your palms or a flat surface. Use your fingers to gently flatten the dough, then place a date string on top, trimming it as needed to fit the dough. Any excess dough can be used to lengthen shorter pieces or combined to create additional filling strings. To form the date-filled dough into a ring shape, roll it into a long, thin sausage shape about 8 to 9 inches in length. Overlap one end slightly over the other end to create a ring. Use a thin object like a chopstick to press down through the overlapped ends to secure them together and prevent them from separating while baking. Place the dough and filling on the baking sheet and continue until all dough and filling are used. Bake cookies until they are a light golden brown, which should take about 15 to 18 minutes. Let them cool for at least 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Once fully cooled, store in an airtight container. Cookies can be stored for 2 to 3 weeks in an airtight container at room temperature, or up to 3 months in the freezer. To make date paste, you can either purchase it at a Middle Eastern grocery store or make it yourself by kneading soft Medjool dates with olive oil by hand. Avoid using a food processor as it will make the dates sticky and hard to remove. This recipe for Sajiyeh serves 2 to 4 and takes a total of 40 minutes to prepare. Ingredients include olive oil, beef, Lebanese seven-spice blend, salt, onion, red bell pepper, jalapeños or green bell pepper, and bread or tortillas for serving. Heat olive oil in a cast-iron pan over medium heat until it is shimmering and hot, but not smoking. Add the strips of meat, spice blend, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until all the released water evaporates and the meat begins to brown all over, approximately 10 minutes. Once the meat is browned, add 1/2 cup of water, cover the pan, and cook until the water evaporates again and oil becomes visible, about 5 to 7 minutes. Repeat these steps: Include an additional 1/2 cup of water, cover the mixture, and continue cooking until the water has evaporated and oil is released. Next, add the onion, pepper, jalapeños, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook without a lid, stirring regularly, until the onions are browned and the meat is beginning to soften, which should take about 4 minutes. Add an additional 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking uncovered, stirring occasionally, until some of the water has evaporated and a thick sauce coats the meat and vegetables, which should take about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and serve right away with bread to soak up the meat and gravy. You can substitute the seven-spice blend with a mixture of ground allspice, ground cinnamon, ground black pepper, ground cumin, and some nutmeg. | 2 |
Lawyers specializing in civil rights stated on Monday that federal prosecutors are unlikely to pursue charges against Zimmerman, a white and Hispanic man, for shooting an unarmed black teenager, Martin, unless they can provide new evidence indicating racial motivation. A jury in Sanford, Florida recently found Zimmerman not guilty of second-degree murder and manslaughter in the 2012 shooting. Defense lawyers argued that Zimmerman acted in self-defense when he shot Martin. Both state and federal courts require a finding of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt by a unanimous jury or judge for a criminal conviction. The Seminole County jury's decision to acquit Zimmerman of second-degree murder suggests they did not believe he acted with ill will, spite, or hatred. Attorney General Eric Holder stated that the Justice Department has not yet decided whether to pursue federal civil rights charges against Zimmerman. Similar to cases like the Rodney King beating in 1991 and the fatal shooting of Sean Bell in 2006, the Martin case highlights the federal government's role in enforcing civil rights. Preachers, including Al Sharpton, are planning a news conference at the Justice Department headquarters in Washington on Tuesday to push for Zimmerman's prosecution, believing he racially profiled Martin and pursued him with a 9mm pistol. The hate crimes law passed in 2009 would likely be used by federal prosecutors in this case. It is necessary for prosecutors to provide evidence that someone caused physical harm to another person due to their race, whether perceived or actual. This requirement, while clear, can be difficult to meet. According to William Yeomans, a former Justice Department civil rights lawyer, the challenging part is proving the perpetrator's state of mind and demonstrating racial motivation in their actions. Samuel Bagenstos, who worked in the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division under President Barack Obama, stated that the government typically relies on evidence such as racial slurs or a pattern of targeting a specific race when prosecuting these cases. Bagenstos mentioned that in many cases, the defendant makes explicit references to the victim's race during the attack, which sets a higher standard of evidence compared to what has been presented against Zimmerman so far. Before encountering Martin, Zimmerman mentioned to a police dispatcher that Martin "looks black" only after being asked about Martin's race. A juror from Zimmerman's state trial stated to CNN that she believed Zimmerman did not racially profile Martin. The juror, who was granted anonymity by the news network, said that race was not a factor in their decision. Unlike the case of King's beating by Los Angeles police officers, there is no video of the encounter between Zimmerman and Martin. The Justice Department used video evidence in the federal trial of the officers involved in King's case after they were acquitted of state charges. Prosecutors carefully examined the baton strikes on King, focusing on those that occurred after he had already been subdued in the video. The second jury was able to convict two of the officers, which helped to ease the tense racial tensions in the US that had led to riots. Wayne Budd, who oversaw the prosecution of the officers, expressed doubt about proving racial animus in Zimmerman's case based on the current evidence. Terree Bowers, the US attorney during the second trial of the police officers in 1993, mentioned that prosecutors were able to improve their case the second time around. He expressed uncertainty about the Justice Department's ability to take action against Zimmerman, mentioning the difficulty in proving racial motivation. Holder, the top US law enforcement official appointed by Obama, noted the high standard required to bring federal charges in the case of Martin's death. The Justice Department statement on Sunday also acknowledged the challenges prosecutors face due to the "limited" civil rights laws. A benefit for prosecutors is the amendment of the hate-crimes law in 2009 which removed the need to prove a link between the crime and a federally protected activity. A spokesperson for the Justice Department did not confirm if prosecutors had called a federal grand jury to review evidence against Zimmerman, which would suggest heightened prosecution efforts. | 2 |
- Following the departure of a U.N. envoy who visited Myanmar to address the violent suppression of protests, the junta in Myanmar continued to arrest more individuals on Wednesday. Witnesses reported that several truckloads of prisoners were removed from downtown Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar, where protests led by monks against military rule and economic struggles had taken place. In one particular house near the Shwedagon Pagoda, a 13-year-old girl was the only one left after her parents were taken by authorities. She mentioned that they were instructed not to flee, as there was a possibility of the authorities returning. This incident occurred after people from various shophouses were forced onto the street and many were taken away in the middle of the night. The crackdown persisted despite some optimism about progress made by U.N. special envoy Ibrahim Gambari in persuading junta chief Than Shwe to ease his strict control and engage in dialogue with detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Singapore, as the chair of ASEAN, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation shown by the Myanmar government towards Gambari. Gambari, currently in Singapore on his way back to New York, is expected to return to Myanmar in early November, according to U.N. sources. However, it remains uncertain how his efforts and international pressure will impact the policies of a junta that typically ignores external pressure and rarely welcomes U.N. officials. "I am not anticipating significant results from this situation." Georgetown University expert on Myanmar, David Steinberg, believes that the top leadership in the country is too set in their ways to be open to change. He mentioned that the junta's claim of being on the path to democracy may not be genuine, as evidenced by their "seven-step road to democracy". The completion of the first step in September through the national convention has raised concerns that the new constitution will further entrench military rule and exclude opposition leader Suu Kyi. The recent protests, sparked by fuel price hikes and escalated by violent crackdowns on monks, pose a significant challenge to the junta's authority. The military government claims that they used minimal force to counter the monk-led protests, which spanned five city blocks. They stated that the situation in Yangon and other cities had returned to normal, despite reports of higher casualties and atrocities being labeled as lies. Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer and other Western governments believe that the actual death toll is much higher than the official count of 10. Downer expressed that the number of 30, which has been used officially, is likely an underestimate. Despite this, the junta believes that they have successfully suppressed the uprising and have removed barricades around the Shwedagon and Sule pagodas, the main protest sites. They have also relaxed the overnight curfew by two hours. Additionally, 80 monks and 149 women suspected to be nuns who were detained in widespread raids have been released. Five local journalists, including one from Japan's Tokyo Shimbun newspaper, were released. Despite this, witnesses reported a continued heavy presence of armed forces in Yangon and Mandalay. The military junta is reportedly sending groups to search homes for hiding monks, causing fear among the population. International outrage over the violent crackdown on peaceful protests also continues, with the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva, including China, condemning the junta's actions and calling for the U.N. human rights envoy to Myanmar to be allowed access to the country for the first time in four years. He mentioned that thousands of individuals had been arrested. Pinheiro stated that it was crucial to uncover the truth about the events. The council passed a resolution condemning acts of violence and detentions. Myanmar accused powerful nations of using the hearing for political gain. | 2 |
The second most impacted country in the world by the pandemic recently decided to allow international passenger flights from high-risk countries, but has also implemented stricter border screening measures. Following the World Health Organization's declaration that the new variant is concerning, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of monitoring all international arrivals and testing them according to guidelines, particularly those from high-risk countries. The Omicron variant, first identified in South Africa, is believed to spread more rapidly than other strains. India has seen a decrease in new cases due to increased vaccinations and immunity from past infections, with daily cases dropping by half since September. It was stated that there were 8,318 new cases reported in the past day. However, the emergence of a new variant, which has a spike protein that is significantly different from the original coronavirus strain that vaccines are designed for, has caused concern worldwide and led to turmoil in financial markets. Modi emphasized the importance of people being more careful and taking necessary precautions like wearing masks and practicing social distancing. He stressed the need to be proactive in response to the new variant and instructed for intensive containment and active surveillance to be maintained in areas with high case numbers. Additionally, he called for technical support to be provided to states experiencing a surge in cases. Modi instructed officials to increase the speed of administering second doses, as reported. | 2 |
However, the new initiative, prompted by Germany's recent revelation of Chancellor Angela Merkel's phone being monitored, may struggle to be more than just a marketing tactic. It may not be effective for Germans accessing foreign-hosted websites like Facebook or Google, as noted by telecom and internet experts. Additionally, Deutsche Telekom could face challenges in convincing rival broadband groups to participate due to concerns about sharing network information. Moreover, the initiative goes against the current structure of the Internet, where global traffic flows freely without regard for national boundaries. Security researcher Dan Kaminsky warns that if more countries isolate themselves online, it could lead to a problematic fragmentation of the Internet, jeopardizing its openness and efficiency that have fueled economic growth. Controls on internet traffic are more frequently observed in countries like China and Iran, where governments aim to restrict the content accessible to their citizens by creating firewalls and blocking popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. Torsten Gerpott, a professor at the University of Duisburg-Essen specializing in business and telecommunications, noted that it is unprecedented on an international scale for the internet traffic of a developed nation to avoid passing through the servers of another country. He also mentioned that while Deutsche Telekom's efforts are commendable, they are partly driven by public relations motives. The company, which is partially owned by the government, has received support from the telecoms regulator for its initiative, which could offer customers more choices. Additionally, in August, Deutsche Telekom introduced a service called "E-mail made in Germany" that encrypts emails and directs traffic solely through its domestic servers. Government surveillance is a sensitive issue in Germany due to strict privacy laws and memories of eavesdropping by the Stasi secret police. Chancellor Merkel has called for a "no-spying" agreement with the US, but experts believe that practical changes may be limited. Telecom and Internet experts have noted that most of Germany's internet traffic already stays within the country's borders, and have raised concerns about Deutsche Telekom's payment preferences conflicting with the goal of keeping traffic within Germany. German traffic passing through London or Amsterdam may be cheaper or even free, but it also poses a risk of being intercepted by foreign spies, according to Thomas Kremer, the executive overseeing data privacy and legal matters for a German operator. To ensure national routing, the group must establish connection agreements with three additional operators. Kremer suggested that if this cannot be achieved, a legislative solution may be necessary to prevent traffic from being routed through other countries when both sender and receiver are in the Schengen area or Germany. Telefonica Germany is currently in preliminary talks with other groups about implementing national routing. A representative from Vodafone stated that they were currently considering the possibility of implementing the proposal suggested by Deutsche Telekom. Despite Deutsche Telekom's claim to be a reliable protector of user data, their history with privacy is questionable. In a scandal in 2008 known as Telekomgate, Klaus Trzeschan, a security manager at the company, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for his involvement in monitoring phone conversations of the company's executives, board members, and journalists. A spokesperson for Deutsche Telekom cited this incident as the catalyst for the group's increased focus on privacy and security measures in recent years, claiming that they are now the most trusted company in the industry by customers. Data centers are crucial for online services, as they house the routers and switches that direct data traffic. While companies can program these devices to control the routes data takes, the most popular online services do not prioritize location when choosing where to build their data centers. Instead, factors such as cheap power, cool climates, and high-speed broadband networks drive these decisions. For example, a Munich resident chatting with a friend in Berlin on Facebook may have their data travel through one of the company's large data centers located thousands of kilometers away in Oregon, North Carolina, or Luleå, Sweden. European users' profiles may not be stored in the Swedish center, as different functions like games, messaging, and wall posts are distributed among data centers for efficiency. Similarly, emails between two German residents using Google's Gmail may be routed through data centers in Finland, Belgium, or Ireland. The only way to change this situation would be for Germany to mandate that websites be hosted locally, a drastic measure that has not yet been supported by German leaders. Deutsche Telekom did not confirm if they would advocate for this approach. In response to reports of U.S. spying, Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff is proposing legislation that would require internet companies to store data within the country. Another option would be for European leaders to strengthen a data-privacy law that has been in progress for nearly two years. The European Parliament endorsed a stricter version of the law on Monday, but it still needs approval from member states. France and Germany could potentially persuade member states to accelerate discussions in order to finalize the new data regulations by 2015. Kremer from Deutsche Telekom suggested that the new law could be beneficial by ensuring that customers are able to freely access any web services they choose while also prioritizing their safety. | 2 |
According to a recent opinion poll conducted by Nielsen/Oxford University, global concern about climate change has decreased over the past two years. The survey, which included over 27,000 Internet users in 54 countries, revealed that 37 percent of respondents were "very concerned" about climate change, down from 41 percent in a similar poll two years ago. The decline in concern was attributed to the world economic slowdown. In the United States, the number of individuals who were very concerned about climate change dropped from 34 percent to 25 percent. President Barack Obama aims to reduce US greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels, and is set to participate in the Copenhagen meeting with over 100 world leaders in an attempt to secure a new UN agreement. China, the largest emitter of greenhouse gases, saw an increase in the number of people expressing serious concern, with 36 percent compared to the previous 30 percent. The survey revealed that Latin America and Asian-Pacific countries had the highest levels of concern, with the Philippines at the top with 78 percent, following the devastation caused by Typhoon Ketsana in September. The poll did not include most African countries. Conversely, those least worried about global warming, attributed to human emissions of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels, were primarily in eastern Europe. In Estonia, only 10 percent of people expressed a high level of concern about environmental issues, according to Jonathan Banks, Business Insights Director Europe of the Nielsen Co. However, with the upcoming Copenhagen summit, worries about climate change may be increasing. Despite economic concerns temporarily overshadowing environmental issues, the survey found that air and water pollution, followed by climate change, were the top three environmental concerns globally. | 2 |
The United Kingdom expressed strong disapproval of the increasing violence against opposition followers in Zimbabwe following recent elections and urged for a United Nations delegation to investigate human rights violations. Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is pushing for an arms embargo against President Robert Mugabe's ruling ZANU-PF party, stated that Britain will increase diplomatic efforts leading up to a UN Security Council meeting on the issue. Brown emphasized the importance of taking action in the upcoming days and pushing for a UN mission to look into the violence and human rights violations. The opposition Movement for Democratic Change claims to have won the parliamentary and presidential elections in Zimbabwe, prompting concerns about the climate of fear in the country. Despite a partial recount confirming the opposition's victory in parliament, the official results of the presidential vote have not been released. Calls for a re-run have been made by Mugabe, with the international community urging for international monitors to be deployed and for democratic principles to be upheld. The UN Secretary General, African leaders, Europe, the US, and others have expressed support for a return to democracy in Zimbabwe. "We, along with others, are prepared to aid in the reconstruction of Zimbabwe once democracy is restored. I promise that Britain will take a leading role in this undertaking." | 2 |
With the rise of young Prince Mohammad bin Salman to power, the kingdom has witnessed an expansion of women's rights, such as allowing women to attend mixed public sporting events and granting them the right to drive cars starting this summer. These changes have been seen as evidence of a new progressive movement towards modernization in the traditionally conservative Muslim nation, although critics still point out the ongoing restrictions on women. Prince Mohammed explained in an interview with CBS television that the laws of sharia (Islamic law) require women to dress modestly and respectfully, similar to men. However, he noted that this does not specifically mandate wearing a black abaya or head cover. Women have the freedom to choose what type of decent and respectful attire they want to wear, according to a recent event in Saudi Arabia on International Women's Day. A senior cleric stated that women should dress modestly but clarified that this did not necessarily mean wearing the traditional abaya. It is uncertain whether these statements indicate a shift in the enforcement of women's dress code in Saudi Arabia, where there is no written legal code to accompany sharia texts. For a long time, police and the judiciary have enforced a strict dress code that includes Saudi women wearing abayas and often covering their hair and faces. The kingdom has experienced a cautious increase in social freedoms with the rise of the 32-year-old crown prince, Mohammad bin Salman, to power after many years of elderly rulers. As a result, Saudi women have begun wearing more colorful abayas, such as light blues and pinks, instead of the traditional black. Open abayas over long skirts or jeans are also becoming more prevalent in certain areas of the country. On March 8 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a group of women celebrated International Women's Day by going for a jog, ignoring the curious stares of onlookers. Despite this progress, activists criticize Saudi Arabia's guardianship system which still requires women to obtain permission from a male family member for activities such as studying abroad and traveling. Recently, a UN rights watchdog urged Saudi Arabia to eliminate discriminatory practices against women, including the requirement of male guardianship, and ensure they have equal access to justice. | 2 |
