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A draft report for European Union finance ministers suggests that poor countries will require approximately 100 billion euros ($142 billion) annually by 2020 to assist them in reducing emissions as part of the effort to combat climate change. This report, obtained by Reuters, follows the EU's announcement of plans to hold competitive tenders for funding from wealthier countries, allowing poorer nations to showcase their most cost-effective projects for reducing carbon emissions. These developments reflect the EU's preparations for the upcoming global climate negotiations in Copenhagen in December. Finance ministers are set to discuss and refine the bloc's position at a meeting next Tuesday. At the heart of the Copenhagen talks will be the challenge of securing the necessary funding to encourage developing nations to reduce emissions, as well as additional support to help them adapt to the impacts of climate change that they attribute to wealthy, industrialized nations. Between half and two-thirds of the most cost-effective options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2020 or 2030 can be found in developing countries, according to the EU's Economic Policy Committee and the Economic and Financial Committee in a report on funding needs. Environmentalists view this as a recognition by Europe's economic experts of the necessity to support developing nations in the battle against climate change. Greenpeace campaigner Joris den Blanken questions whether finance ministers will heed their own experts or endorse the acknowledgment of the needs of developing countries. Despite the fact that emissions reductions by poorer nations could partially pay for themselves through decreased reliance on costly fossil fuels, an additional 100 billion euros per year in investments will still be required by 2020. This funding would cover 71 billion euros for cleaning up industry and energy sectors, 18 billion to combat deforestation, and 5 billion to reduce emissions from agriculture. The report mentioned that while the numbers may seem large, they are actually less overwhelming when compared to the substantial subsidies for fossil fuels and agricultural subsidies in various countries. In addition to reducing their own emissions, poorer nations will also require assistance in adapting to the effects of climate change, such as developing drought-resistant crops and building infrastructure to combat rising sea levels. The exact cost of adaptation in developing countries is challenging to determine due to uncertainties about the extent and impact of global warming. However, the report provided a rough estimate that adaptation costs in all developing nations could amount to 23-54 billion euros annually by 2030.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina will aim to bring together countries most affected by climate change in order to push for climate funds during the upcoming 64th session of the United Nations General Assembly and Climate Summit. According to foreign secretary Mohamed Mizarul Quayes, Hasina will address various climate change issues and engage in discussions with leaders of countries that contribute UN peacekeeping troops. She is set to depart on September 21 for the US, where she will stay for a week before returning on September 29. Hasina is scheduled to participate in a meeting on September 22, convened by UN secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon, with 25 heads of state and government to address climate change and seek compensation for least developed countries, including Bangladesh, which chairs the LDC Group. Quayes stated that the outcome relies heavily on the position of other nations impacted by global warming. Bangladesh is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change due to human-made carbon emissions and is in need of financial and technological aid for adaptation. Developing countries argue that they will suffer the most from climate change despite having the least responsibility, and wealthier nations should take on their financial obligations. The UN and World Bank have called on wealthy nations to acknowledge their moral duty in this matter. US President Barack Obama and Sheikh Hasina are expected to participate in a meeting with nine countries that contribute significantly to UN peacekeeping efforts. Bangladesh is a major contributor to peacekeeping missions, with approximately 10,000 personnel from the country involved in various missions worldwide. The United Nations has around 115,000 troops, police, and civilians in 16 peacekeeping missions across Africa, the Middle East, Cyprus, Kosovo, Western Sahara, and Haiti. However, these missions face challenges such as a lack of personnel and equipment, as well as shortages of helicopters and other key assets. Foreign Minister Dipu Moni, currently in the US, will participate in a ministerial meeting before the general assembly. Moni recently met with World Bank Vice President for the South Asia Region, Isabel Guerrero, in Washington DC to discuss the bank's regional plans. Previously, on September 17th, Dipu Moni had a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Dipu Moni is expected to fly back to Bangladesh in the early days of October.

Speaking at the One Planet Summit in Paris, the Prime Minister of Bangladesh announced plans to increase tree coverage by two percent within the country over the next five years. She called on developed nations to uphold their commitments to climate justice and stressed the importance of shared responsibility in securing the world. The summit, which took place at the Elysee Palace and included leaders from various levels of government and finance sectors, aimed to enhance global efforts in combating climate change. Despite being a developing nation, Bangladesh allocates over one percent of its GDP to combatting climate change, as it is one of the most vulnerable countries to its impacts despite not being a major contributor to the issue. Despite our limited resources, we are dealing with the impacts of climate change through both mitigation and adaptation. At the One Planet Summit in Paris, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh highlighted the challenge her country is facing due to the influx of over a million Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. President Macron welcomed her and acknowledged the strain this crisis has put on Bangladesh's forest and environment in Cox's Bazar. In this scenario, dealing with climate adaptation has become a significant challenge. Highlighting afforestation as a crucial solution to combat environmental degradation, she mentioned a project worth $50.76 million is in progress for the preservation of the Sundarbans, the largest mangrove forest in the world. The prime minister added that in the coastal area, efforts are being made to create green belts to shield people from cyclones, tidal surges, coastal erosion, and intrusion of saline water. Approximately 67,000 hectares of land have been earmarked for afforestation in this region. Bangladesh is intensifying its endeavors to make its agriculture resilient to climate change, and is also focused on reducing reliance on groundwater for urban water supply. Commending Macron's leadership on this issue, Hasina reaffirmed her dedication to implementing the Paris climate accord of 2015. The prime minister remembered the unveiling of the Global Pact for the Environment at the United Nations in September of this year. She expressed her belief that working together for resilience and adaptation would help promote peace, stability, prosperity, and reduce inequalities within societies.

During negotiations, the G77 and China left the discussion at 3am BdST on Wednesday due to developed countries refusing to allocate funds separately for loss and damage. The US, Australia, and Canada were in favor of a separate mechanism for the issue of loss and damage. Developing country negotiator Quamrul Islam Chowdhury mentioned that the walkout occurred because some parties were trying to simplify the issue into just disaster risk reduction. Differences among the parties included whether the institutional mechanism should be independent or under the adaptation commitment. Developed countries were resistant to providing financial support for the loss and damage mechanism. Bangladesh delegation expressed disappointment at the lack of agreement on an institutional mechanism for loss and damage, emphasizing the importance of addressing mitigation, adaptation, technology development, and capacity building for a legally binding agreement in Paris in 2015. The delegation held a press conference to convey their concerns and expectations for the negotiations.

Cameron is eager to launch strikes against Islamic State in Syria quickly, believing that Britain can no longer rely on other countries for its security. His efforts to gain approval for the action in the House of Commons have caused further divisions within the Labour Party. Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticized Cameron for moving too fast towards war and urged Labour lawmakers to reconsider their support for the government's military efforts in Syria. Cameron stated that his cabinet had agreed on a motion to extend air strikes to Syria, emphasizing the need for military action against Islamic State as part of a broader strategy. The parliamentary debate on the issue is expected to last 10-1/2 hours. When asked about the likelihood of securing a majority, he responded by saying, "Let's see what happens." Cameron is almost certain to receive approval from parliament, as Corbyn announced that members of his party would be allowed to vote based on their conscience, rather than being instructed by party leaders. Reports suggest that around 50 Labour MPs will vote in favor of the government, despite their leader's efforts to change their minds. Corbyn argued that Cameron's justification did not align with his party's expectations, stating that MPs must decide for themselves whether British troops should be involved in another Middle East conflict without a clear end goal. Many British people are hesitant to engage in further expensive military actions in the Middle East due to the failures of previous interventions in Iraq, Libya, and Afghanistan. Some believe that these interventions contributed to the emergence of militant groups like the Islamic State. Finance minister George Osborne stated that extending air strikes into Syria would cost "low tens of millions of pounds". However, after Islamic State claimed responsibility for the Paris attacks, some members of parliament who were previously opposed to air strikes now believe they are necessary to protect Britain. Defence Secretary Michael Fallon emphasized the "urgent need" for Britain to launch air strikes against Islamic State in Syria for the country's security.

In a letter to the International Monetary Fund Executive Board, Covington & Burling attorney Lanny Breuer raised concerns about alleged errors in the investigation report conducted by WilmerHale, a law firm hired by the World Bank's board to look into data irregularities in the "Doing Business" rankings. The WilmerHale report suggested that while Georgieva was World Bank CEO in 2017, she pressured staff to manipulate data to improve China's ranking while seeking support for a capital increase. Georgieva denies these claims. Breuer, a former US Justice Department official, brought forth these new allegations as Georgieva seeks support from the IMF board. The board interviewed both Georgieva and WilmerHale and will further discuss the issue on Friday. According to a source from the French Finance Ministry, France plans to support Georgieva at the upcoming board meeting. Georgieva denied the accusations of pressuring staff to alter data, calling them "outrageous and untrue," and claimed that some of her statements were taken out of context by WilmerHale. Her attorney, Breuer, stated that Georgieva has not been informed that she is under investigation or given a chance to review and respond to the report's findings, as outlined in Staff Rule 3.00 covering World Bank Office of Ethics and Business Conduct procedures. Georgieva publicly released a detailed statement to the board on Thursday. The report from WilmerHale stated that their investigation initially focused on board officials in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Board Officials, which is different from the staff rule mentioned by Breuer. The firm made it clear that they followed all World Bank rules during their investigation and informed Dr. Georgieva that their report would be presented to the World Bank Board. In an email from July, a partner at WilmerHale informed Georgieva that the review into irregularities in Doing Business data and staff misconduct was authorized by World Bank Staff Rule 3.00, as Georgieva, as World Bank CEO in 2017, was considered a member of staff rather than a board official. The email sent to Georgieva requested her to speak with investigators as they believed she may have information that could assist in their review, clarifying that she was not a subject of their investigation. The World Bank's General Counsel's office stated that the investigation into the Doing Business 2018 and 2020 reports was carried out in accordance with World Bank regulations.

The presidents of France and Brazil emphasized the need for wealthy nations to increase aid for developing countries in order to combat global warming and reach a climate agreement in Copenhagen. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, speaking at a climate summit in Manaus, noted progress with commitments from China and the United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but stressed that more assistance is required for poorer nations to address climate change and achieve their goals. Lula also mentioned Brazil's investment fund for Amazon rainforest conservation, emphasizing that donor countries will not have control over it. Norway has been the largest donor so far. Progress in addressing how wealthy nations can assist poorer nations in combating climate change has been minimal. French President Nicolas Sarkozy emphasized the need for concrete figures and financial support from developed countries to developing countries during the Copenhagen conference. This support should be provided immediately. Sarkozy expressed support for Washington's announced goal of reducing emissions by 17 percent by 2020. The European Union estimates the cost of aiding developing nations in fighting global warming to be around $100 billion annually. However, developing countries argue that wealthy nations should contribute between 0.5 and 1 percent of their GDP. Brazil, committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 36.1 to 38.9 percent, has been pushing for a stronger role in climate negotiations and sought to unite Amazon countries ahead of the Copenhagen summit. Only one other South American leader, Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana, participated in the Manaus summit.

European Union leaders have reached an agreement on a proposal to present at the global climate talks in Copenhagen in December, resolving a disagreement on how to divide the costs. Developing nations will require 100 billion euros ($148 billion) annually by 2020 to combat climate change, leaders announced at an EU summit in Brussels. A portion of this funding, estimated at 22-50 billion euros, will come from the public funds of wealthy nations, including the EU. It is expected that the EU's contribution will be around 20-30 percent, a development hailed as a significant step towards reaching a Copenhagen agreement by British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. East European nations stated that the summit resolved a disagreement on how to divide the EU's share of the bill without negatively impacting their economies as they strive to recover from crisis. The Polish minister for Europe, Mikolaj Dowgielewicz, described this as a victory for Poland, emphasizing the country's desire for rapid development and avoidance of being viewed as a stagnant representation of eastern European culture. Although leaders did not reach a specific agreement on how to split the bill, they assigned this task to a new working group. "I would have preferred for the burden-sharing mechanism to be ready now, but it was too difficult," stated Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. The two-day summit successfully obtained a complex negotiating mandate for the Copenhagen talks, which aim to find a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol, set to expire in 2012. The success of these talks will likely depend on financial support. Developing countries insist they will not agree to combat climate change without adequate funding from wealthy nations, who are mostly responsible for environmental damage due to their use of oil and coal over the years. Developing countries may use these funds to improve their agriculture or access new water sources in drought-prone areas. However, the plans for providing "fast start" financing for developing nations in the three years leading up to a new climate deal were put on hold by European leaders. Oxfam criticized Europe's proposal, stating that it was inadequate and lacked guarantees that the funds would not be taken from existing aid commitments. Oxfam's Elise Ford warned that if rich countries diverted money from aid budgets to pay for climate debts, it could reverse progress in fighting poverty. The opposition from east European countries lessened after Sweden, the chair of the talks, addressed the issue of "hot air" - the surplus carbon permits held by eastern European states, Russia, and Ukraine. These permits, totaling 17 billion euros, were leftover from the collapse of their economies after the end of communist rule. The additional permits, referred to as AAUs, can be traded to major polluters like Japan for approximately 10 euros per ton. Eastern European nations are in favor of continuing to sell AAUs in the new agreement that replaces Kyoto. However, some countries, including Germany, argue that they undermine the agreement's integrity and should be eliminated because they reduce the urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Sweden secured support from eastern Europe for the overall agreement by agreeing to delay any significant action on AAUs, according to an EU official. The agreement also includes measures to reduce domestic emissions, with a commitment to increase cuts to 30 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 if other countries take similar actions.

Hainan, often referred to as "China's Hawaii," has the potential to become a top tourist destination in Asia due to its tropical climate and beautiful beaches. However, the island has struggled to reach that potential due to an economic downturn. Recently, construction on the tallest building in Hainan, the Haikou Master hotel and serviced apartments, has been completed after being left unfinished for years. This development symbolizes the island's efforts to recover from a property bubble in the early 1990s. Real estate agent Hong Weibin reported that sales in the complex are doing well. Nearly all of the 16 million square meters of construction left incomplete after the economic crash has either been finished or demolished, and investors are now returning to Hainan. The previous development model has been replaced with a strong focus on transforming the tropical island in southwest China into a tourist destination that can compete with Thailand's beach resorts. Numerous top resorts are opening, and plans are in place to expand visa exemptions, open duty-free shops, improve infrastructure, build airports, increase air connections, and promote foreign language education. Vice governor Chen Cheng recently announced a strategic plan for development, stating that tourism is the industry in Hainan with the most unique features, potential, and competitiveness. Ian Zheng, Managing Director of the Pacific Alliance Asia Opportunity Fund, expressed his enthusiasm for the investment in Hainan's main airports and a Beijing property firm operating in the region, stating that he sees no significant risks. The potential of attracting international beachgoers to the island's coast is uncertain, but the growing number of domestic tourists is expected to support the industry. Resorts are banking on the large Chinese market, as millions of people have benefited from the country's economic growth and are adopting Western lifestyles. The general manager of Banyan Tree Sanya, Peter Pedersen, mentioned estimates suggesting there could be 450 million middle class Chinese in 10 years. "I believe Sanya has great potential." The past month alone witnessed the opening of resorts by the Ritz-Carlton and Banyan Tree in Sanya, where the island's top beach resort is located. The Mandarin Oriental is set to open later this year, signaling a significant transformation for Hainan. Previously known in China primarily for inexpensive package tours, Hainan is now emerging as a notable tropical destination, with Sanya being one of the newest in Asia and the only tropical island in China, according to Pedersen's statement to Reuters. "There is a growing demand for both the local and international tourist markets. It is considered an ideal location," he stated while standing on the top of one of the resort's private pool villas, which are priced at around 5,000 yuan per night. Hainan, once a test-tube for development after becoming the country's youngest and economically freest province in 1988, saw a surge in economic activity that led to officials attempting to sell the city's main park to developers. While other coastal provinces prospered, Hainan struggled. Now, Hainan appears to be gaining stability, although analysts and investors caution that imbalances and conflicts could hinder the island's progress. In Haikou, the capital city, around 60 percent of new apartments are being purchased as second homes by non-locals, a situation that Mayor Xu Tangxian has acknowledged. Xu mentioned in an interview that there are some areas where all homes have been sold, but remain unoccupied at night. Although the majority of tourists in Hainan are Chinese nationals, with 18 million visitors last year compared to just 750,000 international tourists, the government is making efforts to attract wealthy foreigners in order to enhance the island's reputation and economy. The government aims to bring in 20 renowned international hotel management groups within five years, and increase the number of five-star, internationally recognized resorts to 60 or more, as stated by Zhang Qi, the head of the provincial tourism bureau. Despite developers being excited about the tourism growth, reports of unethical behavior are starting to surface. In the rural township of Longqiao, located approximately a 40-minute drive from Haikou, the red earth is being plowed in large sections across the low hills, resembling fairways for golf. Residents claim that government officials persuaded them to sell their land for the construction of a golf course. In early April, anger erupted among the locals when rumors spread that the government had sold the land to the golf course developer for ten times the amount the residents were compensated. This led to a violent outburst, with an enraged group overturning a police car. Subsequently, when a crowd assembled at a nearby schoolyard, witnesses reported that police resorted to firing tear gas. In the town of Sanya in the south, some believe that bottlenecks and corruption are becoming a problem. A Western investor mentioned difficulties in starting a project because of excessive corruption. The permit process has been delayed for months. However, despite these challenges, optimism about Hainan's tourism potential remains strong. The belief is that the issues seen in Sanya are just the beginning. The island of Hainan remains quite large, with beaches stretching nearly all the way to the capital, Haikou. Banyan Tree Sanya's Pedersen stated that the island is 350 km in diameter and that there are endless possibilities here.

The author of a well-known report on global warming stated that India is at risk of experiencing more severe consequences of climate change compared to other countries. These consequences include poor agricultural output, an increase in natural disasters, and a rise in deaths due to a higher occurrence of diseases. According to former World Bank chief economist Nicholas Stern, if greenhouse gas emissions are not controlled, global temperatures could increase by 2-3 degrees centigrade in the next 50 years. Stern warned Indian businessmen that the annual June-September monsoon rains, which are crucial for crop production in India, could have a significant impact on the economy. He also highlighted potential changes in the monsoon patterns, such as varying starting dates, increased intensity, and extended periods without rain. He stated that there is a high probability of disruption. It is evident that India will experience similar consequences as the rest of the world, and maybe even more severe. Experts predict that a temperature increase of 2 to 3.5 degrees Celsius could result in India losing between nine and 25 percent of its total agricultural revenue. Agriculture accounts for approximately 22 percent of India's gross domestic product. Additionally, rising temperatures could lead to the spread of vector-borne diseases such as malaria and dengue fever to higher altitude areas that are typically mosquito-free. The head of Britain's Economic Service warned that the melting of Himalayan glaciers could lead to increased deaths, lower productivity, serious floods in Bangladesh, mass migration into India, reduced water flow during India's dry season, and other serious consequences. Experts believe that melting glaciers will impact a significant portion of the world's population, particularly in the Indian subcontinent, where the Ganga river supports over 500 million people by receiving 70 percent of its summer water flow from the Himalayan glaciers. Stern mentioned that India was improving in addressing emissions challenges and investing in clean development mechanisms. He emphasized that climate change is unfair, with wealthy nations needing to take on more responsibility. He explained that rich countries are accountable for 75 percent of greenhouse gases, yet it is the poor countries that will suffer the most. Stern stressed that all countries should participate, but fairness dictates that wealthy nations bear the majority of the financial burden.

The British NGO Oxfam emphasized the need for urgent action at the UN climate talks starting in Cancún, México on Monday. Oxfam highlighted the increase in weather-related disasters, record temperatures, flooding, and rising sea levels in 2010 as evidence for negotiators to come to a resolution. According to Oxfam's report, around 21,000 people died due to weather-related disasters in the first nine months of 2010, which is more than double the previous year. The report's author Tim Gore stressed the importance of making progress in Cancun due to the worsening impacts of climate change. The statement also mentioned that Oxfam is advocating for a fair Climate Fund to ensure that the most vulnerable parties receive financial assistance. The organization is emphasizing the importance of women in helping communities adapt to climate change and is urging for their prioritization in fund distribution. Oxfam is recommending that countries explore new ways to raise funds, such as taxing unregulated international aviation and shipping emissions and implementing a tax on financial transactions at banks. The organization also highlighted the benefits of swift action in reducing the costs of addressing climate change, citing estimates that every dollar spent on adaptation could prevent $60 worth of destruction. Gore noted that while Cancun may not address all aspects of a global response to climate change, it is a step in the right direction. It has the ability to produce results that will positively impact individuals living in poverty. One significant accomplishment would be the establishment of an equitable climate fund, as this could also aid in restoring confidence and getting the negotiations back on course.

In an interview with bdnews24.com from Glasgow during the final hours of negotiations at the COP26 summit, the Bangladeshi scientist expressed frustration that the other parties are unwilling to compromise and are trying to obstruct progress. Despite this, he remains determined to continue pushing for their commitment until the end. Huq, who is the director of the International Centre for Climate Change and Development in Dhaka, has been present at all 26 COP meetings since the inaugural one in Berlin in 1995. He highlighted that the emissions reductions pledged by the major polluters would result in a concerning 2.7-degree Celsius increase in global temperatures, significantly surpassing the more ambitious 1.5C target set by the Paris Agreement and supported by scientists. Wealthy nations, which had pledged to provide $100 billion annually starting in 2020 to assist poorer countries in growing sustainably and adapting to climate change, have now pushed back meeting that target until 2023. At the Glasgow talks, a new draft agreement was released calling for a doubling of funds to help developing countries address climate impacts and urging nations to enhance their emissions reduction targets by the following year. However, much of the draft text, aimed at guiding negotiators toward a universally accepted agreement, remained contentious on various issues such as financial assistance, the pace of emission reductions, and the mention of "fossil fuels" in the agreement - a term never before included in a global climate pact. These disagreements, after nearly two weeks of discussions, suggest that reaching a comprehensive agreement will be challenging, despite the calls from activists and scientists for such an outcome prior to the start of the UN talks. According to scientific consensus, it is necessary for the world to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by almost half by 2030 to avoid the worst effects of global warming. However, current country targets would result in an increase in emissions. Professor Huq expressed determination to continue working towards an agreement on these issues, stating that the fight is not over and they will not give up. The United States and China announced a deal on Wednesday to increase collaboration in addressing climate change, which includes reducing methane emissions, decreasing coal consumption, and preserving forests. A joint declaration on climate change between China and the US marks a return to a time when the two largest carbon emitters collaborated to create the 2015 Paris Agreement. However, without further action to reduce fossil fuel usage and encourage other countries to do the same at the COP26 talks in Glasgow, the climate crisis will continue to worsen. While Professor Huq expressed approval of the agreement, he noted that there are still unresolved questions regarding the commitments of China and the US, both major polluters. The announcement lacks specifics and it is uncertain what has actually occurred. Delegates and negotiators from Bangladesh, a country highly susceptible to climate impacts, expressed their perspectives at both private and public discussions. The key focus is on negotiation and determining what can be gained from various governments. It is a challenging process, as wealthy nations are reluctant to provide concessions easily. It is likened to a war.

