Terming bolder climate action as “self-preservation for every G20 economy”, UN climate chief Simon Stiell on Saturday urged the grouping’s leaders headed to Rio de Janeiro to carry out rapid cuts in emissions to prevent climate-driven economic carnage. In an address at the COP29 here in Azerbaijan’s capital, Stiell, the Executive Secretary, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), said that G20 was created to tackle problems that no one country, or group of countries, can tackle alone. He said boosting global climate finance is about ensuring all countries can share in the vast benefits of bolder climate action: stronger growth, more jobs, less pollution, and more secure and affordable energy, and “ensuring all countries can build resilience into their parts of global supply chains”. The UN Executive Secretary said in turbulent times and a fracturing world, G20 leaders must signal loud and clear that international cooperation is still the best and only chance humanity has to survive global warming. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 November,2024 08:28 AM IST | Baku | AgenciesIndian Americans are working to reach out to the new Trump administration and the Congress next year to seek action against the Bangladeshi regime, including imposing economic sanctions, an influential community leader has said. Encouraged by the recent statement of President-elect Donald Trump on Bangladesh, Dr Bharat Barai, an Indian American physician, exuded confidence that Trump would act against the South Asian nation over the persecution of the Hindu minority after he is sworn in as the 47th president of the United States. “He (Trump) has made a bold statement about the persecution of Bangladeshi Hindus and the desecration of Hindu temples,” Barai told PTI in an interview. “He’s a bold person who might consider economic sanctions if the situation doesn’t improve,” he added. In Washington to attend the annual Diwali celebrations at the US Capitol, which was attended by over two dozen US lawmakers and Indian Americans from the country, Barai said community members are actively working to engage the new administration and Congress to take action against the Bangladeshi regime, including potential economic sanctions. “It is really the army that is in control of the country,” he added. Barai expressed hope that such pressure would lead to a realisation in Bangladesh to stop the persecution of Hindus and other minorities,” he said. He also urged the Indian government to consider imposing sanctions if the persecution continues. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 November,2024 08:27 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesPresident Joe Biden is expected to use his final meeting with China’s leader, Xi Jinping, to urge him to dissuade North Korea from further deepening its support for Russia’s war on Ukraine. Saturday’s talks on the sidelines of the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru come just over two months before Biden leaves office and makes way for Republican President-elect Donald Trump. It will be Biden’s last check-in with Xi, someone the Democrat saw as his most consequential peer on the world stage. Biden on Friday, along with South Korean President Yoon Seok Yul and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, condemned North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s decision to send thousands of troops to help Moscow repel Ukrainian forces who have seized territory in Russia’s Kursk border region. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 November,2024 08:24 AM IST | Peru | AgenciesIran’s Taleghan 2 facility, linked to the country’s defunct Amad nuclear programme, was reportedly destroyed in the Israeli strike carried out on the Islamic Republic late October. The nuclear programme had recently shown signs of renewed activity. Despite Iranian officials denying any pursuit of nuclear weapons, evidence from Israeli and US intelligence suggested otherwise. Satellite imagery has confirmed the complete destruction of the facility. The attack followed warnings from the US and Israel about suspicious research activities, which Iran has reportedly ignored. This has raised fresh doubts about Iran’s adherence to its commitments under the nuclear treaty, further complicating its relations with the international community. On October 26, Israel carried out a retaliatory air strike on Iran’s Parchin military complex, targeting the Taleghan 2 facility. Though the Iranian officials denied any significant damage, the strike reportedly dealt a significant blow to Iran’s military operations, destroying advanced equipment essential for developing explosives crucial to nuclear detonation. A closeup satellite imagery of the nuclear facility in Iran from Nov 2022 The aftermath of these strikes poses significant geopolitical implications. With heightened tensions between Israel and Iran, the region faces the risk of further destabilisation and threats to external sovereignty. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is set to take a deeper look at Iran’s lack of transparency, with discussions likely to influence upcoming resolutions. Meanwhile, the possibility of stricter sanctions looms over Iran as Western powers weigh their response. As diplomatic avenues remain uncertain, the world closely monitors Iran’s next steps. Whether Tehran chooses to engage with negotiators from the West or further restricts cooperation with the IAEA, will eventually determine the trajectory of its nuclear program and its standing on the international stage. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
17 November,2024 08:21 AM IST | Washington | AgenciesIn an unexpected turn of events, the porn site Wicked.com is suddenly seeing a surge in traffic, all thanks to a packaging blunder involving Mattel’s new Wicked movie dolls. The toy giant recently launched merchandise for the upcoming Wicked movie, which is based on the beloved Broadway musical. The dolls, featuring Glinda and Elphaba, come with a link to Wicked.com on the back of their boxes. Unfortunately, this is the website for Wicked Pictures, a porn production company that has been around since 1993. The brand has a doll for Ariana Grande’s character The real website for the film’s merchandise should have been wickedmovie.com. But somehow, the packaging got mixed up, and now, Wicked Pictures is enjoying traffic numbers that haven’t been seen since 2012. It’s unclear if they’ll ride the wave of this accidental fame but the Internet certainly seems to think that’s a possibility. While the packaging mix-up is a little awkward, it has