The Puja commenced on Tuesday at the renowned Durgabari temple, situated in front of the 113-year-old Ujjayanta Palace, the largest in eastern India. A portion of the palace remains the residence of the former princely rulers, while the rest has been transformed into the largest museum in northeast India, preserving the region's history, life, and culture. Tripura is unique in that the state government, regardless of political affiliation, actively supports this Hindu religious festival, a tradition that has continued since Tripura's integration into the Indian union and even during Communist rule in the state. Following 517 years of rule by 184 kings, the princely state came under Indian government control on Oct 15, 1949, through a merger agreement. This agreement required the Tripura government to continue funding temples previously run by the Hindu princely rulers, a responsibility now managed by a specific division under district magistrates in four of Tripura's eight districts. Before the five-day worship of Durga and her four children begins, a procession led by the head priest, accompanied by Tripura Police, seeks permission from the former royal family at the palace. Nagendra Debbarma, a senior official, noted that some ancient traditions are no longer observed. Debbarma informed IANS that during the five-day festival at Durgabari, a young buffalo, several goats, and pigeons are sacrificed in front of thousands of devotees, all funded by the government. Maneka Gandhi, chairperson of People For Animals (PFA) and current union minister of women and child development, wrote to district magistrates requesting them to stop the "cruel killing of animals in temples" during religious celebrations. The district magistrate of West Tripura used to provide written updates to the former royal family on the preparations at Durgabari and submit a final report after the festival, but this practice has been discontinued. Chief priest Dulal Bhattacharjee mentioned that the true grandeur of the festival is seen on the final day of Dashami, when the idols of Durgabari are immersed at Dashamighat with full state honors and the police band playing the national song. Historian Roy, who has authored numerous books on the history of the royal era, highlighted the unique aspects of the over 200-year-old Durga Puja, such as the inclusion of meat, fish, eggs, and fruits in the prasad. While the Durgabari temple's celebration of Durga Puja remains a major attraction, community pujas organized by clubs and families also garner significant attention. Traditional themes, current issues, and historical events are featured in the pandals, with decorations depicting Indian temples, historical events, India's mission to Mars, and climate change. Various aspects of Hindu Bengali and tribal culture, as well as iconic landmarks such as Tripura's royal palace and Kolkata's Birla Planetarium, are also showcased in the puja marquees. The Tripura Police reported that a total of 2,335 community and family pujas have been organized in Tripura, with 1,023 in urban areas and 1,312 in rural areas, including approximately 550 pujas in and around Agartala. | 2 |
Paris is currently experiencing a significant change as all restaurants have been closed, the nightlife has been stifled by an early curfew, and the beloved tradition of the aperitif has been eliminated. The once vibrant cafe culture has been replaced with a sense of melancholy. The City of Light has been overcome by despair, with people now resorting to eating sandwiches on city benches in the rain. Traditional taboos are being broken, much to the dismay of the city's residents. They now opt for takeout in the form of "click-and-collect" instead of dining out, which they see as a negative American influence. They sadly observe the outdated menus of closed restaurants still advertising traditional French dishes. The city is now devoid of its usual attractions like museums, tourist boats on the Seine, sidewalk cafes, movie theaters, and the lively atmosphere of wandering through the streets. In their absence, a sense of melancholy has descended upon the city like a fog. In 1983, Saul Bellow wrote that the gloom in Paris is more than just due to the climate - it is a spiritual force that affects not only physical structures but also one's character, opinions, and judgment. Despite this, Bellow could still find solace in a glass of wine and some charcuterie when the "Parisian grisaille" brought him down. However, in the current damp Parisian winter, with COVID-19 taking its toll and the city's empty streets resembling a scene from TS Eliot's poetry, sunlight is a rare occurrence that leaves one questioning its reality. New York does not experience drizzle or long periods of cloudy skies like Paris does. The adjustment has been difficult, especially for a Paris that feels empty. Alain Ducasse, a famous chef, described the current atmosphere in Paris as one of extreme sadness and a sense of imprisonment. The French are struggling to adapt to a life without social interactions such as enjoying a drink at a cafe or exchanging kisses on the cheeks as a form of greeting or farewell. With over 74,000 fatalities in France due to the pandemic, the restrictions put in place are widely accepted. Nearly every major city globally has experienced significant losses in lives, jobs, and lifestyles. Paris is not the only city facing hardships. Each city is adapting in its own unique manner. In New York, the most noticeable absence is the vibrant energy that typically characterizes the city. In Paris, what is missing is the sensual charm and conviviality that captures people's imaginations. The pleasures that the French have perfected over centuries have disappeared, leaving life feeling dull and monotonous. There seems to be nowhere else to turn to for excitement, as one friend lamented, "We only have Paris." He purchased a dog so he can take it for a walk after the curfew, as permitted. Frédéric Hocquard, who oversees tourism and nightlife for the mayor's office, mentioned that the number of tourists in Paris decreased by approximately 85% last year. The visits to the Louvre and Versailles, which are currently closed, also saw a decline of about 90%. Hocquard described the situation as "catastrophic." Hotel occupancy is currently at approximately 6%, but there is a positive note in the increased number of Parisians visiting the Eiffel Tower last year, which doubled. Hocquard noted that one defining trait of a true Parisian is that they have never been up the Eiffel Tower, but this trend is starting to change with the removal of other options. There are other benefits to be found in this difficult situation for Parisians. Traffic continues to flow as markets remain bustling with vendors shucking oysters, butchers meticulously trussing quail, Camembert cheeses sparking discussions on ripeness, and rum baba cakes being injected with rum using small syringes. The city's islands still face towards the low bridges with subtle fulcrums, while 19th-century lampposts along the deserted Rue de Rivoli create a dreamlike atmosphere reminiscent of a film noir. (Those with press passes are allowed out after curfew). When Paris is peaceful, it is also lost in thought. Ducasse mentioned a period of one hundred days before the city would come back to life. When asked about his travels, he mentioned a trip to Bologna in Italy to find a skilled gelato maker. After launching a profitable chocolate business a couple of years back, Hocquard's next project will involve ice cream. He is also considering organizing concerts and other outdoor events in parks, along the Seine river, and possibly at neglected airports in April and May. Despite his positive outlook, he still needs to address current challenges. On a recent snowy Sunday, I visited the Tuileries seeking some entertainment. I have always appreciated the structured layout of this garden, with its gravel pathways, trimmed trees, and geometric designs. The only working attraction was a carousel, where colorful horses, an ostrich, a car, a plane, a ship, and Cinderella carriages spun around. My companion and I opted for the horses, while North African music played in the background. A few children were also enjoying the ride. The carousel, a small wonder, took me on a trip down memory lane to my sporadic years in Paris dating back to the mid-1970s. Paris will return again, perhaps not this spring, but at some point. I observed a crow grabbing a discarded French fry in its beak and flying off to sit on a bench. I stared at a wall adorned with plaques honoring French soldiers who died during the liberation of Paris in 1944. The youngest soldier, Jean-Claude Touche, was only 18 years old. The pandemic has brought about conditions similar to those of war during a time of peace. Like all crises, it will eventually come to an end. Humphrey Bogart's iconic line from "Casablanca" - "We'll always have Paris" - was a message to Ingrid Bergman to move on, be with her husband, and find solace in memories of their love in the city. It was an invitation to imagine a better future. Now, more than ever, we must envision a revitalized Paris. Copyright 2021 The New York Times Company. | 2 |
If individuals demonstrate that they are in danger and meet the requirements set by the host country, that country must accept them. This principle, established after World War II, aimed to rebuild societies for the greater good, but has not always been upheld. Recently, Western powers have been weakening this obligation, which they once viewed as essential for global stability. This trend reached a new low when Britain announced a plan to send thousands of asylum seekers to Rwanda instead of considering their claims. Britain did not come up with the idea of placing refugees and asylum-seekers in distant facilities. European governments have been paying foreign leaders in countries such as Sudan and Libya to detain migrants on their behalf for many years. Australia also delegates this task to various island nations that are sometimes referred to as its gulag archipelago. The United States was actually the first to implement this practice in 1991, when it redirected boats carrying Haitians to Guantánamo Bay, Cuba. The increase in right-wing populist movements, the backlash in Europe against a surge of migration in 2015, and the coronavirus pandemic have all sped up this practice, as well as others like building walls, employing armed patrols, and implementing policies of deterrence that intentionally heighten the risks of the journey for migrants. The global refugee system is not completely dead, as shown by European governments welcoming millions of displaced Ukrainians. However, Britain's recent policies suggest that the once universally upheld obligation to take in refugees is now being treated as optional. This shift, already starting to have consequences, is likely to accelerate in the upcoming months as more refugees are expected to arrive during the summer, potentially leading to further backlash from countries like Britain. The world's support for refugees and asylum-seekers has historically been more conditional and self-serving than initially portrayed. After World War II, Western leaders promised to resettle Europe's refugees in safe locations, but also forcibly returned 2.3 million Soviet citizens to the Soviet Union, where many were executed or sent to labor camps. Despite this, during the Cold War, Western governments emphasized their commitment to refugee rights in order to portray their bloc as superior to communist regimes. However, Western compliance with these ideals was inconsistent, often favoring refugees from communist countries or those who provided political benefits. However, the significant change occurred with the end of the Cold War in 1991, as Western countries no longer had the same political motivation. The number of global refugees dramatically increased in the early 1990s to 18 million, almost nine times more than when refugee rules were first established in a 1951 convention. The US policy of redirecting Haitian refugees started in 1991, exploiting a loophole to avoid hearing their claims by ensuring they did not reach US shores. This tactic allowed the United States to technically comply with its laws, which aligned with international obligations. A few years later, there was another increase in the number of refugees globally, reaching 20 million in 2017. This number has slightly increased since then, but it is still lower, in terms of the global population, compared to the peak in 1992. The current refugee crisis is likely not as severe as the one after World War II, where tens of millions were displaced across Europe and Asia. However, in the 2010s, as refugee numbers rose mainly from poorer countries, the response from world powers was different. The United States implemented similar policies towards Central American and Haitian refugees, making deals with governments, especially in Mexico, to prevent refugees and migrants from reaching the border. Europe and Australia also followed similar strategies. The outcome is a series of detention centers arranged in concentric circles, some known for their harsh treatment, located just outside the wealthiest countries in the world. Most of these centers are strategically placed along the paths of refugees or near the borders they were trying to reach, giving governments a facade of compliance. Britain's recent proposal to transport individuals to distant continents takes this concept further, highlighting the true workings of the system. Some suggest that establishing new international agreements or abolishing old ones could better distribute global responsibility, especially as the distinction between economic migrants and political refugees becomes blurred due to an increase in climate refugees. However, world leaders have shown little interest in these suggestions. The issue is that governments are hesitant to accept refugees, and simply replacing one agreement with another would not solve the problem. Europe's apparent double standard, where they welcome Ukrainians but make it difficult for migrants from the Middle East to enter, reveals the unwritten rules of the new refugee system. Governments are increasingly applying refugee rights selectively based on which groups are more likely to gain domestic political approval. This selective application of refugee rights can be seen in various government actions, such as Britain expelling asylum-seekers while expressing regret for not admitting more Ukrainians. Despite criticism of President Donald Trump for his comments about welcoming Norwegians and blocking undesirable populations, this sentiment is becoming more common. The Biden administration recently granted protected status to 40,000 Cameroonian citizens in the United States, allowing them to stay in the country due to the civil war in Cameroon. This decision follows a similar move last month to protect 30,000 Ukrainians. However, there is a debate within the administration about whether to keep a Trump-era rule that allows the country to reject most refugees on public health grounds. Despite plans to lift the rule on May 23, there are disagreements within the administration about its future. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shift in attitudes towards border policies, with some previously extreme measures now being considered more acceptable. Due to this, restrictions that were once considered extreme now seem more acceptable, making it easier for governments to enforce them. Governments have realized that as long as they are not held accountable for violating international norms, only their own citizens can stop them. In many cases, it is the citizens themselves who are calling for these policies. Over the past decade, right-wing populist parties have gained support by opposing immigration and criticizing refugee policies as a threat to national identities. While some mainstream parties have resisted this trend — such as Germany accepting 1 million refugees despite a rise in far-right sentiment — others have decided that limiting nonwhite immigration is necessary to protect their parties and possibly their democracies. The global refugee compact was not meant to be determined by domestic politics, but that seems to be the case for families seeking refuge. The British public's reaction to Boris Johnson's proposal may reveal a lot about how far they are willing to go in defying the compact. David Normington, a former civil servant, criticized the plan as inhumane, morally wrong, potentially illegal, and possibly unfeasible. Ultimately, the success of the plan may hinge on the tolerance of the British public rather than laws or ethics. Text = Copyright 2022 The New York Times Company. | 2 |
Halimi was instructed to dismiss all male teachers at girls' schools and replace them with women, as the militants believed that men should not teach girls. The government complied with this demand in order to prevent the schools from being forcibly shut down. Despite this, Farah's schools were still not exempt from the directive. Last month, armed men on motorcycles set fire to two girls' schools near Farah city on two consecutive nights. The schools were severely damaged, with teaching materials destroyed, resulting in classes being canceled for around 1,700 girls. A nearby wall had graffiti saying "Long live the Islamic Emirate," which is the Taliban's name. According to police spokesman Muhibullah Muhib, four other girls' schools in the province have also been attacked recently. These incidents have not only caused fear among teachers, students, and families but have also raised concerns about a possible return to the oppressive Taliban rule as peace negotiations with the United States continue. Until 2001, when the Taliban government was removed from power, girls' education was prohibited and women were restricted to their homes. Today, over 3.6 million Afghan girls are attending school and 100,000 women are enrolled in universities. However, approximately 400 schools have closed recently due to security concerns such as armed conflict and threats or attacks from the Taliban. Despite Taliban leaders in Qatar expressing a commitment to women's rights under Islamic law, including education, the recent school bombings in Farah have raised doubts among Afghan women about the Taliban's true intentions regarding girls' education in the future. Sosan Aubi, a 38-year-old teacher at a school that was burned last month, expressed optimism about peace due to the Qatar talks, but the recent explosion has dashed her hopes. Nayab Khan, a grocer from the village whose sisters and daughters attended one of the burned schools, does not trust the Taliban's promises of change, citing their continued attacks on schools and girls' education. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid denied responsibility for the attacks and stated that the militants would investigate and punish those involved. Mujahid stated that if schools were to reopen, there would not be any threat from their side. However, residents noted that the schools were located in Taliban-controlled areas and government officials were unable to assess the damage. Dadullah Qani, a member of the Farah provincial council, expressed concern that the attacks showed the government was losing control of the province, with the security situation worsening each day. Provincial government officials and village elders have noted that there is no distinction between the government and ordinary people when it comes to preventing attacks, as both are unable to stop them. The recent attacks have revealed a division within the Taliban, with some civil authorities supporting girls' education while certain military commanders are opposed. The Taliban have established shadow governments in areas under their control, where they collect taxes and oversee daily operations. Some Taliban leaders are in favor of girls' education, while others are against it. Village elders have requested government assistance in rebuilding schools destroyed in the attacks, but were informed that the government is unable to help and were advised to reach out to local Taliban leaders instead. Halimi mentioned that a group of roughly 50 villagers was contemplating the idea of restarting classes in tents temporarily. According to local residents, Taliban education officials had reached out to provincial school leaders to discuss reopening, but requested time to negotiate with Taliban military commanders. Mohammad Azimi, the provincial education director, urged parents and students to assist in reopening the schools. The Sher Ali Khan school in Naw Deh village, located approximately 8 miles from Farah city, had its windows shattered, walls damaged, and burnt desks and school papers scattered inside. The school entrance featured a plaque with Afghan and American flags, along with a message indicating that the U.S. Agency for International Development assisted in constructing the school in 2005. The U.S. flag on the plaque had been partially scratched out. According to the agency's office in Kabul, they are not currently funding the school, but it may have been a previous project. The school principal, Abdul Rahman, reported that five masked men armed with weapons tied up the night watchman, poured fuel inside the school, and set it on fire on the night of April 15. They also detonated a small explosive device in the school office. School records, student supplies, and academic textbooks were set on fire by the attackers, but Islamic religious texts were left untouched, according to Rahman. Rahman expressed concern that the girls are now afraid and may not return to school even if it reopens. Abdul Hamid Haidari, a 45-year-old shopkeeper, shared that his three daughters were students at Sher Ali Khan school. He mentioned that his daughter Roya, 18, had plans to graduate this year and become a teacher, but those dreams were now uncertain due to the destruction of her school transcripts. Haidari added that Roya and her sisters were devastated when they heard about the attack. He expressed his determination to provide education for his children, both daughters and four sons, and had made sacrifices to send them to school despite the dangerous security situation. He had hoped that peace talks would improve the situation, but after the school was bombed, he is less optimistic. Qani, a provincial council member, mentioned a sense of fear and distrust following the school attacks. He noted that the attacks may have achieved their goal as many parents are now hesitant to send their daughters back to school. "Today they destroy school buildings," Qani stated. "Will they launch an assault on students tomorrow?" - c.2019 New York Times News Service. | 2 |
The "solar direct-drive" refrigerators, which are simple coolers that do not need fuel or batteries, have increased child vaccinations in the poorest rural areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo by 50% in the last year, according to Gavi. This has reduced child mortality in the DRC by half from two decades ago. Over 18 million children were vaccinated last year for a measles outbreak, which has slowed significantly recently. The global community is now preparing for a large-scale immunisation effort once COVID-19 vaccines are available. Providing millions of vaccinations in Africa, a vast continent with weak health systems and limited access to electricity, will be a challenging task. It is uncertain if current off-grid refrigerators can maintain the necessary low temperatures for vaccines. Refrigeration is crucial for the distribution of vaccines, with many requiring temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees Celsius. However, some COVID-19 vaccine candidates may need storage as low as minus 80C. A cold chain distribution network for these vaccines will need to maintain consistently low temperatures from manufacturers to rural villages. Despite progress in keeping vaccinations cold, many African countries still have significant gaps in their distribution networks. Toby Peters, a professor specializing in cooling systems for food and medicine at the University of Birmingham in Britain, described the logistical challenge of providing refrigeration for vaccines in sub-Saharan African countries with rural populations as one of the largest challenges the world has ever faced. When Dr. William Clemmer of IMA World Health arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 1990s, he found that many health centers were using outdated kerosene-powered refrigerators that frequently broke down, causing damage to vaccines. The introduction of first-generation solar refrigerators was an improvement, but they relied on storage batteries that often failed after a few years and were difficult to replace. However, the development of solar direct-drive refrigerators about a decade ago revolutionized vaccine refrigeration, as they are directly wired to solar panels and use thermal energy to keep vaccines cool for many days, regardless of the weather, without the need for batteries. These refrigerators cost between $3,500 and $9,000. According to Gavi, in 2016, only 16% of rural health centres in the DRC had functional refrigerators. Today, nearly 80% of these centres have been equipped, many with direct-drive solar units. This has led to a significant increase in immunisation sessions, with 24,000 sessions being conducted monthly in the poorest provinces, a 50% increase from 2018. Clemmer stated that this has revolutionized vaccine delivery for children in sub-Saharan Africa. Karan Sagar, a doctor at Gavi, attributes a 25% increase in child vaccination rates in Africa over the past decade to the off-grid equipment. Since 2017, Gavi has spearheaded a $250-million initiative to distribute over 15,300 solar direct-drive fridges to 36 African countries, with the DRC receiving 3,400 units and Nigeria receiving 5,400 units. Sagar noted that 87% of children in these countries were vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis last year, demonstrating the effectiveness of supply chains in reaching even the most remote areas. Moving vaccines from manufacturing sites to various destinations in Africa will require multiple steps, with solar refrigerators being just one piece of the puzzle. On every leg of the journey - from airplanes and warehouses to trucks, motorbikes, bicycles, canoes, and drones - the COVID-19 vaccine must be stored at specific, very cold temperatures, similar to other perishable goods. Health experts anticipate that substantially larger quantities of the vaccine will be required compared to regular child vaccination campaigns, with up to 750 million people in Africa alone needing to be vaccinated. To address this challenge, cold chain expert Peters is spearheading a government-supported initiative to assess Africa's requirements for distributing the COVID-19 vaccine, collaborating with nonprofit organizations, commercial entities, and academic institutions. They are leveraging insights from Rwanda, a country in central-east Africa that has made significant strides in establishing efficient, environmentally friendly cold chains for food and vaccine transportation. The system is centered around a single warehouse that acts as a cooling center for vaccines distributed to various healthcare facilities, including those in remote areas using solar fridges. The World Health Organization reports that over 95% of the population is receiving vaccines. However, duplicating Rwanda's success will be challenging, especially in larger countries like Nigeria. It will require a model similar to food cold chains with established commercial capacity. Peters stated that they have the expertise to transport fresh food from small farms in Africa to consumers in Europe and they aim to apply this knowledge to vaccines. However, the challenge lies in the ultra-cold storage requirements of COVID-19 vaccines, which solar direct-drive fridges are not designed to handle. Rwanda and the DRC have experience with vaccines that require ultra-cold storage, such as the Ebola vaccine used during the recent outbreak. These vaccines were kept at very low temperatures using "super thermos" coolers filled with synthetic alcohol ice. Despite this success, the quantities needed for an effective COVID-19 vaccine would be much larger. Sagar pointed out that very few African economies have the necessary infrastructure for ultra-cold storage. Peters is optimistic that COVID-19 vaccines will only require standard cold storage temperatures of 2-8C, which can be provided by solar direct-drive refrigerators in rural health centers. However, he acknowledges that if vaccines need to be stored at even lower temperatures, it will present a significant new obstacle. | 2 |