Australia's heavy reliance on coal-fired power has made it one of the top per capita carbon emitters globally. Despite this, the conservative government has supported the new deputy PM's stance on fossil fuel industries, citing potential job losses as a reason to resist stricter emissions regulations. The deputy PM acknowledged the importance of coal and other fossil fuels to the economy, even though mining only accounts for about 2 percent of total jobs. The UN has called for coal to be phased out by 2030 in OECD countries, including Australia, but a deal to phase out coal by 2025 was not reached by G20 energy and environment ministers in July. Some experts believe that there is potential for advancement at the UN climate talks in Glasgow in November, despite Prime Minister Scott Morrison's reluctance to commit to a timeline for achieving net-zero carbon emissions in Australia. Morrison has indicated that Australia will revise its 2030 emissions projections before the Glasgow talks, while many other developed countries have already committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2050. Hart suggested that the Australian government should take advantage of this opportunity and transition to renewable energy sources. He stated that if coal is not quickly eliminated worldwide, the Australian economy will be severely impacted by climate change in various sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and services.

The Constitutional Court voided the election last Friday, and the head of the Election Commission stated that it would take months before a new vote could be organized. This has left Yingluck in charge of a weakened caretaker government with limited authority. The ongoing crisis is the latest development in an eight-year conflict between Bangkok's middle class and royalist establishment on one side, and supporters of Yingluck and her brother Thaksin Shinawatra on the other. Thaksin, who was removed as prime minister by the military in 2006, currently resides in Dubai to avoid a prison sentence for abuse of power. Despite showing restraint for months, Thaksin's supporters, known as the "red shirts," are now adopting a more aggressive stance under new hardline leaders. A call has been made for a major gathering on April 5. Jatuporn Prompan, chairman of the "red-shirts" United Front for Democracy Against Dictatorship, informed supporters that the destination, whether it be Bangkok or elsewhere, will be revealed at a later time. Jatuporn was involved in organizing a "red-shirts" uprising against a previous government which resulted in a violent military crackdown in May 2010, resulting in over 90 deaths. Jatuporn is still dealing with terrorism charges from the events of 2010. In the current political crisis, 23 individuals have died and over 700 have been injured since November. Speaking to approximately 10,000 individuals in Pattaya, located to the southeast of Bangkok, Nisit Sintuprai, another leader, issued a warning to Suthep Thaugsuban, the former opposition politician who has been leading protests against Yingluck since November. Sintuprai emphasized that the majority of the country's population desires democracy and government through elections, not a prime minister selected by a specific group. The People's Democratic Reform Committee (PDRC), led by Suthep, is advocating for electoral changes to reduce Thaksin's influence and his strong support among the rural poor in the northern and northeastern regions. Political parties associated with Thaksin have consistently won elections since 2001, and it is widely anticipated that Yingluck's Puea Thai Party would emerge victorious in any election conducted under the current system. IMPEACHMENT POSSIBLE FOR PM YINGLUCK AS SUPPORTERS DISRUPT ELECTION The Constitutional Court ruled the February 2 election illegal due to disruptions in 28 constituencies. The Election Commission will meet Monday to determine next steps, considering political tensions. Yingluck's government faces uncertainty, with potential impeachment over a failed rice-buying scheme. This plan boosted Yingluck's popularity in the 2011 election, but many farmers, who typically support Thaksin, protested in Bangkok this year due to unpaid rice subsidies. Yingluck faces a corruption investigation and potential impeachment, with the Senate likely to have an anti-Thaksin majority after elections on March 30. Some believe the Senate will appoint a new prime minister favored by anti-government protesters. Analysts suggest that independent agencies may be working to remove Yingluck and her cabinet to prevent elections and choose their own prime minister. He warned that if the government proceeds with their plan, their supporters will retaliate, leading to a worse second half of the year compared to the first half. Despite the government lifting the state of emergency due to less protesters and calm streets, violence erupted with grenades exploding near the home of a judge and a car bomb near a protest camp and government complex. Additional explosive incidents occurred in Chiang Mai province, resulting in serious injuries. One of the targets was Boon Rawd Brewery, known for producing Singha beer. A family member who is part of the ownership has been actively involved in PDRC rallies. Due to consumer confidence being at a 12-year low, the central bank recently lowered its economic growth forecast for 2014 from 3 percent to 2.7 percent. Prior to the protests last October, the forecast was at 4.8 percent. The stock market showed minimal movement following a court decision on Friday. Some stock analysts view the cancellation of the election as a positive development, anticipating that it will encourage negotiations between political rivals. Standard and Poor's, a rating agency, expressed a different opinion. Agost Benard, the associate director of sovereign ratings, stated that the Thai court's decision is likely to prolong and possibly escalate political risks, further delaying any potential resolution to the country's political divide.

Gazing sadly at the unused machinery worth millions of dollars at his Milli Boot Factory in Kabul, Farhad Saffi is worried that he is witnessing the end of a dream for Afghanistan. The factory was a symbol of local manufacturing and provided jobs to hundreds of people, potentially steering them away from joining insurgent groups. However, a decision by the US government to let the Afghan government handle procurement led to local officials choosing cheaper boots from China and Pakistan, causing Saffi to lose his contracts. Saffi had been promised contracts until 2014 but was given only three months notice of cancellation by the Afghan government, leaving him with $30 million worth of raw material that he cannot use. When the factory opened, Afghan and US generals were eager to have their photos taken with a local success story. US Navy Rear Admiral Kathleen Dussault visited in 2010 to award Saffi, who was only 23 at the time, with a quality certificate for his plant, which was now equipped with high-tech German injection molding and boot-making equipment. The plant was tasked with supplying the Afghan National Security Forces with top-quality boots under contracts worth up to $40 million annually. Saffi's leather boots, which underwent stringent quality testing in the United States, were priced at $62 per pair, compared to Chinese-made boots with imitation leather that cost the Afghan government $22 per pair under a contract for up to 700,000 pairs per year. Despite being asked to sell his boots for $15 per pair by the Afghan government, Saffi explained that the cost of the leather alone was $40. Chinese boots made of fake leather are inexpensive but tend to fall apart quickly. Between 2002 and the end of 2011, $85.5 billion was spent on reconstruction in Afghanistan, with an additional $57 billion in international aid. NATO-led forces, responsible for purchasing supplies for Afghan security forces during the war, began prioritizing local businesses in 2010. This initiative, known as "Afghan First," aimed to boost the economy, create jobs, and support anti-insurgent efforts. Contracts with Afghan companies covered a range of goods, including uniforms, boots, textiles, furniture, tents, software, and transformers, resulting in the creation of 15,000 jobs and saving $650 million on imports for combat-related expenses. However, this amount was still only a small portion of the estimated $200 million spent on the war each day. The Afghan First Policy supports efforts against insurgency by ensuring that local workers have better job opportunities and income, making them less likely to join the estimated 25,000 Afghan Taliban fighters in the country, known as the '$10-a-day Talib'. Some of the 700 workers who were laid off from Saffi's factory are considering joining the Taliban as they see no other options for employment with the impending withdrawal of most NATO combat troops in 2014. They believe reopening the factory is crucial to avoiding this choice. "We have families to support," Ares Khan, 23, expressed as he packed some of the final boots that Milli will produce unless the government has a change of heart. The workers at the factory were earning between $400 and $900 a month, which is significantly higher than the average wage in a country where a third of the 30 million population live below the poverty line. However, many businessmen and workers are concerned that security will decrease once the Westerners leave, taking job opportunities and investment dollars with them to safer locations, as Afghanistan's wealthy have been doing for years. Khan's friend, Khair Mohammad, who moved to Kabul from Ghazni province where NATO forces are currently involved in one of the last major offensives of the war, also believes there is no future outside of the insurgency if the Afghan government stops providing jobs. "There are sixteen people in my family and I am the only one bringing in income." Mohammad mentioned that when he returns to Ghazni, he will need to join the Taliban due to the high living costs in Afghanistan. The decision to give a significant portion of procurement to Afghan authorities was made in March as part of the transition to Afghan security and control, according to US military officials like US Navy Lieutenant Aaron Kakiel, a logistics officer for the NATO-led coalition in the country. Kakiel mentioned that Afghan companies have provided a wide range of supplies and services to the country's security forces, including uniforms, boots, sleeping bags, construction, and IT services. The security forces are expected to reach a total of 352,000 personnel. Milli is not the only company facing challenges due to the shift towards local procurement, as other suppliers of uniforms and equipment are also concerned about losing contracts to competitors from other countries. Another company executive, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed worries about the uncertainty surrounding their supply contracts after investing significant amounts of money into their business. The executive mentioned that some contracts have already expired, and it is unclear if the government will continue contracting with them or choose to work with companies from other countries. Lieutenant-General Abdul Basir Asafzari, who is in charge of logistics and procurement at the Ministry of Defence, stated that his company had imported materials from the US for products manufactured in Kabul. This would be a problem if they did not receive contracts, as they would have to lay off employees. He mentioned that only 30 percent of the current supply is from Afghan companies, and President Hamid Karzai had directed the military to prioritize local firms. Asafzari explained that Milli had contracts cancelled because they were importing low-quality boots from China and other countries and rebranding them, failing to meet their obligations. Asafzari mentioned that soldiers had complaints about the quality of the boots, but Mohammad Akbar Ahmadzai, from the NGO Building Markets, confirmed that Milli's boots passed US quality tests. Other experts suggested that Milli and others may have faced challenges due to bribery and favoritism in Afghanistan's business environment. Kakiel from NATO pointed out that there may have been misunderstandings regarding contract provisions that only guaranteed one year of sales. In 2011, US agencies contracted over $4 billion to Afghan companies out of a total of $17.3 billion. More than 90 percent of the spending was allocated to products purchased from Afghan sellers (49 percent), construction (28 percent), support services (11 percent), and transportation (6 percent). However, an audit conducted by the US government's Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in January revealed that the Afghan First Initiative (AFI) had been marred by insufficient contract solicitation and vetting, as well as limited data on claimed employment benefits. Saffi, who witnessed his family fleeing during Taliban rule and returning in 2002 to find everything destroyed, expressed his lack of confidence in both the US government and the promises of the future under Karzai. He stated, "We tried to do a good job here in this factory, but right now this has happened. The only judgment we can make is that my company and the country are going the same way." He stated that many people in Kabul's business community were feeling anxious due to the unpredictable investment environment and worsening security situation. This feeling was further heightened by a bold Taliban attack on the city center and surrounding areas in mid-April. Saffi mentioned that he now had to hire 30 personal bodyguards to ensure his children's safety when attending school, as well as having police snipers stationed on his home's roof. He likened the struggles his company was facing to the challenges the country was experiencing, stating that he felt like the president of his company while Karzai was the president of the country. He expressed concern about the declining state of his company and the increasing number of workers leaving. The country will experience the same situation. The president needs to govern his nation.

The United States is being urged to join other wealthy nations in setting a 2020 goal for reducing greenhouse gases in order to improve the chances of reaching a climate agreement in Copenhagen next month. The pressure on the US was increased by the Danish hosts during a final preparatory meeting in Barcelona, who emphasized the importance of not arriving at the conference without a plan. Some African nations threatened to leave the Barcelona talks unless rich countries committed to more significant emissions reductions. The head of the UN Climate Change Secretariat stressed the necessity of a specific target from the US for the Copenhagen conference. President Barack Obama, while addressing reporters at the White House, emphasized the significance of a specific part of the puzzle. He expressed hope for a significant agreement in Copenhagen, but also acknowledged that it may not fully resolve all issues related to the matter. Obama noted that while it may not solve every problem, it would be a crucial step forward and provide the foundation for future progress. The United States has not yet committed to a specific target for reducing emissions by 2020, unlike the European Union and other developed nations who have set goals such as a 20 percent reduction below 1990 levels by 2020. Democrats in the US Senate are moving forward with legislation to reduce US carbon dioxide emissions by 20 percent from 2005 levels, despite a planned boycott by minority Republicans. Although the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee may approve the bill in the coming weeks, it is uncertain whether it will be passed by the full Senate this year. Delegates at the Barcelona talks are facing challenges in reaching agreements on how to distribute emissions reductions between wealthy and developing nations, as well as how to raise funds to assist developing countries in addressing climate change. The issue of forests is also contributing to the complexity of the negotiations. Moscow's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin stated that Russia will emphasize the importance of considering the carbon-absorbing capacity of its forests. Australian emissions decreased last year, excluding the impact of forest fires. Denmark and the EU urged Obama to take more action to facilitate a successful outcome at the upcoming December conference. Danish Climate and Energy Minister Connie Hedegaard expressed doubt that Obama could receive the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo and send a delegation to Copenhagen without tangible results. Swedish Environment Minister Andreas Carlgren, who is currently holding the rotating presidency of the European Union, noted that there has been a significant and real change in the American position, although more is still expected. The United States has stated its commitment to a UN deal, with head of the US delegation in Barcelona, Jonathan Pershing, emphasizing that efforts have been made under President Obama to promote clean energy and reduce emissions. Pershing stressed the importance of the United States being a part of the Copenhagen deal, especially as the country is the second largest emitter of greenhouse gases after China. Antonio Hill of Oxfam reported that African countries are demanding stricter emissions reductions from developed nations. He mentioned that Gambia, Ethiopia, and Algeria are in favor of withdrawing from the UN talks. Protesters outside the conference center displayed hundreds of ringing alarm clocks to emphasize the urgency of reaching an agreement to combat the increasing threats of climate change.

US prosecutors are seeking the extradition of Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou to face allegations of deceiving multinational banks about Huawei's involvement in a company in Iran, potentially causing the banks to violate US sanctions. Meng, the daughter of Huawei's founder, was arrested in Vancouver on Dec 1. She maintains her innocence and plans to challenge the accusations in court if she is extradited to the US. The judge in a bail hearing postponed the decision until the next day to further discuss who will be responsible for Meng if she is released. Meng's lawyer proposed a C$15 million bail guarantee and offered her husband as surety to ensure she does not flee. However, the judge and prosecutor raised concerns about Meng's husband's ability to fulfill this responsibility since he is not a resident of British Columbia, where Vancouver is located, and would not face consequences if she violated her bail conditions. The arrest of Meng has caused turmoil in the markets amid fears that it could worsen tensions between the United States and China, particularly in light of the ongoing tariff disputes. Trade negotiations between the two countries must be completed by March 1, but Beijing has demanded Meng's immediate release and warned of potential repercussions for Canada. Despite this, Chinese and US officials seem to be avoiding directly connecting her arrest to the trade conflict. Meng's attorney proposed offering C$14 million in property equity and C$1 million in cash as security. The prosecutor insisted on half of the guarantee being in cash and half in property. During the proceedings, the judge questioned Meng's avoidance of travel to the United States since 2017, suggesting it was to evade arrest. Martin argued that the negative attitude toward Huawei in the US was the reason for her reluctance to travel there. He urged the court to consider what reason Meng would have to flee. Martin stated that the evidence against her was not very strong. He mentioned that if Meng were to escape or violate any orders, it would not be an exaggeration to say that she would bring shame to China. Meng seemed calm and confident in court in the morning, but later in the day she appeared more tense as she discussed with her legal team. She is requesting to be released due to her severe hypertension and concerns about her health. Huawei is the top provider of telecommunications network equipment globally and the second largest producer of smartphones, generating approximately $92 billion in revenue last year. In contrast to other major Chinese tech companies, Huawei conducts a significant portion of its business outside of China. US authorities claim that Huawei attempted to utilize banks to transfer funds out of Iran, which is prohibited under US sanctions laws. Huawei and its legal team have maintained that the company adheres strictly to all relevant laws, regulations, and sanctions imposed by the United States and other jurisdictions. The company stated on Monday that they will keep monitoring the bail hearing tomorrow and have full trust in both the Canadian and US legal systems to come to a fair decision.

Sánchez resides in Rincón, a coastal town in northwestern Puerto Rico known for surfing and sunsets. The town has become popular among wealthy investors seeking tax breaks, many of whom have shown interest in purchasing his home near the beach. Despite his home not being for sale, Sánchez has received unsolicited offers from investors who simply hand him a check and ask him to name his price. This trend reflects a larger pattern of investors flocking to picturesque towns in Puerto Rico to take advantage of tax incentives aimed at attracting new residents and investment to the financially struggling island as it emerges from bankruptcy. The popularity of tax breaks has increased following the coronavirus pandemic, leading to a rise in Americans moving to warmer climates. However, the influx of wealthy newcomers to Puerto Rico, who must establish residency and purchase property within two years to maintain the tax breaks, has caused a surge in home prices and forced out residents who can no longer afford to live there. Hurricane Maria in 2017 had already caused many residents to leave the island, and now the real estate boom, initially centered in San Juan, has spread to other areas like Rincón as investors look beyond the metropolitan area. In addition to those seeking tax benefits, other newcomers are also buying properties and driving up rental costs and home prices. However, the finance and tech investors who have officially applied for tax-break status are the ones attracting the most attention. Among them are cryptocurrency traders, who now gather for weekly happy hours at a seaside bar in Rincón. A new barbecue food truck that started operating in August is now accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, Shiba Inu, Solana, and Litecoin as payment for its mainland-style chicken. The gradual gentrification of the area is causing concern among many Puerto Ricans, who are increasingly questioning how an economy that relies on tax breaks for the wealthy can benefit local residents struggling to afford property. "It feels like Hurricane Maria put a 'For Sale' sign on the island," said Gloria Cuevas Viera, a Rincón resident who is actively fighting against gentrification. A large number of investors purchase residential properties, selling them at higher prices or converting them into short-term vacation rentals, ultimately transforming entire neighborhoods into Airbnb hubs and causing a scarcity of housing for local residents. Forty-three percent of Puerto Ricans live below the federal poverty line. Israel Matos, aged 45, is being forced to move out of his Rincón home by March as the property owner sold it last year. Matos had the opportunity to purchase the house, but his option expired. The owner, who is from Hermosa Beach, California, opted to sell to another buyer. Matos has been residing in his current home with his wife and two daughters for the past two years. He mentioned that he is unable to find any suitable housing options within his budget in Rincón. Many residents of Puerto Rico are facing challenges in remaining in their homes due to rising property prices caused by outside investors. Matos, who works as a sound engineer for a television station, expressed the difficulties he faces as a father in finding affordable housing for his family. Many Puerto Ricans are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to stay in their homes due to outside investors buying up properties and raising prices. Demonstrators recently gathered in Old San Juan to protest tax breaks, particularly targeting Bitcoin billionaire Brock Pierce, who converted a former children's museum into a "crypto clubhouse." The tax breaks are part of Act 60, a law introduced by the Puerto Rico government in 2012 amid economic struggles, but gained more attention after Hurricane Maria in 2017. In 2019, tax incentives were redesigned to appeal to finance, tech, and other investors. Those who relocate to the island can enjoy reduced income taxes on various financial gains and services. A billboard in Silicon Valley promotes Puerto Rico as a tech center aligned with their goals. By October 2021, the island had received a record 1,349 applications from potential resident investors, with 982 approvals. Since 2012, over 4,286 applications have been approved, with over 35% in the last three years. According to the law, an individual can be eligible for tax benefits if they have not lived in Puerto Rico for at least 10 years. To qualify for a 4% corporate tax rate and no capital gains tax, the investor must also purchase a home. The over 3 million current residents of Puerto Rico are not eligible for these tax breaks, leading to unequal taxpayer responsibility. Heriberto Martínez Otero, the executive director of the Ways and Means Committee in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives, voiced concerns about this inequality. He also mentioned that renters who are priced out of coastal areas may have to move to cheaper neighboring towns, but will likely have to spend more on commuting expenses. Homeowners who have sold their properties have seen a positive impact from the increase in property prices. Governor Pedro R. Pierluisi has expressed support for the rising number of investors purchasing luxury homes, citing the previous downturn in the luxury real estate market as a driving force behind the tax law. The goal was to attract individuals with capital to stimulate the real estate market. Policymakers were also worried about the significant number of people leaving the island, as the population of Puerto Rico declined by 11.8% from 2010 to 2020 due to the economic crisis and Hurricane Maria. Martínez Otero expressed concern over the issue of people purchasing residential properties in Puerto Rico that do not align with local consumption patterns, adding to the island's affordable housing challenges. Many Puerto Ricans are finding it increasingly difficult to afford to stay in their homes due to outside investors buying properties and inflating prices. Sánchez, a homeowner in Rincón who also works as a landscaper, is involved in coordinating the town's federal Section 8 program, which offers affordable housing assistance to low-income families. Despite the program providing $450 monthly vouchers for housing, Sánchez is struggling to find homes within that price range. A gathering spot by the ocean in Rincón, Puerto Rico on January 13, 2022, has become a concern for many Puerto Ricans who feel they can no longer afford to live in their homes due to outside investors purchasing properties and increasing prices. The rising prices are not only affecting downtown areas but also rural sectors in the mountains, causing fears of displacement among native Puerto Ricans. In Rincón, real estate broker Ingrid Badillo Carrero noted a significant increase in home prices over the past four years, with the average listing price for a two-bedroom condo rising from $290,000 in 2017. Currently, the unit could be priced at approximately $420,000, with the average annual income in Rincón being around $19,900. Badillo, who often works with investor clients looking for tax breaks, has been told by locals that she is selling out their country. Many investors can pay in cash, which is more appealing to sellers compared to Puerto Ricans who may only be able to afford a mortgage. In May, Elizabeth Stevenson and her husband, Tyler McNatt, relocated to Puerto Rico from Austin, Texas. They were searching for an alternative to the daily office grind and turned to cryptocurrency investments to generate income. Stevenson, a beneficiary of Act 60, is working as a consultant for a California movie producer now located in Puerto Rico, in addition to buying and selling cryptocurrency. Stevenson expressed excitement about the opportunities to learn and earn money in the cryptocurrency world. She has leased an apartment near the beach and is actively involved in several crypto groups for former mainlanders that organize events in Rincón. Daniel Torgerson, a crypto investor who relocated to Puerto Rico in June, organizes a weekly happy hour at the Aqua Marina Beach Club in Rincón. In early January, approximately 20 individuals gathered near the bar and pool, conversing under string lights while competing with the sounds of nocturnal coquí frogs. Torgerson inquired about everyone's feelings in the market that week and asked if there were any new projects they were enthusiastic about. One person mentioned "Solar bitcoin mining." The new residents are accompanied by their children. Myriam Pérez Cruz, the principal of Manuel González Melo K-8 School in Rincón, mentioned that the school has had to incorporate additional coursework for students who are learning Spanish as their second language. In the school year 2016-17, a student survey found three native English speakers who required help with Spanish, according to Pérez. By the school year 2021-22, that number had increased to 17 students. Matos, a resident of Rincón who needs to vacate his home by March, recently searched for potential rental properties by driving around. Following this, he visited the beach, sat on the sand with his legs crossed, and attempted to unwind. However, shortly after parking his car, he began to feel anxious. Matos observed that among the approximately 50 people on the beach, he only spotted about five Puerto Ricans. He remarked that there have been significant changes in Rincón.

Finance adviser AB Mirza Azizul Islam emphasized that the achievement of millennium development goals is at risk if donor countries do not fulfill their ODA commitments. Official development assistance is crucial for many countries to realize these goals.

Global institutional investors with over $6 trillion in assets are urging policymakers to quickly reach a binding agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support clean technology. Over 130 major investors, including the London Pensions Fund Authority, are calling for countries to commit to cutting emissions by 50-80% by 2050, aligning with the goals of US President-elect Barack Obama. These investors are also advocating for long and medium term emission reduction targets for developed countries and a more robust global carbon market. US investors, like the California Public Employees' Retirement System, have been advocating for legislation to advance clean technologies. They have also requested the US Securities and Exchange Commission to mandate that publicly traded companies disclose climate-related risks, in addition to other factors impacting their business. Mike Taylor, CEO of London Pensions Fund Authority, expressed concerns about climate change risks to the global economy and portfolios of institutional investors. He emphasized the need for strong policies to facilitate investment in low carbon initiatives. The group of global investors is advocating for a new binding agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which established targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in industrialized countries. The European Union aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent by 2020 and increase the use of renewable energy sources in their energy mix by the same date. The United States is the only major industrialized nation that has not accepted the Kyoto Protocol, but is currently engaged in talks to create a new global agreement. Mindy Lubber, president of Ceres, a coalition of investors and environmental groups focused on climate change, believes it is important for the US to be part of this agreement. The group of global investors is aiming to have their input considered before the upcoming climate change convention in Poland in December.