undoubtedly given Wicked Pictures a spotlight it wasn’t expecting. The actual Wicked movie—starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo—is set to hit theatres on November 22. Lets hope this doesn’t come with any more ‘Wicked’ surprises! Trump through the looking glass A 19th-century children’s book has fuelled theories of a time travelling Trump “Little Baron Trump” by Ingersoll Lockwood. PIC/METRO.CO.UK A series of Victorian novels has resurfaced, stirring up conspiracy theorists with uncanny parallels to Donald Trump’s ascent. Written by Ingersoll Lockwood, the books chronicle the adventures of ‘Baron Trump’, a young aristocrat . Lockwood’s final novel, The Last President, is set in New York, where a political outsider’s victory incites mass outrage and sends mobs descending on 5th Avenue—the current address of Trump Towers. Como again?! Tourists at Lake Como can now buy cans of “air” at '900 (approximately) each. The sealed 400 ml containers, sold at local shops and restaurants, contain nothing but air from the idyllic Italian lake. Marketing consultant, Davide Abagnale, created the novelty souvenir to appeal to American tourists. i(ce)Phone A bright pink iPhone has become an unexpected attraction at Willen Ice rink in England, after a workman accidentally left it on the rink before it was flooded and frozen overnight. Now entombed under two inches of ice, the phone can’t be retrieved without damaging the rink—becoming a tourist attraction among skaters. Monkey business The US state—South Carolina is on high alert as 43 mischievous monkeys have escaped from a research facility. The monkeys are a troop of young females weighing about three kgs (approximately) each. They bolted when a keeper left their pen open. Now, the fugitives are dodging thermal cameras and monkey traps set up by the police.
17 November,2024 07:55 AM IST | New York | A CorrespondentThe Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Saturday that Shri Anurag Srivastava, a distinguished officer from the 1999 batch of the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Mauritius. Currently serving as Joint Secretary in the MEA, Srivastava will soon assume his new responsibilities, as per ANI. This appointment reflects the critical importance India attaches to its enduring and multi-faceted relationship with Mauritius, a key partner in the Western Indian Ocean region. Mauritius holds a special place in India’s foreign policy, given its historical, cultural, and demographic ties. According to ANI, nearly 70 per cent of Mauritius’s 1.2 million population is of Indian origin, underlining the deep-rooted bond between the two nations. The bilateral relationship between India and Mauritius is built on shared history. Indian workers first arrived in Mauritius under French rule in 1729, and during British rule, nearly half a million Indian indentured labourers were brought to the island between 1834 and the early 1900s. Two-thirds of these workers eventually made Mauritius their permanent home. November 2, the day the first group of Indian workers arrived aboard the ship Atlas in 1834, is observed as Aapravasi Diwas in Mauritius, highlighting the historical significance of this migration, as per ANI. India and Mauritius have maintained formal diplomatic ties since 1948, two decades before Mauritius achieved independence. This enduring partnership has been characterised by strong political engagements, cultural exchanges, and collaborations in areas such as maritime security, development assistance, and capacity-building. India’s influence in Mauritius is evident through various initiatives such as the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, the World Hindi Secretariat, and the Indian Cultural Centre. Additionally, several India-assisted development projects across the island further exemplify the deep cooperation between the two nations. Srivastava’s appointment reaffirms India’s commitment to fostering this unique partnership. As per ANI, his role is expected to enhance mutual trust and cooperation on global and regional platforms, strengthening the already close relationship between the two countries. This development highlights India’s resolve to continue its active engagement with Mauritius, focusing on shared goals and collaborative progress in the years ahead. (With inputs from ANI)
16 November,2024 02:37 PM IST | New DelhiTrump picks Steven Cheung as White House communications director Washington [US], November 16 (ANI): President-elect Donald Trump selected his campaign spokesman Steven Cheung as White House communications director, CNN reported. Cheung, who served as director of strategic response during Trump's first term, will now be serving as assistant to the president and director of communications. Additionally, Sergio Gor has been selected to lead the Presidential Personnel Office, CNN reported. "Steven Cheung and Sergio Gor have been trusted Advisors since my first Presidential Campaign in 2016, and have continued to champion America First principles throughout my First Term, all the way to our Historic Victory in 2024," Trump said in a statement. "I am thrilled to have them join my White House as we, Make America Great Again!" Notably, the position of White House communication director is separate from the White House press secretary. Trump is yet to announce a press secretary. Cheung has served as a spokesman for the Ultimate Fighting Championship in the past. Earlier, Trump picked North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum to lead the Department of the Interior. The announcement, made at the America First Policy Institute Gala at Mar-a-Lago, came with a note of excitement, CNN stated. Trump stated, "I look forward to doing the formal announcement, although this is a pretty big announcement right now. He's going to head the Department of Interior, and it's going to be fantastic." Burgum, who challenged Trump for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination, will inherit the Department from Secretary Deb Haaland, the first Native American to serve in a Cabinet position. The Department oversees the nation's public lands, natural resources, and Indian affairs. Cheung and Agor are the latest in a series of controversial picks by Trump, who has named over 20 individuals for high-level positions in his administration. Among these appointments are Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defence, former independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr as Secretary of Health and Human Services, and Florida Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz as Attorney General. (ANI)