France had previously announced plans to restrict cross-Channel trade, potentially escalating disputes over fishing into a broader trade conflict with the UK. However, after meeting with British Prime Minister Boris Johnson at a UN climate conference, French President Macron stated that the plan was on hold pending further discussions. Macron indicated that talks had resumed based on a proposal he made to Johnson and that the British were expected to come back with alternative proposals the following day. All tasks will be addressed. Tomorrow at the end of the day, we will assess the situation to determine if any significant changes have occurred," he stated. "I hope that we can reach a resolution on all of these matters." The threat of legal action was mentioned by European Affairs Minister Clement Beaune on Twitter, stating that trade sanctions would not be enforced until after a meeting with British Brexit minister David Frost in Paris on Thursday. The decision was well-received by Britain. A UK government spokesperson stated that they appreciate France's recognition of the need for extensive discussions to address the various issues in the UK/EU relationship. The spokesperson also mentioned that Frost has accepted Beaune's invitation. On Monday, Britain gave France a 48-hour ultimatum to retract the threat of sanctions or face legal action as per the Brexit trade deal. The potential measures threatened by France, such as increased border checks and banning British vessels from certain ports, could disrupt cross-Channel trade. British Foreign Secretary Liz Truss criticized the French for their unreasonable threats towards the Channel Islands and the fishing industry, stating that they must withdraw these threats or face actions under the trade agreement with the EU. The dispute between Britain and France over access to fishing grounds in the Channel has been ongoing for decades. The fishing issue was a key point of contention during the negotiations leading up to Britain's departure from the European Union. Although fishing is not economically significant, it holds political weight. Boris Johnson emphasized regaining control over British fishing grounds as a key reason for Brexit. French President Macron, facing re-election soon, must show support for French trawler crews. Tensions rose in September when Paris accused London of not granting enough post-Brexit licenses to French boats to fish near UK shores. British fishermen are concerned that French boats could harm their profits and are demanding proof of previous fishing in UK waters for license approval. French officials seized a British scallop dredger, the Cornelis Gert Jan, in French waters near Le Havre last Wednesday, causing tension between the two countries. As the French deadline approached on Monday, fishing crews from both nations were avoiding each other's waters to prevent further escalation of the situation, as reported by marine traffic tracking data and a representative from the French fishing industry. | 2 |
The European Union being awarded the Nobel peace prize coincides with the realization that the euro, despite facing financial turmoil, is likely to remain intact. However, there are concerns that the euro zone may become a strained relationship with ongoing disagreements and potential separation. Recent developments have indicated that the euro is likely to persist with all 17 members and possibly more in the future, but the region still struggles with economic stagnation, unemployment, and social issues that are deepening the divide between northern and southern Europe. The European Central Bank's decision to purchase bonds from troubled member states has provided some stability to the euro zone. ECB President Mario Draghi emphasized that the bank will utilize all available tools to prevent anyone from speculating on the dissolution of the monetary union. The euro zone's permanent rescue fund became operational recently after facing obstacles and legal disputes, offering a 500 billion euro safety net for countries at risk of losing access to financial markets. German Chancellor Angela Merkel's visit to Athens indicated that the EU's leading economy is keen on Greece remaining in the eurozone, putting an end to debates in Berlin about expelling the Greeks. Interestingly, the numerous predictions about the collapse of the euro, which had been circulating from financial institutions in London and New York, have suddenly ceased. Additionally, the amount of short positions against the euro in currency markets has decreased. Bond yields have decreased and bank stocks have rebounded. Spanish banks are borrowing less from the ECB as some are regaining access to money markets. The likelihood of Greece leaving the euro, known as "Grexit," has decreased according to economists at Citigroup. They now believe that key euro zone players think a Greek exit would be more harmful than beneficial. Citigroup has lowered the probability of a Grexit from 90 percent to 60 percent, but still predicts that Greece will likely leave the euro within the next 12-18 months. They argue that European governments are unlikely to agree to forgive part of Greece's large debt to make it sustainable. However, there is still a possibility of debt forgiveness, especially if it is postponed until after the German general election next year. The idea of a disorderly Greek default and exit, with its disastrous economic and social consequences for Greece and Europe, may appear more rational than popular. The International Monetary Fund recently criticized the EU's incomplete policy response, warning of potential capital flight, breakup fears, and economic decline in the euro area. The IMF is urging faster progress on banking union and fiscal integration, as well as a change in the policy mix between austerity and growth. The IMF also acknowledged underestimating the negative impact of budget cuts on growth and called for Europe to ease up on austerity, prompting a strong reaction from Germany's finance minister. The effects of the sovereign debt crisis will continue to wreak havoc for years to come. Public spending cuts and recession are causing harm to societies in cities like Athens and Madrid, pushing many middle class families and retirees into poverty and increasing unemployment and instability for young people. This crisis has shifted power dynamics in Europe, giving Germany and its allies more influence in euro zone decision-making due to their strong credit ratings, while weakening southern states. Europe may be moving towards a two-tier system, with a tighter inner core of euro zone countries and a looser outer circle including Britain and Sweden. Germany is reluctant to take on financial responsibility for other euro zone nations, opposing common bonds or joint bank deposit guarantees. Finance ministers from Germany, the Netherlands, and Finland are working to prevent retroactive use of euro zone rescue funds. Berlin is in favor of creating a separate euro zone budget to address economic shocks and supporting a single banking supervisor, which could lead to a sharing of risks in the future. As the euro area becomes more integrated, countries outside the single currency like Poland, Hungary, and Latvia face difficult decisions. They are trying to align themselves closely with the euro zone in hopes of joining eventually, but are facing challenges in gaining representation in decision-making bodies. Poland recently attempted to join the Eurogroup but was informed that only euro members could participate. Britain is not planning on joining the euro or banking union but wants a veto right to protect its financial sector. It also sees the closer integration of the euro zone as a chance to negotiate looser ties with Europe. Sweden, with a pro-euro political establishment, feels uneasy about the euro zone progressing without it. These developments are creating tension in Europe as it undergoes a period of reshaping that will test its ability to maintain peace and prosperity on a divided continent, as recognized by the Nobel Prize. | 2 |
Pope Benedict stated that communism had failed in Cuba and offered the Church's assistance in developing a new economic model. The Cuban government responded cautiously to his remarks ahead of his upcoming visit to the island. During a press conference on the plane to Mexico and Cuba, the Catholic leader acknowledged that Marxist ideology no longer aligns with reality. He emphasized the need for patience and constructive efforts to create new societal models. Benedict's remarks were more critical of communism than those made by his predecessor, John Paul II, during his visit to Cuba in 1998. The surprising remarks by the Pope were unexpected due to the improved relationship between the Church and government in Cuba in recent years. It was believed that the Pope would avoid controversial topics to prevent any issues. However, Cuban leaders did not show any signs of being upset by his comments, as Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated that they would listen with respect to the Pope's words and valued the exchange of ideas, despite having strong convictions developed over their country's history. Elizardo Sanchez, who leads the independent Cuban Commission on Human Rights, commended the pope for demonstrating "the positive intentions of the Catholic Church and specifically Pope Benedict XVI regarding the situation in Cuba," though he expressed skepticism about the likelihood of significant change. Sanchez stated that the Cuban government lacks the motivation to implement the necessary political reforms. Pope John Paul II is most remembered for his conciliatory remarks during a Mass in Havana's Revolution Square, where he expressed hope for Cuba's potential to engage with the world. Pope Benedict acknowledged John Paul's efforts to promote collaboration and dialogue, recognizing that progress requires patience. Despite some progress, disagreements persist between the Cuban bishops and government on issues such as Church access to the media and religious education. The Church is aiming to increase its congregation in Cuba by utilizing the papal visit, as the number of followers has decreased significantly since the revolution. Many families left the country and government hostility also played a role in this decline. Church officials report that around 60 percent of the Cuban population has been baptized, but only about five percent attend mass regularly. Pope Benedict, who will be visiting Cuba for three days and holding large Masses in Havana and Santiago, offered the Church's assistance in facilitating a peaceful transition on the island. He emphasized the need for patience and decisiveness in this process. The pope expressed a desire to help promote a society that is fraternal and just, not only in Cuba but also around the world. The term "trauma" has been used by Church members to describe the potential challenges that may arise once Cuba's current leaders, including Fidel Castro and Raul Castro, are no longer in power. Cuba's leaders have acknowledged the need for improvement in the country's economic model, while strongly supporting the one-party communist political system. In 2010, Fidel Castro admitted to a reporter that the Cuban model was no longer working, leading some to believe that communism had failed in Cuba. However, Castro clarified that his comment was not a criticism of the communist revolution, but rather a reflection of the island's challenging economic circumstances. This statement indicated Castro's support for his brother's reforms to boost Cuba's economy and preserve the revolution. It remains uncertain whether Benedict will meet with Fidel, who governed Cuba for nearly five decades before stepping down due to age and health issues. The Vatican has stated that the pope is willing to meet with the elder, ailing Castro if he so desires. A recent report by Amnesty International highlighted a significant increase in harassment and detention of dissidents in Cuba over the past two years. When asked about defending human rights in Cuba during a plane ride, the pope emphasized that the Church always stands for freedom, including freedom of conscience and religion. Despite the release of 70 members of the dissident Ladies in White group who were detained over the weekend, Cuban authorities warned them not to participate in activities related to the pope's visit. The women, also known as the "Damas de Blanco," were arrested in separate incidents on Saturday and Sunday while attempting to march in Havana. On Friday, they could not be contacted by phone. Rodriguez cautioned that any attempts to disrupt the papal visit with political tactics will be unsuccessful as the Cuban people are patriotic and well-educated, proud of their culture and beliefs. The pope's schedule does not include any meetings with Cuban dissidents. The Vatican recently reiterated its disapproval of the US trade embargo on Cuba, deeming it ineffective and harmful to the average citizens. Despite reaching its 50th anniversary last month, the embargo remains a key component of US policy towards Cuba despite its failure to achieve its goal of destabilizing the communist regime. During the peak of the Cold War, Washington implemented a nearly complete trade embargo against Havana as a way to retaliate for its alliance with the Soviet Union and to possibly eliminate communism. | 2 |
The latest comprehensive data from 2013 shows that 767 million people were living on less than $1.90 a day, a decrease from the previous year. The strongest income rises were seen in Asia. World Bank President Jim Yong Kim noted the progress made in reducing poverty and boosting shared prosperity, even in a time of underperforming global economy. The new figures highlight the significant decrease in the number of poor people since 1990, bringing the world closer to achieving the United Nations goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030. The goal is to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, which consist of 17 goals aimed at addressing poverty, inequality, and climate change. However, reaching this goal will also involve addressing persistent inequality, according to the World Bank. Francisco Ferreira, a senior adviser at the World Bank, stated that meeting the international targets by 2030 will require addressing inequality and promoting inclusive growth. The World Bank reported that income inequality had increased between 1988 and 2013, but recent data shows that inequality has decreased in over 40 countries, including Brazil, Peru, Mali, and Cambodia. According to the Bank, half of the people living in extreme poverty are in Sub-Saharan Africa, while a third of the global poor are in South Asia. The main contributors to poverty reduction are countries in East Asia and the Asia Pacific, such as China, Indonesia, and India. The Bank reported that in 2015, the number of people living in extreme poverty was expected to drop below 10 percent of the world's population for the first time. | 2 |
"Sleepless: A Musical Romance," which debuted on Tuesday at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theater in London, is more significant for its symbolic importance than for the actual production itself. It is London's first fully staged indoor musical since the coronavirus pandemic forced live performances to stop in March. While there have been several musical revivals in outdoor locations around the city, they have had limited casts or no live actors at all. Despite being fairly unremarkable, "Sleepless" marks a return to a scale of live entertainment that was previously unimaginable, and for that reason alone, it deserves praise. The musical benefits from being based on the successful 1993 film "Sleepless in Seattle," featuring Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan as leads who are kept apart until the end. This version of "Sleepless" is not related to a 2013 stage musical. The show incorporates a geographical separation theme that resonates with the current socially distanced era. Safety measures, such as daily coronavirus testing for the cast and crew, mandatory mask-wearing for audiences, temperature checks, and hand sanitiser stations throughout the building, are in place. The theater, located in northwestern London away from the West End, is only selling less than one-third of its seats for each performance, a decision made by producers to limit revenue but still have some paying audience. The musical "Sleepless: A Musical Romance" at Troubadour Wembley Park Theater is based on the hit film "Sleepless in Seattle" and is London's first fully staged indoor musical in months. Despite the effort put in by all involved, it is disappointing that director Morgan Young's production is not more exciting, despite the likable leads. Young and his English stars previously collaborated on the West End premiere of the musical "Big," another screen-to-stage adaptation of a Tom Hanks film. An image provided by Alastair Muir shows Kimberley Walsh, Jack Reynolds, and Jay McGuiness in the musical "Sleepless: A Musical Romance" at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theater in London. The show, based on the 1993 film "Sleepless in Seattle," is London's first fully staged indoor musical in months. The production introduces a new British composing team, Robert Scott and Brendan Cull, in a theater scene still dominated by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Despite some repetitive and easy-listening songs in the score, the musical follows the story of Annie, who becomes infatuated with a man on the other side of the United States after hearing about him on the radio during the holiday season. The character of Walter, portrayed by Daniel Casey in the film, evokes empathy as he is taken by surprise by his partner Annie's growing attraction to someone she has only heard. Similarly, Sam, a depressed architect in Seattle, is overshadowed by his son Jonah, who takes on the role of matchmaker. Jonah, played by Jobe Hart, delivers a standout performance in a duet with Cory English, who plays Sam's lively friend Rob. The musical "Sleepless" stays true to Nora Ephron's screenplay, occasionally overemphasizing certain references. It is acceptable to introduce Annie, a reporter from The Baltimore Sun, as a movie enthusiast who has a strong interest in the Cary Grant-Deborah Kerr film "An Affair to Remember," which served as inspiration for Ephron's film. However, it is unclear why Annie feels the need to express her admiration for Grant, and it is hard to believe that a devoted film buff would argue about the pronunciation of Kerr's last name. Nevertheless, Annie is the type of person who finds even simple words like "exotic" to be exotic, so her conversations can take unexpected turns. McGuiness and Walsh, both known for their work with pop groups, are affable leaders in a production that feels somewhat lacking. Despite this, "Sleepless" leaves you satisfied yet yearning for more and better theater experiences in the future. Copyright 2020 New York Times News Service. | 2 |