In an election focused on wage growth and cost-of-living pressures, opposition leader Anthony Albanese failed to answer questions about unemployment numbers and interest rates as the campaign for the May 21 election began. Prime Minister Morrison criticized the Labour Party's ability to manage money and lack of economic plan while promoting economic opportunities post-pandemic. Polls showed the Labour Party ahead of Morrison's coalition, although Morrison remained the preferred leader. Albanese apologized for his mistakes and was in damage control mode. He quoted Taylor Swift by saying he will "Shake it off" in response to reporters asking about the potential impact of a slip on Labor's chances of winning the election. Albanese emphasized taking responsibility for his actions and owning up to any mistakes he may make. Morrison highlighted his government's successes in lowering the unemployment rate despite facing various challenges such as fires, floods, a pandemic, a global recession, economic coercion from China, and a war in Europe. Initially, Albanese believed the current unemployment rate was around 5.4%. Morrison referred to the runs on the board in cricket as a metaphor for having a solid foundation. The government has plans to boost job creation to pre-pandemic levels, aiming for a stronger economy. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg mentioned that the new jobs would be spread across various sectors. Australia's unemployment rate is expected to drop below 3% sooner than predicted by the central bank, with some economists even forecasting it to go below the budget estimate of 3.75%. Wage growth is expected to increase, but not enough to keep up with inflation, leading to a decrease in real incomes this year. To appease upset voters, the budget in March raised a tax break for 10 million low- and middle-income earners and provided one-time cash payments for pensioners, as well as a temporary reduction in fuel taxes.

A draft communique from the G8 countries in Toyako, Japan indicates their desire to collaborate with the nearly 200 states engaged in UN climate change discussions to establish a goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% by 2050. The document, obtained by Reuters prior to its official approval by G8 leaders at a summit in northern Japan, also mentions the necessity of mid-term goals to reach the 2050 target. This declaration shifts the focus of combating global warming to UN-led talks aimed at creating a new framework after the Kyoto Protocol expires in 2012, while also addressing internal disagreements within the G8. The UN negotiations are scheduled to conclude in Copenhagen in December 2009. Despite the careful wording of the climate statement, which is typically the most contentious aspect of summit discussions, it is unlikely to satisfy those advocating for more specific targets. Last year, the G8 group of wealthy countries, including Japan, Britain, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Russia, and the United States, agreed to only "seriously consider" the goal of cutting global emissions in half by 2050. The European Union and Japan have been pushing for this year's summit to go further and wanted clear interim targets. However, US President George W Bush has stated that the US cannot commit to binding targets unless major polluters like China and India also reduce their emissions. The European Union's leadership welcomed the agreement on climate change, calling it a "new, shared vision" and keeping negotiations on track for a global agreement in 2009. European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said the deal sends a strong message to people worldwide and that the EU's goals for the G8 summit in northern Japan had been met. Global warming is connected to other important issues such as rising food and fuel prices, which are being discussed at a three-day meeting in a luxurious mountain-top hotel on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. The leaders at the summit expressed concerns about the world economy facing uncertainties and risks, including the impact of high oil prices. Additionally, they hinted at the need for China to allow their tightly controlled exchange rate to appreciate in order to help address global financial imbalances. The G8 leaders also agreed to convene a world energy forum to bring major oil producers and consumers together to discuss output and prices. The increasing prices of food and oil, reaching a record high of $145.85 a barrel last week, are having a significant impact on the world's impoverished populations. According to a recent World Bank study, up to 105 million more individuals may fall below the poverty line due to the spike in food prices, with 30 million of them being in Africa. World Bank President Robert Zoellick stated that how the global system responds to this crisis will determine its dedication to assisting those most in need. To alleviate the effects of this situation, G8 officials have announced plans to implement various measures to support Africa, particularly its farmers, and have committed to doubling aid to provide an additional $50 billion in aid by 2010, with half of the funds allocated to the world's poorest continent. The summit concludes on Wednesday with a Major Economies Meeting that includes the G8 and eight other large countries that emit significant amounts of greenhouse gases, such as India, China, and Australia.

During the OPEC heads of state meeting, Saudi Arabia has pledged $300 million for environmental research to combat global warming. However, other leaders have not made similar promises and are unsure of what the proposal entails. Algerian Energy and Mines Minister Chakib Khelil stated that no other countries have committed funds for climate change research at this time. OPEC Secretary-General Abdullah al-Badri stated that OPEC is willing to contribute to the development of carbon capture and storage technology to help reduce emissions. A draft final communique from OPEC mentioned the group's concern about climate change as a long-term challenge and its goal for stability in global energy markets, but did not address the topic of an environmental fund. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez expressed his expectation that the summit would confirm a commitment to stable and competitive oil prices. He warned that if the United States were to attack Iran or Venezuela, crude oil prices could potentially double from the current price of around $100 per barrel to $200 on the global market. Chavez made these statements to heads of state, including Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, at a meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Concerns that the United States or its ally Israel may launch an attack on Iran, accused by Washington of pursuing nuclear weapons, have contributed to the surge in world oil prices. Despite calls from consumer nations for more oil supply, OPEC ministers have postponed any decision on increasing output until a meeting in Abu Dhabi on December 5. Iran and Venezuela are viewed as holding firm on prices, while Saudi Arabia has typically been more willing to adjust to Western requests to lower prices. Ecuador's President Rafael Correa suggested pricing oil in a currency other than the dollar at the conference. The decrease in value of the U.S. currency compared to other major currencies has contributed to the rise in oil prices to $98.62 last week, while also diminishing the purchasing power of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). During a summit meeting, Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally and influential member of OPEC, led the group in rejecting a proposal by Iran and Venezuela to express concerns about the weakening dollar in the summit's official statement. Analysts suggest that Saudi King Abdullah, known as OPEC's "swing producer" and a reliable supplier of crude oil to the U.S., is determined to prevent leaders like Chavez and Ahmadinejad from overshadowing the summit with anti-U.S. rhetoric. Despite the opulent setting of the summit hall, where Chavez called for OPEC to take a leading role in fighting global poverty, Saudi King Abdullah appeared unimpressed and jokingly told Chavez that his speech was too long. Ahmadinejad stated that OPEC should take a more active role in geopolitics and demand respect for its member countries, while also calling on powerful nations to cease threatening the organization. He mentioned that he would share his thoughts on this matter at the end of the summit. In an attempt to ease tensions between the U.S. and Iran, Saudi Arabia proposed the creation of a consortium to supply Iran with enriched uranium for peaceful purposes. Despite this, Iran has stated that it will continue its own enrichment program. Concerned about Iran's nuclear potential, Gulf Arab countries, including key OPEC members Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, have announced plans to develop their own nuclear energy programs.

The finance minister, AMA Muhith, expressed frustration with donors who have not fulfilled their aid pledges, attributing this failure to the country's inability to overcome poverty and other challenges. Muhith made these comments during the launch of a report on Bangladesh's progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals at the Sonargaon hotel in Dhaka. He emphasized the importance of donor agencies fulfilling their commitments in order to reach the MDGs, which aim to eradicate extreme poverty by 2015. Despite some progress, Muhith acknowledged that there are still obstacles to achieving these goals. He stated that the issue of child malnutrition continues to be a significant concern. Muhith noted that while progress has been made in addressing sanitation challenges, the arsenic problem still needs attention. In terms of economic growth, he acknowledged that the country's rate is satisfactory but lags behind neighboring nations. During the event, Planning minister AK Khandker and foreign minister Dipu Moni, among others, also shared their perspectives. Khandker emphasized the need for greater international assistance to mitigate the impacts of climate change in Bangladesh. Moni stated that natural disasters caused by climate change are hindering the country's development. She highlighted advancements in poverty reduction, women's empowerment, primary education, and child mortality. Shamsul Alam, a member of the Planning Commission, presented the progress report.

During his closing speech at the ninth consecutive Global Media Forum, DW Director General Peter Limbourg emphasized the importance of European values. He highlighted the need for countries in Germany and Europe to uphold and share these values, acknowledging that there are instances where they fall short. Limbourg specifically mentioned issues such as arms sales, environmental pollution, and cooperation with corrupt regimes as examples of where improvement is needed. The forum brought together over 2,000 participants from 110 countries in the former West German capital for a three-day event. The conference focused on discussing tough topics related to "Media. Freedom. Values." Journalists in various countries often encounter challenging circumstances. The conference explored the importance of media, freedom of expression, and the values that require safeguarding. German President Joachim Gauck delivered a powerful message to conference participants, emphasizing the shared responsibility of journalists worldwide. He highlighted the abundance of information available today, but also the increasing risk of manipulation and disinformation. Gauck stressed the importance of upholding reliable journalism that can be trusted. A notable moment at the Global Media Forum was when Sedat Ergin, editor-in-chief of Hürriyet, received the Deutsche Welle Freedom of Speech Award. Upon receiving the award, Ergin expressed his concerns about the lack of freedom of expression not only in authoritarian regimes, but also in so-called democracies. Fellow journalist Kai Diekmann emphasized the importance of press freedom and criticized the state of the press in Turkey. Some Turkish media outlets close to the ruling party reacted strongly, highlighting the challenges faced by journalists in the country. The role of bloggers and activists in societies without freedom of speech was also discussed at the GMF. Egyptian satirist Bassem Youssef participated in the award ceremony for The Bobs in Bonn, an event hosted by Deutsche Welle to recognize outstanding international online activists. German Commissioner for Human Rights Policy Bärbel Kofler joined a panel discussion with bloggers from Bangladesh who have sought asylum in Germany and other European countries due to threats from Islamist extremists and lack of protection from their government. The Forum aimed to raise awareness about the importance of providing asylum to journalists whose lives are at risk in their home countries. Journalist and author Martin Walker provided a somber assessment of the future of media, while international speakers on various panels at the conference emphasized that the media is currently at a critical turning point. The increasing emphasis on direct communication with people globally via social media presents journalism with new possibilities. DW's Director General Limbourg emphasized the importance of seizing this opportunity to have a real impact.

Chief adviser Fakhruddin Ahmed emphasized the importance of industrialized nations providing climate adaptation funds for developing countries, who are the most affected by climate change, without imposing any conditions. He also urged wealthier nations to transfer advanced technology to help developing countries enhance their climate resilience. Fakhruddin stated that developed countries must offer adaptation funds and assist with technology transfer without any conditions. He emphasized that developed nations, as the main polluters, have a significant responsibility to reduce greenhouse gas emissions within the specified time limits. The SAARC climate conference was initiated following a suggestion by Dhaka, as there is concern that a significant portion of Bangladesh's land may be submerged due to rising sea levels caused by global warming. The meeting is expected to approve a joint declaration on taking action against climate change, which will impact the entire SAARC region including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The Maldives island chain is particularly at risk from rising sea levels. Fakhruddin emphasized the need for SAARC countries to unite in urging developed nations to provide additional resources for adaptation efforts. He also mentioned Bangladesh's efforts to establish an international climate adaptation center for sharing knowledge and best practices. It was stressed that developed countries must make a firm commitment to reducing their emissions without conditions. He stated that it is crucial for us to take action in order to protect ourselves from the dangers of climate change. Fakhruddin warned that climate change will have devastating consequences for millions of poor people, leading to the worsening of floods, droughts, and salinity. He emphasized that the impact of climate change could be the worst tragedy in human history, surpassing even events like the 'Black Death' and World War II. He urged that we cannot afford to be passive and must take action to prevent this catastrophe. The SAARC Secretary-General, Sheel Kant Sharma, also stressed the importance of developed countries committing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions within specific timeframes. The inauguration was led by Devasish Roy, the special assistant for environment to the chief adviser, and also featured remarks from Iftekhar Ahmed Chowdhury, the foreign adviser.

Colombia's coach Jorge Luis Pinto reassured that despite a 5-0 loss to Paraguay in the Copa America, the team will not be defeated. Pinto emphasized that the loss is not a catastrophe and that Colombia has not been completely destroyed in terms of their footballing abilities, tactics, or morale. He stated that while they may have lost the game, it is not the end of the world. "We haven't given up, we will respond." Despite Colombia's strong start in their first Group C game, they missed a penalty and ultimately lost to Paraguay. Their defense, usually solid, struggled in the second half. Their next game is against Argentina, who won their first match 4-1 against the United States. Pinto stated that changes will be made, including varying the style of play and the players. He also drew a comparison between the current match and Colombia's 5-0 victory over Argentina in a World Cup qualifier in 1993, noting that both games had similarities.

A major global report released on Tuesday urges wealthy nations to take the lead in reducing carbon emissions to prevent negative impacts on health, education, and poverty reduction for the world's poor. The UN Human Development Report (HDR) 2007-08 also calls on developed countries to offer incentives to developing nations to address the challenges of climate change. Titled "Fighting climate change: Human solidarity in a divided world", the report was developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) using information from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Synthesis Report. It outlines a strategy for climate change negotiations in Bali, Indonesia, emphasizing the importance of acting within a narrow ten-year window. The report warned that if action is not taken soon, temperatures could rise above two degrees Celsius, leading to the disappearance of Himalayan glaciers, which are crucial sources of water and food for over two billion people. According to lead author Kevin Watkins, the carbon budget for the 21st century is being overspent and could be exhausted by 2032, putting the most vulnerable populations at risk. The report calls on the wealthiest countries to take responsibility by cutting emissions by at least 80 percent by 2050 and investing in international adaptation efforts to protect the world's poor. The report suggests that developed nations should implement a new system to share clean energy technology with developing countries. It references the success of Bangladesh's adaptation initiative, stating that every dollar invested in this program saves two to three dollars in assets that would otherwise be lost to flooding. The report also emphasizes the importance of addressing the damaging effects of flooding on nutrition, health, and education. It calls for developing Asian countries, such as China and India, to commit to reducing emissions by at least 20 percent by 2050. UNDP administrator Kemal Derviş highlights the need for Asia to increase access to affordable energy while reducing carbon emissions. The report proposes the establishment of a Climate Change Mitigation Facility funded by developed nations to provide incentives, including access to clean energy technology, to help guide developing countries towards a more sustainable development path. Watkins believes that rich countries must provide proper funding for technology transfer to poorer countries as a way to address their carbon footprint. The Pathway for Bali 'Fighting climate change' outlines a detailed checklist for political leaders convening in Bali in December, offering a plan for a post-2012 multilateral agreement that is both binding and enforceable. This agreement is deemed crucial to protect the planet and its most vulnerable populations from the severe impacts of climate change. Key points of the plan include reducing emissions from developing countries by 20 percent by 2050 and from developed countries by 30 percent by 2020 and at least 80 percent by 2050 compared to 1990 levels. Additionally, the creation of a Climate Change Mitigation Facility is proposed to finance low-carbon energy investments in developing countries, providing them with the necessary resources to transition to low-emission pathways and incentivizing them to commit to international emission reduction targets. This would require an annual investment of $25-50 billion. One way to achieve this is by establishing a suitable cost for carbon emissions through a mix of carbon taxes and an extensive global increase in cap-and-trade systems. Another approach is to enhance regulatory requirements by implementing and upholding stricter efficiency standards for vehicle, building, and electrical appliance emissions. Support the advancement of low carbon energy production by acknowledging the untapped potential for an increase in the use of renewable energy sources and the necessity for immediate investment in innovative technologies like carbon capture and storage (CCS). Allocate $86 billion or 0.2 percent of the combined GDP of northern countries towards adapting climate-resistant infrastructure and enhancing the ability of impoverished communities to withstand the impacts of climate change. Include adaptation in all strategies aimed at reducing poverty and extreme inequality, including poverty reduction strategy papers. Acknowledge the importance of carbon sequestration in forests and land in future global agreements, and support international financial transfer plans for forest conservation, as proposed by Brazil and other countries.

South Korea, the fourth largest economy in Asia, has committed to choosing one of three targets for carbon emissions by 2020, aligning itself with other Kyoto signatories in efforts to combat climate change. The government announced it would select a 2020 gas emission target this year, with options including an 8 percent increase from 2005 levels, no change from 2005, or a 4 percent decrease from 2005 levels. Despite being one of Asia's wealthiest nations and a major industrial player, South Korea saw emissions double between 1990 and 2005, with per-capita emissions of carbon dioxide in 2005 matching those of some European countries and ranking 17th among OECD members. Sang-hyup Kim, Secretary to the President for National Future and Vision at the Presidential Office, acknowledged that the targets may appear modest compared to those of developed nations. However, these efforts are the best and most sincere attempts that showcase Korea's capabilities. The government has calculated that each goal will require 0.3 to 0.5 percent of GDP and will involve measures such as increasing the use of hybrid cars, renewable and nuclear energy, energy efficiency using LED lights, and implementing smart grids. Developed countries that are obligated by the Kyoto Protocol to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are facing strong demands from developing nations to set more ambitious targets for emission reductions as part of a larger climate agreement being negotiated. These discussions will reach a climax at the end of the year in Copenhagen during a major UN conference. Even wealthier developing countries like South Korea, Singapore, and Mexico are feeling pressure to announce plans for reducing emissions. South Korea's goals for reducing emissions are not as ambitious as those of developed countries like the United States and the European Union. Japan and the US are targeting reductions of 15 and 17 percent by 2020 compared to 2005 levels, while the EU and Britain are aiming for reductions of 20 and 34 percent by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. China and other developing nations are calling for wealthy nations to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 40 percent by 2020 to prevent severe impacts of global warming like droughts, floods, and sea level rise.

A senior negotiator informed Reuters that China is open to including its voluntary carbon emissions target in a mandatory UN resolution, a move that could potentially push developed countries to prolong the Kyoto Protocol. The success of the UN climate talks in Mexico's Cancun beach resort relies on reaching an agreement to solidify national emissions targets post-2012, when the current round of Kyoto carbon caps expires. China's willingness to compromise is contingent on the United States committing to mandatory emissions reductions and an extension of the Kyoto Protocol, which currently mandates emissions reductions for nearly 40 developed countries, excluding the United States. Developing nations are in favor of continuing the protocol, while industrialized countries such as Japan, Russia, and Canada are pushing for a separate agreement that would regulate emissions for all nations. China had previously resisted the idea of making its domestic emissions targets mandatory, as is currently the case for industrialized nations. Huang Huikang, China's envoy for climate change talks, stated that a resolution can be created which would be binding on China. He mentioned that under the UN Climate Convention, a legally binding decision can be made, and the specific form of this decision can be discussed. He emphasized the importance of making efforts to address climate change a part of international efforts. He also expressed the opinion that overturning the Kyoto Protocol and starting from scratch is unnecessary to address concerns about climate change. Jennifer Morgan from the World Resources Institute in Washington described the proposal as a significant change. She believes it is a positive step towards reaching an agreement in Cancun. Alden Meyer from the Union of Concerned Scientists also sees promise in the proposal, although he acknowledges that the specifics will be crucial. China's chief negotiator, Xie Zhenhua, later explained that China's targets could align with the Convention, allowing developing countries to voluntarily commit to reducing emissions using their own resources. Huang stated that China will not change its stance on requiring new emissions targets to be included in an extended Kyoto agreement. China has always maintained that its efforts to reduce emissions are mandatory only within the country and not subject to international agreements. However, Huang acknowledged that China is now willing to participate in international efforts and sees this as a compromise. While China is open to compromise and playing a positive role, Huang emphasized that there is no room for compromise on the issue of the Kyoto agreement. Developing countries, such as China, the largest carbon emitter in the world, made a commitment at a summit in Copenhagen to voluntarily reduce their emissions. China's goal is to decrease its "carbon intensity" by 40-45% by 2020 compared to 2005, meaning reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted for each dollar of economic growth. Huang suggested that this intensity target could be incorporated into a resolution.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon stated that the progress made on climate change at the G8 summit was inadequate. He emphasized the importance of taking strong and immediate action to address this issue for the sake of humanity and the planet. Despite the G8's agreement to cut emissions by 80% by 2050, Ban criticized the leaders for not making more significant commitments. President Barack Obama also acknowledged the need for more ambitious efforts to address climate change, following Ban's criticism of the G8's lack of decisive action. At the beginning of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations meeting in L'Aquila, Italy, they were unable to convince China and India to commit to cutting greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2050. Despite this setback, President Obama remained optimistic and believed that progress could still be made before the UN climate change treaty talks in Copenhagen in December. He expressed this sentiment to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, stating that there was still time to resolve the disagreement before the important meeting. Obama was scheduled to lead the Major Economies Forum (MEF), where they were expected to aim to limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels, although they were not likely to agree on specific emission reduction targets. The absence of Chinese President Hu Jintao, who had left the summit to address ethnic conflicts in China that had resulted in numerous casualties, hindered the progress of the discussions. Temperatures have increased by approximately 0.7 degrees Celsius since the Industrial Revolution, which was marked by the widespread use of fossil fuels. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressed hope that all countries present at the meeting, including major powers like the United States, Japan, and China, would agree on a temperature target. However, a G8 source expressed doubt that a deal on emissions could be reached. India insisted that developing countries would first need to see plans from wealthy nations to provide funding to help them deal with the effects of climate change before agreeing to deeper emissions cuts by 2020. The G8 countries have agreed to aim for a 50 percent reduction in global emissions by 2050, with the United States agreeing to this target for the first time. In addition, they have set a goal of an 80 percent reduction in emissions for developed countries. However, Russia quickly stated that it would not be able to meet this target by 2050, and Canada's Environment Minister Jim Prentice referred to the 80 percent goal as an "aspirational goal." The summit also focused on the fragile state of the world economy, with wealthy nations recognizing significant risks to financial stability. China, along with Russia, India, and Brazil, used the second day of the summit to advocate for a long-term diversification of the global reserve currency system away from reliance on the dollar, a sensitive issue in currency markets. State Councilor Dai Bingguo suggested the need for a better system for issuing and regulating reserve currencies in order to maintain stability in exchange rates and promote a diverse international reserve currency regime. The G8 and G5 expressed hope for progress in the stalled Doha trade talks, aiming to conclude them by 2010. The Doha round, initiated in 2001 to aid developing nations, has faced obstacles related to proposed tariff and subsidy reductions. The G5 emphasized the importance of addressing issues with the Doha talks to boost confidence in global markets, urging wealthy nations to eliminate trade barriers and provide financial support to poorer countries.