16 November,2024 12:25 PM IST | Washington | ANIPakistan's Punjab government on Friday declared smog a "health crisis" and used artificial rain in several cities across the province in an effort to combat its hazardous levels, as millions reported breathing problems and other respiratory issues over the past month. This is the second time the Punjab government went for artificial rain. In December last year, the government had a successful cloud seeding experiment in Lahore. "The cloud seeding experiment conducted in Jhelum, Chakwal, Talagang, and Gujar Khan cities of Punjab resulted in rainfall in Jhelum and Gujar Khan on Friday," the Punjab government said in a late night statement. It said it held a successful trial of artificial rain using local technology. "Cloud seeding was carried out at 2pm Friday and within hours, it rained in Jhelum and Gujar Khan. There is also a strong likelihood of rainfall in Lahore after this experiment. The artificial rainfall will significantly help reduce smog," it said. Earlier in the day, addressing a press conference here, senior minister Marriyum Aurangzeb said the Punjab government has imposed a "health emergency" in Lahore and Multan districts to combat dense smog blanketing the province of about 130 million population for the last few weeks. According to the provincial health department, around two million cases of respiratory disease, besides complaints of asthma, chest infections, conjunctivitis and heart issues, have been reported in hospitals during the last month. Dense smog caused by toxic pollutants has engulfed several cities in Punjab with Lahore and Multan being the worst hit. The AQI (air quality index) reading in Multan has already crossed 2,000 twice, setting a new record for air pollution. Aurangzeb said the hospital data did not give the complete picture of the adverse health impacts caused by smog as it only included reported cases. "Many people suffering from respiratory problems don't visit hospitals to seek doctors' advice and instead self-medicate at home or visit informal dispensaries," she said. "At the moment, the smog crisis has turned into a health crisis. Various factors contributing to smog include transport, agriculture, energy, our habits, behaviour, and actions towards nature," she said, adding that the Punjab government had made a 10-year smog mitigation plan to address the issue. According to the government, the artificial rain project was a collaborative effort involving Pakistan's scientific research and development experts (SPD), Army Aviation, PARCO and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of Punjab government, culminating in the successful artificial rain. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz congratulated all the institutions and scientific experts involved in the achievement. "Today, dedication, hard work, and expertise have written a new chapter in the history of Punjab. The entire nation is proud of the team," she said. Lahore and some other cities of Punjab are facing the worst pollution for the last few weeks. The Punjab government has taken various measures, including shutting schools, cracking down on vehicles emitting excessive smoke, and prohibiting barbecues and visits to recreational places, to combat smog. These measures have, however, proven insufficient to address the crisis. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 November,2024 12:14 PM IST | Lahore | PTIPresident Joe Biden arrived Thursday in Peru to start his six-day visit to Latin America for the final major international summits of his presidency, even as world leaders turn their attention to what Donald Trump’s return to the White House means for their countries. The visit to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru and stops in the Amazon rainforest and at the Group of 20 leaders summit in Brazil offer Biden one of his last chances as president to meet with heads of state he’s worked with over the years. White House officials insist that Biden’s visits will be substantive, with talks on climate issues, global infrastructure, counternarcotic efforts and one-on-one meetings with global leaders, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, and a joint meeting with South Korea’s Yoon and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The meeting with Yoon and Ishiba would aim to solidify the progress made since their initial meeting last year, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters on Air Force One. That includes tightening security and economic cooperation amid increasingly tense relations with China and North Korea. It also would be an opportunity for them to discuss North Korean troops going to Russia to help with the war in Ukraine, Sullivan said. APEC leaders to open Lima summit Representatives from 21 members of the Pacific Rim are meeting in Peru on Friday for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, the first global summit since US President-elect Donald Trump’s victory featuring several major world leaders. The annual gathering brings together countries and members that jointly account for almost two-thirds of global GDP and half the world’s trade. The heads of government attending include US President Joe Biden, China’s President Xi Jinping, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto, Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, among others. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 November,2024 08:11 AM IST | Lima (Peru) | AgenciesWestern Australia’s Parliament on Friday felicitated the women crew of the Indian Naval Sailing Vessel Tarini, which is undertaking a global circumnavigation expedition. The 2-member crew of Lt Cdr Dilna K and Lt Cdr Roopa A was present during the felicitation ceremony. The vessel, which is undertaking a global circumnavigation expedition christened Navika Sagar Parikrama II, arrived at its first port of call in Fremantle, a port city in Western Australia. The historic expedition was flagged off from Goa by Adm Dinesh K Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff on October 2 this year. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 November,2024 08:05 AM IST | Perth | AgenciesJapanese Princess Yuriko, the wife of wartime Emperor Hirohito’s brother and the oldest member of the imperial family, has died after her health deteriorated recently, palace officials said. She was 101. Yuriko died on Friday at a Tokyo hospital, the Imperial Household Agency said. It did not announce the cause of death, but Japanese media said it was pneumonia. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
16 November,2024 08:00 AM IST | Tokyo | AgenciesADVERTISEMENT