When a new wave of COVID-19 hit in January, Stishi's father contracted the virus and passed away shortly after. She attempted to find employment by offering housecleaning services door to door for $10, but was unsuccessful. This led to her and her children going to bed hungry for the first time. Stishi, 30, expressed frustration that others do not understand their current dire situation, as the economic impact of COVID-19 has greatly affected families like hers who were already struggling to make ends meet. Currently, in South Africa and various other nations, a larger number of individuals have been pushed to their limits. According to the World Food Program, an estimated 270 million people are at risk of facing life-threatening food shortages this year, a significant increase from 150 million before the pandemic. The analysis also revealed that the number of individuals on the verge of famine has risen to 41 million from 34 million last year. The World Food Program, along with the UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation, recently issued a joint report warning that conflict, economic repercussions of COVID-19, and the climate crisis are expected to escalate acute food insecurity in 23 hunger hot spots over the next four months, primarily in Africa but also in Central America, Afghanistan, and North Korea. The situation is especially dire in Africa, where new infections have risen sharply. Aid organizations have recently expressed concerns about Ethiopia and southern Madagascar, where famine is affecting a large number of people due to severe drought. Global hunger has been on the rise for years, with poor countries facing various crises such as armed conflicts and extreme poverty. Climate-related disasters like droughts and floods have also worsened, making it difficult for affected countries to respond effectively. The economic impact of the pandemic has further exacerbated the crisis, leading to long lines of people in need of food assistance in both wealthy and impoverished nations. As a new surge of the virus spreads through Africa, the traditional safety net of financial assistance from family, friends, and neighbors, which usually supports the poor in the absence of government aid, has been severely affected. This has led to a significant increase in hunger, highlighting the stark contrast between wealthy nations returning to normal and poorer countries facing deeper crises. According to Amer Daoudi, senior director of operations at the World Food Program, the current global food security situation is the worst he has ever seen, with multiple significant crises occurring simultaneously worldwide. In South Africa, a country that is typically food-secure, hunger has become widespread. Over the past year, three devastating waves of the virus have resulted in the loss of tens of thousands of breadwinners, which has left families unable to purchase food. School closures that lasted for months also eliminated free lunches for around 9 million students. A strict government lockdown last year closed informal food vendors in townships, forcing some of the country's poorest residents to travel further to buy groceries and shop at more expensive supermarkets. An estimated 3 million South Africans lost their jobs, leading to an unemployment rate of 32.6% - the highest since quarterly data collection began in 2008. In rural areas, prolonged droughts have led to the death of livestock and a decrease in farmers' incomes. The South African government has offered some assistance by introducing $24 monthly stipends and other social grants last year. However, despite these efforts, nearly 40% of all South Africans were still affected by hunger by the end of the year, as reported by an academic study. In Duncan Village, a large township in Eastern Cape province, the economic support for thousands of families has been destroyed. Prior to the pandemic, this area was bustling with activity as workers commuted to nearby East London, a city known for its stable jobs in industries like car assembly, textiles, and processed food. "We never lacked anything - we had an abundance," Anelisa Langeni, 32, remarked while seated at the kitchen table in the two-bedroom house she lived in with her father and twin sister in Duncan Village. Her father had worked as a machine operator at the Mercedes-Benz plant for almost 40 years. Upon retiring, he had saved enough money to construct two additional single-family homes on their property - rental units that he believed would offer financial security to his children. However, the pandemic disrupted these intentions. Shortly after the initial lockdown, the tenants lost their jobs and were no longer able to afford rent. When Langeni and her sister were both let go from their jobs as a waitress and at a pizza restaurant, they relied on their father's $120 monthly pension. However, their father tragically passed away in July from suspected COVID-19 while on the way to the hospital. Langeni was devastated by the loss of her father and the financial support he provided. With no job prospects, she sought assistance from two elderly neighbors, one of whom shared food bought with her husband's pension. The second neighbor began bringing food every week after her daughter's visit, often bringing enough groceries to fill the back of her gray Honda minivan. However, when a new variant of the coronavirus hit the province in November, the first neighbor's husband passed away and his pension stopped. Tragically, the second neighbor's daughter also died from the virus a month later. "I never expected things to turn out like this," said Bukelwa Tshingila, 73, as she wiped her tear-streaked cheeks. In her kitchen, a portrait of her daughter hung above an empty cupboard. In the Karoo region, located two hundred miles to the west, the impact of the pandemic has been worsened by an ongoing drought that has lasted for eight years, turning a once green landscape into a dull, gray one. Zolile Hanabe, a 70-year-old farmer on a 2,400-acre farm in the Karoo, is experiencing more than just a loss of income. His dream of owning a farm dates back to his childhood, when his father was forced to sell their goats by the apartheid government. In 2011, after working as a school principal and saving up, he finally leased a farm and purchased five cattle and 10 Boer goats, the same breed his father had raised. These animals grazed on the shrubs and drank from a river that flowed through the property. He expressed that he once believed the farm would be his legacy and something he could pass on to his children. However, by 2019, he was still leasing the farm and faced challenges such as a dried river, cattle deaths, shrivelled shrubs, and the need to buy expensive feed to keep the remaining cattle alive. The pandemic added to his difficulties, leading him to lay off two out of three farm hands to reduce the risk of infection. Feed vendors reduced their workforce and increased prices, further straining his budget. Hanabe expressed doubt about his ability to withstand both crises simultaneously. | 2 |
On Wednesday, scientists launched a $600 million global initiative to increase rice yields and minimize the environmental impact of rice production. This effort is expected to help 150 million people escape poverty by 2035. The Global Rice Science Partnership, led by the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), will conduct research over the next five years to enhance yields and develop stronger rice varieties that can withstand flooding and climate change. The initiative was announced in Hanoi during a meeting of rice scientists, executives, policymakers, and traders from nearly 70 countries to discuss research, demand, and trading risks. Robert Zeigler, director general of IRRI, emphasized the importance of rice as a staple food for a significant portion of the global population and its crucial role in food security. The research aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from rice production by over 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide by implementing improved irrigation methods and preventing deforestation. The consultative group stated that if farmers could achieve higher yields, they would not need to expand their fields into new areas, ultimately saving over 1.2 million hectares (3 million acres) of forest, wetlands, and other natural ecosystems by 2035. They also mentioned that annual funding for rice research would increase to $139 million by 2015, up from around $100 million the following year, in order to support the initiative's objectives. By increasing supplies and reducing food prices, the initiative is expected to help alleviate poverty for potentially 72 million people by 2020, according to Zeigler. Along with IRRI, the initiative includes two French organizations, a research center in Japan, and numerous other partners from governments, the private sector, and civil society. | 2 |
He was a member of a band in Niterói, a city in Brazil surrounded by beaches, and he practiced playing the guitar by watching tutorials online. YouTube had recently implemented a new artificial intelligence system that learned from user behavior and recommended videos based on that. One day, he was directed to a guitar teacher named Nando Moura, who had a large following for his videos on heavy metal, video games, and politics. Moura's far-right views on feminists, teachers, and politicians intrigued him. As he spent more time on YouTube, he was recommended videos from other far-right figures, including Jair Bolsonaro, who was then a lesser-known political figure but popular among YouTube's far-right community in Brazil. Last year, Bolsonaro became the President of Brazil. YouTube became a significant platform for the Brazilian right, according to Matheus Dominguez, a 17-year-old who credits the platform for influencing his shift towards far-right political views. YouTube has thrived by keeping users engaged, but this has inadvertently benefited extremist groups. An investigation in Brazil, the company's second-largest market, has revealed troubling outcomes. The rise of the far-right movement in the country, from local activists to government officials, has been greatly accelerated by YouTube's recommendation system. Recent studies suggest that the platform has consistently directed users towards far-right and conspiracy content. The New York Times' investigation in Brazil uncovered instances where YouTube-promoted videos have disrupted daily life, such as students disrupting classrooms with conspiracy theories or parents receiving harmful health advice from the platform. This has hindered the nation's efforts to combat diseases like Zika. Viral videos have led to death threats against public health advocates, while in politics, right-wing YouTube stars have run for office alongside Bolsonaro, with some winning by large margins. These stars still use the platform to govern the world's fourth-largest democracy through trolling and provocation. YouTube's recommendation system is designed to increase watch time but not to favor any political ideology. However, it often suggests videos that play automatically, aiming to keep viewers engaged. Emotions like fear, doubt, and anger, which are common in conspiracy theories and right-wing extremism, are key features that draw people in. The system can lead users to extreme content they may not have otherwise found and new topics to spark new interests. The system now drives 70% of total time on the platform, generating over $1 billion a month in revenue. Some analysts believe that YouTube is one of the most powerful radicalizing instruments of the 21st century. Company representatives dispute these claims, stating that their systems do not favor any particular viewpoint or direct users towards extremism. However, representatives from the company acknowledged some of the findings and assured that changes would be made. Farshad Shadloo, a spokesperson, stated that YouTube has made significant investments in policies, resources, and products to decrease the spread of harmful misinformation. He also mentioned that authoritative content is performing well in Brazil and is highly recommended on the platform. Danah Boyd, the founder of Data & Society, attributed the disruption in Brazil to YouTube's strong emphasis on viewer engagement and the revenues it generates. Despite the country already facing corruption scandals and a deep recession, Boyd expressed concern about YouTube's increasing impact on democracies globally. Maurício Martins, the local vice president of Bolsonaro's party in Niterói, credited YouTube for recruiting "most" of the party members, including himself. Martins shared that YouTube's auto-playing recommendations served as his political education and had a similar effect on others. The platform's political influence has even reached Brazilian schools, where students are increasingly making extremist claims, often citing YouTube stars like Moura as evidence. Carlos Jordy, a City Council member, exemplifies YouTube's influence as he turned to the platform for political inspiration and posted videos accusing local teachers of conspiring to indoctrinate students into communism. He said that the videos brought him a large national audience and helped him quickly rise to the federal legislature. He believes that without social media, he would not have achieved this success. Researchers at the Federal University of Minas Gerais analyzed YouTube videos and comments to understand how the platform influences users' perceptions. They discovered that right-wing channels in Brazil were growing rapidly and shaping the site's political content. Positive mentions of Bolsonaro increased after YouTube changed its algorithm, even though he was still unpopular in polls. A team from Harvard's Berkman Klein Center investigated whether YouTube's recommendation engine had contributed to the far right's popularity in Brazil. They programmed a server to explore popular channels and search terms, tracking how users were led from one video to the next. They discovered that following the viewing of a video on politics or entertainment, YouTube tended to recommend right-wing, conspiracy-laden channels like Moura's. Importantly, users who watched one extreme right channel were often shown multiple more. The algorithm had brought together channels that were once on the fringes and then helped them build a following, according to the researchers. One of these channels belonged to Bolsonaro, who had been utilizing the platform to spread hoaxes and conspiracy theories for some time. Despite being an early adopter of YouTube, his online following had not significantly expanded his political support, which was minimal at a national level. However, as Brazil's political system began to collapse, YouTube's popularity in the country soared. Bolsonaro's views had not changed, but his presence on YouTube's far-right channels, where he was a prominent figure, attracted a large audience, influencing many Brazilians at a time when the country was ready for a political shift. YouTube disputed the researchers' methodology and claimed that their internal data contradicted the findings, but they refused to provide the data or certain statistics that would confirm the accuracy of the researchers' conclusions. The spread of conspiracies was not limited to politics. Many Brazilians who turned to YouTube for information on health care were exposed to videos that caused fear and misinformation. These videos spread false claims, such as Zika being spread by vaccines or insecticides meant to control the disease. The alarming content of these videos kept viewers engaged, leading to a public health crisis as people refused vaccines and insecticides. This crisis has been particularly severe in poorer communities like Maceió, where the consequences of misinformation have been felt deeply. Health workers have struggled to combat the spread of false information, with patients often citing YouTube and Google as their sources of information. The medical community in Brazil is facing challenges in addressing and countering the impact of misinformation on public health. The Harvard researchers discovered that YouTube's algorithms often steered users searching for information on Zika or watching reputable health videos towards conspiracy channels. A YouTube spokesperson acknowledged the findings and stated that the company would adjust how videos related to Zika were displayed in search results. The rise of the far right led to conspiracy videos being weaponized, targeting individuals such as women's rights activist Debora Diniz. Conspiracy theorists accused her of being involved in Zika plots and suggested that those working to help Zika-affected families were actually behind the disease. As far-right and conspiracy channels began referencing each other, YouTube's recommendation system started linking their videos together, creating the illusion of multiple sources confirming the same falsehoods. Diniz received threats of violence, including details of her daily routines, as a result of these conspiracy theories. Diniz stated that many claims from Küster's videos were echoed, although Küster never explicitly endorsed the threats, which kept him just within YouTube's rules. When the university where Diniz taught received a warning of a potential shooting and the police could no longer guarantee her safety, she left Brazil. Diniz criticized YouTube's system of recommending videos, stating that it has created a culture of hate. She emphasized the importance of companies taking responsibility for their role in this issue. "Morally, they are accountable." As misinformation spreads on YouTube, content creators are targeting aid organizations involved in controversial issues like abortion. Even individuals who have previously supported these organizations began to question the accuracy of the videos and started avoiding them. In Brazil, this online trend is referred to as "linchamento" or lynching. Bolsonaro was an early adopter of this tactic, sharing videos in 2012 that falsely accused left-wing academics of planning to distribute "gay kits" in schools to promote homosexuality. Jordy, a protege of Bolsonaro from Niterói, was not bothered to learn that his own YouTube campaign, accusing teachers of promoting communism, had disrupted their lives. One teacher, Valeria Borges, described being inundated with hateful messages, creating a climate of fear. Jordy admitted that instilling fear was his intention, as he sees it as part of the culture war he is fighting. The political group, Movimento Brasil Livre, based in São Paulo, is at the forefront of using YouTube for political purposes, particularly in advocating for the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff in 2016. The group's members are typically young, middle-class, right-wing, and heavily engaged in online activities. Renan Santos, the national coordinator, pointed out the importance of the YouTube Division as the core of their operations, where young men were seen editing videos to promote their views. Some members are concerned about the potential negative impact of social media on democracy, referring to it as a powerful tool that can be misused. The co-founder mentioned the concept of the "dictatorship of the like," suggesting that public perception is often shaped by what goes viral. A controversial YouTube video titled "1964" was mentioned, which aimed to justify Brazil's military coup in that year. The video had different effects on individuals, with some feeling convinced while others were reminded of the harsh realities of military rule. YouTube's success was based on its ability to engage users, but this has inadvertently benefited extremist groups. A study in the company's second-largest market revealed significant negative outcomes. (Dado Galdieri/The New York Times) | 2 |
Sajeeb Wazed Joy, who is the son of the prime minister and also serves as an ICT adviser, revealed the names of the winners during a virtual event organized by Young Bangla, the youth platform of the Awami League’s Centre for Research and Information, on Tuesday. A total of 30 winners were announced, with 16 falling under the social inclusion category and 14 under social development. Young Bangla selected these winners from a pool of 600 youth groups aged between 18 and 35. Joy praised the winners for their exceptional work in serving the community and expressed gratitude for their efforts in assisting underprivileged individuals such as poor children, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups. Joy mentioned that the winners were actively working to address issues they encountered, in contrast to others who simply prefer to complain. He emphasized that these winners, who may be individual youths working in villages, are making a difference by taking action with their own innovative ideas. Nasrul Hamid Bipu, the state minister for power, energy, and mineral resources, who is also a trustee of CRI, participated in the event which was moderated by Dr. Nuzhat Choudhury. The winners in different categories were Happy Natore and Shoshtho Indrio, also known as The 6th Sense of Rajshahi, for their work in children's rights. Obhizatrik Foundation of Patuakhali and Miserable Welfare Association of Sylhet were recognized for their efforts in empowering the ultra-poor. Hate Khori Foundation of Pirojpur, Ek Takay Shikkha of Chattogram, and Good Film of Barishal were honored for their work in empowering disadvantaged individuals. Unmesh of Rangamati, Ignite Youth Foundation of Chandpur, iTech School of Chandpur, and Positive Bangladesh of Dhaka were acknowledged for their contributions to youth development. Deshi Balllers of Dhaka and Youth for Change of Barishal were recognized for their efforts in women's empowerment. The Centre for Rights and Development of Persons With Disabilities in Barishal, the Wheelchair Sports Foundation in Mymensingh, and the Association for Autism and Social Improvement in Habiganj are all working towards empowering people with disabilities. Bloodmen Healthcare in Dhaka, Mastul Foundation in Dhaka, World Youth Army in Noakhali, Central Boys of Raujan in Chattogram, and Mission Save Bangladesh Foundation in Dhaka are focused on emergency efforts to prevent coronavirus. Plastic Initiative Network and Youth Environment Social Development Society in Dhaka are addressing environmental and climate change issues. Psycure Organisation in Jamalpur, DIP Medical Services in Natore, and Dipasha Foundation are promoting health education and awareness. Pohorchanda Adarsha Pathagar in Cox’s Bazar, Uttoron Jubo Sangha in Moulvibazar, and Cinema Bangladesh in Laxmipur are engaging in socio-cultural entrepreneurship. Footstep Bangladesh from Noakhali and Safety Management Foundation from Kurigram, both focusing on disaster management and reducing risk of damage, are the recipients of certificates, crests, and laptops. Young Bangla has recognized 130 organizations since 2015, with many of them achieving international recognition in the future. | 2 |
Colombia's Marxist rebels have declared a two-month unilateral ceasefire, marking the first break in hostilities in over ten years. The ceasefire comes as peace talks in Cuba aim to end a fifty-year-long conflict. While the Colombian government has stated that military operations will continue until a final peace agreement is reached with the FARC rebels, the rebel group has pledged to halt offensive military actions and sabotage against infrastructure until January 20. The FARC negotiator, Ivan Marquez, described the ceasefire as a significant step towards creating a conducive atmosphere for successful negotiations. This move indicates the rebels' willingness to work towards a successful conclusion to the talks, despite previous calls for major changes to Colombia's political system. The opposing groups arrived at the meetings in fancy black cars and will convene almost daily until the negotiations are over. Journalists crowded around the bearded and bespectacled Marquez, who was accompanied by other FARC representatives, including Dutch national Tanja Nijmeijer, in Havana's most luxurious neighborhood. Some FARC members sported caps and T-shirts of Simon Trinidad, a guerrilla negotiator currently imprisoned in the United States. Others cheered "Long Live the Army of the People." The leader of the Colombian government delegation, Humberto de la Calle, greeted the crowd with a smile and a wave but did not make any statements. Speaking from Bogota, Colombian Defense Minister Juan Carlos Pinzon expressed skepticism regarding the FARC's ceasefire pledge, stating that security forces are obligated to pursue criminals who have violated the constitution. He acknowledged the possibility that the FARC may not fulfill their promise, citing the group's history of non-compliance. The ongoing war in Colombia has resulted in numerous casualties, displacement of millions, and significant damage to infrastructure, making it Latin America's longest running insurgency. Failure of the current peace process would prolong the conflict and damage the country's reputation, hindering foreign investment and regional influence. Colombia has struggled to address its most pressing domestic issue for years. Residents in the western Cauca province, which has been heavily affected by war, were pleased with the FARC ceasefire. Orlando Ramos, a resident in Miranda, Cauca, expressed his hope that the ceasefire would be permanent, rather than just lasting two months. The announcement of the ceasefire could provide relief for oil and mining companies, which have been targeted by the FARC in recent months. This conflict has had a significant economic impact on Colombia, costing the country 1 to 2 percentage points of GDP annually. Additionally, large areas of land have become unsafe for farming due to the ongoing combat and presence of landmines. A peace agreement with the FARC has the potential to attract more investors to Colombia, according to Eurasia Group's Latin America analyst Heather Berkman. "The potential for agricultural production to transform the country's export industry is significant, especially with the possibility of both small-scale and larger farmers utilizing previously inaccessible land due to security concerns. Santos is pushing for a nine-month agreement timeline, but the rebels believe the process will be lengthier. The two parties will need to address several challenging issues outlined in their five-point agenda, starting with rural development. Past peace efforts have not succeeded, but there is hope from both the government and the FARC that this time could yield different results. However, not everyone shares this optimistic view." Felix Lafaurie, the leader of Colombia's National Federation of Cattle Ranchers, cautioned listeners on Colombian radio to be skeptical of the announcement. He expressed hope that it would demonstrate the FARC's good intentions rather than lead to further conflicts. Despite widespread support for the peace process in Colombia, there is a prevailing belief that it will not succeed. President Santos is taking a significant risk with these negotiations, and their outcome could impact the 2014 election. The roots of the conflict trace back to 1964, when the FARC formed as a communist movement aiming to address Colombia's social disparities. In the 1990s, the FARC dominated large areas of the country. However, in the early 2000s, significant US aid, improved intelligence, and greater mobility began to shift the balance of power in favor of the government. The FARC has suffered the loss of several key leaders and has been forced into remote jungle hideouts in recent years. Despite this, they remain a formidable force and continue to carry out attacks on security forces and economic targets. Past peace talks have failed due to ongoing violence, such as the hijacking of an airplane by the FARC in the last attempt from 1999 to 2002, which led the government to end negotiations. "The FARC has listened to the concerns of numerous Colombians who have been doubtful about its commitment to ending the war, considering its history," stated Juan Fernando Cristo, a senator representing the Liberal Party. "The choice to declare a one-sided ceasefire should make us hopeful about the future negotiations." | 2 |