When 96 individuals from China arrived at Taoyuan International Airport near Taipei, they realized they had been deceived after paying a significant amount of money to participate in a music competition promising substantial cash prizes. The scam involved a fraudster creating fake invitations from the city of Taipei, collecting the entry fees, and leaving the "contestants" stranded at the airport in mid-February. Some of the musicians were so upset that they decided not to return home. Experts in crime anticipate a rise in such fraudulent activities in Asia, particularly in greater China, as the economic downturn drives scammers to target vulnerable individuals seeking a change in fortune. Chu Yiu-kong, a criminologist at Hong Kong University, noted that there has been a surge in victims due to the economic crisis. Chinese individuals have a strong fondness for money, making it easy for them to become ensnared by financial traps. Additionally, they place great importance on fortuitous opportunities, particularly during challenging circumstances. The current global economic downturn has negatively impacted trade-dependent Asian nations such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan, leading to recession and cost-cutting measures by large corporations in the area. Experts in crime suggest that fraudulent individuals tend to flourish in these dire economic conditions. Police warn that scams such as job search deception, fraudulent money lending, and misleading individuals into paying large fees for fake lottery winnings or business opportunities are on the rise. One particular scam targets job seekers in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China, where swindlers pose as recruiters and convince applicants to invest in the companies they are applying to. Unfortunately, these companies and the money invested disappear when job seekers follow up on their applications. As a result, many individuals, like 26-year-old Zhou Yang from Shenzhen, China, are wary of roadside job agencies due to the prevalence of scams. According to local media reports, a scam artist in south China was able to make 800,000 yuan ($117,000) last year by sending text messages from a mobile phone using a common Chinese name to demand repayment of a debt. The victims, who mostly owed money to different individuals, believed they were being pressured to pay back their debts. This type of scam only adds to the hardships faced by those already struggling financially. Chang Chin-lan, a prevention officer with Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau, expressed concerns that as deception crimes increase, people may become more desperate and their morals may decline. Police statistics in Taiwan show that deception crimes rose by 33% from about 31,000 in 2007 to 41,000 in 2008. The Hong Kong police saw a significant increase in deception crimes in the last quarter of 2008, rising from 1,071 to 1,414 cases. In Singapore, authorities are predicting a rise in phone scams and other forms of fraud due to the struggling economy, with "cheating and related offences" increasing by approximately 10 percent from 2,917 in 2006 to 3,254 last year. The Singapore Police Force has warned that phone scams are likely to continue during these tough economic times, with scammers developing new tactics to manipulate victims into giving up their money. Beyond economic factors, advancements in technology have also played a role in the proliferation of scams, enabling fraudsters to reach a wider audience and deceive individuals across borders. According to Tsai Tien-mu, a criminology professor at Taipei Police College, costly hoaxes began to emerge in Asia around 2001 with the emergence of the Internet and mobile phones that provide anonymity and protection from law enforcement, even in different countries. Tsai mentioned that it is now simple for anyone to contact anyone else, whereas previously, the aggressor had to physically meet the victim. Due to the ease with which con artists can conceal themselves, law enforcement faces difficulties in solving fraud cases. In Taiwan, only 10 percent of cases are resolved by police officers. Conversely, in Hong Kong, police prioritize public education over pursuing individual con artists, according to Chu from Hong Kong University. Frequently, scammers operate from China, where they are difficult for Hong Kong law enforcement to apprehend. According to Zhou, a job seeker in Shenzhen, the police in mainland China are not very helpful to victims of fraud. Zhou mentioned that even if you are cheated, contacting the police is not effective, as they rarely respond and provide assistance.

The UN's top climate change official, Yvo de Boer, urged the European Union to quickly develop strategies to assist developing countries in combating global warming in order to prevent a potential deadlock that could hinder global action. De Boer emphasized the importance of industrialized nations prioritizing this issue and increasing aid to help developing nations reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agreement reached in Bali, Indonesia, in December involved setting a global plan by 2009 to address climate change, expanding on the Kyoto Protocol which binds 37 industrialized nations to reduce greenhouse gases until 2012. De Boer stressed the need for a tangible increase in resources as indicated by the Bali agreement. This would then encourage developing countries to shift their economies away from fossil fuels and towards cleaner energy sources. The commitment of developing nations, particularly China and India, is crucial for many wealthy countries, led by the United States, to reduce emissions. Without the involvement of developing countries, it becomes challenging for countries like the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, and the EU to make progress in this area. The Climate Secretariat in Bonn is focusing on addressing the increasing challenges of climate change, such as floods and heatwaves. The EU is recognized as a leader in combating climate change, with the U.N. Climate Panel warning of more extreme weather events like heatwaves, floods, droughts, and rising sea levels in the coming century. De Boer, from the Climate Secretariat, suggests innovative funding solutions like auctioning carbon dioxide emission rights in the EU and using the proceeds to support developing nations. Another option is to increase a levy on the Kyoto project, which allows wealthy nations to invest in reducing greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries. De Boer emphasized the importance of EU budgets for research and development in tackling climate change. He stated that without resources for developing countries, it would be challenging for the EU to effectively address climate change. De Boer also called on French President Nicolas Sarkozy to finalize a package of climate measures during the French EU presidency in the latter half of 2008. The EU Commission had previously proposed goals such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and increasing the use of renewable energy to 20 percent in power production. De Boer stressed the need for the package to be completed under the French presidency so that it can be presented to the European Parliament. France and Germany expressed concerns last week about how the plan could put European jobs at risk. De Boer emphasized that the European Union needs to fulfill its commitments and distribute the responsibilities fairly. It is crucial for the EU's credibility on the global stage to provide clear signals on how they will achieve the target. To read more environment blogs from Reuters, click on the following link.

In a conference at the London School of Economics, speakers warned about the serious environmental, ecological, social, and economic impacts that the planned unilateral construction of Tipaimukh Dam by India will have on the millions of people of Bangladesh and northeastern India. The Voice for Justice World Forum called for a joint feasibility study between the governments of Bangladesh and India before proceeding with any dam construction to find a fair and equitable solution to the potential environmental disaster. It was emphasized that as an upper riparian country, India has a moral and legal obligation to consult with Bangladesh before building such a dam. Dr Hasanat Hussain MBE, Convenor of the World Forum of the Voice For Justice, chaired the conference, which was praised by British treasury minister Stephen Timms for convening in London. He informed the conference that the British government will always support the oppressed globally and collaborate with organizations like VFJ to advocate for human rights and justice for the underprivileged. The first world forum of VFJ was held at the London School of Economics by a coalition of its European, US, Canadian, and Asian chapters. The event was attended by expatriate Bangladeshi academics, experts, VFJ members, and various individuals from the British-Bangladeshi community in the UK. Former planning and science minister Abdul Moyeen Khan and former Bangladesh high commissioner to the UK Sabih Uddin participated in the discussion online. Concerns were raised about the potential construction of barriers on the rivers Surma and Kushiara, which could lead to a humanitarian crisis for millions of people who rely on these rivers. Dr K M A Malik from the University of Cardiff presented a paper on Climate Change in South Asia, focusing on Bangladesh, at the conference. Dr Mahbub Khan from California State University discussed the 'Rights of Migrant Workers in Gulf States', while Hasan Mahmud, director of Sharia Law of Muslim Canadian Congress, presented a paper on 'Women's rights in Islam'. The speakers emphasized the need for formal bilateral agreements between migrant-sending states like Bangladesh and migrant-receiving states in the Gulf to protect the rights and dignity of migrant workers. They called on the governments of host countries to prioritize the human rights of migrant workers who contribute significantly to their economies through remittances. Hasan Mahmud reaffirmed in his paper that Islam and Sharia law promote and protect women's rights fairly and justly. He expressed his regret that the misunderstanding and distortion of these laws over time as a result of social and cultural biases have resulted in discriminatory treatment towards women in numerous societies. Professor Anthony Booth, who leads International Education at Christchurch University in Kent, UK, as well as Prof. Shamsul Islam Choudhury from Roosevelt University in the US, Dr. Abdur Rahman and Dr. Zakia Rahman from Limmeric University in Ireland, Dr. Stephanie Eaton from Kingston University in the UK, Luthfur Rahman Choudhury, and the joint convenors of the World Forum of Voice For Justice from London, Kent, Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Edinburgh, and Newcastle all participated in the question and answer sessions at the end.

Sayed Talat Kamal, reporting from Durban, South Africa, states that developing countries are expressing concerns that they are more committed to addressing climate change as a serious global crisis compared to wealthy nations. The US, in particular, is criticized for being slow to act on important climate issues. Delegates from Europe and the African bloc at the UN Climate Summit in Durban have criticized the US stance. Seyni Nafo, a delegate from Mali, remarked that developed countries, especially the US, are not prioritizing climate change as a global issue. Nafo emphasized the need for the US to demonstrate the same leadership in addressing climate change as it does in promoting democracy, human rights, and market access. The EU's chief negotiator, Arthur Runge-Metzger, expressed concerns about the US delegation being hindered by the current US domestic situation, where climate change is seen as unpopular. He acknowledged that the Obama administration is facing difficulties moving forward on climate change due to Congress. The US is seen as delaying negotiations by pushing for conditions in the deal that would legally bind all countries to limit their greenhouse gas emissions, which is holding up discussions on how to raise the US$100 billion allocated for developing low-carbon economies in poor countries and addressing the impacts of global warming. Climate change is caused by greenhouse gases trapping heat from the sun in the earth's atmosphere, leading to rising global temperatures and resulting in extreme weather events such as cyclones, floods, sea level rise, droughts, erosion, and higher salinity levels. It is widely recognized that a temperature increase of over 2 degrees Celsius would result in irreversible climate change. According to global studies supported by the UN and the scientific community, reducing global emissions to 40 percent of 1990 levels by 2020 and to 95 percent by 2050 is necessary to limit temperature rise to 1.5 degrees. The US prefers voluntary pledges from countries to control emissions, rather than a binding target. The US has committed to a 17 percent reduction in emissions from 2005 levels by 2020. Some experts believe that these voluntary pledges, when combined, will only achieve half of what is needed to prevent a climate crisis. Rene Orellana, leader of the Bolivian delegation, has firmly rejected the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (Redd) initiative in Bolivia's initial statement. Orellana stated that forests are not meant for storing carbon and emphasized the importance of forests for food security, water resources, and biodiversity for indigenous people in Bolivia. Redd stated that the forest's only function is as a carbon stock, according to Orellana. He also criticized certain aspects of the Green Climate Fund, specifically payments tied to the results of green initiatives. Despite recent political instability in Bolivia, the country has remained steadfast in its environmental stance at the 17th meeting of the UN climate change convention. For instance, Bolivia recently passed groundbreaking legislation granting nature equal rights to humans. Scientists are forecasting that heat waves, which currently occur every 20 years, will become an annual occurrence due to rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Furthermore, coastal regions and islands are at risk of flooding due to the effects of global warming, potentially affecting up to 250 million more people with water scarcity within the next ten years. Supporters of climate action maintain that limiting carbon emissions in the atmosphere would only slightly impede economic growth by 0.12 percent annually. They also argue that the benefits, including improved health, increased energy security, and more reliable food sources, would outweigh the costs.

The environment state minister has criticized developed countries for their deceptive behavior regarding climate funds. Hasan Mahmud stated that rich countries have not lived up to their promise to reduce carbon emissions and have failed to provide the $30 billion they pledged for Fast Start Funding at the Copenhagen conference in December 2009. Hasan noted that only eight percent of the funds had been paid by November 2011, despite the commitment to clear them by 2012. "He mentioned that there is a deception at play here. The claim is that the money has already been provided, but upon closer inspection, it is clear that the funds given in 2008 are being labeled as Fast Start Funding," he explained. The roundtable discussion took place in preparation for an upcoming climate change conference in Durban, South Africa starting on November 28. The minister of state revealed that Bangladesh had put forth a suggestion for a central organization to allocate the funds during the conference." He also emphasized that priority should be given to countries in need when distributing funds, rather than favoring countries with better relations with donors. Hasan expressed disappointment with developed countries for not making significant progress in reducing carbon emissions, holding them responsible for global warming. He noted that a person in Bangladesh emits 0.3 tonnes of carbon per year. The figure is 1.6 tonnes in developing nations and 15-20 tonnes in developed countries. He also mentioned his optimism for a positive result from the Climate Vulnerable Forum on Sunday, which will have the participation of United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon and prime minister Sheikh Hasina. The roundtable was led by chairman Qazi Kholiquzzaman of the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation.

Bangladesh's state minister for environment, Hasan Mahmud, expressed dissatisfaction with the European Union's climate fund commitment in Copenhagen on Saturday. The EU pledged 10 billion euro over three years to the climate adaptation fund, but Mahmud raised concerns about whether this commitment is in addition to Official Development Assistance (ODA). He emphasized the need for industrialized nations to contribute around 1.5 percent of GDP to the adaptation fund, which could create a $400 to $600 billion fund. The state minister emphasized that the proposal from the EU is insufficient to generate the necessary $400-600 fund for adaptation. He stated that poor and vulnerable nations are firm in their demand for a separate climate fund, separate from existing ODA and not controlled by financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank. He suggested the creation of a new institution that is easily accessible and more transparent. Hasan emphasized that 70 percent of funds should go to the least developed or most vulnerable countries, with 15 percent specifically allocated to Bangladesh. He stated that over one billion people are at risk of climate change globally. Hasan mentioned that Bangladesh is leading the formation of a new group called Most Vulnerable Countries (MVCs) and has reached out to potential member countries. He anticipates that around 20 countries will join this new group. He stated that the UN recognizes G-77 or LDCs in the context of economic development. He mentioned that efforts are being made to achieve similar recognition for climate change. He emphasized the need to create a new group of vulnerable countries for more effective negotiation. Hasan highlighted Bangladesh as the most vulnerable country, leading the Global Climate Risk Index with fifteen percent of the 1 billion most vulnerable people residing in the country. Fifteen percent of the adaptation fund should be allocated to Bangladesh as it is a demand based on the country's significant impact from climate change, including sea level rise and extreme weather events. The total number of affected people in Bangladesh is expected to be higher than that of small island countries. A delegation from Dhaka held a panel discussion during the conference, focusing on Bangladesh's status as a victim of climate change. Dr. Ainun Nishat, a climate expert, focused on discussing the effects of climate change on food and agricultural production, water management, health, and infrastructure.

Reinhart, who was promoted to a senior management position as part of the bank's effort to regain trust following ethical concerns, stated that key ideas for the new product were already clear. These included a push for more transparency in methodology, increased use of survey data from companies, and less emphasis on ranking countries. Reinhart emphasized that all details would be made public in order to restore credibility. Additionally, the bank would rely more on survey data to minimize subjective judgments and eliminate the competitive aspect of rankings that encouraged countries to manipulate the system. In September, the bank's board decided to stop releasing the annual "Doing Business" rankings due to concerns about data irregularities in the 2018 and 2020 versions. It was alleged that senior bank officials, including former chief executive Kristalina Georgieva, who now leads the IMF, pressured staff to manipulate the data. A law firm, WilmerHale, is currently investigating possible staff misconduct related to the data changes that favored certain countries like China and Saudi Arabia. The IMF's board supported Georgieva after investigating the allegations, but she may still be implicated in the ongoing review. Reinhart expressed concern that the situation has damaged the World Bank's credibility, and rebuilding trust will require time and effort. She emphasized the importance of credibility being based on systems rather than personalities and mentioned that the bank has implemented numerous safeguards over the past year following external reports. She stated that although nothing in life is guaranteed to be completely safe, taking precautions can decrease the likelihood of misuse and abuse. She hopes that credibility will be gained over time, as it is challenging to build and easy to lose. Reinhart initiated a comprehensive review of the Doing Business methodology by an external advisory panel in response to internal concerns about potential data manipulation in the reports. The extensive 84-page review that followed called for various corrective measures and changes, pointing out a consistent pattern of government attempts to manipulate the scoring process. It criticized the bank for not being transparent about the data used and recommended that it cease offering consulting services to governments to boost their scores, a practice that had already been stopped in 2020 and 2021 according to Reinhart. She mentioned that once the second WilmerHale report was finished, the bank would assess the broader implications of the scandal and determine any additional actions needed. "We will address that issue once we have the complete report," she stated.

Two British ministers, who arrived in Dhaka on Monday, have stated that the UK will assist Bangladesh in safeguarding the interests of the least developed countries (LDCs) at the important Copenhagen climate negotiations scheduled for December this year. The pledge was made by Douglas Alexander, UK minister for international development, and Ed Milliband, responsible for energy and climate change, a day before Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's departure to Geneva to attend the World Climate Conference-3. "We will...discuss how the UK can help Bangladesh in taking on a significant role in representing the interests of the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) at the crucial Copenhagen summit in December," Alaxander informed reporters upon arrival in Dhaka. The two British ministers proceeded to meet with Hasina to discuss climate change and development cooperation between their respective countries. Bangladesh currently holds the chair of the 50-member LDC Group, which comprises countries that are most susceptible to the adverse effects of climate change, largely due to emissions from developed countries. Wealthy countries, such as Britain, are seeking to form a partnership with the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in order to encourage countries like China and India to commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions. A new international legal agreement to reduce carbon emissions will be discussed at the upcoming UN meeting in Copenhagen, replacing the current Kyoto Protocol which only imposed emission reduction requirements on developed nations. The Bali climate talks in 2007 acknowledged the need for major emerging economies to cut emissions. By joining forces with developed nations, the LDCs aim to put pressure on China and India, who are now considered significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Bangladesh is considered to be highly susceptible to the impacts of climate change. The country's initiatives in adapting to and reducing risks from climate change are seen as valuable examples for other nations. Ed Milliband emphasized the significant challenges faced by Bangladesh and stated that the UK is dedicated to supporting the country in overcoming these challenges. During their visit, the ministers had dinner with foreign minister Dipu Moni at the state guest house Padma on Monday evening. The UK government launched the International Climate Champions Initiative in Bangladesh, allowing 15 Bangladeshi youths aged between 18 and 35 to participate in the Copenhagen summit. The project aims to raise awareness about climate change and its adaptation among the younger generation. Interested candidates must submit proposals on climate change, with the final selection being made by a panel led by Dr. Atiq Rahman of the Bangladesh Centre for Advanced Studies.

French Foreign Minister Lauren Fabius, who is leading the U.N. conference, stated that he still intended to release a nearly final draft on Thursday afternoon in order to minimize disagreements and pave the way for a final round of revisions. Fabius emphasized the need for a final agreement to be reached by Friday, the official closing date of the meeting, rather than extending the conference as has been done in the past. However, there are still disagreements among ministers and negotiators from 195 countries on key issues such as which countries should provide funding to assist developing countries in transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The disagreement has heightened tensions behind closed doors between the United States and China regarding the "minimalist" stance taken by some countries, according to US Secretary of State John Kerry. While the Chinese did not delve into specifics, they indicated a willingness to find a middle ground. The question remains whether the target should be 1.5 or 2 degrees. Chinese negotiator Gao Feng mentioned that a new draft will be released today with fewer unresolved issues, but emphasized the need for further discussions with colleagues. Feng hinted that an agreement could be reached by Friday or Saturday. The discussions have brought back disagreements about how ambitious the agreement should be in addressing the increase in global temperatures. Developing nations are pushing for a long-term goal of limiting temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, despite the fact that current carbon emission reduction pledges fall short of that target. Many are still wary of the failure to reach a deal in Copenhagen in 2009. Alex Hanafi from the Environmental Defense Fund notes a strong desire for an agreement this time, but questions whether it will be effective. Jose Ramos-Horta, a former president of East Timor, emphasizes that no country should expect to achieve all of their demands in the agreement. He told Reuters that a treaty should not be treated as infallible like the Bible, and that it can be reviewed and strengthened in the future.

The initial UN special session on climate change was centered around the wealthier nations, with policymakers emphasizing the need for long-standing polluters to take on a significant portion of the responsibility for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Economist Nicholas Stern stressed the importance of both wealthy and developing countries coming together to address the issue, advocating for a global agreement to limit human-made emissions. Stern proposed a global target of a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gases by 2050, but suggested that richer nations should aim for even larger cuts, around 75 percent, due to their historical responsibility and greater access to resources. Stern, a former head of the British government's economic service and current professor at the London School of Economics, suggested that it may be necessary to provide financial support for emissions cuts in other countries. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown also emphasized the need for industrialized countries to take responsibility for climate change, as the impacts will disproportionately affect the poorest nations. Sunita Narain, director of India's Center for Science and Environment, criticized the lack of real action by political leaders in addressing climate change, calling for more substantial emissions reductions from the developed world. At a gathering, environmental scientist John Holdren from Harvard University attributed droughts, floods, rising sea levels, and more intense storms to global climate change, stating that these events could not be explained by natural climate fluctuations. The United States, a major emitter of greenhouse gases, did not make a statement during Tuesday's sessions and has resisted setting strict targets for reducing emissions, arguing that it would harm the US economy. Instead, Washington has advocated for voluntary rather than mandatory cuts in emissions. In June, President George W. Bush joined other leaders of the Group of Eight industrialized nations in agreeing to make significant reductions in emissions and to negotiate a new global climate agreement that would build upon the Kyoto Protocol. The two-day climate meeting at the United Nations, which ends on Wednesday, is unique in its substance and approach. The event is environmentally friendly, as any carbon emissions produced by air travel and the UN Headquarters building in New York are counteracted through investment in a biomass fuel project in Kenya.

The hearing follows a series of sexual assault scandals and recent Pentagon data showing a significant increase in unwanted sexual contact in the military, from groping to rape, which has caused embarrassment. The top military officers, including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee to assure Congress that they are taking the issue seriously. While some lawmakers, like Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, propose removing responsibility for prosecuting sex crimes from the victim's chain of command and giving it to special prosecutors, others, like General Raymond Odierno, believe that maintaining the power of commanders is crucial for maintaining unit cohesion. Despite disagreements on how to address the issue, many critics agree that the military justice system is broken and in need of significant change. An increase in reported cases of unwanted sexual contact in the military has sparked outrage in Congress, with some high-profile cases highlighting leniency shown to accused offenders by commanders. Senator John McCain expressed disgust and disappointment over the continued reports of sexual misconduct in the military, emphasizing the need for action rather than just talk. Senator Carl Levin, head of the Armed Services Committee, showed understanding for military concerns about maintaining the power of the chain of command. Levin stated that only the chain of command has the power to create a strict policy against sexual offenses and to address any issues within the command climate that may lead to or allow sexual assaults.

A climate tribunal organized by Oxfam in Dhaka has placed blame on developed countries for the destruction of livelihoods in coastal Bangladesh, specifically impacting fisherfolk communities. The tribunal highlighted climate change as the cause of misery for these communities and held Annex-1 countries accountable due to their large emissions. The event, coordinated by the Campaign for Sustainable Rural Livelihood, featured testimonies from climate victims and aimed to find legal ways to protect those affected by climate change. The committee also received input from two specialists in the fields of climate change and international law to explore the connection between the scientific, national, and international legal aspects of climate change, as well as the ongoing multilateral negotiations. Unfortunately, there is currently no globally binding legal instrument in place to ensure compensation for countries impacted by climate change due to carbon emissions from developed nations, according to legal expert Ahmed Ziauddin. Ziauddin explained that while Bangladesh could bring complaints to international courts such as the UN court in The Hague, the WTO, and UNESCO, there is no mechanism for individual countries to seek damages on their own. He suggested that Bangladesh include provisions for climate change in its constitution and emphasized the lack of a legal definition for climate change within the country. Climate change expert Ahsan Uddin Ahmed stated to the tribunal that developed nations often request specific evidence of damage caused by climate change in an apparent attempt to avoid their responsibilities. He emphasized that while the scientific evidence of climate change is clear, it is difficult to establish a separate account for the damages. Following testimonies, the jury recommended the creation of a new law and the inclusion of a climate change article in the constitution. The jury concluded that developed nations, being primarily responsible for climate change, should bear the costs of mitigating its effects. They also noted that the human rights of coastal communities had been violated by the impacts of climate change. The jury panel was made up of politicians Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Tarana Halim, Hasanul Huq Inu, and economist Quazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmed.