A senior Iranian lawmaker cautioned Western powers that they would soon need to acknowledge Iran's nuclear advancements, as reported by Iran's state news agency on Saturday. The head of the parliamentary committee for national security and foreign policy, Alaeddin Boroujerdi, made the remarks at a ceremony in Mashhad honoring Iran's nuclear experts who have been targeted in attacks. Western countries suspect Iran of secretly developing nuclear weapons, a claim Iran denies. Negotiations are scheduled to resume this week to address international concerns, though the location of the talks has yet to be determined. Boroujerdi emphasized that the P5+1 group of countries must reconsider their approach, as "opposing the Islamic Republic will not work in their favor". Iran, with its honorable intentions, will continue discussing the issue of peaceful nuclear energy. It is believed that soon, countries like America and Europe will acknowledge Iran's progress and accept its membership into the nuclear community. Despite facing threats and sanctions, Iran has made significant advancements in its nuclear capabilities, including mining uranium, producing yellow cake, building centrifuges, and fueling reactors. In February, Iran successfully loaded domestically made fuel rods into a research reactor. Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. However, if the International Atomic Energy Agency fails to uphold its commitments, Iran may consider building a reactor within its borders. Addressing the families of slain scientists, Boroujerdi cautioned that targeting Iranian nuclear scientists was fruitless. He emphasized that despite external pressure, Iran's progress in nuclear science will persist due to the dedication of university students and professors. The IAEA's recent report revealing Iran's increased production of highly enriched uranium has sparked fears of military intentions behind Iran's nuclear activities. Though some doubt Iran's assertions, experts note that achieving 20 percent enriched uranium is a significant step towards reaching the 90 percent threshold for nuclear explosions. The Islamic Republic of Iran has stated that the highly refined uranium is needed to replenish the diminishing stocks of special fuel for a reactor in Tehran that produces medical isotopes for cancer patients. The United States and its allies have enforced new sanctions on Iran in an attempt to halt its enrichment activities. Israel has threatened Iran with pre-emptive strikes, while US President Barack Obama is advocating for a diplomatic solution. The next round of talks between Iran and the P5+1 group of countries has been postponed due to a disagreement over the location. | 2 |
According to interviews with activist investors and fund managers by Reuters, votes on climate-related resolutions are expected to gain more support from large asset managers this year compared to previous years. In the United States, there have been 79 climate-related resolutions filed so far, surpassing the numbers from last year and 2019. The Sustainable Investments Institute predicts that the count could reach 90 by the end of the year. These resolutions cover topics such as emissions limits, pollution reports, and climate audits to demonstrate the financial impact of climate change on businesses. The main focus is on urging companies in various sectors to outline their plans for reducing carbon footprints in line with government commitments to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Billionaire British hedge fund manager Chris Hohn is urging companies to have a credible plan with short-term targets in order to achieve net-zero targets by 2050. Hohn believes that without such a plan, companies are engaging in greenwashing and shareholders should hold them accountable. Some companies argue they already provide sufficient information on climate issues, but activists believe more executives are becoming open to making deals this year. Royal Dutch Shell, Spanish airports operator Aena, UK consumer goods company Unilever, and US rating agency Moody's have all announced plans to allow recurring shareholder votes on climate plans. While these votes are typically non-binding, they can lead to changes if they receive significant support from investors. "The calls for increased transparency and goal-setting are more direct now than they were in 2020," noted Daniele Vitale, head of governance for Georgeson, a London-based firm that advises companies on shareholder opinions. Many companies are committing to net-zero targets by 2050, in accordance with the Paris climate agreement, but few have set interim goals. A study by South Pole consultancy found that only 10% of 120 surveyed companies across various sectors have done so. Mirza Baig, head of investment stewardship at Aviva Investors, pointed out the lack of clarity on companies' plans and timelines for achieving these goals. Data analysis from J Safra Sarasin highlights the significant challenge ahead. Sarasin conducted a study on the emissions of approximately 1,500 firms in the MSCI World Index, which represents the world's listed companies. The study determined that if companies worldwide do not reduce their emissions, global temperatures could increase by more than 3 degrees Celsius by 2050. This is significantly higher than the goal set by the Paris accord, which aims to limit warming to "well below" 2 degrees Celsius, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius. The study also revealed significant differences among industries: if all companies emitted at the same rate as the energy sector, the temperature rise would be 5.8 degrees Celsius, with the materials sector (including metals and mining) heading towards 5.5 degrees Celsius, and consumer staples (including food and drink) on track for 4.7 degrees Celsius. The calculations were primarily based on companies' reported emissions levels in 2019, covering Scope 1 and 2 emissions - those directly caused by a company, as well as the production of the electricity it purchases and utilizes. The pressure on sectors with high carbon emissions to be transparent about their climate goals is increasing. For example, ExxonMobil recently disclosed its Scope 3 emissions, prompting Calpers to withdraw a shareholder resolution. Calpers' head of corporate governance sees 2021 as a promising year for climate concerns, with more companies likely to reach agreements with activist investors. Exxon has requested permission to skip votes on four other shareholder proposals, three of which are related to climate issues. They mention reasons such as the company already making significant reforms. An Exxon representative stated that ongoing discussions with stakeholders led to the disclosure of emissions. No comments were given on the requests to skip votes by Exxon or the SEC, which had not made a decision as of late Tuesday. Activists are hoping for more action from BlackRock, the largest investor with $8.7 trillion in assets, who has pledged to take a stronger stance on climate issues. BlackRock recently called for boards to create a climate plan, disclose emissions data, and set clear short-term targets, warning that directors could be voted out at the AGM if they do not comply. It supported a resolution at Procter & Gamble's AGM, which focused on eliminating deforestation in supply chains, and passed with 68% support. Green Century Capital Management's spokesman, Kyle Kempf, called it a small victory and hopes for more from BlackRock in the future. BlackRock stated they will assess proposals on a case-by-case basis. Amundi also announced they will support more resolutions, while Vanguard seemed less certain about their stance. Lisa Harlow, Vanguard's stewardship leader for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, expressed uncertainty about whether the company's support for climate resolutions this year would exceed its traditional rate of backing one in ten. Hohn, founder of $30 billion hedge fund TCI, is pushing for a regular mechanism to assess climate progress through annual shareholder votes. This "Say on Climate" resolution requires companies to present a detailed net zero plan, including short-term targets, for an annual non-binding vote. If investors are unsatisfied, they may have more leverage to vote down directors. There are indications that this initiative is gaining traction. Hohn has submitted seven resolutions through TCI, and plans to work with various organizations to file over 100 resolutions in different countries over the next two AGM seasons. Hohn believes that not all companies will support the Say on Climate, but is confident that they can win the votes through persistence and determination. | 2 |
At the 170-nation climate talks in Bonn, there are proposals to assist developing nations in constructing nuclear power plants as part of an extension of a UN program designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This has sparked debate as nuclear power is a controversial option for expanding the program, which allows wealthy nations to invest in renewable energy projects in other countries and receive credit for reducing emissions domestically. Yvo de Boer, the head of the U.N. Climate Change Secretariat, stated that this is an issue that needs to be carefully considered, along with other suggestions such as providing incentives for carbon capture and storage, as well as promoting reforestation efforts to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Numerous countries and environmental advocates are against the idea of broadening the scope of the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to encompass nuclear power. The CDM is a component of the United Nations' Kyoto Protocol, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions until 2012. According to Martin Hiller from the WWF conservation group, nuclear power is not a sustainable energy option and should not be included in the CDM. Instead, he believes the focus should be on promoting renewable energy sources. He expressed concerns about the dangers of nuclear power, despite its minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to burning coal, oil, and gas. The discussions in Bonn, part of a series of negotiations to create a new climate treaty to replace the Kyoto Protocol, will not address changes to the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM). Many delegations are not in favor of including nuclear power in the CDM. There is uncertainty about whether nuclear power should be used as an alternative to fossil fuels to combat rising temperatures. De Boer suggested that the CDM could provide up to $100 billion annually to developing nations if industrialized countries agreed to significant emissions reductions and allocated half of these reductions overseas. The assumption was that credits for preventing greenhouse gas emissions would be around $10 per tonne. The CDM has projects approved or under consideration that could prevent a total of 2.7 billion tonnes of emissions by 2012, which is approximately equal to the combined yearly emissions of Japan, Germany, and Britain. De Boer dismissed criticisms that the CDM was flawed, such as accusations of giving significant profits to carbon traders and companies in China that eliminate HFC 23, a potent greenhouse gas produced as a byproduct of making refrigerants. He stated that it is not morally wrong for people to profit from removing a harmful greenhouse gas, as the market mechanism created is effective. Other critiques of the program question if the funding has actually resulted in reductions in emissions, or if these reductions would have occurred regardless due to preexisting government support for wind power in China or India. | 2 |
The pandemic in France and Austria raised the debate between planes and trains. The French government's COVID bailout for Air France required the airline to stop domestic flights when there was a train option under 2 1/2 hours, which became law. Austrian Airlines also had to end short flights, like Vienna to Salzburg, to receive government support. The European Commission named 2021 the "Year of European Rail" to promote train travel, especially to younger people. Despite passenger numbers increasing before the pandemic, only 8% of European Union travel was by train. European leaders are not only focusing on a public relations campaign to promote cross-border train travel, but they are also working to reduce practical barriers by implementing new data-sharing systems, updating infrastructure, and constructing high-speed routes, especially in Central and Eastern Europe. Alberto Mazzola, executive director of the Community of European Railways and Infrastructure Companies, believes that for trips under four hours, businesspeople will choose trains over flights, and for trips under six hours, tourists will opt for trains. There is a renewed emphasis on investing in railway infrastructure, particularly high-speed lines, which is a significant shift from 20 years ago. Night trains in Europe are also becoming increasingly popular, contributing to the growing trend of rail travel on the continent. Night train services have been decreasing since the 1990s due to the rise of budget airlines and high-speed trains. However, there has been a recent resurgence in overnight services in Europe, with new sleeper connections being established. According to Alain Krakovitch, director of travel at SNCF, there is a strong demand for night trains from both customers and government officials. For example, SNCF recently reintroduced overnight services between Paris and Nice, with tickets starting at 19 euros, compared to 31 euros for a short flight on EasyJet. SNCF provides overnight services from Paris to Toulouse and Lourdes in southwestern France. In July and August, a night train to Hendaye, a coastal town near the Spanish border, will be available. Additionally, a change-free overnight service from Paris to Berlin is set to start in December 2023, reducing the journey time and eliminating the need for transfers. According to Krakovitch, there has been high demand for these services, making them very appealing to passengers. Krakovitch explained that the concept of falling asleep in Paris and waking up in Nice can save travelers a night in a hotel, allowing them to arrive in Nice early and refreshed. Despite the benefits, there was a significant investment needed to relaunch this service, but they are hopeful to maintain its success. This trend is also seen in other parts of Europe, such as the Swiss Federal Railways introducing a new overnight connection from Zurich to Amsterdam, with stops in Basel and Cologne, as well as connecting Zurich to other destinations like Berlin, Budapest, Prague, and Zagreb. European Sleeper, a company founded by two entrepreneurs from the Netherlands and Belgium, is in the process of planning an overnight train connection between Brussels and Prague, with stops in cities such as Amsterdam and Berlin. They are aiming to launch this service in the upcoming summer, although the exact start date has not been confirmed yet. On a similar note, ÖBB's Nightjet service has recently introduced an overnight route between Vienna and Paris, offering a range of ticket prices from approximately 30 euros for a standard seat to over 200 euros for a first-class private cabin, depending on the travel date. In addition to this route, Nightjet provides overnight services to various other cities including Rome, Milan, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Passengers have the option to book private compartments, some of which come equipped with a private shower and toilet. The cost of these compartments varies based on the amenities provided, with prices starting at 129 euros for a couple travelling from Vienna to Amsterdam on a weeknight in July. Another option is a two-bed sleeper cabin for 378 euros for two people, which includes breakfast. If a private shower and toilet are added, the price increases to 418 euros. Currently, all of the Nightjet trains are in use, but new services are expected to be available in the future, with over 30 new sleeper trains set to be delivered starting in 2023. Despite providing new travel options, night trains are limited to specific routes, presenting ongoing challenges. Challenges persist for individuals seeking to connect cities not directly linked by transportation networks, as booking tickets and pricing remain difficult. Some long-distance trips with multiple stops are more cost-effective by plane than by train. Despite the European Union's backing of rail travel, governments in the bloc still heavily subsidize airlines through bailout packages and low jet fuel taxes, though this may soon change. Recent bans on short-haul flights in France and Austria have had limited impact, affecting only a few routes. In France, passengers can still fly these routes as part of longer journeys. According to Herwig Schuster, a transport campaigner for Greenpeace's EU Mobility for All campaign, the measures taken by France and Austria are seen as a starting point. Schuster suggests that the European Union should consider prohibiting flights that have a train alternative taking under six hours, rather than just two or three. This could potentially eliminate about one-third of Europe's most popular short-haul routes. Schuster believes that consumers are prepared for this change, as a recent climate survey revealed that 62% of Europeans support a ban on short-haul flights. The main challenge would be ensuring that rail options are as affordable as flights. Currently, flying is often cheaper on longer routes that cross multiple national borders, such as Zurich to Barcelona, compared to rail travel. Despite this, flying remains the more affordable choice for routes like London to Madrid, Copenhagen to Rome, and Paris to Budapest. Mark Smith, who manages The Man in Seat 61 website, pointed out that Europe's extensive rail network does not have a unified ticketing system, which poses a challenge for travelers. However, he believes that trains often offer better value than planes when factoring in baggage fees and transportation costs to and from the airport. Smith suggests booking train tickets in advance, similar to how one would for a flight, to save money and avoid last-minute price increases. He recommends using websites like Trainline and Rail Europe for booking multi-country train trips in Europe. Despite the potential higher cost, Smith noted that many travelers still choose to take the train. Smith mentioned that when he launched his website two decades ago, the majority of individuals interested in long-distance train travel were either afraid of flying or unable to do so for health reasons. Nowadays, he notes a shift in mindset. People are increasingly dissatisfied with the stress and monotony of airports and airlines, seeking a more relaxing and engaging travel experience, all while reducing their carbon footprint. | 2 |
The agency announced an upgrade in India's rating from Baa3 to Baa2, changing the outlook to stable from positive due to balanced risks to India's credit profile. This marks Moody's first upgrade of India since January 2004, placing the rating at the second-lowest investment grade, one notch above Standard & Poor's and Fitch. The decision reflects positively on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government and the reforms it has implemented. Following the announcement, Indian stocks, bonds, and the rupee experienced a rally, with experts like Lakshmi Iyer from Kotak Mutual Fund comparing the situation to Santa Claus delivering gifts. The upgrade in ratings is a positive development for bonds that were previously facing a negative trend. This change is expected to result in a decrease in yields across different time periods. India had strongly advocated for an upgrade from Moody's last year, but was unsuccessful due to concerns about debt levels and the stability of banks. Despite criticism of its rating methodology, Moody's stood firm. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley views the upgrade as a recognition of the government's efforts to improve the economy. Prime Minister Modi's associates see it as another success for him, following a recent survey showing high approval ratings among Indians. Some economists believe that other major rating agencies such as Fitch and S&P are unlikely to upgrade India's credit rating soon, as they have expressed concerns about weak government finances and the slowing economy. Radhika Rao of DBS stated that reforms, a weak rural sector, and low investment have hindered growth, while rising oil prices pose risks. Finance Minister Jaitley has confirmed that the government will continue with fiscal consolidation, aiming for a fiscal deficit of 3.2 percent for the current year and 3 percent for the next. He stated that the fiscal discipline will be maintained and expressed confidence that current policies will help India move towards a stronger financial position. Moody's upgraded the ratings of several top Indian financial institutions and state-run energy companies, potentially reducing their borrowing costs. The Indian markets saw a surge, with the benchmark 10-year bond yield dropping to 6.94 percent before ending at 7.05 percent, the rupee strengthening to 65.02 per dollar, and the Mumbai stock index closing 0.67 percent higher. However, debt traders warned that due to heavy bond supply and a hawkish inflation outlook, the rally may not last long. A bond trader at a private bank questioned who would be brave enough to continue buying in the current market. Moody's stated that the introduction of the goods and services tax (GST) in India would increase productivity by eliminating barriers to inter-state trade. Marie Diron, an associate managing director at Moody's, mentioned that the upgrade took into consideration the potential impact of the GST reform on growth. Despite accounting for a higher government deficit, Moody's believes there is a commitment to fiscal consolidation in the long run. However, some market participants raised concerns about the timing of the upgrade, questioning the government's fiscal discipline. Moody's expects India's real GDP growth to decrease to 6.7 percent in the fiscal year ending in March 2018. Additionally, the agency upgraded India's local currency senior unsecured debt rating to Baa2 and its short-term local currency rating to P-2. Moody's stated that even though some important reforms are still in the early stages, it is confident that the ones already in place will help the government achieve its goal of improving the business environment, increasing productivity, and encouraging investment. Moody's also mentioned that India's long-term growth potential is much higher than that of other Baa-rated countries. | 2 |
The mountain was drawn on a piece of cardboard and served as the background for a virtual show she was a part of at the Leicester Comedy Festival. Ives believed the mountain was more than just a prop; it symbolized the daily challenges faced by transgender individuals in the UK, who must constantly combat discrimination. Despite the potentially difficult subject matter for a comedy show, Ives was confident in her ability to navigate it, as she herself is transgender. While transgender people in British society are more visible than ever before, there has also been a rise in opposition to transgender rights in the media and online. In the world of stand-up comedy, which often reflects societal concerns, transgender issues have frequently been the subject of jokes. In a recent phone interview, Jen Ives, a trans comedian, talked about the pressure she sometimes feels to represent the entire trans community on stage instead of just telling jokes. In contrast to the United States, where views on transgender issues are divided along political lines, in Britain, voices from both the left and right have expressed concerns about allowing transgender women to use bathrooms that align with their gender identity. JK Rowling, the author of the "Harry Potter" books, is one of the most prominent figures in Britain to make such claims, leading to accusations of transphobia. In a 2018 study from UCLA, concerns about safety and privacy in this context were found to be unfounded. Dan Healey, an academic from the University of Oxford's Centre for Gender, Identity, and Subjectivity, explained in a phone interview that the debate surrounding transgender rights in Britain is more pronounced than in the United States. He stated that the disagreement primarily lies between feminist groups who either acknowledge trans women as women or do not. Jen Ives, a British comedian, expressed her concerns about the dehumanization of trans people in the UK, noting that it feels like there is a deliberate effort to question their humanity. Ives, who is 30 years old, mentioned that people often do not see transgender individuals as individuals, but rather as a topic of debate or a passing trend. She has been discussing her experience as a transgender person in her stand-up comedy since 2017, and audiences appreciated her candidness on the subject. Her show "Peak Trans" was created in response to the negative atmosphere towards transgender individuals in Britain. She believes that making people laugh may not change their views, but it humanizes her and helps them see her as a person. Even when addressing serious topics like anger towards transgender people, Ives always includes humor in her show. She mentioned that being transgender is not the only aspect of her identity, also mentioning that she is a vegetarian. She expressed her desire to go vegan over Christmas but felt hesitant because of the impact it may have on her dad. Transgender comedians have been performing on British stages for many years. Eddie Izzard, a popular comedian, made headlines in December for using she/her pronouns and expressing her desire to be in "girl mode." Debra-Jane Appleby, a trans stand-up comedian, won the Funny Women comedy award in 2005, and Bethany Black, another trans comedian, has been a regular on Britain's comedy circuit for almost 20 years. Black once stated in a 2010 interview that people don't really care about her being transgender. During a recent video interview, she laughed when reminded of that statement. "Yeah, that has changed quite a bit," she stated. In the past, individuals believed there were only around 10 or 15 transsexuals globally, but now the perception has shifted to thinking they are widespread and trying to participate in sports. Despite her onstage jokes about transphobia, Black shared that the ongoing debate in Britain regarding trans individuals has had a negative impact on her mental health. She disclosed being diagnosed with agoraphobia a few years ago, attributing it to constantly feeling like she is in a constant battle. Black also expressed frustration with comedians and TV shows that make insensitive jokes about transgender individuals. Some popular comedians had incorporated those types of jokes into their routines so much that James Acaster made fun of it in a 2019 performance. However, many comedians would avoid making those jokes when performing on the same bill as her, according to Black. Despite claiming to support free speech, many of them would not make those jokes when she was also performing. One comedian who did make those jokes was Adam Rowe, who has a routine where he talks about Victoria's Secret not casting transgender or plus-size models in their shows. In a photo taken remotely at an unspecified date, British comedian Bethany Black is seen on Feb 25, 2021. Black expressed that being transgender is a daily reality for her, not just a hypothetical situation. She mentioned that many British comedians make jokes about trans individuals, but they tend to avoid doing so when she is also performing. Brian, your hands are similar to shovels, a statement made towards the end of a routine. It was mentioned that Victoria's Secret recently featured a transgender model. In an undated photo taken remotely, British comedian Bethany Black expressed her thoughts on being transgender on Feb 25, 2021. Black stated that being transgender is a part of her daily life and not just a hypothetical scenario. She noted that many British comedians make jokes about transgender individuals, but they tend to refrain from doing so when she is also on the same lineup. Rowe defended the joke in an email. He stated that the routine was not transphobic, but rather designed to deceive those who are not paying attention into believing that it is. He mentioned that people often focus on certain words and miss the point. Ives mentioned that she has seen non-trans comedians perform trans material and found it to be funny. She acknowledged that she can find humor in herself but feels that sometimes it comes across as a disrespectful insult. She shared that she has had to follow male comedians who made jokes about transgender women many times in her career and would usually make fun of the comedian in return. However, she recognized that this was just her way of dealing with a difficult situation. "I'd prefer not to." In her most recent performance, Ives guided her audience through various topics, including jokes about transgender individuals in sports and her own coming out story, ultimately reaching the topic of JK Rowling. Ives joked about Rowling's novel "Troubled Blood," which includes a male killer posing as a woman, expressing a desire to speak out against it. However, she mentioned the challenge of addressing a 1,000-page book. "I refuse to read that!" Ives claimed that Rowling wanted individuals like her to no longer use women's spaces and instead use men's toilets. Ives then compared trans women to spiders, stating that they are fearful of others just like spiders are often feared. | 2 |
The worst financial crisis in 80 years hit emerging markets hard on Wednesday, leading to emergency measures by central banks and calls for international assistance to prevent investors from pulling out. In the United States, there was also negative news as companies like AT&T Inc and Boeing reported lower-than-expected earnings and Merck & Co announced layoffs. Wachovia Corp, a struggling bank soon to be acquired by Wells Fargo & Co, reported a record $23.9 billion loss in the third quarter. Emerging market stocks, debt, and currencies all suffered as investors sold off assets due to concerns about the global economy. Despite some efforts to stabilize the financial system, fears of a global recession remained dominant. Hungary raised interest rates by three percentage points in order to protect its currency, the forint. Belarus requested credit from the International Monetary Fund, while Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko anticipated substantial financial assistance from the IMF. The IMF is also prepared to assist Pakistan and Iceland, both facing financial challenges. Neil Dougall, chief emerging markets economist at Dresdner Kleinwort, noted that capital is shifting from emerging markets back to developed markets. Optimism was somewhat overshadowed by the ongoing problems, but there were positive statements from officials regarding the financial crisis. This has led to significant financial aid from governments worldwide. David McCormick, U.S. Treasury Undersecretary, mentioned in Hong Kong that while the U.S. economy faces challenges in the coming quarters, there is potential for recovery starting late next year. He emphasized the importance of restoring confidence in the financial market. Mervyn King, Governor of the Bank of England, suggested that the worst may be over for the financial system, as he plays a key role in discussions among the Group of Seven nations regarding the crisis. Late on Tuesday, he stated that we are still a long way from reaching stability, but he believes that the plan to recapitalize the banking system, both domestically and internationally, will be recognized as a turning point in the banking crisis of the previous year. Recent developments, such as a decrease in U.S. dollar short-term funding costs in London and Asia, suggest that banks are starting to rebuild trust in each other. Additionally, Russia, a strong emerging market that has been affected by the crisis, has shown signs of progress in bank lending, with interbank lending returning to normal. The rates are decreasing after being high, as banks are beginning to lend to sectors again. However, according to First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov, it will still take two to three weeks for the situation to show signs of improvement. Despite efforts to combat financial collapse, there is a looming fear of recession due to the deteriorating global economic climate. The UK economy has significantly worsened, with the Bank of England cutting rates in response. Governor King mentioned that the UK is likely entering its first recession in 16 years. Financial markets were filled with concerns as Wall Street was expected to open poorly, with Dow Jones industrial average futures dropping 259 points, or nearly 3 percent. European shares were down over 4.4 percent, Japan's Nikkei average fell 6.8 percent, and MSCI's sector index for emerging markets hit its lowest level since June 2005. Sovereign debt spreads widened to over 700 basis points over Treasury yields for the first time since early 2003. Other currencies, aside from the forint, were also struggling, with the Turkish lira hitting a two-year low and South Africa's rand dropping to its lowest level in over 6 years against the dollar. Sanjay Mathur, an economist at the Royal Bank of Scotland in Singapore, stated that the challenges of a business cycle downturn will likely be quite severe. Various US companies reported quarterly results on Wednesday, providing insight into the state of different industries and sectors in the world's largest economy. While tobacco companies Philip Morris International and Reynolds American Inc, as well as fast-food chain McDonald's Corp, exceeded analysts' expectations with their profits, they were exceptions in an otherwise bleak outlook. | 2 |
Michael Strizki is able to heat and cool his house year-round, as well as run various appliances, including a hot tub and wide-screen TV, without having to pay for utility bills. His traditional-looking family home in western New Jersey is the first in the country to demonstrate that a combination of solar and hydrogen power can provide all the necessary electricity for a household. This project, known as the Hopewell Project, is significant given the current concerns about US energy security and the impact of burning fossil fuels on the environment. Gian-Paolo Caminiti of Renewable Energy International, the project's commercial arm, believes that people are aware of the issue of climate change but may not know how to address it, and there is a sense of satisfaction in taking environmentally-friendly actions. Strizki operates a 3,000-square-foot home using electricity generated by a 1,000-square-foot roof covered in photovoltaic cells on a nearby building. An electrolyzer converts solar power into hydrogen from water, which is then stored in hydrogen tanks for later use in a fuel cell. During the summer, the solar panels produce excess electricity, which is stored as hydrogen for use in the winter when solar panels alone cannot meet the household demand. Strizki also uses the hydrogen to power his fuel-cell car, which, like his home, is environmentally friendly. Solar power currently accounts for only 0.1 percent of US energy needs, but the number of photovoltaic installations is increasing, and the cost of solar panels is decreasing annually. With decreasing costs and a growing interest in clean alternatives to expensive and polluting fossil fuels, analysts are predicting a significant expansion of solar energy in the next five to 10 years. The New Jersey project, which was completed in October 2006 after four years of planning and construction, had a total cost of approximately $500,000, with $225,000 of funding coming from the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. New Jersey is a strong supporter of renewable energy, with a goal of having 20 percent of its energy from renewables by 2020, and currently has the second largest number of solar-power installations in the US after California. The state's utility regulator endorsed the project as it aligns with their renewable energy objectives, according to Doyal Siddell, a spokesman for the agency. He stated that the solar-hydrogen residence project offers a significant opportunity to reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming. The project received support from various commercial sponsors, such as Exide and Swageloc, who contributed equipment and expertise. Strizki also invested $100,000 of his own money. The high cost may discourage many from converting their homes, but the project is meant to be replicated at a lower cost. After covering initial research and design expenses, the price would be around $100,000, according to Strizki. However, Marchant Wentworth of the Union of Concerned Scientists believes this is still too expensive for widespread replication. In order for such installations to be widely adopted, they would need to be able to sell extra power to the grid, creating a revenue source that could attract investment, according to Wentworth. Caminiti believes that the hydrogen/solar system costs around $4,000 annually when the $100,000 cost is spread over the expected 25-year lifespan. This is significantly higher than the average $1,500 per year that US homeowners spend on energy, as reported by the federal government. Even when factoring in the average $1,000 per year spent on gasoline per car, the renewable energy option remains more expensive than the grid/gasoline combination. For Strizki and his team, the house represents more than just financial profit. It signifies energy security in a time when the government is aiming to lessen reliance on fossil fuels from the Middle East, and it represents maintaining a lifestyle without releasing harmful greenhouse gases. Strizki, who is 51 years old, views the project as his life's mission. "I have devoted my life to improving the environment," he stated. | 2 |
The Financial Times reported on Friday that the Hong Kong government did not provide a reason for their decision to not renew Victor Mallet's work visa. The newspaper stated that this was the first time they had encountered such a situation in Hong Kong and were not given an explanation for the rejection. The Hong Kong government declined to comment on the specific case, stating that the Immigration Department makes decisions based on laws and policies after carefully considering individual circumstances. Mallet, a British citizen, is the first vice president of the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club and was the organization's main spokesperson during a controversial event in August involving a Hong Kong independence advocate that drew criticism from local and mainland Chinese officials. Foreign journalists and media organizations are often punished by Mainland China through denial of resident work visas for reporters and editors. However, Hong Kong, which has stronger protections for civil liberties, has typically been a safer place for journalists. The decision to expel Mallet has caused concerns among human rights advocates, who believe it blurs the line between Hong Kong and mainland China. This unprecedented move is expected to have a chilling effect on freedom of expression in the city, according to Maya Wang of Human Rights Watch. Jason Y Ng, president of PEN Hong Kong, also expressed concerns about the impact on free speech in Hong Kong. Ng stated that as Beijing continues to redefine what topics are considered sensitive and forbidden, there is a growing pressure for both institutions and individuals to practice self-censorship. This crackdown on free expression directly impacts Hong Kong's reputation as an open, cosmopolitan city that adheres to the rule of law. He believes that the expulsion of the Foreign Correspondents' Club was a clear act of retaliation by authorities. In August, the Club hosted a talk by Andy Chan, leader of a political party advocating for Hong Kong's independence. The Hong Kong government had announced plans to outlaw Chan's party, the Hong Kong National Party, citing concerns of national security, public safety, and public order. Both Hong Kong and Chinese officials condemned the event. Leung Chun-ying, the former top official of Hong Kong from 2012 to 2017, compared the talk at the FCC to hosting supporters of "racism, anti-Semitism, or Nazism" and suggested that the Hong Kong government should reconsider the lease of the FCC's clubhouse in a historically significant, publicly owned building in central Hong Kong. Mallet, an experienced Financial Times editor who previously served as the newspaper's bureau chief in New Delhi, stated during Chan's talk that the club viewed it as a regular event related to an important news story in Hong Kong. He noted that the unusual level of interest and controversy around the lunch reflected more on the political climate in Hong Kong and Beijing than on the FCC itself. Last month, Hong Kong banned Chan's political party. Under the law, a person claiming to be a party officeholder could face up to three years in prison, while anyone providing a meeting place for the group could be imprisoned for up to a year for a first offense. Hong Kong, which has its own immigration policy and internal border with China, has previously denied visas to academics and political activists. Last year, two scholars from Taiwan were denied entry, and in 2014, several leaders of Taiwan's protests against a trade bill with China were also denied entry to Hong Kong. The recent action against a foreign journalist represents an expansion of these restrictions. The denial of a visa renewal for a journalist with The Financial Times in Hong Kong is unprecedented, and human rights and free speech organizations could not recall any other foreign journalists being expelled. In 2011, Hong Kong authorities refused to grant a work visa to Chang Ping, a well-known journalist from mainland China who had secured a job at a Hong Kong newspaper. This type of treatment towards foreign journalists is more common in mainland China. Megha Rajagopalan, the former China bureau chief for BuzzFeed News, was not granted a new journalist visa this year despite her coverage of the detention of Uighurs and other Muslim minorities in western China. Ursula Gauthier, a reporter for the French newsweekly L’Obs in Beijing, had her visa renewal denied in 2015 after questioning China’s treatment of Uighurs. The New York Times and Bloomberg also faced obstacles in obtaining new journalist visas in China following their 2012 reports on the wealth of Chinese leaders' families. Vice President Mike Pence delivered a speech on Thursday criticizing China for imposing restrictions on foreign journalists, stating that these actions are part of the Communist Party's strategy to promote censorship. | 2 |
Bulgarians went to the polls on Sunday in hopes of jumpstarting reforms to address corruption and revive the economy after being hit hard by the global crisis. Opinion polls suggest that the Socialist party in power is likely to lose due to the recession and a culture of impunity for criminals and politicians. Last year, Bulgaria lost access to EU aid due to corruption. If polls are accurate, the opposition party led by Sofia Mayor Boiko Borisov may have a chance to form a new government, most likely through a coalition. Borisov, a former bodyguard turned politician, has promised to tackle crime, but there are concerns about his track record and the potential dilution of reforms in coalition talks. Pollsters say that his party currently receives around 30 percent of the vote, while the ruling Socialists have about 20 percent. "I am tired of the government," explained former teacher Pepa Kozhuharova, 64, as she voted in a Sofia neighborhood. "This country really needs a change. We need to prove that we no longer want corrupt politicians." Borisov, known for his straightforwardness and nicknamed Batman for his eagerness to take action, has gained popularity among Bulgarians who are weary of two decades of sluggish reforms. "I voted for Boiko because he is the only person who can speak up about what is right and wrong and actually take action on it," Maria Nikolova, 50, stated after voting in Sofia. The new government needs to act quickly to prevent EU sanctions on aid, which are crucial for Bulgaria's struggling economy, and to attract investors who have been leaving the country. It is uncertain if GERB will secure enough votes for a strong majority in the 240-seat chamber, especially with their planned coalition partners, the Blue Coalition. The current government successfully led Bulgaria into the EU, implemented tax cuts, and maintained strict fiscal policies. However, critics argue that they have been ineffective and have not done enough to separate politicians, judges, and criminal leaders. The depth of the problem is highlighted by prosecutors launching investigations into widespread allegations of vote-buying by all parties before the election. Five people were arrested on Saturday in connection with this issue. EU countries are concerned about suspected criminals running for parliament to gain temporary immunity and release from custody. Bulgaria, which had been experiencing growth for 12 years, is now in recession due to the global financial crisis. This has led to mass protests as rising unemployment has put an end to years of high private spending and accumulated debt. The economy is expected to shrink by 2 percent in 2009, and Bulgaria may seek International Monetary Fund aid, like some of its fellow former Soviet bloc countries in the EU. Voting commenced at 6 a.m. (11 p.m. EDT on Sunday) and will conclude at 7 p.m., followed by the prompt release of exit polls. By 6 a.m. EDT, turnout had reached 29.3 percent. | 2 |
The World Bank announced on Saturday that the funding will benefit rural communities by reducing poverty and creating new opportunities for livelihood. The funds will also aid local communities in Cox's Bazar who are hosting Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. Qimiao Fan, the World Bank Country Director for Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal, stated that the projects will help rural populations and vulnerable individuals escape poverty while also enhancing the country's ability to adapt to climate change. The Sustainable Forests & Livelihoods Project, which will receive $175 million, aims to increase forest cover by involving local communities in collaborative forest management and planting trees in 79,000 hectares of forest, including a coastal green belt to improve resilience to climate change. Madhavi Pillai, a World Bank Senior Natural Resources Management Specialist, stated that the project aims to increase income for approximately 40,000 households in various districts of Bangladesh, including Cox's Bazar where many Rohingya refugees have sought shelter. The project will focus on developing and implementing protected area management plans for 10 Protected Forest Areas with the participation of community members. The $240 million Sustainable Coastal and Marine Fisheries Project by the World Bank will work towards improving fisheries management, expanding mariculture, and enhancing aquaculture biosecurity and productivity in 10 coastal districts. Additionally, the project will empower female workers through alternative livelihood support, skills development, and nutrition awareness initiatives. The overall goal of the project is to enhance fisheries management systems, infrastructure, and value chain investments in the region. Milen Dyoulgerov, a World Bank Senior Environment Specialist and Task Team Leader for the project, stated that this will lead to enhanced productivity and increased availability of fish. An additional $100 million in financing for the Second Rural Transport Improvement Project will focus on repairing rural roads in 26 districts that were affected by heavy rainfall and floods last year. The ongoing project has already improved and fixed over 5,000 km of rural roads, enabling millions of people to reach markets, hospitals, and schools. The financing will prioritize climate-resilience in the planning, technical design, implementation, and maintenance of the roads. | 2 |
The 16-year-old Swedish activist also addressed a large rally in Montreal, expressing her disappointment in world leaders for failing to deliver on their promises and for not having adequate plans. She stated that young people will continue to strike and protest until their voices are heard. Despite criticism from Trump and Canadian Member of Parliament Maxime Bernier, Thunberg believes that they are trying to silence her because they feel threatened by the growing movement. "We should view that as a compliment" should be seen as a positive. The climate strikes initiated by her began in Asia on Friday and then spread to Europe, following similar strikes the previous week. In New Zealand, tens of thousands of students led the movement. In Seoul, South Korea, around 500 students called for more government action on climate change and marched towards the presidential Blue House after a rally in the city center, where they criticized the government's lack of action. In the Netherlands, thousands of children also participated in a global climate strike by skipping school, blocking traffic, and challenging their leaders with the question "how dare you?". In reference to Thunberg's speech at the United Nations, Matthew McMillan, a 22-year-old mechanical engineering student at Concordia University in Montreal, held a poster that read "Make America Greta Again" as he participated in the protest with other students. He believed it was the most significant event of their generation. Nine-year-old Xavier Damien Tremblay, along with his three younger siblings and mother Maude Richard, also took part in the march, holding placards and chanting "protect the planet." Xavier expressed his concern, stating that it is their planet that is in jeopardy. Trudeau informs Thunberg that Canada needs to increase its efforts. Thunberg's visit to Canada aligns with the campaigning for the upcoming federal election on Oct. 21. She had a private meeting with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, where she expressed that he is not doing enough to address the issue at hand. Thunberg's message to all politicians is to listen to and act on the science regarding climate change. Trudeau is pledging to take further steps towards addressing climate change, despite facing criticism for his purchase and expansion of a major oil pipeline in western Canada. At one of his campaign stops, a man was removed by police after shouting, "You are the problem! Climate criminal!" Another man attempted to throw eggs at the prime minister during a Montreal march, resulting in police intervention. Video footage showed Trudeau comforting his son, who seemed scared and was crying after the incident. Trudeau described his meeting with Thunberg as a positive experience, stating that they discussed the urgent need for greater action. Aviation leaders from the United Nations are currently meeting in Montreal to discuss ways to reduce the environmental impact of the industry. Despite commercial flying only accounting for 2.5% of carbon emissions, experts warn that emissions will increase if more is not done, especially with passenger numbers expected to double by 2037. ICAO expressed support for the recent climate march, emphasizing the need for faster innovation to address aviation's environmental impacts. | 2 |