At the conclusion of three weeks of mid-year climate talks conducted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Patricia Espinosa urged countries to set aside their differences and collaborate in the months leading up to the crucial COP26 negotiations in Glasgow. Despite the challenges of virtual meetings, governments were able to effectively participate and make strides in various areas, such as establishing common timeframes for emissions reduction goals and enhancing transparency in reporting climate actions. However, disagreements still exist regarding the regulations governing global carbon markets, requiring higher-level political guidance according to the UN climate body. Espinosa emphasized the need for continued efforts to make significant progress before COP26, stressing the importance of the upcoming negotiations. "There is a lot at stake," stated the top UN official. "I encourage us to meet the challenges of our time, to complete the work, to reconcile our differences, to keep our promises." The June discussions were the initial official UN climate negotiations since the end of 2019, as the pandemic caused delays. The COP26 summit is responsible for finalizing regulations for the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change so that the agreement can be fully enforced, according to UN officials. "We need to succeed at COP26," Espinosa informed reporters on Thursday. "It is a test of our credibility in combating the climate crisis - it is crucial for a sustainable recovery and it demonstrates commitment to multilateralism when it is most needed." Stumbling blocks remain as many nations have not yet submitted stronger climate action plans required under the Paris accord last year, which were delayed by the pandemic. Emissions reductions promised by governments are still far from what is necessary to meet the Paris goals of limiting global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, according to the United Nations. Failure by wealthy nations to fulfill longstanding climate finance pledges to assist poorer countries transition to renewable energy and adapt to climate change impacts is also hindering progress. The pandemic has further complicated matters as developing nations struggle to secure access to vaccines, potentially affecting their ability to attend the COP26 summit in person. British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, as the host of the conference, stated this month that his government is working with the United Nations to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to accredited delegations who may not have access to them otherwise. Diann Black-Layne of Antigua and Barbuda, representing the Alliance of Small Island States, expressed concerns about the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the road to COP 26, as well as the need for progress on climate finance. Sonam P Wangdi of Bhutan, chair of the group of least developed countries at the UN talks, emphasized the importance of fulfilling climate finance commitments for success. Rich nations have faced criticism for not meeting their promise to raise $100 billion annually from 2020 to support poorer countries in addressing climate change. Criticism was directed at G7 leaders for not providing a clear plan on how they would meet their pledge at a recent summit, despite Germany and Canada committing additional funds. The virtual UN climate talks this month did not result in formal decisions due to technical difficulties. Alok Sharma, the UK official overseeing COP26, intends to convene ministers from over 40 countries in London in late July to accelerate progress. Britain's lead climate negotiator, Archie Young, acknowledged the need for more clarity on issues such as vaccinations and logistics for COP26. Sharma announced that London is working on a plan to offer vaccines to all accredited COP26 participants, including government officials, environmental group representatives, and media personnel, with details to be released soon.

At the beginning of the pandemic, the CDC initially moved slowly due to the rapid spread of a new virus, resulting in delays in testing and surveillance. Outdated methods and infrastructure hindered the agency's response, leading to delayed recommendations on masking and recognition of the virus being airborne. The emergence of the highly contagious omicron variant has forced the CDC to make rapid decisions based on limited evidence, causing concern about the impact of these guidelines on the economy and education. The director of the agency, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, has at times bypassed much of the usual scientific review process, most recently by shortening the isolation period for infected Americans. Following the Trump administration's interference, President Joe Biden took office pledging to restore the CDC's reputation for independence and rigorous science. Walensky now faces the challenge of effectively communicating to the public that the science is still evolving and our current recommendations are based on the best available information. This shift has been difficult for a bureaucracy primarily staffed by medical professionals. In recent interviews, some CDC officials privately expressed feeling demoralized by the decisions and concerned about Walensky's increasing reliance on a small group of advisers and the perceived political influence from the White House. Others outside the agency praised Walensky for her efficient handling of a national emergency, even when faced with unclear data and uncertainty among agency researchers. Dr. Richard Besser, who led the CDC during the H1N1 outbreak, noted that policy decisions during a pandemic are not solely the responsibility of the CDC. However, he emphasized the need for more clarity when policy and economics influence agency recommendations. Currently, over 800,000 Americans are being infected daily, causing challenges for schools, businesses, and hospitals across the country. At the end of December, Walensky announced that individuals infected with the virus would only need to isolate for five days if they were no longer showing symptoms, and that a negative test result would not be necessary to end the isolation period. Critics were concerned that allowing contagious individuals to return to offices and schools could lead to the spread of the virus. While some pointed out the lack of research supporting a shorter isolation period for omicron infections, the recommendation was seen as a way to help keep hospitals, businesses, and schools functioning during the omicron surge. Dr. Thomas Frieden, who led the agency under President Barack Obama, stated that the recommendations for isolation were essentially accurate. They were not explained, leading to new tensions in decision-making at the CDC. Walensky frequently justifies recommendations based on rapidly evolving science, which may be confusing or unpopular. The agency's new recommendations for shortened isolation periods were described as swift science-based action to address potential staffing shortages. This approach has been a recurring theme for Walensky. In March, the CDC advised that schoolchildren could safely sit 3 feet apart instead of 6 feet, despite limited research supporting the recommendation. However, this change did make it easier for schools to consider reopening. In May, Walensky used scientific data to inform vaccinated individuals that they could remove their masks and socialize freely, despite criticism from experts who believed this decision overlooked the risk of breakthrough infections, particularly from the delta variant. In August, Walensky supported booster shots for all Americans alongside Biden, preempting the review of data by FDA and CDC scientists. The recent guideline on isolation caused internal turmoil within the agency due to the manner in which it was established and communicated. Following an emergency meeting on a Sunday night after Christmas, Walensky consulted with the agency's COVID response leaders. She informed them that the agency would reduce the recommended isolation period and eliminate the need for a negative test result before ending isolation. This information was shared during a video call by an official who requested anonymity. The new guidelines would be released the following day by Walensky, and no one was permitted to discuss it until then. The scientists were taken aback and rushed to gather data to support the changes and update the agency's website content related to quarantine and isolation. Typically, federal researchers carefully analyze data, write a draft, and refine it based on feedback before releasing new recommendations. However, in this case, there was limited evidence supporting the shortened isolation period, which was mainly focused on the delta variant. As a result, the usual "science brief" that accompanies guidance was changed to a "rationale" document. Some researchers were upset about not being involved in the decision-making process and were angered by the agency's statement that the change was based on science. Despite some believing the new five-day cutoff was arbitrary, they were aware of data showing rapid tests might not detect all omicron infections, so they mostly agreed with Walensky's decision not to require a negative test before ending isolation. However, when Walensky announced the new recommendations to staff on Dec 26, they were unprepared. CDC scientists then spent a week updating guidance documents on the website, while 2,000 health officials, lab directors, and researchers joined a weekly call with CDC officials. During a call on Dec 27, state and local officials asked agency scientists about isolation guidance for the general public before the CDC released its statement. CDC staff members were silent due to strict orders not to discuss the new recommendations. Scott Becker, CEO of the Association of Public Health Laboratories, expressed a desire for more opportunity for input and advance notice. Supporters of Walensky stated that the CDC's change in direction was necessary and that she had made the correct decisions. The agency, which is large and filled with researchers who typically work methodically, needed to act more urgently in response to the pandemic. Frieden noted that there are individuals at the CDC who do not fully understand the urgency of the situation. He stated that during his time in office, he often encountered CDC staff who were sometimes charming but also clueless about the potential impact of their recommendations and statements. Many experts believe that Walensky has unfairly been made a scapegoat for the frustrations caused by the unpredictable nature of the virus. Leading the CDC is difficult even in normal circumstances, but Walensky took on this role during a pandemic, in a politically charged environment, and at a time when the agency's credibility and staff morale were low. The fact that agency researchers are still working remotely is seen as a major obstacle to overcome. There are concerns about the current state of the CDC. Besser expressed his concern about the nation's trust in public health and emphasized that blaming Dr. Walensky for this issue is unfair. Walensky has been explaining the reasoning behind her decisions in White House news briefings, but in response to criticism about unclear messaging, she and other agency scientists held their own briefing last week. This move was seen as a positive step in rebuilding trust in the CDC and providing clarity on its decisions. Some experts believe it is crucial to separate public health considerations from political considerations. "Through conducting briefings from the CDC, she will have the opportunity to elevate the CDC scientists and experts. The conflicts within the CDC existed before the pandemic and before Walensky's leadership. There has been tension between the CDC and the National Institutes of Health, led by Dr. Anthony Fauci, even during previous public health crises. Recently, Fauci and Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy made statements on television that the CDC would reconsider its isolation recommendations, even though the agency had no such plans, which upset senior CDC scientists. Dr. Peter Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, suggested that Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra should help resolve the conflicts. Becerra recently defended Walensky in a CNN interview, highlighting her medical license and public health degree." She is not in possession of a marketing degree.

A UN summit is currently discussing a proposal to limit global warming to a maximum of 2 degrees Celsius, supported by a new fund of $100 billion annually to assist developing countries. The draft text, prepared just hours before world leaders gathered, emphasizes the need for significant reductions in global emissions. Rich nations are expected to make commitments to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The latest draft closely resembles a previous version from the night before, with a focus on the scientific consensus that global temperatures should not exceed 2 degrees. It calls for immediate and enhanced national action, along with strengthened international cooperation. Many of the world's largest economies have already committed to limiting the rise in global temperatures to 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, which is considered a critical threshold to prevent dangerous consequences such as increased flooding, heatwaves, droughts, and sea level rise. Additionally, these countries have pledged to collectively mobilize $100 billion by 2020 to address the climate change needs of developing nations, with funds coming from a variety of sources. This commitment is in line with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's remarks at the Copenhagen meeting. Furthermore, there is a plan to provide $10 billion annually in quick start funds for developing countries from 2010 to 2012, with the goal of reaching $100 billion by 2020. The text mentioned that developing countries are willing to accept some monitoring of their promised emissions reductions, which would involve reporting back to the UN Climate Change Secretariat every two years. The United States is pushing for international verification to be included in any agreement. Negotiations on complete legal documents for one or more new climate treaties must be concluded by the end of 2010, according to the draft. The text specified that the agreement would not have legal force. It also stated that countries would continue discussions in order to adopt one or more legal instruments as soon as possible, with a deadline of no later than COP 16, the next UN meeting scheduled for November 2010 in Mexico. Numerous developing countries are advocating for two agreements: an extension of the Kyoto Protocol, which currently requires wealthy nations to reduce emissions until 2012, and a new pact outlining steps for poorer nations. On the other hand, developed countries favor a single treaty. The overall document was referred to as "Copenhagen X," showcasing differing opinions on its name. An environmental activist criticized the agreement, labeling it the "Copenhagen catastrophe" due to its perceived lack of strength.

An agreement reached in Copenhagen next month on a new strategy to combat climate change is expected to encourage long-term investors to invest in companies that are better prepared to handle an anticipated increase in the cost of carbon emissions. Financial experts believe that a strong political agreement, which includes specific targets for reducing emissions, at the upcoming summit from Dec 7-18 could prompt investors like pension funds or sovereign wealth funds to adjust their portfolios to reflect the long-term risks associated with climate change. This could lead to increased growth for companies that are self-sufficient in energy or involved in renewable energy sources like wind or solar power, while putting pressure on industries that are heavy polluters such as utilities, aluminum producers, or automobile manufacturers. A more concrete agreement, like a legally binding target to reduce emissions, may prompt investment funds to begin adjusting their asset allocation now in order to protect their portfolios from the potential impact on companies affected by rising emission costs. In essence, this agreement would be a global treaty aimed at controlling pollution. Bruce Jenkyn-Jones, managing director of listed equities at Impax Asset Management, stated that by intervening in the economy to control and internalise the cost of carbon, the idea that people will pay for carbon throughout the economy will have a significant impact on products and services, particularly affecting big energy producers, utilities, and industrials. Impax manages 50 million pounds in global equities for the UK Environmental Agency's Active Pension Fund, and the strength of a Copenhagen deal remains uncertain. During a preliminary UN meeting in Barcelona, developed countries tempered hopes for reaching a legally binding agreement, suggesting it could take another 6-12 months. However, developing nations are wary of rich countries reneging on their commitments to combat climate change and are pushing for a legally binding deal in December. Despite politicians lowering expectations, there is still a significant opportunity for progress. Simon Webber, a fund manager at Schroders, stated that decisions made in Copenhagen will have a significant impact on the growth rates of companies that investors are involved in. He believes that industries such as power generation, utilities, and transport will be immediately affected by a concrete deal. For example, some utilities like Germany's RWE might face higher carbon costs, which could amount to nearly a third of their operating profits in the coming years. Webber also pointed out that Warren Buffett's $26 billion deal to acquire railway firm Burlington Northern Santa Fe in November demonstrates the long-term viability of railways. He mentioned that an aggressive deal could lead to a surge in growth rates for nuclear power and solar energy in these sectors, as well as a major shift from combustion engine cars to electric vehicles. Malcolm Gray, a portfolio manager at Investec Asset Management, stated that meeting tough initial targets is unavoidable. He believes that industries like sugar, which are energy self-sufficient, will be better equipped to handle emission reductions and will attract investments. However, utilities in the traditional thermal sector and non-diversified aluminium producers are at risk of exposure. As the cost of production increases due to high carbon prices, consumers with limited disposable income and certain retail businesses may suffer. Gray warns that the world is currently facing higher embedded inflation than is commonly understood. He mentioned that there is a possibility of facing a more aggressive inflation cycle globally compared to the current deflating world. The outcome of the Copenhagen talks could help investors mitigate risks in their portfolios by predicting the rise in the cost of carbon emissions and investing in industries that benefit from alternative energy. Sovereign funds like Norway's oil fund are becoming more active in environmental investing, while private sector involvement has been slow. The fund is investing over $3 billion in firms involved in environmental technologies and is pressuring companies to address climate change more effectively. Martin Skancke, director general of Norway's Ministry of Finance Asset Management Department, emphasized the importance of promoting good corporate behavior to achieve long-term investment goals in an interview with Reuters. Rabobank also recognizes the significance of considering carbon emissions as a risk factor in granting credit facilities, with head of corporate social responsibility Ruud Nijs noting that addressing risks and seizing opportunities will be priorities moving forward. Nijs also suggested that taxing the costs of climate change could lead to a different approach to evaluating credit portfolios. If a customer is now responsible for covering the cost of climate-related issues, their risk factor will significantly increase. The bank has made investments in renewable energy totaling over 4 billion euros, with all credit investments in clean technology over the past 18 months. It is the sole debt provider for the Belfuture solar project, valued at hundreds of millions of euros, and has provided project financing for the Belwind offshore wind farm project totaling 620 million euros. "Copenhagen provides us with a more favorable business environment." Nijs said that significant cleantech deals, investments in solar, wind, and biomass technologies will be automatically generated by the positive outcome. The pipeline will also see an increase.

Heckling has always been a challenge for Trudeau, but this time the criticisms have more impact. After six years in office, the prime minister, who once portrayed himself as a fresh face with "sunny ways," is now part of the political establishment, with a record of achievements and mistakes for opponents to attack. Despite predictions that the Liberal Party will retain control of Parliament, this tough election campaign has not been beneficial for him. Ben Chin, the prime minister's top adviser, acknowledged that no politician could maintain Trudeau's initial popularity over such a long period in power. According to Chin, the longer a leader is in office, the more criticism they will face. During his time in office, Trudeau has faced criticism for making tough decisions that not everyone agrees with, with opposition party leaders accusing him of prioritizing personal and political interests over the nation's well-being. This criticism has been fueled by various controversies, including a charity contract involving his family and breaking ethics laws by influencing a minister to help a Quebec company. Trudeau's opponents highlight unfulfilled promises and anti-vax protesters have disrupted his events, with some promoting the far-right People's Party of Canada. Security measures have been increased at his rallies due to safety concerns, such as one rally being shut down in Ontario and Trudeau being pelted with gravel at another event in the same province. A member of the People's Party was charged with assault using a weapon in that incident. Trudeau has achieved various accomplishments since 2015, including implementing carbon pricing and other climate initiatives, legalizing cannabis, increasing funding for Indigenous matters, and banning 1,500 models of military-style rifles. A new initiative will offer daycare for $10 per child per day. Despite a decline in popularity, Trudeau continues to maintain his celebrity status. When he visited an outdoor terrace at a café in Port Coquitlam, an eastern suburb of Vancouver, for elbow bumps, quick chats, and selfies with voters, a crowd quickly gathered. Joy Silver, a 76-year-old retired schoolteacher from nearby Coquitlam, expressed her love for Trudeau. However, as Election Day approaches, many Canadians are questioning why Trudeau is calling for a vote now, two years ahead of schedule, amidst rising COVID-19 infections from the delta variant. This has put strain on hospitals and led to the reinstatement of pandemic restrictions in some provinces. Criticism has also been directed at Trudeau for calling the vote on the same weekend that Afghanistan fell to the Taliban, when Canadian troops were struggling to evacuate Canadians and Afghans who had supported their forces. Gerald Butts, a close friend of Trudeau's and former top political adviser, noted that the campaign has struggled to address this question. Trudeau is facing challenges in getting his message across, as he aims to secure a majority in the House of Commons in order to address the ongoing pandemic and recovery efforts. The Liberal Party strategically chose to capitalize on Canadians' positive views of Trudeau's handling of pandemic issues, such as income supports and vaccine procurement. Despite being in a close race with the Conservative Party, Trudeau emphasized the Liberals' experience, team, and commitment to ending the pandemic at a rally in Surrey. Political scientists suggest that Trudeau's popularity and celebrity status may be hindering his campaign efforts. She mentioned that the NDP and Conservatives have been emphasizing that it is a power grab and all about him, and this message has resonated with voters. Some scandals during Trudeau's time in office have also benefited the opposition. For example, in 2019, his veterans affairs minister, an Indigenous woman, resigned amid allegations that he and his staff had pressured her to make a deal benefiting a Canadian corporation. Despite Trudeau's support for diversity, it was revealed during the 2019 election that he had worn blackface or brownface multiple times in the past. Additionally, last year a charity linked to his family received a no-bid contract to administer a COVID-19 financial aid program for students. The group retreated, the program was called off, and Trudeau was given the all clear by the federal ethics and conflict of interest commissioner. His critics have also pointed out areas where they believe he has not delivered on his promises, such as implementing a national prescription drug plan, reforming Canada's electoral system, reducing the national debt, and addressing issues of sexual harassment in the military and solitary confinement in federal prisons. A study conducted by the Centre for Public Policy Analysis at Laval University in Quebec City revealed that Trudeau has fully fulfilled approximately 45% of his commitments, with 27% being partially fulfilled. Singh has been highlighting Trudeau's pledge to provide clean drinking water to all Indigenous communities, noting that there were 105 boil-water advisories in place for First Nations when Trudeau assumed office, with more added since then. The government has provided clean water to 109 communities, but there are still 52 boil-water orders in place. Singh believes that while Mr. Trudeau may care, he has not always followed through with real action. O'Toole, on the other hand, has characterized the election as a way for Trudeau to boost his own ego. He was focused on his own interests when he decided to call this costly and unnecessary election during a pandemic. Security and privacy measures have been increased at Trudeau's campaign events following disruptions by protesters upset about COVID-19 vaccination requirements. At a rally in Surrey, Trudeau gave a spirited speech to a mostly South Asian crowd, with increased security measures in place such as invitation-only attendance and no public promotion of the event. Police snipers on the roof monitored the scene for safety. Trudeau was questioned about whether the protests were inspired by US politics after a rally in Ontario was canceled. He responded indirectly, expressing concern about the path of anger, division, and intolerance. Trudeau mentioned never encountering such intense anger during his campaign in Canada. While it is difficult to accurately predict the number of seats each party will hold in the next House of Commons based on wider poll results, current polling indicates that Trudeau may have lost support due to calling an early election and facing abuse during campaigning without any political benefits. The Liberals are expected to maintain power, but may not achieve the majority they were aiming for. According to Butts, if this happens, it will be ironic as the situation will be similar to before.

Speakers at a seminar have stated that climate change is a result of worldwide corruption, with the most severely affected being the least developed countries such as Bangladesh. They emphasized that the industrialized nations bear significant responsibility for the rapid climate change that is causing harm to these countries.

The meeting in downtown Omaha, Nebraska was Berkshire's first opportunity to welcome shareholders since 2019, before the disruption caused by COVID-19. Shareholders were able to ask five hours of questions directly to Buffett, Vice Chairman Charlie Munger, Vice Chairmen Greg Abel, and Ajit Jain. Berkshire, previously criticized for holding too much cash, significantly increased its stakes in oil company Chevron Corp and "Call of Duty" game maker Activision Blizzard Inc to over $31 billion. Despite facing supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 variants, the Ukraine invasion, and inflation, Berkshire reported little change in first-quarter operating profit at $7.04 billion. Buffett expressed his satisfaction at addressing shareholders in person after hosting the last two meetings without them. Attendees at the event included JPMorgan Chase & Co Chief Executive Jamie Dimon and actor Bill Murray. In his annual shareholder letter in February, Warren Buffett expressed frustration over the lack of investment opportunities. However, in March, Berkshire Hathaway purchased 14.6% of Occidental Petroleum Corp and agreed to buy insurer Alleghany Corp for $11.6 billion. When asked about the sudden change in investment strategy, Buffett explained that he decided to invest in Occidental after reading an analyst report and in Alleghany after receiving a letter from its chief executive, who had previously worked at Berkshire's General Re business. Buffett noted that opportunities occasionally arise in the market for Berkshire to take advantage of. "We are not intelligent, but I believe we are rational," Berkshire invested $51 billion in stocks in the quarter, and its cash reserves dropped by over $40 billion to $106 billion. However, the company has various sources of generating cash, such as its insurance business, and Buffett reassured that reserves will not be depleted. "We will always have a significant amount of cash," he stated. "It's like oxygen, it's always there, but if it disappears for a few minutes, it's all over." When questioned about the possibility of the Ukraine conflict escalating into nuclear war, Buffett and Jain struggled to provide a definite answer. Jain, who has been praised by Buffett for many years, admitted to having difficulty estimating Berkshire's insurance exposure. Buffett mentioned that the risk of a nuclear attack was extremely low, despite the close call during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962. Buffett described the world as constantly taking a chance with each passing day. "Berkshire cannot provide a solution." Buffett also criticized stock markets, comparing them to a casino or gambling partner, especially in recent years due to encouragement from Wall Street. Munger, aged 98, echoed Nancy Reagan's advice on bitcoin, warning against putting retirement funds into it. He also criticized trading firm Robinhood Markets Inc. He and Buffett enjoyed their usual candies from See's, a company owned by Berkshire, and drank Coca-Cola during the meeting. Abel defended Berkshire's BNSF railroad, stating that more improvements were needed to compete with Union Pacific Corp. Buffett reassured shareholders that Berkshire is designed to outlive him and Munger. Shareholders rejected proposals for more disclosure on diversity and climate risks, and to replace Buffett as chairman with an independent chairman. Buffett has led Berkshire since 1965, and prominent investor Mario Gabelli opposed ending his chairmanship. He stated that it is acceptable for companies to consider splitting the roles of chair and CEO, however, he does not think it is necessary for Berkshire Hathaway as the current CEO has been very successful for the past 50 years. Despite lower projected attendance compared to 2019, thousands of people gathered outside the arena before it opened at 7 am. Around 10% to 15% of seats in the usually full arena were empty. Just like at other events sponsored by Berkshire this weekend, most attendees did not wear masks, but all had to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. The meeting was webcasted by CNBC.com. Tom Spain, founder of Henry Spain Investment Services in Market Harborough, England, arrived at 3:15 a.m. for his third meeting and mentioned buying a chair from Walmart so he could sit down. He also joked about bringing a large container of coffee to share next year. Lauritz Fenselau, a 23-year-old entrepreneur from Frankfurt, Germany, arrived at his first meeting at 4 a.m., comparing it to a pilgrimage. Andres Avila, who had traveled from Boston to Omaha and had only been there for five hours before lining up at 4:45 a.m., was also sleep-deprived and carried an umbrella to shield himself from the rain. He expressed excitement at being surrounded by his idols.