They appeared to be willing to help, but Martha Agbani, the women's leader, had a sense of danger. She recognized the threat behind their offer to carry things for them in Yaataah, a village in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Agbani had encountered these men before and knew that they expected payment, or else there would be trouble. She was determined to provide opportunities for the women in the community, who had long been marginalized in Ogoniland, a region known for its resistance against oil companies. Throughout her life, Agbani had witnessed the struggles of women in the Niger Delta to survive and to have their voices heard above those of men. She was determined to establish a large nursery to grow hundreds of thousands of mangrove plants to sell to Royal Dutch Shell's Nigerian subsidiary, the dominant oil company in Ogoniland responsible for destroying many mangroves. Agbani, a resilient woman with a friendly but no-nonsense attitude, aimed to create a business that could empower women financially and help restore the environment. Mangroves have natural benefits, such as filtering water, preventing coastal erosion, and providing a habitat for aquatic life that supports humans. The Niger Delta was once home to a large mangrove ecosystem that humans coexisted with peacefully for centuries. However, the rise of oil production, upon which the Nigerian government heavily relies, led to the destruction of the mangrove forests. In 2011, the United Nations Environment Program released a significant report on pollution in Ogoniland, stating that it could take 30 years to clean up. The government agency responsible for cleaning the land and water, the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project, has been very slow to take action. Following two oil spills in 2007 and 2008 that devastated mangrove forests near Bodo, Shell agreed to compensate the community, clean up the oil, and replant. Agbani saw an opportunity, as the company would require a large number of mangroves, which are essential for protecting the coastline and providing habitat for marine life. She began by cultivating mangroves in her own yard before seeking out a location to establish a nursery. This led her to Yaataah, where the creek had once been filled with mangrove forests, but many had disappeared due to past environmental disasters and the encroachment of invasive nipa palms introduced by the British. She began planning the project's implementation there and brought in over 100 female mangrove planters to celebrate its launch in late 2019. However, during the celebration, she encountered young men who unexpectedly arrived and demanded money and snacks intended for the women. When she protested to them, emphasizing that the women had arrived to assist in rejuvenating the land for the benefit of their mothers and sisters who depended on harvesting periwinkles, they responded by physically assaulting her. "They were pulling me from behind," she recounted. "The situation quickly escalated." Disturbed by the incident, Agbani and her team departed from Yaataah and did not return for several months. Despite relocating the nursery to a different area with the help of a local leader who provided land near the contaminated areas in Bodo, she found it difficult to completely disconnect from Yaataah. The creek was a great place for the women to practice growing mangroves from seeds in a natural environment, rather than starting them in plastic grow bags at the nursery in Bodo. In May 2021, the women returned to plant the mangroves, carrying sacks on their heads and wading into the creek barefoot. As they walked in the water, it became murky from the sediment being stirred up by their feet. Agbani, 45, laughed as she felt something moving around her legs and struggled to keep her balance in the muddy creek. Martha is an elderly woman, the location was ideal with minimal oil pollution. Wildlife was still present, with birds, frogs, and crickets singing from their hiding spots in the foliage. The creek in the Niger Delta was obstructed by nipa palms, but Agbani had organized for villagers to clear a significant area of the palms. The women moved swiftly through the mud towards the patch, passing the seeds known as "propagules" from hand to hand and planting them at regular intervals under the direction of Agbani. As they worked, Jessy Nubani sang a popular call-and-response song, with the other women joining in harmoniously. Meanwhile, the young men arrived on motorcycles and were scolded by Agbani for not helping with the planting. Agbani's activism was influenced by her mother, who was involved in the Ogoni people's fight against the Nigerian government and Shell in the 1990s. She worked for the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People, which was established in 1990 to address the environmental damage caused by multinational oil companies in the region. Agbani was inspired by the activist Ken Saro-Wiwa, who was executed by the Nigerian government in 1995. She vividly recalls the day Saro-Wiwa was arrested while she was a student in Bori, his hometown, and witnessed the chaos that ensued. She mentioned that chaos erupted as people ran in all directions, with soldiers entering communities and firing shots in Bori. This event, along with Saro-Wiwa's advocacy for the oppressed, inspired her to advocate for her community. She noted that while there were numerous organizations addressing environmental damage, few prioritized the rights of women who were disproportionately impacted by oil pollution. She stated that women in Ogoniland were always in distress and were victims of various hardships, and she felt the need to empower them. In Ogoniland, while men typically engage in deep-sea fishing, women traditionally gather crustaceans near the shore for cooking or selling. When the mangroves are absent, women become overly reliant on men, leading to increased violence. Agbani believed that the Ogoni people were responsible for safeguarding the environment for future generations. It was distressing for her to witness young men in the area impeding and attempting to benefit from the women's work to restore it. She expressed disappointment in their lack of understanding of the significance of environmental restoration, stating that they lacked motivation. As the leader of the group threatened to take her to court, she sarcastically welcomed the idea, unsure if he was serious or joking. "That will be a great one," she said as she left Yaataah on a rough road towards the nursery in Bodo. The driver maneuvered around a group of motorbikes heading towards the village, filled with young men hoping to make some money. Unfortunately for them, they were too late as Agbani was already on her way out. | 2 |
Bangladesh, the world's second largest producer of jute after India, has seen a decline in demand for the "golden fibre" due to its high price. A Bangladeshi scientist has developed a way to transform jute into biodegradable cellulose sheets, which can be used to make eco-friendly disposable bags that resemble plastic ones. Mubarak Ahmad Khan, a scientific adviser to the Bangladesh Jute Mills Corporation, stated that the new 'sonali' bags have similar physical properties to plastic and are biodegradable within three months. Bangladesh is currently producing 2,000 of these bags daily on a trial basis, with plans to increase production after partnering with a Japanese green packaging company. In March, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh encouraged those involved in the project to help accelerate the widespread use of the golden bags for economic and environmental benefits. In April, the government allocated approximately $900,000 from Bangladesh's climate change trust fund to support the large-scale production of the bags. Mamnur Rashid, the general manager of the BJMC, stated that once the project is fully operational, they aim to start commercial production of the sonali bag within six months. Despite being one of the first countries to ban plastic and polythene bags in 2002, Bangladesh has struggled to effectively implement the ban. Currently, over 60 countries, including China and France, have imposed bans on plastic bags in some regions or cities. Khan mentioned that as the bans on plastic widen, more than 100 Bangladeshi and international companies are considering using the new jute-based shopping sacks. He stated that he receives emails and phone calls from buyers in various countries such as Britain, Australia, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Japan, and France on a daily basis. Sabuj Hossain, the director of Eco Bangla Jute Limited, believes that the jute bags will have a high demand globally and hopes to export 10 million bags per month in the future. Rashid from the BJMC mentioned that commercial production is expected to begin towards the end of the year. Khan stated that even if all the jute produced in Bangladesh was used to make sacks, the country would only be able to meet one-third of the demand. Despite Bangladesh's ban on plastic bags being almost two decades old, millions of bags are still used each year due to a lack of alternatives and weak enforcement. The government estimates that 410 million polythene bags are used in Dhaka each month, leading to a buildup of discarded bags in waterways like the Buriganga River. Quazi Sarwar Imtiaz Hashmi, a former deputy director general of the Department of Environment, believes that the new jute polymer bags will help alleviate pollution as they are biodegradable and decomposable. | 2 |
Audrey Withers, the editor who commissioned it, was featured in the magazine's November 1941 issue, looking neat and composed in a plaid over-shirt and pillbox hat as she worked with her staff in the basement of the magazine's temporary headquarters on New Bond Street. Despite the backdrop of peeling walls and shattered glass, Withers declared, "Here is Vogue, in spite of it all," conveying a sense of determination. Taking over as editor in 1940 at the age of 35, Withers was committed to providing readers with a mix of content, from coverage of country houses and city fashion to practical advice on dealing with food shortages and clothes rationing, all while offering glimpses of a nation and world at war. Rising through the ranks from a copy writer and administrator, Withers saw herself as an unlikely choice for the position. Audrey Withers acknowledged in her autobiography "Lifespan" that she would not have been suited to edit Vogue in any other era. Despite this, her words are currently resonating with many during a time of pandemic, high unemployment rates, and social unrest. With her left-of-center politics and outspoken views on maintaining the status quo, Withers is the focus of Julie Summers' biography "Dressed for War," which praises her ability to navigate challenges during chaotic times. Withers, once considered the most powerful woman in London, is now seen as a role model for a new generation facing similar challenges in the publishing industry. A photograph of Audrey Withers taken by Lord Snowdon in January 1960 once earned her the title of 'the most powerful woman in London'. The former British Vogue editor, who passed away in 2001 at the age of 96, is being honored by the current editor, Edward Enninful. Enninful, a strong advocate for inclusivity and social progress, has featured three essential workers on the cover of the July issue - a train conductor, a midwife, and a supermarket clerk. This tribute to essential workers pays homage to a series commissioned by Withers in the past, where men and women in traditional blue-collar jobs were showcased. Enninful acknowledges in his editor's letter that Vogue is not typically known for focusing on everyday life, but believes that these essential workers represent the millions of people in the UK who risked their lives to help others during the pandemic. This tribute comes at a time of change for fashion magazines. Harper's Bazaar has revealed that Samira Nasr, who previously held the position of executive fashion director at Vanity Fair, will be taking over as editor following Glenda Bailey's departure in January. Nasr will make history as the first black editor of the prestigious Hearst publication. In a video announcing her new role, Nasr expressed her commitment to providing a platform for all voices to share untold stories. Meanwhile, Anna Wintour, editor in chief of American Vogue and artistic director of Condé Nast, has been facing scrutiny over issues of race and class, particularly in light of recent changes at Bon Appétit. In his new memoir, "The Chiffon Trenches," André Leon Talley depicts his former friend and boss, Anna Wintour, as cold and ruthless, driven by her own survival and power. Wintour, who has been rumored to be retiring soon, has positioned herself as a progressive by endorsing Joe Biden in Vogue's May issue and launching a fundraising initiative in the June/July issue. Some believe it is time for a new leader in the fashion industry, with former editor Phillip Picardi advocating for a change in mindset. Picardi suggested that the idea of leadership needs to be reimagined. He believes that society is moving away from the traditional concept of one person being above all others. Ariel Foxman, a writer and former editor of InStyle, believes that expecting editors to lead conversations or offer innovative context is unrealistic. In today's media landscape, where democratization is on the rise, authoritarian magazine editors may no longer be relevant. Samir Husni, director of the Magazine Innovation Center at the University of Mississippi, believes that the era of the celebrity editor is coming to an end. During times of uncertainty, readers are more likely to trust a brand rather than an influential editor. Michael Wolf, a media consultant, believes that editors do not need to be seen as glamorous figures, and readers may be drawn to someone like Withers who is driven by a sense of purpose rather than fame. Withers believed that it is important for fashion magazines to address political issues during times of crisis. In a letter to Woolman Chase, she expressed the idea that by silently accepting the way things are, one is just as politically involved as actively pushing for change. She supported this belief by sending journalists like Beaton and Lee Miller to the front lines. Withers, born in 1905, came from an intellectual family and was educated at Oxford before working at Vogue. Known as "Austerity" among staff, she encouraged readers to be resourceful during times of scarcity by growing their own food, preserving goods, and repurposing items in their wardrobe. She set an example by having a small wardrobe herself, consisting of a few suits, dresses, and casual wear. She reached out to the British Board of Trade to create affordable utility fashions for her readers by limiting the labor and materials used. She emphasized the importance of simplicity in fashion by encouraging readers to pare down. In response to London's blackouts, she incorporated glowing accessories and gas mask totes into her pages. She advocated for cropped hairstyles to prevent female factory workers from getting their hair caught in machinery. As Vogue's war correspondent, Miller covered events such as the siege of Saint Malo, the liberation of Paris, and the death of Hitler, capturing powerful images in bombed-out villages. She recorded the events at Buchenwald, including the sight of emaciated bodies, but only published a small photo. Withers also had Jane Stockwood write about the hardships of Nazi occupation in France, including the massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane. Audrey was determined to make readers understand these important issues, even if it wasn't typical Vogue content. This dedication to social justice could help rejuvenate fashion magazines. Picardi believes that separating political and social justice coverage from fashion sends the message that they are not connected. "What I have come to understand is that they do not exist." - c.2020 The New York Times Company. | 2 |
Lights were turned off at famous tourist spots and residences worldwide on Saturday for Earth Hour 2009, an international event aimed at drawing attention to the dangers of climate change. Landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House, Eiffel Tower, and London's Houses of Parliament dimmed their lights as part of a campaign to promote energy conservation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The organizers believe that this demonstration reflects the desire of millions of people for governments to reach a new U.N. agreement to combat global warming by the end of 2009, despite concerns about the economic impact. Kim Carstensen, head of a global climate initiative at WWF, expressed optimism about the possibility of a new climate deal during U.N. climate talks in Bonn, Germany. "We are distributing it to everyone who is turning off their lights," he commented while delegates and activists enjoyed blue cocktails. According to the U.N. Climate Panel, greenhouse gas emissions are causing global warming and will result in increased occurrences of floods, droughts, heatwaves, rising sea levels, and the extinction of various animal and plant species. Global emissions have increased by approximately 70% since the 1970s. China has surpassed the United States as the largest emitter, followed by the European Union, Russia, and India. The U.N. Climate Panel suggests that wealthy nations must reduce their emissions to 25-40% below 1990 levels by 2020 to prevent severe effects of climate change. Developing nations must also decrease their emissions by 2020. Earth Hour, started in Australia in 2007 and expanded globally in 2008, drew 50 million participants. WWF, the organizer, aims to involve one billion people from almost 90 countries. Andy Ridley, the executive director of Earth Hour, explained to reporters at Sydney's Bondi Beach that the main purpose of Earth Hour is to encourage people to consider ways to reduce their carbon footprint, even if only for an hour, and hopefully continue to make environmentally friendly choices beyond that hour. In Asia, landmarks in countries like China, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines turned off their lights as people enjoyed candle-lit picnics and concerts. In Singapore, buildings in the business district and major landmarks like the Singapore Flyer participated in the event by going dark. Other famous landmarks around the world, such as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the Reserve Bank in Mumbai, the dome of St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the Great Pyramids in Egypt, and the Acropolis in Athens also switched off their lights in support of Earth Hour. | 2 |
The conservative state is currently one of the few EU members that does not allow marriage or civil partnerships for same sex couples. Supporters of the proposal, which includes the Orthodox Church and almost all parliamentary parties, want to amend the constitution to define marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman in order to prevent gay couples from marrying in the future. Many human rights groups are urging people to boycott the ballot, warning that approving the change could lead to further erosion of minority rights and a shift towards populism and authoritarianism in Romania. A recent poll by CURS showed a potential turnout of 34 percent, with 90 percent supporting the change. The Coalition for the Family collected 3 million signatures to push for the amendment. The lower house of parliament approved the referendum last year, with the senate following in September to complete the necessary stages. Some Coalition campaign posters urged for a "Yes" vote to protect family values, warning against the possibility of gay couples adopting children. On the other hand, a separate advertisement suggested that a "No" vote would allow a man to marry a tree. The leader of the ruling Social Democrat Party expressed concerns about the possibility of legalizing marriage between a man and an animal in Romania. In the days leading up to the vote, the government loosened anti-fraud measures and restricted options for challenging the outcome, while the broadcasting regulator removed the deadline for campaigning. Independent think tank Expert Forum (EFOR) stated that there are no effective mechanisms in place to verify fraud for the referendum, leading to a lack of trust in the fairness of the process. Some opposition politicians and activists believe that the ruling party, PSD, is using the referendum as a distraction from its leader's legal issues and conflicts with the European Commission. The appeal of Liviu Dragnea, who is facing a conviction in an abuse of office case, is scheduled to begin on October 8, one day after the vote. Former Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos suggested that the government's plan is to create anti-European sentiment in Romania to deflect criticism from European officials regarding the rule of law and anti-corruption efforts. The government has denied these allegations, while the Orthodox Church has endorsed a "Yes" vote as being Christian, democratic, and patriotic. Romania decriminalised homosexuality in 2001, much later than its neighboring countries, and discrimination against the LGBT community remains widespread. Photograph titled "Romania 1+2" shows Romanian clergymen participating in a rally to support a "Yes" vote on an upcoming referendum. The referendum proposes changes to the constitution to prevent the future recognition of same-sex marriages in Draganesti, Romania on October 4, 2018. Image credit: REUTERS. | 2 |
He was addressing a prominent CSR conference in Germany. He emphasized the roles of politicians in creating laws, buyers in being ethical and paying fair prices, factory owners in improving management and compliance, and customers in Germany in being educated. The Bangladesh German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BGCCI) is the biggest bilateral chamber in Bangladesh. The 11th German CSR Forum took place in Stuttgart on April 20 and 21, and is considered the top event for Corporate Social Responsibility in Germany. The BGCCI organized a forum with the theme "Without CSR no business success," which was attended by over 800 participants from various sectors. Awards were given in six categories for best practices, including CO2 avoidance, gender diversity, cooperation with NGOs/NPOs, CSR in the supply chain, sustainable urban development, and best video on CSR commitment. Germany is a major market for Bangladeshi garments with duty-free access. The conference also focused on the ready-made garment supply chain in Bangladesh. The BGCCI stated that in addition to following policy guidelines, there should also be a focus on improving standards in the supply chain. Jan Eggert, a sustainability consultant and former CEO of BSCI, pointed out that many companies have their products manufactured by independent firms overseas and may not have control over whether standards are being met. The Executive Director of BGCCI emphasized the need for a shift towards more sustainable business models, as currently only price is taken into consideration. | 2 |