The promises made by governments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions are insufficient to prevent a temperature increase exceeding 2 degrees Celsius, which is considered a critical threshold for severe heat waves, heavy rainfall, and rising sea levels. A report by organizations such as Christian Aid, Oxfam, the International Trade Union Confederation, and WWF International stated that the major developed countries' efforts do not meet their fair share of the responsibility. This report coincides with the beginning of discussions among nearly 200 nations in Bonn, Germany, to finalize an agreement in December in Paris to address climate change after 2020. While around 150 nations have submitted their plans to combat climate change as part of the Paris agreement, there is no established method to compare the level of ambition of each nation. According to Monday's report, wealthy countries have the financial means to transition from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, and they have a greater responsibility to do so since they have benefited from using coal, oil, and natural gas since the Industrial Revolution. The report estimated that the United States and the European Union have pledged around 20% of their "fair shares," while Japan has promised about 10%. In contrast, emerging economies are meeting or surpassing their fair share commitments, with China and Brazil leading the way. Brandon Wu of ActionAid criticized wealthy countries for not bringing enough emission reductions and financial support to the negotiating table. Tasneem Essop from WWF International suggested that Paris should establish mechanisms that allow actions to become stronger over time through regular science and equity reviews. Both Beijing and Washington, the top emitters, claim that their plans are ambitious. China aims to reach peak greenhouse gas emissions around 2030, while the United States plans to reduce greenhouse emissions by 26-28 percent by 2025 compared to 2005 levels. The report released on Monday indicated that if current trends continue, temperatures are projected to increase by 3 degrees C (5.4F) or more above pre-industrial levels by 2100, significantly surpassing the agreed maximum of 2C.

James Cameron, vice-chairman of Climate Change Capital in London, stated that despite the financial crisis, the world still has the resources and ability to combat climate change. He emphasized the importance of not allowing governments to use the current economic situation as an excuse to delay implementing policies to address global warming. Cameron highlighted the recent mobilization of trillions of dollars as evidence of the international community's capacity for cooperation in addressing global crises. He warned against the potential risk of governments prioritizing short-term issues over long-term challenges like climate change, but expressed confidence in the ability to work together across borders to quickly mobilize capital to support market systems. He suggested that if governments were to combine their ability to cooperate with a sense of urgency in addressing climate change, both crises could be addressed simultaneously. Despite concerns about the financial crisis depleting public capital reserves, Cameron, a prominent investor in clean-energy projects, argued that focusing solely on short-term economic costs was unwise. He emphasized the importance of investing in solutions to climate change, despite the current economic challenges. Climate Change Capital manages over $1.6 billion in funds and specializes in companies and institutions impacted by policy and capital market reactions to climate change, according to information provided on its website.

The sixth yearly report on the Low Carbon Economy Index by professional services firm PwC examined the advancement of major developed and emerging economies in decreasing their carbon intensity, or emissions per unit of gross domestic product. Jonathan Grant of PwC stated that the disparity between current achievements and necessary actions is getting larger each year. He noted that governments are becoming more disconnected from reality in their efforts to reach the 2 degree goal, as current pledges are only leading us towards a 3 degree increase, far from what governments are aiming for. Almost 200 countries have agreed at United Nations climate talks to limit the increase in global temperatures to less than 2 degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels in order to prevent heat waves, floods, storms, and rising sea levels caused by climate change. Currently, temperatures have already risen by approximately 0.85 degrees Celsius. A study suggests that in order to achieve this goal, carbon intensity will need to be reduced by 6.2 percent annually, in comparison to the 1.2 percent reduction rate seen from 2012 to 2013. The study also states that achieving the 6.2 percent annual reduction would require changes of a much greater scale than recent shifts in energy production in certain countries. France transitioned to nuclear power in the 1980s, resulting in a 4 percent reduction in emissions. Britain's focus on gas in the 1990s led to a 3 percent decrease, and the United States saw a 3.5 percent cut due to the shale gas boom in 2012. PwC noted a positive development in emerging economies like China, India, and Mexico reducing their carbon intensity at a faster rate than industrialized countries. Australia had the highest rate of decarbonization for the second consecutive year, with a 7.2 percent reduction in carbon intensity in 2013. Despite being a significant coal producer, Australia's efforts to reduce emissions have slowed since the repeal of a tax on emissions in July. Britain, Italy, and China all saw a decarbonization rate of 4-5 percent, whereas France, the United States, India, Germany, and Brazil experienced an increase in carbon intensity.

World leaders have been addressing the UN climate conference in Copenhagen as it approaches its conclusion. The Danish hosts of the summit have tried to manage expectations of a complete agreement, while some leaders remain hopeful. French President Nicolas Sarkozy stated, "People want to keep [the Kyoto protocol], okay, let's keep Kyoto." Let's come to a consensus on a political framework. We are running out of time, so let's stop pretending. A breakdown in Copenhagen would be disastrous for all of us. We need to step up our efforts in this conference or we will face a disaster. We have less than 24 hours left. If we continue in this manner, it will result in failure. Our goal is not to simply host a conference on global warming, but to actually make important decisions. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown emphasized the significance of the decisions made in Copenhagen, urging against prioritizing self-interest over policies that ensure human survival. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton expressed concerns about the lack of transparency from China, one of the world's largest emitters. There needs to be a readiness to embrace transparency in whatever setting we decide is suitable. Without a dedication to promoting transparency, it is a major obstacle for us. Israeli President Shimon Peres urges all neighboring countries, including those without diplomatic relations, to work together to protect the region. Political differences should not prevent cooperation on environmental issues, as carbon molecules do not have nationalities. Rivers do not need a visa, but pollution can spread through them. People of all religions hope for the Jordan River to remain pure and sacred. I am echoing the Bible's call to Adam to care for and protect the Garden of Eden. Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has strong opinions on the reasons behind environmental destruction and has proposed solutions to address this issue at the summit. I hope that those most responsible for environmental destruction will agree to international commitments and work with us to establish a fair framework, reducing harm and supporting programs to mitigate its effects. All nations should have access to new technologies for clean and renewable energy sources like wind, solar, tidal, geothermal, and nuclear power. Chinese Climate Change Ambassador Yu Qingtai emphasizes the importance of success in Copenhagen, stating that China is not interested in blaming other countries for any potential failures, but rather in finding solutions and moving forward constructively. INDIAN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER JAIRAM RAMESH believes that the main obstacle is the eagerness of some parties to unilaterally abandon agreements, leading to a lack of trust and a blame game. EMANUEL MORI, PRESIDENT OF MICRONESIA, appeals for help in protecting his people and other small island nations, urging cooperation to save the planet for future generations. JAPANESE ENVIRONMENT MINISTER SAKIHITO OZAWA questions whether developing nations will accept an agreement without the participation of the US, China, and other countries. Currently, these nations are presenting the biggest challenge. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has observed slogans in the streets, one of which reads "don't change the climate, change the system." He believes this sentiment should be embraced, suggesting that instead of altering the climate, we should focus on transforming the system. As a result, we will start to protect the planet. Capitalism is a harmful system that is leading to the destruction of life. Another famous saying is, "if the climate were a bank, it would have been saved by now," and I believe that to be true. If the climate were a large capitalist bank, it would have already been saved by you, the wealthy governments. - Marcus Stephen, President of Nuaru (South Pacific). Nuaru is a small island nation, only 21 sq km (8 sq miles) in size. How big of a portion of our island should we give up? We are stuck with the Pacific Ocean enclosing us completely. The sea levels are increasing and we have no other options. Let's stop pointing fingers and take responsibility. We must not disappoint the world or our children. We are present here and hold the responsibility for shaping the future of our world. Our voices at this moment must work towards turning this dream into a tangible reality. Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd expresses concerns about prioritizing appearance over substance and inaction over taking concrete steps. He emphasizes the importance of collective action, as without it, there will be limited opportunities for development due to the planet's inability to sustain it. I am concerned that this conference could lead to a failure in protecting the world's children. Each of us will be held accountable for our actions or inactions. South African President Jacob Zuma believes that the decisions made here are crucial for the survival of the global population and humanity as a whole. We must come together and make serious decisions to address this pressing issue. The most important thing is to prioritize taking action, rather than trying to gain advantage while others suffer, according to South Korean President Lee Myung-bak. It is universally acknowledged that reducing greenhouse gas emissions is necessary. The choices made today will impact not only ourselves but also future generations and the planet. Making a significant impact can only be achieved through collective action. Rather than insisting on others taking the first step, we should be willing to take the initiative ourselves. UGANDAN ENVIRONMENT MINISTER MARIA MUTAGAMBA expressed concern over the inability to follow normal procedures and the perceived sidelining of certain parties in the negotiation process. Despite these challenges, she remains hopeful that an agreement will be reached. NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER JENS STOLTENBERG emphasized the critical stage of the conference and urged all parties to take responsibility in reaching an agreement the following day. He stressed the importance of ambitious emissions targets and the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, with wealthier nations bearing the main responsibilities. Every country must do their part, and Norway is committed to taking responsibility by reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2020. If a strong global climate agreement is reached, we will strive to become carbon neutral by 2030. Prime Minister Edward Natapei of Vanuatu expressed concern for the people of Fiji, who are currently recovering from a devastating cyclone that caused extensive flooding and displaced thousands. This is just a small preview of what could potentially worsen if there is not a strong climate agreement in place.

The head of the UN climate panel is optimistic that the climate talks in Bali will conclude on Friday with a specific schedule for implementing cuts in greenhouse gas emissions to combat the threat of dangerous global warming. Despite disagreements among the 190 nations involved, particularly with the United States, Japan, and Canada opposing numerical emission goals, Pachauri believes that a strong statement regarding emission reductions by 2020 and a clear timetable for deciding on these numbers would signify progress. He emphasized the importance of establishing firm targets for emissions goals by wealthy nations, possibly within six months of the Bali talks. Pachauri also highlighted the significance of specifying targets by 2020 in the agreement. This year, the UN panel attributed global warming to human activity and warned of more extreme weather events in the future. They urged for strong action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with specific reduction targets to be determined within the next six months. The Bali talks, taking place from December 3-14, are divided on the guidelines for formal negotiations to replace the Kyoto Protocol. The EU is pushing for a non-binding agreement at Bali to aim for a 25 to 40 percent reduction in emissions from industrial economies by 2020 compared to 1990 levels. The United States, Japan, and Canada are in disagreement, arguing that any proposed figures would influence the outcome. Pachauri, who is the chairman of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, chose not to address the U.S. opposition directly. Instead, he expressed hope that the negotiations would be able to resolve any differences. Pachauri stated that he believes the discussion of strict targets of 25 to 40 percent is a positive sign that they acknowledge the scientific evidence presented and the necessity of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He emphasized the importance of reaching a resolution to avoid the serious impacts of climate change.

Sri Lanka's captain Kumar Sangakkara has emphasized the importance of mental strength and fortitude for his team at the upcoming Twenty20 World Cup, especially in the wake of the Lahore attack earlier this year. Sangakkara acknowledged the lack of a 100 percent guarantee for safety, but stressed the need for his team to focus on playing cricket despite security concerns in the current world climate. He expressed satisfaction with the security measures in place so far, recognizing that all teams face potential threats. Six members of the Sri Lanka team, including Sangakkara, were injured when gunmen attacked their team bus on the way to the Gaddafi Stadium for the second test against Pakistan in March. The incident resulted in the deaths of six Pakistani policemen and the driver of the bus carrying the match officials. The Sri Lanka team is now in constant communication with a national police intelligence cell responsible for security during the upcoming World Cup in England, starting on Friday. Following the events in Lahore, security measures have been significantly increased. Steve Elworthy, the tournament director and former South Africa player, who held the same position during the 2007 World Twenty20 in South Africa, noted the heightened security measures in place. Elworthy told Reuters that the situation has changed, creating a different landscape than before. The incident highlighted the dangers faced by cricketers and officials, prompting a reevaluation of the security plan for the event. Tournament organizers and the ICC are confident they have taken all necessary measures to ensure the safety of players, including providing police convoys and dedicated security staff for each team. Elworthy cannot disclose the specific information regarding team security. John Evans, the former chief constable of Devon and Cornwall in south-west England, is in charge of the event's security and has also provided advice to the Football Association (FA) on security issues. Reg Dickason, the head of security for the England team, and the ICC's independent security consultants are also involved. Despite the heightened security measures, Sangakkara mentioned that his team has not been distracted from cricket. He stated that the tournament feels like any other and commended the organizers for keeping everything low-key. "We have the chance to solely focus on cricket, which is quite pleasant."

Three years ago, a purchase was made in Exeter with the promise of turning his community into a major hub for Canada's legal pot industry, with high-paying jobs. However, before any of the 200 anticipated jobs were filled, it became clear that Canada was already producing more marijuana than needed. The 1-million-square-foot greenhouse sat empty for two years before being sold for one-third of its original price. Exeter's experience with the greenhouse reflects the larger Canadian story of high expectations followed by disappointment in the legal pot business. Analysts attribute the failed projections to Canada's tightly regulated distribution system, which restricts advertising and marketing. The slow opening of stores in certain provinces, especially Ontario, is contributing to the issue. Additionally, surveys have indicated that a significant number of Canadians are not interested in trying out a new habit. "We were excited about it," remarked Mayor George Finch while standing outside Exeter's historic Town Hall. "It seemed almost too good to be true, right? It's unfortunate." When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government legalized marijuana in 2018, the main intention was to address inequalities in the justice system rather than create a significant new industry. Despite this, investors viewed the situation differently, leading to a surge of investment in companies preparing to capitalize on the legalization. This "green rush" saw money flowing into businesses not only in Canada but also looking towards the expanding US market. Greenhouses that had been unused for years were renovated and sold at high prices, while new indoor growing facilities were established nationwide. Newspapers, which had been reducing their staff, hired journalists to cover the emerging marijuana industry. Similar to plastics in the movie "The Graduate," marijuana appeared to be on track to become Canada's next big industry. The investment frenzy mirrored the dot-com stock boom of the late 1990s, but ultimately ended in a similar crash. Despite a slight rebound due to increased legalization in the United States, with New York recently legalizing marijuana and voters in four states supporting legalization in November, a major marijuana stock index is still down approximately 70% from its highest point in 2018. Even 2 1/2 years after legalization, many marijuana producers in Canada continue to experience significant financial losses. A significant new rival is on the horizon; Mexico recently passed a law allowing recreational marijuana use. This could make it even tougher for Canada's cannabis producers. Kyle Murray, vice dean at the University of Alberta School of Business, predicts there will be a series of shakeouts in the industry. Canopy Growth, Canada's biggest producer, reported a loss of CA$1.2 billion in the first nine months of its current operating year, comparable to the dot-com boom and subsequent bust. There have been widespread job cuts in the industry, leading to mergers among large producers seeking strength through increased size. Numerous greenhouses across multiple provinces have permanently closed down. Analysts had anticipated that marijuana sales in Canada would follow a similar trend to the spike in liquor sales in the United States post-Prohibition, resulting in major investments in the marijuana industry. However, Brendan Kennedy, the CEO of Tilray, a significant grower in Nanaimo, British Columbia, which experienced a $272 million loss last year, stated that the industry in Canada has not progressed as quickly as expected. Kennedy faces a challenge when it comes to competing with the illicit market due to the strict regulations. Despite many leaders in Canada's marijuana industry facing losses and being replaced, Kennedy will continue to be a director after the merger between Tilray and Aphria. Initially, Ontario had planned to sell marijuana through government-owned liquor stores, but this was canceled by the new Conservative government, leaving only online sales through a provincial website. The province's plans have changed twice since then, resulting in a staggered introduction of privately owned shops. Despite a recent increase in licensing, Ontario has only approved 575 shops, compared to Alberta's 583 shops, even though Alberta has a population one-third the size of Ontario's. Although initial expectations for profits from marijuana were too high, Murray believes a successful business will eventually emerge, especially with the growing number of Ontario shops. Additionally, the fact that prices have become more competitive with street prices should also boost legal sales. Murray stated that the poor start does not necessarily indicate a bad market, as there were initially too many companies and too much money involved. He believes that eventually, some companies will become very successful and potentially become global leaders. A positive development has been seen in British Columbia, where sales in legal stores increased by 24% from June to October 2020, despite the province being previously known for its illegal marijuana industry. In Quebec, the government-owned cannabis store operator, Société Québécoise du Cannabis, initially faced a nearly CA$5 million loss in its first fiscal year but has since turned profitable. While some larger growers in Canada are looking to foreign markets, particularly for medical marijuana, as their next opportunity, many analysts are doubtful. Brent McKnight, a professor at McMaster University, suggests that Mexico's recent steps towards creating the world's largest legal market could spell trouble for marijuana growing in Canada. Trade agreements may prevent Canada from stopping imports from Mexico, and Mexico's lower labor costs and warmer climate could give it a competitive edge. He mentioned that this would definitely cause prices to go down for local growers, and there are concerns about the impact of large publicly traded companies dominating the industry as Canada's market consolidates. Even before legalization, nonprofit "compassion clubs" were selling marijuana to medicinal users. The current system's focus on profits has marginalized many individuals from minority communities from participating in the industry, according to Dr. Daniel Werb, a public health researcher in Toronto. Research has shown a lack of diversity in the leadership of legal suppliers. Sellers in Indigenous communities have also been uncertain about their legal status, as they are not typically targeted in police raids but also operate outside of the legal system. Some shops in Ontario's Indigenous communities have started to receive licenses. Werb expressed concerns about the lack of diversity and creativity in the cannabis industry, suggesting that there was a missed opportunity for a more inclusive and innovative approach.

Ugandan police discovered an unexploded suicide belt and made several arrests following the deaths of 74 soccer fans in two bomb attacks during the World Cup final. Somali Islamists with ties to al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attacks. Opposition in Uganda called for peacekeepers to be withdrawn from Somalia. The unexploded suicide belt was found in Kampala a day after the explosions at two bars filled with soccer fans. Arrests were made after the discovery of the belt in the Makindye area. He did not provide details on the number or origin of those arrested. Coordinated attacks resembling those carried out by al Qaeda and affiliated groups have been a common occurrence. The al Shabaab militants have issued threats of further attacks unless Uganda and Burundi remove their peacekeeping troops from AMISOM in Somalia. The FDC party in Uganda has called on President Museveni to withdraw troops from Somalia, stating that there is no peace to maintain and no strategic interest for Uganda in the country. FDC spokesman Wafula Oguttu told Reuters that they are sacrificing their children for no reason, as their goal is to remove troops once they come into power. AMISOM stated that the explosions would not impact their mission in Somalia, where they protect the presidential palace and secure Mogadishu's airport and port. The FBI is investigating the coordinated attacks, marking the first time al Shabaab has extended their violent quest for power beyond Somalia. Analysts warn that the group's threats should be taken seriously, as they have shown the capability and determination to carry out attacks internationally. Foreign direct investment has increased in the third largest economy in East Africa due to oil exploration near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Analysts believe that a sustained bombing campaign could harm Uganda's investment climate, but a one-time attack is unlikely to deter major companies like Tullow Oil from investing. The United States is assisting with the investigation of an attack in which an American was killed, with three FBI agents on the ground collecting evidence and another team ready to deploy if needed. Opolot stated that there was no indication that the African Union summit, which is scheduled to be held in Uganda this month, would be called off in light of the recent bombings.

Her dream is challenging, but if she achieves it, she will become the first Bangladeshi to conquer the seven summits of the world. This includes a total of 113,102 feet of climbing across seven continents, two of which are in extremely cold climates with no natural human presence. Historically, it has been men who have attempted or completed the seven summits, followed by women from the same country. Thus, Wasfia Nazreen would make history by achieving this feat. Bangladesh on Seven Summits is a project endorsed by the Liberation War Museum to commemorate 40 years of Bangladesh's Independence. The initiative honors the individuals who faced significant obstacles in the nation's birth through their determination. When questioned about financing, she mentioned to bdnews24.com that she had sold all the jewelry left by her mother. Wasfia also sold the property she inherited, providing the initial funding for the campaign. Mutual Trust Bank and Renata Limited sponsored Wasfia for her expedition to Elbrus. She is now urging other national companies to support her mission to place Bangladesh's flag on top of every continent. Wasfia has left her job to achieve this goal within the next year or more, and she is determined to see it through, even if it takes a decade. Her first step was to conquer Mount Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe, on July 3. Since February, the south side of the mountain, which is the usual path to the European summit, has been closed due to several terrorist attacks. As a result, her team had to change their climb to the North side, which is riskier and uncharted territory with more crevasses. On July 10, Wasfia and her team attempted their first summit push but encountered sudden weather changes including thunderstorms, strong winds, and poor visibility. Finally, on July 12, the team got within 300 meters of the summit. However, due to extreme weather conditions and a deadline to descend by mid-day, they had to retreat. She plans to return to Elbrus to finish the final 300 meters once the situation improves. Wasfia, speaking via satellite message from near the top of Europe, urged the youth of Bangladesh to continue moving the country forward in honor of the martyrs of 1971. She emphasized the need for Bangladesh to be acknowledged on the world stage for its beauty. Wasfia's next challenge will be Kilimanjaro in September as part of her Seven Summits plan. Located in the north-eastern region of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain on the African continent, standing at 19,341 feet. Wasfia has plans to climb Aconcagua in December, which is the highest peak in South America at 22,841 feet, situated in the Argentinian Andes. Denali, also known as Mount McKinley in Alaska, is the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet, and is on Wasfia's list of mountains to conquer in June-July 2012. Wasfia considers Denali to be one of the toughest peaks to climb, with a summit success rate of only 18 percent and a high number of accidents and fatalities. In April-May 2012, Wasfia will attempt to reach the highest point in the world. If she is successful, she will become the third Bangladeshi to reach the summit of Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha to the Nepalese and Chomolungma to the Tibetans. Located just 750 miles from the South Pole, Vinson Massif reaches a height of 16,066 feet in the extreme cold of Antarctica. In February 2012, Wasfia plans to place the Bangladeshi flag on its peak despite the sub-zero temperatures. Her final goal is to conquer Puncak Jaya, also known as the Carstensz Pyramid, which is situated in the western central highlands of Indonesia. Standing at 16,024 feet, Puncak Jaya is the tallest mountain in Oceania and the highest island peak in the world. Wasfia plans to visit the location in September-October 2012. She mentioned that the journey is perilous, with numerous obstacles to overcome before reaching the base-camp and requiring advanced technical skills to scale the challenging rock surface. Wasfia expressed her preference for Bangladeshi sponsors for her mountain climbing endeavors on all continents, emphasizing the importance of national pride in her achievements. She stated that she would only consider big foreign companies as a last resort for sponsorship.

The protests started earlier this week with high school students jumping subway turnstiles to oppose the second fare hike this year. However, on Friday night, demonstrators escalated by setting fire to multiple subway stations, banks, buses, and the headquarters of Enel, the country’s largest electricity provider. Looters also targeted supermarkets, stores, and pharmacies. One student was reportedly killed by police and another injured by rubber bullets during the protests, which shook one of Latin America’s wealthiest and most orderly cities. President Piñera declared a state of emergency, restricting citizens’ movement and assembly rights and giving the army control over internal security. Piñera justified the measure as necessary to restore order after chaos caused by protesters, whom he labeled as "criminals." The fare increase announcement on October 6 sparked anger, coming at a time of rising living costs for poor and middle-class families with stagnant wages. Isabel Mora, an 82-year-old retiree receiving a monthly pension of around $62, expressed frustration at the unfairness of current circumstances, with rising costs of transportation, electricity, gas, and low salaries. President Piñera had promised to address the increasing transportation costs, but protests erupted as rush hour fares rose to approximately $1.20. Demonstrations escalated as people began entering subway stations without paying, leading to clashes with police who used tear gas and violence to detain protesters. The subway system halted operations on multiple lines and eventually had to completely shut down the entire network by nighttime, leaving hundreds, if not thousands, of people stranded on the streets. Many individuals were unable to board crowded buses and had to walk for hours to reach their homes. Government officials labeled the protestors as "organized vandals" and "criminals" and declared their intention to enforce a law allowing for stricter penalties for crimes. Residents in the capital expressed their discontent by banging pots and pans throughout the city on Friday night. During the looting of supermarkets and the setting up of barricades, it seemed that the police had withdrawn to their stations. The demonstrations took place as Chile gets ready to hold two significant international conferences: an APEC summit in mid-November and the UN Climate Change Conference in December.

A senior member of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and ally of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, interior minister Ahsan Iqbal, was shot by a gunman on Sunday as he was leaving a constituency meeting in Punjab province. Iqbal is currently recovering in hospital from a bullet wound, with Minister of state for interior affairs Talal Chaudhry stating that he is stable and in “high spirits”. The assassination attempt was condemned by leaders from Pakistan's main opposition parties, although a prominent official from Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) opposition party suggested that Sharif's large rallies protesting his removal by the Supreme Court last July may have created the backdrop for the attack. "We strongly denounce it. However, Nawaz's unfounded accusations against his rivals are negatively impacting the political atmosphere and stirring up tension and anger," stated Naeem ul Haq, the chief of staff for former cricket star Khan. "Therefore, if Nawaz Sharif continues to spread negativity, such incidents will persist." Last July, Pakistan's Supreme Court disqualified Sharif as prime minister due to a minor instance of undisclosed income, and he is currently facing trial in an anti-corruption court, despite his party still having majority control in parliament. Sharif has criticized the court's decision as a plot orchestrated by his opponent Khan, frequently rallying his supporters to express his grievances. Sharif has depicted Khan as a tool of the influential military establishment, which has a history of interference in Pakistani politics. Khan refutes allegations of collaborating with the army, while the military denies involvement in political matters. The recent attack on Sunday has increased concerns leading up to the upcoming election in late July. Initial reports indicate the attacker may have ties to a new Islamist political party that advocates for the death penalty for blasphemy and strict sharia law. The Islamists have denied any connection to the attacker, according to a local administrator's report seen by Reuters. "We do not have weapons. Our fight is nonviolent. Those who are plotting against Tehreek-e-Labaik will not prevail." Khadim Hussain Rizvi, the leader of the party, spoke out against the attack on Iqbal, stating that Labaik is engaged in a peaceful struggle to establish the Prophet's religion. According to police, Iqbal was shot in the right arm, with the bullet then entering his groin. The suspected shooter, identified as 21-year-old Abid Hussain, has not had a motive officially declared by authorities. Minister of state Chaudhry stated that there is a history of religious radicalism in the background of the individual responsible for the attack, and that others have also been arrested as police investigate groups that may have influenced the attack. He emphasized that radicalism is not just an individual issue, but a social problem that is perpetuated by others. The Labaik movement originated from a protest in support of Mumtaz Qadri, who assassinated the governor of Punjab in 2011 for advocating to relax Pakistan's blasphemy laws. The movement caused significant disruptions, including shutting down the country's capital for three weeks over changes to electoral laws that it deemed blasphemous. The recent assassination attempt on Iqbal has raised concerns about potential violence by Islamists leading up to the next election, similar to past instances such as the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in 2007.

Incoming travellers to Kuwait must quarantine at home for 10 days unless they provide a negative PCR test for the coronavirus within 72 hours of their arrival.

Even though vaccines are highly effective in protecting against COVID-19, recent news of breakthrough infections and updated guidelines on mask-wearing for vaccinated individuals have caused confusion and concern. While studies have shown that vaccinated people can still get infected with high levels of the virus, these cases are rare compared to the unvaccinated population. It is essential to remember that being vaccinated is the most crucial step in keeping yourself and your loved ones safe. Although vaccinated individuals have more freedom, it is important to recognize that the situation is not the same as it was before the pandemic. While vaccines provide strong protection, they do not offer complete immunity, so it is still necessary to be cautious, especially with the Delta variant circulating. 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 withstands the pounding waves, a strong hurricane, like the Delta variant, can sometimes break through. Delta is more infectious and poses a greater challenge to vaccinated immune systems. Vaccinations offer additional protection, but may not always hold up against a significant threat, such as being near an unvaccinated person with a high viral load. Fortunately, the current vaccines in the United States are highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Over 97 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations involve individuals who have not been vaccinated. Recent data from Singapore indicates that vaccinated individuals 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, although they receive widespread media coverage. While the CDC no longer tracks all breakthrough cases, approximately half of states provide some data on such occurrences. The Kaiser Family Foundation recently conducted an analysis of state-reported data and discovered that breakthrough cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are uncommon occurrences 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 percentages ranging from 0.01% in Connecticut to 0.29% in Alaska. However, many breakthrough infections likely go unreported because those infected may not show symptoms or 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 rarity of these occurrences is unknown without a population-based sample. It is uncertain whether many individuals with a mild scratchy throat for a few days have actually had breakthrough cases, but it is not a failure of the vaccine. Estimates suggest that the vaccine campaign has prevented 100,000 to 200,000 deaths. The risk of a breakthrough infection increases when individuals are exposed to the Delta variant in crowded events, such as the July 4 celebration in Provincetown, Massachusetts, or the packed Lollapalooza concert in Chicago. The more people one comes into contact with, the higher the risk, depending on the local risk climate. In the near future, there may be a surge in Lollapalooza outbreaks due to large crowds, which is conducive to the spread of the delta variant. The CDC has a color-coded map indicating COVID-19 outbreaks in the US, with blue and yellow zones representing low infection levels and orange and red zones indicating areas with more than 50 cases per 100,000 people in the past week. The agency recommends wearing masks in orange and red zones, which currently includes about 80 percent of US counties. Infection rates in the Northeast and Upper Midwest are still relatively low, whereas there have been significant spikes in cases in Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida due to the delta variant. The issue with relying on a map for case counts is that the numbers are changing quickly and may increase in your local area before the map is updated. Even if you believe you are in a highly vaccinated community with low case counts, it is important to also consider the situation in nearby communities as people and viruses move across state and county lines frequently. Experts generally agree that wearing a mask outdoors is not necessary if you are not in a crowd and are at least 6 feet away from individuals whose vaccination status is unknown. However, attending a crowded outdoor event is still considered risky, and if you do choose to go, it is recommended to wear a mask. 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 you will be in close proximity to them for an extended period of time. Despite being fully vaccinated, Huffman still wears an N95 mask in indoor public spaces for added protection. For the best protection, it is advised to use a high-quality medical mask like an N95, KN95, or KF94, with a preference for authentic products. If a medical mask is not available, double masking with a surgical mask under a cloth mask can still provide strong protection. 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 advisable to choose your mask based on the situation – a cloth mask may suffice for a brief visit to a deserted 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 with straps or ties around the back of the head provide a tighter seal than those with ear loops. Huffman stated that in order to combat the delta variant, it is important to enhance previous mitigation efforts, including the use of masks. He strongly advises people to switch to masks with high filter quality that fit tightly to the face. The most important factor, according to him, is to ensure the mask is sealed well all around the edges, including over the nose bridge, by the cheeks, and under the chin. Therefore, a tightly fitting mask is more effective than a loose-fitting one. Vaccinated individuals have a very low risk of contracting the virus when they are with other vaccinated friends and family members without masks, according to Huffman. While wearing a mask may not be necessary in indoor settings with a small group of vaccinated individuals, certain situations may warrant extra precautions. While it is uncommon for a vaccinated person to transmit the virus to another vaccinated person, it is still theoretically possible. A vaccinated individual who frequents crowded places or travels to COVID hotspots poses a greater risk compared to someone who avoids large gatherings and primarily interacts with other vaccinated individuals. With the delta variant becoming more widespread, Bitton recommends prioritizing outdoor gatherings, especially for families with unvaccinated individuals or those at higher risk. Moving your event to a backyard or patio and reducing indoor time can decrease the chances of exposure. Opting for smaller gatherings with vaccinated friends is safer than attending large parties, even if everyone claims to be vaccinated. When indoors, opening windows can help with ventilation. For those at a very high risk, such as older individuals or those with weakened immune systems, it may be appropriate to request testing for even vaccinated individuals before a visit. A straightforward and quick home test can be provided to guests to ensure that everyone is free of COVID-19. Whether or not you can still dine at restaurants depends on various factors such as local conditions, your comfort level with risk, and the health status of those around you. The risk is lowest in areas with high vaccination rates and minimal case numbers. 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 receive less protection from vaccines according to studies, may consider ordering takeout or dining outdoors for additional safety measures. Is it safe 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 advisable to take precautions. The risk of being exposed to an infected person may be higher in airport terminals, airport restaurants and bars, or while going through security. On airplanes, the air is circulated every two to three minutes which is more frequent than in grocery stores and other indoor spaces. Passengers are allowed to remove masks to eat or drink, but ventilation systems keep airflow contained to a few rows to prevent spreading throughout the cabin. Infected passengers pose the most risk to those sitting nearby. Experts recommend using high-quality medical masks like N95 or KF94 when flying. If you do not possess a mask, it is recommended to wear two. While the risk is low for vaccinated individuals to briefly remove their mask to eat or drink during a flight, it is better to keep it on as much as possible. The CDC advises unvaccinated individuals, including children, to avoid flying. Bromage shared that he recently flew and removed his mask briefly to drink, but kept it on for the majority of the flight. He expressed that he would feel more at ease removing his mask to eat if he knew his neighboring passengers were vaccinated. He mentioned that he would be more worried if the individual next to him appeared unconcerned about COVID precautions or wore their mask improperly. He suggested keeping the mask on when seated next to strangers, especially talkative ones. Despite being vaccinated, the safety of buses, subways, and trains for vaccinated individuals is still a concern. Most public transportation systems still mandate mask-wearing, which reduces the risk of exposure. However, the longer the ride and the more crowded the vehicle, the higher the risk of viral transmission, even for vaccinated individuals. Many individuals rely on public transportation to commute to work or school, and it is advised to wear a properly fitting medical mask or double mask. When considering whether to use public transit, it is important to take into account local vaccination rates and the trend of case counts. As for hugging and visiting older relatives, vaccinated individuals can generally do so safely without masks. However, parents of unvaccinated children should be more cautious, especially when visiting older relatives. In areas with few COVID-19 cases and high vaccination rates, it is generally considered safe for unvaccinated children from one household to visit vaccinated grandparents. However, as the delta variant spreads and children go back to school, the risk of close contact increases for older or immunocompromised individuals who are more susceptible to complications from COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated. When families plan to visit a high-risk relative, it is advisable to minimize other exposures by avoiding activities such as dining out or going to the gym in the week leading up to the visit. While the risk of a vaccinated person spreading COVID-19 is low, vaccinated grandparents should also reduce their personal exposure when spending time with unvaccinated children. Aerosol scientist Huffman mentioned that she has not been wearing masks indoors with her elderly parents as she is still cautious about wearing masks in public places. "If my interactions increased my overall risk of exposure, I would strongly consider wearing a mask indoors with vulnerable individuals. Rapid home tests are an additional precaution when visiting grandparents or immune-compromised family members. Taking a test a few days before and on the day of the visit can provide peace of mind. Home tests are a great option for those feeling anxious about the virus right now," Bromage explained. "By testing before gathering, we can ensure everyone is clear and safely enjoy time together." If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 in the US, it is highly likely that you have the delta variant, according to the CDC. The delta variant has become the dominant strain in the US and many other countries, including 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 is specifically caused by the delta variant or another variant of the virus. Health departments may utilize genomic sequencing to determine the prevalence of various variants within a population, but this data is usually not disclosed to individuals. It is important to continue isolating and consulting with medical professionals if experiencing low oxygen levels, difficulty breathing, or any concerning symptoms.

Contrary to previous reports, including by The New York Times, it is not Elon Musk's SpaceX that will be responsible for causing a crater on the lunar surface. Instead, the likely culprit is a piece of a rocket launched by China's space agency. Bill Gray, the developer of Project Pluto, recently announced that the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket was on a trajectory that could intersect with the moon's path. This rocket had launched the Deep Space Climate Observatory for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in February 2015. Gray had been monitoring this rocket part for years, and in early January, it passed within 6,000 miles of the moon's surface, with the moon's gravity potentially causing it to crash on a subsequent orbit. Observations made by amateur astronomers as the object passed by Earth once again confirmed the expected impact inside Hertzsprung, an ancient crater measuring 315 miles wide. However, a Saturday email from Jon Giorgini, an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, altered the narrative. Giorgini oversees Horizons, an online database capable of providing locations and orbits for nearly 1.2 million objects within the solar system, including approximately 200 spacecraft. A Horizons user inquired about the likelihood of the object being part of the DSCOVR rocket, prompting Giorgini to investigate further. He discovered that the orbit did not match the path that DSCOVR had taken, so he reached out to Gray. Gray initially believed he was correct in his assessment. However, he reviewed his old emails to recall when the object was first seen in March 2015, shortly after DSCOVR was launched. Typically, newly spotted objects in the sky are assumed to be asteroids, and this object was no exception. It was labeled as WE0913A. However, it was discovered that instead of orbiting the sun, WE0913A was actually orbiting Earth, indicating it likely originated from Earth. Gray suggested it could be part of the rocket that launched DSCOVR, which was confirmed by additional data showing WE0913A passing the moon two days after the DSCOVR launch. Gray now understands his error in thinking DSCOVR was headed towards the moon for a gravity-assisted swing to its final destination, while Giorgini noted that DSCOVR was actually launched on a direct path that did not involve passing the moon. Gray admitted that he should have reviewed the information before making his January announcement, acknowledging that he had made a mistake. Jon Giorgini pointed out the error, prompting Gray to realize the extent of his error. SpaceX did not provide a comment in response to inquiries regarding the rocket stage WE0913A. It is likely that they have not been monitoring it, as the second stage of a Falcon 9 rocket is typically burned up in the atmosphere. However, in this instance, the rocket needed all of its propellant to successfully deliver DSCOVR to its intended destination. However, the second stage, which was not powered or controlled, was in an orbit that was not likely to pose a threat to any satellites, and it is probable that people did not monitor it. Gray expressed a desire for the individuals responsible for launching these boosters into high orbits to publicly disclose what they are putting up there and where they are going, rather than him having to investigate on his own. Gray then questioned if the unidentified object was not the DSCOVR rocket, what could it be? He looked into other launches from the previous months, particularly those heading towards the moon, but found limited information in that category. The leading candidate was a Long March 3C rocket which launched China's Chang'e-5 T1 spacecraft on Oct. 23, 2014. Following a swing around the moon, the spacecraft returned to Earth, releasing a small return capsule that landed in Mongolia. This was a test in preparation for the Chang'e-5 mission in 2020, where moon rocks and dust were successfully collected and brought back to Earth for study. By running a computer simulation of the orbit of WE0913A backwards in time, it was discovered that it would have had a close lunar flyby on Oct 28, just five days after the Chinese launch. Additionally, orbital data from a cubesat attached to the third stage of the Long March rocket closely matched that of WE0913A according to Gray. "It's a case that could likely result in a conviction if taken to a jury," stated Christophe Demeautis, an amateur astronomer in northeast France, regarding the prediction of an object striking the moon. Recent observations have slightly adjusted the timing and location of the impact, but it is still expected to occur at around 7:26 am Eastern time. The crash will unfortunately be on the far side of the moon, out of view of Earth's telescopes and satellites. The whereabouts of the Falcon 9 part, specifically the DSCOVR second stage, are still being investigated. The most likely explanation is that it entered into orbit around the sun rather than the Earth, meaning it may still be out there and currently out of sight. This scenario has happened before with old rocket pieces returning, as seen in 2020 when a mystery object was found to be part of a rocket launched in 1966 for NASA's Surveyor missions to the moon.

Roskosmos has decided to suspend cooperation with European partners on space launches from Kourou and withdraw technical staff from French Guiana in response to EU sanctions. The European Union has downplayed Russia's withdrawal, stating that it will not impact the quality of service for satellite networks Galileo and Copernicus. Galileo provides positioning and timing information for various industries, while Copernicus delivers earth observation data. EU Commissioner Thierry Breton has assured that necessary decisions will be made to develop the second generation of these space infrastructures. "We are ready to take decisive action with member states to defend critical infrastructures in the event of an attack, and to further the development of Ariane 6 and VegaC to ensure strategic independence in terms of carrier rockets."

A poll revealed that Australian Prime Minister John Howard is facing a significant defeat in the upcoming election, with the possibility of losing his seat in Sydney. The poll showed that Howard was trailing behind former television presenter Maxine McKew by 46 percent to 53 percent when votes were split between the two major parties. McKew, who joined the Labor Party to challenge Howard, was also seen as equally capable of doing a good job for the seat of Bennelong, which has been held by Howard since 1974. The poll was conducted after Australia's central bank raised interest rates to a 10-year high in order to combat inflation caused by strong domestic demand, low unemployment, and rapid global growth. Howard, who won his fourth election in 2004 with the slogan "Keeping interest rates low," has been negatively impacted by the increase in interest rates. The central bank has raised rates five times, impacting Howard's coalition in key suburbs where residents are struggling with high mortgages and a credit binge fueled by low interest rates. Changes in demographics, including a growing Asian community in Howard's own seat, are also affecting his support. Howard's policies, such as requiring new immigrants to adopt Australian values and learn English, have alienated some immigrant families. Despite poll results, it may be difficult to remove Howard from office, according to Senior Labor lawmaker Bob McMullan. "We are approaching the end of the three-year term and there is a willingness for change among the people. However, I believe that their voting preferences are not fixed, but rather flexible," he stated in an interview with Australian television. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed confidence that Prime Minister Howard's experience would give him an advantage, while criticizing opposition leader Kevin Rudd for lacking a clear plan for Australia's future. Downer acknowledged that there is always debate about the incumbent's performance, but maintained a cautious attitude towards being overly optimistic." I am a person who is quite calm and laid-back when it comes to facing the challenges that are in store for me.

An Amazon employee greeted me cheerfully last week at the opening of a Whole Foods Market in Washington's Glover Park neighborhood by asking if I wanted to shop using my palm. I quickly linked both hands to my Amazon account and entered the store by hovering my right palm over the turnstile reader. I then spent the next 30 minutes shopping. I purchased a bag of cauliflower florets, grapefruit sparkling water, strawberries, and organic chicken sausages. Cameras and sensors tracked my selections and created a virtual shopping cart in real time. I was able to leave without needing to go through a cashier, as Amazon would later bill my account. Amazon acquired Whole Foods for $13 billion over four years ago. The transformation of the grocery chain into an Amazon-style operation is now fully realized with the renovated Whole Foods store in Glover Park. Amazon had been gradually making changes to over 500 Whole Foods stores in the US and UK, primarily offering discounts and free delivery for Prime members. However, the 21,000-square-foot Whole Foods in Glover Park, along with a prototype store in Los Angeles, represents a significant advancement in Amazon's influence, with the stores nearly entirely operated by tracking and robotic technology. The technology called Just Walk Out uses hundreds of cameras to monitor customers and sensors under each product to track shopping activity. Deep-learning software analyzes this data to improve accuracy in charging customers. This technology is similar to that used in driverless cars, detecting when a product is taken and automatically charging customers as they leave the store. According to Amazon's vice president of physical retail and technology, Dilip Kumar, anyone with an Amazon account, not just Prime members, can now shop at select stores and skip the cash register by having the bill charged directly to their Amazon account. This technology, known as Amazon One, has been tested for over four years at Amazon Go and Amazon Fresh stores. Other stores, such as a Hudson convenience store at Dallas Love Field Airport and Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken restaurant at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, have also adopted this palm-scanning technology. Kumar views these stores as valuable experiments and sees Whole Foods as the next step in Amazon's tech expansion into retail stores. Kumar stated that they identified problem areas for customers and worked diligently to find ways to alleviate the issues. One observation was that customers did not like waiting in checkout lines, leading to the development of the Just Walk Out concept. He chose not to discuss Amazon's potential plans to implement this technology in all Whole Foods stores. According to Karen Weise, a colleague at The New York Times who covers Amazon from Seattle, the company operates with long-term goals, taking the time and resources needed to make significant transformations in labor, retail, and logistics. The Whole Foods in Glover Park has been a vital part of the neighborhood for over 20 years, serving as a cornerstone for residents near Embassy Row and the vice president's Naval Observatory residence. Despite closing four years ago due to a dispute with the landlord and a rat infestation, Amazon announced last year that it would reopen the store as a Just Walk Out pilot project. While the rats have been eliminated, there is still lingering concern among residents in the neighborhood. The newly renovated store has caused a lively local discussion among residents, with some debating the store's "dystopian" atmosphere compared to its impressive technology. Some neighbors recalled the store's previous inviting atmosphere with free samples and blueberry pancakes on weekends. One long-time resident, Alex Levin, believes that the community should embrace the store's changes and utilize the technology to their advantage. He shared an anecdote about trying to outsmart the store's cameras and sensors but was unsuccessful. However, some individuals mentioned that they discovered mistakes in their bills and were unhappy with the change from selling produce by weight to selling it per item, bundle, or box. Some lamented the loss of the traditional checkout line, where they could browse magazines and impulse items. A lot of people were wary of the tracking technology being used, with one person comparing it to George Orwell's "1984" - Allen Hengst, a retired librarian aged 72. Amazon stated that they do not intend to use video or other Whole Foods customer data for advertising or their recommendation system. Customers who do not wish to participate in the new technology can simply enter the store without signing in and pay with cash or a credit card at self-checkout kiosks. As a loyal customer of the Glover Park Whole Foods, I was eager to see the changes, but my excitement waned as I encountered restrictions on taking photos or videos inside the store, along with new features like palm scans and bundled banana packs. I glanced up at the ceiling and saw numerous small black plastic boxes hanging from the rafters. An employee then explained that those were the cameras that would track me during my shopping trip, without any sense of humor. There were workers at the entrance assisting customers with check-in, as well as others stationed at the seafood counter, cheese area, and produce section. Kumar assured that humans would always be employed at the stores, but I couldn't help but wonder for how much longer. Amazon, facing criticism for its treatment of workers, stated that employees' responsibilities could evolve to involve more customer interaction for answering inquiries. The company was showing signs of moving towards a more self-service model. For instance, when I went to a bakery to have my $4.99 Harvest loaf sliced, I was directed to a professional bread slicer for customers. A cautionary label advised to be mindful of the sharp blades and moving parts. Kumar refused to provide information on the accuracy of Just Walk Out, so I decided to test the technology myself. I conducted an experiment by picking up an organic avocado and placing it among nonorganic avocados. I then walked around the store before returning to retrieve the same avocado. If the cameras and sensors were working correctly, Amazon would detect my actions and charge me for the misplaced organic avocado. At the end of my shopping trip, I had the choice of using a self-checkout kiosk or skipping that step altogether. I chose the second option and waved my hand over the exit turnstile. The turnstile opened, and an employee informed me that I would receive my receipt within two to three hours. I left the store feeling uncomfortable, worrying that I might be wrongly accused of shoplifting. I received an email from Amazon in my email inbox an hour later. The email contained a link that directed me to my Amazon account to view details of my shopping experience, which lasted 32 minutes and 26 seconds. The total bill was $34.35, and I was correctly charged for the organic avocado.