The topic of immigration is a major focus in political discussions in the country leading up to the presidential elections, with candidates from both the left and right taking firm stances. The recent drowning of 27 migrants off the coast of France has further fueled the debate on the need to control migration. Despite the strong rhetoric from politicians, the reality is that France actually has a lower percentage of immigrants compared to its neighboring countries. Over the past ten years, immigration in France has grown at a slower rate than in other parts of Europe and wealthy nations globally. An expert on migration, François Héran, describes the immigration situation in France as "fairly typical and moderate." Politicians in France have proposed measures to restrict immigration, including imposing a moratorium, holding a referendum, or closing the borders, despite the country not being heavily impacted by immigration. Unlike countries like Germany and Australia, which are attracting migrant workers to address labor shortages caused by the pandemic, France is focusing on raising wages rather than allowing more immigrants into the country. Discussions about immigration in France often revolve around national identity, with concerns about the threat posed by Muslim immigrants from Africa. The issue has been fueled by fears of terrorism, particularly following attacks carried out by second-generation immigrants in recent years. These worries have had a cumulative impact in France, leading to a situation where any support for immigration is seen as a political risk, hindering necessary reforms to attract skilled foreign workers, and causing the country, once a global crossroads, to turn inward. According to Philippe Corcuff, an expert on the far right at the Institute of Political Studies in Lyon, France is entering a new phase where the collapse of the left has left a void on the topic of immigration, allowing the extreme right to shape the debate. Candidates from the center-right Republicans party all agree on the importance of "regaining control" of borders and restricting immigrants' access to social benefits. One candidate, Michel Barnier, has even suggested amending the French constitution to allow for a "pause on immigration" for three to five years. On the left, most candidates have chosen to remain silent on the issue, but one former economy minister has promised to prevent migrants from sending money back home via Western Union to countries that do not cooperate in repatriating their citizens who are in France illegally. The proposal came after President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to reduce the number of visas issued to citizens of Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Writer and TV personality Éric Zemmour, who recently declared his candidacy for the presidency, has warned that France's Christian heritage is in jeopardy due to immigration from Muslim countries. Zemmour stated that France must not allow itself to be overwhelmed or replaced. Zemmour's candidacy has brought the previously taboo topic of the "great replacement" conspiracy theory into the election conversation, accusing politicians like Macron of using immigration to replace white, Christian people. Zemmour criticized French governments for concealing the reality of replacement and accused Macron of wanting to merge France with Europe and Africa. While some centre-right candidates were hesitant to use the term "great replacement," they acknowledged that the issue of replacement is a real concern for France. According to a recent survey, 61% of French respondents expressed their belief that Europe's white and Christian population would be replaced by Muslim immigrants. This contrasts with the recent elections in Germany, where immigration was not a prominent issue despite the country being a leader in accepting refugees. Jean-Christophe Dumont, from the OECD, noted that immigration was a key focus in France compared to Germany, even though France is not a major destination for immigrants. France's immigrant population in 2020 was 13%, below the OECD average. Between 2010 and 2020, the proportion of immigrants in the population grew by 16%. In contrast, immigrants made up 16% of Germany's population during the same period, representing a 30% increase. France's intake of workers from its former colonies in northern Africa decreased after a period of economic growth ended in the mid-1970s, just before the rise of the far-right National Front, now known as the National Rally. This shift in immigration patterns has led to a focus on foreign students and family-linked arrivals rather than migrant workers. According to economist Auriol, immigrants are now primarily brought in to join their spouses rather than for employment purposes. The outcome is that France has a less varied immigration population compared to other wealthy countries. In 2019, over 40% of all new arrivals were from Africa, particularly from Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia, based on government statistics. This lack of diversity, along with the clustering of immigrants in major cities like Paris, contributes to concerns about immigration, as explained by Patrick Weil, an immigration historian at Panthéon-Sorbonne University in Paris and Yale. While anti-immigrant sentiments were evident in former President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign, immigration in France, closely tied to its colonial past, particularly in Algeria and other Muslim countries, makes it a more sensitive issue, according to Weil. "In France, immigration and religion are intertwined, unlike in the United States where they are separate," Weil stated. Auriol, an economist, stated that fears about immigration and the preservation of France's Christian heritage hinder discussions about reforming immigration policies to attract qualified foreign immigrants. She believes that current policies are holding back economic growth and the recovery from the pandemic. While some changes have been made recently, they are not enough to bring in the motivated, skilled immigrants that France needs for innovation. Auriol also mentioned that France struggles to attract citizens from other EU nations due to the anti-immigrant sentiment, and has a low retention rate of foreign students post-graduation. "In the 20th century, Paris attracted talented individuals from all over the world," she remarked. "These immigrants played a significant role in France's economic, scientific, and cultural achievements. We used to be an inclusive nation. How did we lose that?" © 2021 The New York Times Company. | 2 |
Myanmar's government signed a cease-fire with ethnic Karen rebels on Thursday in an effort to put an end to one of the world's longest-running insurgencies. The government and the 19-member Karen National Union (KNU) delegation agreed to 11 points and signed two agreements to stop hostilities between the military and the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA) and initiate discussions for a political resolution to the 62-year conflict. This cease-fire could be a small step toward the removal of sanctions imposed on Myanmar by the European Union and the United States, which require peace with ethnic militias as a condition for reconsideration of the embargoes. Despite six previous attempts at peace talks since 1949, no lasting agreement has been achieved. Saw David Htaw, the deputy leader of the KNU delegation, stated that the changing climate in Myanmar under its new reform-minded government has made dialogue inevitable. He expressed strong confidence in the ongoing talks, stating that peace negotiations are now necessary given the current global situation. He emphasized the importance of moving forward with these talks and expressed hope that the people, who have endured the horrors of war for a long time, will receive the news with joy and be able to savor the peace that follows. Since 1949, the KNU has been fighting for greater autonomy through its military wing, the KNLA, against successive governments in Myanmar. Saw David Htaw commended the government's peace negotiators for their honesty and sincerity. In addition to the issue of sanctions, peace with the KNU is crucial for Myanmar's economic interests. The resurgence of conflict poses a security threat that could disrupt the construction of the $50 billion Dawei Special Industrial Zone, which is set to be Southeast Asia's largest industrial estate and a significant source of income for the country. Previous government offensives have displaced hundreds of thousands of Karens, many of whom sought refuge in camps in Thailand, creating challenges for the neighboring country. Myanmar's military has been charged with suppressing the Karens and other ethnic groups through various human rights violations, such as rape, forced labor, torture, and murder. In response, the West has imposed strict sanctions. An agreement was made in Pa-an, eastern Kayin State, to relocate and support those who have been displaced. Certain areas will allow arms, landmines will be removed, and liaison offices will be established to encourage communication. These discussions are part of ongoing talks between the government and rebel factions along Myanmar's borders with Thailand and China. An agreement has been made with the Shan State Army (South), but initial discussions with the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) have been disrupted by ongoing conflict, despite a recent directive from President Thein Sein for the military to cease its operations. U.S. officials have expressed that the peace process may be the most challenging task for civilian leaders seeking to integrate the nation after fifty years of military rule. The rebels have significant distrust towards Thein Sein's government, which includes individuals from the former military regime, but they generally support Aung San Suu Kyi's vision of federalism within Myanmar's republic, a concept that was endorsed by her father, Aung San. | 2 |
Despite the fact that vaccines provide strong protection against COVID-19, recent news about breakthrough infections and updated guidelines on mask-wearing for vaccinated individuals have caused confusion and concern. While it is true that vaccinated individuals can still get infected with and carry high levels of the virus, these cases are rare. The majority of infections are still occurring among the unvaccinated population. Even though no vaccine can guarantee complete immunity, being vaccinated is the most important step in keeping yourself and others safe. According to Gregg Gonsalves, an assistant professor of epidemiology at Yale School of Public Health, vaccinated individuals have more freedom but should not assume that everything is back to normal. Erin Bromage, a biology professor at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth, compares vaccine antibodies to a sea wall that protects a town from a storm surge. While the wall usually holds up against strong waves, a powerful hurricane like Delta can breach it. Delta is more infectious and poses a greater threat to vaccinated individuals. Vaccines provide additional protection, but may not be completely effective against high viral loads from unvaccinated individuals. Fortunately, current vaccines in the US are highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. More than 97 percent of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 have not been vaccinated. Recent data from Singapore reveals that vaccinated patients who are hospitalized with delta breakthrough infections are less likely to require supplemental oxygen and clear the virus faster than unvaccinated patients. Breakthrough infections are rare, despite making headlines. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention no longer tracks all breakthrough cases, but approximately half of states provide some data on these occurrences. The Kaiser Family Foundation conducted an analysis of state-reported data and discovered that breakthrough cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are uncommon among individuals who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. According to the Kaiser analysis, the rate of breakthrough cases among fully vaccinated individuals is less than 1 percent in all reporting states, with numbers ranging from 0.01% in Connecticut to 0.29% in Alaska. However, many breakthrough infections may go unreported since infected individuals may not show symptoms or only have mild symptoms that resolve before they consider getting tested. Dr. Asaf Bitton, executive director of Ariadne Labs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, stated that while breakthrough infections are rare, the true extent of their rarity is unknown without a population-based sample. Many individuals who experience a mild sore throat for a couple of days may have had breakthrough cases, but it is not due to the vaccine's failure. It has been estimated that the vaccine campaign has prevented 100,000 to 200,000 deaths. The risk of a breakthrough infection is higher when delta has more opportunities to challenge the protection provided by the vaccine. Large events, such as a July 4 celebration in Provincetown, Massachusetts, or the crowded Lollapalooza concert in Chicago, significantly increase the chances of a vaccinated individual coming into contact with an infected person carrying a high viral load. The risk also depends on the number of people one interacts with and the local risk level. In the near future, there may be a surge in Lollapalooza outbreaks due to large crowds creating an ideal environment for the delta variant to spread. The CDC recommends wearing masks in areas designated as orange or red zones on their color-coded map of COVID-19 outbreaks in the United States. These zones indicate high levels of infections, with over 50 cases per 100,000 people in the past week, which currently includes approximately 80 percent of counties in the country. Infection rates are staying relatively low in many parts of the Northeast and Upper Midwest, while the delta variant has caused significant increases in cases in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida. The issue with relying on a map to monitor case counts is that the numbers are constantly changing and may rise in your local area before the map is updated. Even if you believe you are in a highly vaccinated community with minimal cases, it is important to also consider the case counts and vaccination rates in neighboring areas since people and viruses can easily cross state and county lines. While most experts agree that wearing a mask outdoors is unnecessary if you are not in a crowded setting and are keeping a safe distance from others, it is still recommended to wear a mask at a packed outdoor event to reduce the risk of transmission. J Alex Huffman, an aerosol scientist and associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at the University of Denver, recommends wearing a mask indoors when around people whose vaccination status is unknown, especially if close proximity or a long duration of time is expected. Although fully vaccinated individuals like himself may not wear a mask in all indoor situations, he still opts for an N95 mask in public indoor spaces. For optimal protection, upgrading to a high-quality medical mask such as an N95, KN95, or KF94 is suggested. Double masking with a surgical mask under a cloth mask is also effective if a medical mask is not available. Wearing a mask with an exhale valve is not recommended as it can allow viral particles to escape, and counterfeit masks may have faulty valves that let germs in. It is important to choose the right mask for the setting. A cloth mask may be sufficient for a short visit to a deserted convenience store in a highly vaccinated area, but a higher-quality mask is more appropriate for air travel or crowded grocery stores, especially in areas with low vaccination rates and high case counts. Masks that have straps or ties around the back of the head provide a tighter seal compared to masks with ear loops. Huffman emphasized the need for improved mitigation efforts, including the use of masks, to combat the delta variant. He advised upgrading to masks with high filter quality that fit tightly to the face, ensuring a seal around the edges. According to Huffman, a well-sealed mask is more effective in preventing the spread of the virus than a loose-fitting one. Vaccinated individuals are at a very low risk of contracting the virus when they are with their vaccinated friends and family without masks, according to Huffman. Wearing masks indoors with a small group of vaccinated individuals is not a top concern, but certain situations may call for extra precautions. While it is rare for a vaccinated person to transmit the virus to another vaccinated person, it is still a possibility. A vaccinated individual who engages in activities such as going to crowded bars, packed concerts, or traveling to COVID hotspots poses a higher risk compared to someone who avoids large gatherings and spends time with other vaccinated individuals. Bitton recommends prioritizing outdoor gatherings, especially for families with unvaccinated individuals or those at high risk, due to the spread of the delta variant. It is suggested to host events in a backyard or patio to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, and to minimize time spent indoors. Spending time with small groups of vaccinated friends is safer than attending large parties, even if everyone is believed to be vaccinated. If indoors, opening windows can help improve ventilation. For individuals at very high risk, such as the elderly or immunocompromised, it is reasonable to request even vaccinated individuals to get tested before visiting. A quick and easy home test can be given to guests to ensure they are free of COVID. Whether or not you can still dine at restaurants depends on factors such as local conditions, your comfort level with risk, and the health of those around you. The lowest risk is in communities with high vaccination rates and low case counts. For example, dining at a restaurant in Vermont, where two-thirds of the population is vaccinated, is less risky than dining indoors in Alabama or Mississippi, where only one-third of residents are vaccinated. Parents of unvaccinated children and individuals with compromised immune systems, who may not receive as much protection from vaccines according to studies, may opt to order takeout or eat outside as an extra safety measure. Is it advisable to travel? Should I avoid peanuts and water and continue wearing my mask? While airplanes are generally well ventilated and not a significant source of outbreaks, it is still wise to take precautions. The risk of coming into contact with an infected individual may be higher in the airport terminal, while dining at airport restaurants and bars, or going through security. Air on airplanes is replenished every two to three minutes, a faster rate than in grocery stores and other indoor settings. Passengers are required to wear masks, but can remove them to eat or drink. Airplane ventilation systems limit airflow to a few rows to prevent it from circulating throughout the entire cabin, meaning an infected passenger poses the greatest risk to those nearby. Experts recommend using high-quality medical masks like N95 or KF94 when flying. If you do not have a mask, it is recommended that you double mask. For individuals who have been vaccinated, the risk of briefly removing a mask to eat or drink during a flight is low, but it is preferable to keep it on as much as possible. According to the CDC, it is advisable for unvaccinated individuals, including children, to avoid flying. Bromage shared that he recently traveled by air and briefly removed his mask to have a drink, but kept it on for the majority of the flight. He mentioned that he would feel more at ease taking off his mask to eat if he knew that the people next to him were vaccinated. He mentioned that he would be particularly worried if the person sitting next to him did not seem to be taking COVID precautions seriously, such as wearing a mask improperly. He emphasized the importance of keeping a mask on, especially when sitting next to a talkative stranger. The safety of buses, subways, and trains for vaccinated individuals depends on the precautions taken by others, as most public transportation still requires mask-wearing. Although vaccinated individuals are well-protected, the risk of viral exposure is higher on longer rides or in crowded train cars or buses. Many individuals rely on public transportation to commute to work or school, and it is advised to wear a properly fitted medical mask or two masks. If using public transit is not necessary, individuals should take into account the local vaccination rates and the trend in case counts before deciding. As for hugging and visiting older relatives or unvaccinated children, vaccinated individuals can generally do so safely without masks. However, parents of unvaccinated children need to consider additional risks, especially when visiting older family members. In communities where there are few COVID-19 cases and high vaccination rates, it is generally considered safe for unvaccinated children from a single household to visit vaccinated grandparents. However, with the spread of the delta variant and children returning to school, the risk of close contact also increases for older or immune-compromised individuals who are more susceptible to complications from COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated. When families plan a visit to a high-risk relative, it is recommended to limit other exposures by avoiding activities like dining out or going to the gym in the week leading up to the visit. Although the risk of a vaccinated person spreading COVID-19 is low, vaccinated grandparents should also minimize their personal exposure when spending time with unvaccinated children. Aerosol scientist Huffman mentioned that he has not been wearing masks indoors with his elderly parents because he is cautious about wearing masks in public places. "If I had more interactions that increased my overall risk of exposure, I would strongly consider wearing a mask indoors when with vulnerable individuals. Rapid home tests are an additional precaution to take when visiting elderly relatives or those with weakened immune systems. It is recommended to take a test a few days before the visit and also on the day of the visit. Home tests are a good option for those feeling anxious about the virus. By testing before gathering, you can ensure everyone is clear and enjoy your time together." If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States, it is highly likely that you have the delta variant. The CDC estimates that delta now makes up over 82 percent of cases in the US, and it has also become dominant in many other countries. The World Health Organization reported in late July that delta accounted for at least 75 percent of cases in countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Denmark, India, Indonesia, Israel, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK. However, standard COVID tests cannot determine if your infection was caused by the delta variant or another strain of the virus. Although health departments may utilize genomic sequencing to determine the prevalence of various variants within a community, this data is usually not disclosed to individuals. It is still important to isolate and consult a healthcare professional if experiencing low blood oxygen levels, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms. | 2 |
Former US Vice President Al Gore suggested that Japan's top business lobby, the Keidanren, has the potential to influence policy change on global warming by sending a strong message to its counterparts in the United States. Gore emphasized the importance of the Japanese business community's reputation and urged them to use their influence to shape opinions within the US business community. He highlighted the significance of this influence in potentially changing US policy on climate change, especially considering the US withdrawal from the Kyoto protocol. The Japanese government, as the host of the 1997 talks that created the protocol, has been urging major polluters like the United States, China, and India to do more to address climate change. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe reinforced this message during his recent visit to Europe. Despite Japan's own greenhouse gas emissions increasing slightly in 2006, they are still far from their target of reducing emissions to 6 percent below 1990 levels. Former Vice President Al Gore believes that Japanese businesses have a unique opportunity to lead the way in combating climate change and can inspire other companies around the world to follow suit. Gore stated that over 330 US cities have expressed their support for the Kyoto protocol, demonstrating grassroots backing for its goals. Despite being a former presidential candidate, he did not respond to media inquiries on Monday. Additionally, none of the business leaders present at the event questioned him about speculations regarding a potential return to presidential candidacy leveraging his environmental advocacy efforts. | 2 |
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