A former militia leader, Mujahid Dokubo-Asari, was released on bail by a Nigerian court on Thursday, in response to demands from armed groups in the Niger Delta who have caused disruptions in oil production and kidnapped foreign workers. Asari, who is facing treason charges, was released as rebel groups in the delta released hostages, announced a ceasefire, and expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue with the new government under President Umaru Yar'Adua. However, the success of these peace efforts remains uncertain, especially after troops killed eight suspected militants during an attack on an oil well in Bayelsa state. Asari's bail request was based on health reasons, which prosecutors did not oppose, indicating that he is not seeking attention. Justice Peter Olayiwola stated that the accused would be released due to health reasons. However, the judge also imposed restrictions on Asari, prohibiting him from holding political rallies or engaging in any political activities and requiring his movements to be reported to security services. Asari had been denied bail by the Supreme Court last Friday after a lengthy legal process, with the court citing concerns about national security. Prosecutors had previously opposed his release. Activists involved in peace negotiations between the government and delta rebels believed that Thursday's court ruling was a result of a political agreement. Asari has been in custody since September 2005, and his trial has been repeatedly postponed. Despite multiple failed attempts by elders from his Ijaw ethnic group to negotiate his release, the situation shifted when Yar'Adua took office and called for peace in the delta during his inauguration speech on May 29. Following this, influential state governors from the region have advocated for Asari's freedom. Ijaw activists believe that the recent court ruling will aid in calming armed rebels seeking autonomy over oil funds and reparations for environmental damage in the impoverished delta. Ifeanyi Jonjon, the leader of the Ijaw Youth Council, expressed satisfaction with the recent actions taken, stating that it was a step in the right direction. He mentioned that Asari, who has been detained and reportedly mistreated by the State Security Services, could potentially help in reaching out to freedom fighters to promote peace instead of violence. Asari's absence in court did not dampen the enthusiasm of his supporters. Emmanuel Diffa, an Ijaw elder who has been advocating for Asari's release, stated that this development is positive for businesses in the Niger Delta and will help calm the situation. Diffa believes that Asari is crucial in bringing peace to the region.

Pakistan completed a full sweep of Zimbabwe in all three formats of the game, winning the second Twenty20 in a thrilling last-ball finish in Harare. Zimbabwe struggled in their chase due to Pakistan's controlled bowling, but Tatenda Taibu's aggressive batting in the final over gave them hope. Taibu hit a six off the first ball, followed by two runs off each of the next four deliveries. With six runs needed off the last ball, Sohail Khan bowled a wide, low full toss outside off stump to secure the win for Pakistan. Taibu, who had moved to the leg side, was unable to make a shot, resulting in an underwhelming conclusion to a chase that Zimbabwe allowed to become too challenging. Vusi Sibanda and Chamu Chibhabha started off well, with Sibanda hitting a beautiful straight drive for four. They managed to score boundaries in the first four overs but failed to rotate the strike effectively, causing the required run rate to increase. Chibhabha attempted to free himself when Saeed Ajmal bowled, trying to hit over long on, but was caught by Yasir Shah just outside the circle. Ajmal's first over, in which he took a wicket without conceding any runs, slowed down Zimbabwe's chase until the very end. Sibanda became increasingly frustrated and was eventually caught by Hafeez at point while attempting a big shot. Hafeez's excellent performance with both bat and ball was clear, as he bowled Zhuwao with a straight delivery and took the wickets of Maskadza and Taylor as well. As Zimbabwe's chase fell apart, Coventry resorted to desperate measures, swinging at the first three balls he faced from Junaid Khan. Two of them scored four runs each, while the third player hit the ball onto his own stumps. Elton Chigumbura managed to hit some powerful shots, but struggled against the bowling that was too good for him to hit for boundaries. Despite the pressure in the last over, Pakistan's bowlers remained composed. Taibu had to lead both Prosper Utseya and himself, but Sohail ultimately made the final impact. Zimbabwe showed improvement in their fielding, bowling accurately and taking all the catches to restrict Pakistan to under 150 runs. Taylor was creative in his bowling tactics, starting with a spinner and then bringing in Chibhabha in the third over. Chibhabha took a wicket when Asad Shafiq attempted to hit a length ball for six but was caught by Chigumbura at long-on. Shortly after, Rameez Raja was caught at short fine leg. Kyle Jarvis, who had improved his length from previous matches, got Raja out with a short ball that was pulled late and caught by Ray Price. The hosts added to Pakistan's early troubles when Shoaib Malik was caught behind off Chigumbura after attempting to hit a wide delivery. Hafeez took advantage of the situation and played a crucial innings, especially targeting the spinners. During Hafeez's time at the crease, Umar Akmal was able to play more cautiously, particularly against Chigumbura who bowled a well-controlled spell with slower balls. Eventually, Hafeez was dismissed by Price after attempting a lofted shot towards long-on that fell short of the boundary. Following Hafeez's dismissal, Pakistan struggled to score boundaries and only managed to score 36 runs in the last five overs. Akmal was run out while attempting a second run, falling short of his crease due to a throw from Chigumbura, and Tanvir was bowled by Jarvis. Jarvis performed well under pressure towards the end of the game, effectively utilizing yorkers, a type of delivery that he is honing to near perfection.

The unexpected change in protocol impressed Daschle, who was new to the job, as he found it to be gracious. Daschle recalled a conversation with Dole, where he expressed his humility at Dole coming to his office instead of the other way around, considering himself to be the junior member. Dole responded by saying that when he visits Daschle's office, he can always decide when the meeting is over. This exchange exemplified Dole's characteristic wit and directness. It serves as a representation of Dole's approach to Washington, as a Kansas Republican who brought his prairie values and straightforward manner to the capital in 1961. During his 35 years in politics, spanning from his time in the House to the Senate and multiple failed presidential bids, Bob Dole thrived in a Washington environment that favored his skills as a negotiator. While there was certainly partisanship during Dole's tenure, including bitter disputes, there was also a different atmosphere that allowed for bipartisan cooperation. Dole, both as a senator and as the Republican leader, worked across party lines to pass significant legislation, such as bills to save Social Security, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and welfare reform. One of his proudest achievements was collaborating with liberal Democrat George McGovern to improve the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. They continued to collaborate on nutrition issues even after leaving the Senate. Senator Patrick Leahy, a friend of Dole, mentioned the strong relationship between George Mitchell and Dole, who would frequently visit each other's offices. Leahy also noted that both men trusted each other and never surprised each other. Additionally, Mitchell and Dole had direct phone lines on their desks for easy communication. The button proved to be useful in November 1994 when the Republicans regained the majority. Mitchell, who did not run for reelection, requested that Dole be informed that he planned to visit his office to congratulate him. Dole responded quickly, insisting that Mitchell should not make the effort and that he would instead go to Mitchell's office, a gesture that was seen as courteous and considerate by Mitchell and his team. According to presidential historian Robert Dallek, Dole operated in a time when bipartisanship was valued, and politicians understood the importance of working with members from different parties. Dallek praised Dole for his skill in working with others, even though he was known for his strong conservative beliefs. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House who is known for bringing about Washington's era of partisan conflict, collaborated closely with Dole to pass tax cuts and defeat President Bill Clinton's universal health care plan. In a recent interview, Gingrich compared Dole to current Republican leader, Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who is disliked by Democrats. Gingrich noted similarities between Dole and McConnell, stating that they are both Senate veterans who excel tactically in both preventing and achieving legislative goals. Despite their alliance, Dole did not embrace Gingrich's confrontational approach. In 1995, when Gingrich and House Republicans caused a government shutdown by refusing to pass federal spending bills, Dole expressed his frustration on the Senate floor, declaring that the situation had become ridiculous. Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole, were considered a powerful couple in Washington, symbolizing the city's institutions. Dole represented World War II, the Greatest Generation, and a time of dignity and honor. He played a key role in establishing the World War II Memorial on the National Mall and frequently greeted veterans there. "He was essentially a representation of America," stated Dallek, the historian. Dole, who had been a long-serving member of the Senate, decided to leave in 1996 to pursue the presidency during a time of political change in Washington. Gingrich was influential, and Clinton's scandal with Monica Lewinsky added to the increasing partisan divide. When Dole, the Senate's longest-serving Republican leader at the time, went to the chamber to announce his departure, the traditional customs of the Capitol were still observed. Despite knowing he was going to run against Bill Clinton, Democratic senators showed their respect by applauding him after his speech.

Numerous architects are upset about the decision to tear down the red building, which enhanced the street's appeal alongside a park. A heritage activist is calling for the preservation of the building due to its historical importance. On Wednesday, a contractor named Shakil began demolishing parts of the building's roof, stating that he had won the job through a tender eight months prior and planned to complete the demolition in four days. When asked for his thoughts, the Director General of the Department of Agricultural Expansion, Md Golam Maruf, explained to bdnews24.com that the decision to demolish the building was made by the government. He declined to provide further details, stating that the building was no longer under his department's jurisdiction, despite its historical significance in agricultural research. Maruf suggested contacting the Cotton Development Board (CDB), the current owner of the building, for more information. However, when reached by phone, CDB Executive Director Md Farid Uddin was in a meeting and requested to be called back in an hour. Subsequently, he did not respond to any further calls from bdnews24.com. Taimur Islam, who serves as the Chief Executive of Urban Study Group in Dhaka City, is speaking out against the recent demolition of buildings. He believes that there are over 2,500 unlisted buildings at risk of being demolished, with only around 100 currently preserved. Islam argues that more of these buildings should be protected to conserve the city's rich architectural heritage. Taimur stated that the building holds significance due to its historical and architectural importance. He mentioned that a Famine Commission was established following a famine in Odisha during the 18th century, leading to the construction of buildings in Dhaka's Farmgate area to promote agricultural growth. The buildings were further expanded when Bengal was partitioned in 1905. Taimur also highlighted the architectural value of the building. Taimur expressed that the buildings from the colonial period, such as the courts and DC council buildings, are similar to the current architecture. He also emphasized the significance of agriculture in Bangladesh, stating that erasing our agricultural history is a mistake. Taimur believes that the entire area should have been preserved as it is connected to an important part of our history. It observed the advancements in technology in our agricultural sector. There were seven to eight buildings like it that should have been protected in accordance with the UNESCO Convention. When demolition work began on the building, a group of architects hurried to the site, including Qazi Muhammad Arif, the General Secretary of the Institute of Architects Bangladesh (IAB), who expressed a desire for the preservation of the building due to its historical importance. There are numerous buildings like this throughout the country, and it is the responsibility of the government to protect them. As professionals, we believe that the buildings with historical significance should be maintained. Regarding the building in Khamarbarhi, Arif mentioned that there are plans to construct a tall office building there, but there should be efforts made to conserve the existing old buildings. Currently, it appears that the situation is irreversible. The Vice-President of the institute, Jalal Ahmed, stated to bdnews24.com that he was unaware of any plans for the building. He expressed concern that the demolition had progressed too far, as the building did not seem to be in such poor condition as to require tearing down. Associate Professor Shehzad Zahir of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology mentioned that scientific research has played a significant role in advancing Bangladesh's agriculture sector. He explained that the laboratory was where agricultural research in Bangladesh began and was a crucial contributor to the country's agricultural development. Therefore, he insisted that the demolition should cease immediately and efforts should be made to protect and preserve the building, given its historical significance from the late colonial period. The attractive shedding devices in front of the windows have connected our local architecture to that of Europe, according to BRAC University's Assistant Professor architect Sajid-Bin-Doza. He also noted that the building is well-suited for Bangladesh's tropical climate. Professor Doza expressed disappointment and regret that there is no proper design of the building, indicating a lack of respect for preserving traditional architectural elements. The speaker suggested that the authorities should have taken some photos of the building before it was damaged so that future generations could see it. However, he mentioned that preserving the building now would be expensive due to the damage caused by a hammer.

Law minister Shafique Ahmed has raised doubts about the capacity of local institutions to effectively govern the development of their constituencies. However, during a seminar on Thursday, other speakers, including members of parliament, politicians, and economists, expressed support for a strong local government and proposed the creation of a local government commission. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, president of the Bangladesh Unnayan Parishad and co-chair of the Bangladesh Climate Change Trust, anticipated that the ruling Awami League would establish such a commission as promised during the election. Mujahidul Islam Selim, general secretary of the Bangladesh Communist Party, criticized the local government ministry for allegedly maintaining control over local governments in an unconstitutional manner. The constitution requires the government to guarantee five levels of public representation, but currently only two are operational - at the Upazila and union levels. Local representatives argue that these elected bodies cannot operate independently due to the influence of their corresponding MPs. Abdul Majid, who is the president of a group of Upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen, stated that the Upazila councils are not functioning properly because they are controlled by the MPs. He mentioned at a meeting that the Upazila chairman simply follows the instructions of the MP in that area. Meher Afroz Chumki, a Member of Parliament from Gazipur, emphasized the need for a shift in mindset. She advocated for greater empowerment of local government, attributing obstacles to sincere government efforts to bureaucratic red tape. Chumki suggested that if local governments were given more authority, they would be better equipped to shoulder responsibility, but noted that closed mindsets were hindering progress. Hasanul Haq Inu, President of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and also an MP, stressed the importance of clearly defining the roles of local and central government to delineate their respective areas of responsibility. He observed that discrimination against local representatives was to be expected in a system with clear dualism. He emphasized the importance of public representatives in development plans, stating that development initiatives should be centered around local government. Shafique Ahmed, concluding the discussion, expressed agreement with the other speakers and expressed support for decentralization. The technocrat minister emphasized the need to assess whether local agencies are capable of handling their responsibilities. The seminar was conducted by the Governance Advocacy Forum and led by Kholiquzzaman Ahmad. More than 400 chairmen and vice-chairmen held a hunger strike at Muktangan in the capital on Jan 22, presenting a ten-point demand for empowerment. Their demands included the repeal of a law requiring the corresponding MP to be appointed as advisor to the Upazila council. The charter also called for 70 percent budget allocation and separate budgets for local government, as well as giving chairmen the authority to assess all government employees under the council. Local leaders also requested control of 13 offices under 10 ministries in accordance with the Upazila Parishad Act, allowing local government organizations to create their own annual and five-year plans, revamping district councils, establishing a local government commission, and implementing an integrated law for local government organizations. The strike was postponed to March 28 after receiving a guarantee from MPs Rashed Khan Menon and Hasanul Haque Inu that the demands would be met.

Bruce Springsteen, who voiced a television advertisement for Biden during the campaign, announced Time magazine's decision at the conclusion of an hour-long special on NBC. Biden, 78, the former vice president under President Barack Obama, and Harris, 56, a US senator from California and the first Black woman and Indian American elected to the vice presidency, will be featured together on the magazine's cover on Dec 21. They were chosen over frontline health care workers, Dr. Anthony Fauci, the racial justice movement, and President Donald Trump. Time revealed the four finalists on the "Today" show. Edward Felsenthal, Time's editor-in-chief and CEO, mentioned the magazine's historical connection to the presidency. Felsenthal pointed out that it was the first instance in which the magazine had selected the vice president as a person of the year. He emphasized that the title of person of the year is not only a reflection of the past year, but also a prediction of the future. He expressed the belief that the next four years will be a critical test for both the vice president and the nation as a whole, to determine if they can fulfill their promise of unity. In a pre-recorded segment of the show, Biden stated that had Trump been reelected, it would have had long-lasting effects on the American identity. He described the recent election as a pivotal moment. Harris, who originally ran for president, acknowledged the challenges and expectations that she and Biden would be facing. “We are currently facing multiple crises that have come together at this moment,” she stated. Despite the struggle of weekly print magazines to stay relevant in the media industry, Time magazine continues to generate excitement over their annual Man of the Year distinction. This tradition dates back to 1927, when aviator Charles Lindbergh was named the first Man of the Year by Time. Over the years, Time has honored presidents, peacemakers, astronauts, popes, Queen Elizabeth II, American women, and the Earth itself. However, some of the individuals selected have been controversial; Time chose Adolf Hitler in 1938 and Josef Stalin in 1939, with Stalin receiving the distinction again in 1942. Time's selection process is not based on popularity, but rather on the individual or group that has had the most impact on the news and society, whether positive or negative. In 2019, Greta Thunberg was chosen as Time's person of the year, beating out other notable figures such as Nancy Pelosi, Trump, the Ukraine whistleblower, and the Hong Kong protesters. Trump expressed his displeasure with Thunberg's selection on Twitter, calling it "ridiculous." In 2018, Time magazine selected a group of journalists, including the murdered Saudi dissident Jamal Khashoggi, as its person of the year to highlight the dangers faced by independent journalists amidst widespread disinformation. Other journalists recognized included the staff of The Capital Gazette newspapers in Maryland, where five people were killed in a shooting in June 2018. The previous year, Time had chosen the "silence breakers," women who sparked the Me Too movement by coming forward with allegations of sexual harassment and assault against powerful men. In 2017, before the magazine announced its pick, President Trump claimed on Twitter that he had been informed he would likely be chosen again but said he declined the recognition. Time quickly issued a statement contradicting the president's claim. Despite his surprising victory over Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election, Trump was named Time's person of the year for that year. Unlike Trump, the last three presidents (Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama) who were re-elected, were each named Time's person of the year twice during their time in office. Nine presidents have been chosen more than once by Time, with President Dwight D Eisenhower being the first in 1944 for his leadership during World War II, and President Franklin D Roosevelt holding the record for being named person of the year three times. The New York Times Company circa 2020.

The upcoming project, "Overheated Symphony", is set to be a groundbreaking mobile phone film directed by women from around the world. It is part of the Birds Eye View film festival in London, featuring the work of female filmmakers. Participants are encouraged to create a short film between 40 seconds and four minutes in length on their mobile phones, with no limitations on content, to be compiled by a London-based director. This project aims to showcase a diverse range of women's voices on the global issue of global warming. The project's website invites women to share their hot weather experiences through mobile phone contributions, with the final edit to be created by British film director Sarah Turner. Turner drew inspiration from a 1927 film by German filmmaker Walter Ruttmann called "Berlin - Symphony of a Great City", which used a montage of still pictures to document city life. Similar to that work, Overheated Symphony will be abstract and allow contributors to engage in a dialogue of ideas with women from around the world. Turner believes that women's themes and issues will be a significant part of the final piece due to the films being made by women. Turner is collecting the mobile films before the March 2 deadline and will create a live edit of the symphony to be shown on March 9 at London's Institute of Contemporary Arts. Rachel Millward, director of the Birds Eye View festival, believes the film is focused on new technology and the theme of women and intense emotions. She stated that the direction in which film and media are heading is focused on interactivity and multi-platform projects. Their goal was to create a project that aligns with this trend, as well as incorporating a playful element that encourages participation from everyone. The project involves gathering female voices from around the world to create a film, challenging the notion that women are not technologically savvy. Contributors are invited to share their cinematic work on the festival's YouTube channel for editing. Although the final outcome is uncertain, Millward believes it will exceed expectations. She mentions that the film's unpredictability is its greatest aspect. It has the potential to touch on topics such as climate change and passion, among others, making it a multifaceted experience.

Rival Premier League managers Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger united in support of Kevin Keegan and Alan Curbishley, who both recently resigned from their managerial positions on points of principle. Keegan left Newcastle due to interference from directors, while Curbishley departed West Ham citing board undermining over transfers. Ferguson praised their actions, stating that they resigned because they were no longer in control of their teams. It is not okay for a manager to have no control and be held responsible for the success or failure of a team based on the whims of a chairman. Both Wenger and Ferguson, the longest-serving managers in the Premier League, believe that the manager is the most important person at the club. Ferguson emphasized the challenges faced by managers in today's era with young and wealthy chairmen, noting the need for success and the changing responsibilities compared to when he and Arsene Wenger started. He acknowledged the financial constraints but also expressed support for managers who walk away due to unforeseen changes mid-season. The discussion also touched on the influx of overseas investment in the Premier League, exemplified by the Abu Dhabi United Group's acquisition of Manchester City and their plans to pursue Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas in the transfer window. Wenger expressed his belief that a significant investment could disrupt the league. He noted that in the past, fans aspired to own their favorite club, but now new owners may have different motivations such as financial gain or seeking glory. Having more money in the League is beneficial, but an excessive amount can lead to inflationary pressure which can destabilize other clubs and put a strain on their resources. Despite being rivals, the two men shared smiles and jokes, with Wenger noting a better understanding and mutual respect. Ferguson mentioned that they have shared wine and meals at coaching conferences in Geneva, highlighting the respect between them. We both have excellent teams and have experienced intense competition in the past ten years.

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In order to find an answer, all aspects of Venus must be thoroughly examined, including the changes in its appearance over time. While Earth has plate tectonics that shape its surface with diverse features like volcanoes and mountain ranges, Venus does not have this process. However, a recent study suggests that Venus may have a unique variation of plate tectonics, where blocks of its surface have shifted and twisted, altering their surroundings. These dancing blocks, which are thin and flat slices of rock known as campi (Latin for “fields”), can range in size from as small as Ireland to as large as Alaska. They were discovered using data from NASA’s Magellan orbiter mission, which was the agency’s final mission to Venus. In the early 1990s, radar technology was used to penetrate the planet’s thick atmosphere and create a detailed map of its entire surface. Upon revisiting these maps, scientists identified 58 campi spread out across the planet’s lowlands that are covered in lava. These campi are surrounded by lines of small mountain ranges and grooves, which have been altered and marked by the passage of time. According to Paul Byrne, a planetary scientist at North Carolina State University and the lead author of the study, the campi on Venus were likely created by being dragged around by the flowing mantle below, similar to pack ice. This movement would have caused the ground to either crumple up and form mountains if moving towards immobile land, or stretch and create grooves if moving away. The campi moving side-to-side would have left strain marks and etchings along the boundaries. The fact that this deformation occurred in the lowlands of Venus is significant. The lava covering these landscapes is estimated to be between 750 and 150 million years old, making them some of the youngest on the planet. This suggests that the tectonic activity that formed these features occurred relatively recently in the history of the solar system. NASA's VERITAS and Europe's EnVision missions will investigate whether this tectonic activity is still ongoing. Using advanced radar systems, these orbiters will provide high-resolution images of the landscapes, allowing scientists to determine if any movement has occurred since the time of Magellan. If evidence shows that Venus is tectonically active, it would support the idea that Venus was once capable of plate tectonics due to the presence of a large amount of water. Plate tectonics help regulate the climate by moving carbon, preventing extreme global warming. However, catastrophic events like volcanic eruptions may have caused Venus to become a dry, inhospitable planet with inactive plate tectonics. Therefore, the planet's surface has been relatively stable for billions of years, but recent research suggests that there may have been more movement than previously thought. This discovery could have significant implications for understanding Venus's tectonic activity. Countless Earth- and Venus-size planets exist in the universe, and their tectonic activity will play a role in shaping their destinies. However, according to O'Rourke, it is essential to understand Earth and Venus in order to comprehend any rocky world in the solar system or beyond. Venus, with its many unexpected characteristics, presents a challenge to this task.

Due to a geomagnetic storm caused by a recent solar outburst, 40 out of 49 newly launched Starlink satellites have been disabled and are now falling back into Earth's atmosphere to be burned up. This event emphasizes the risks that many companies face when launching thousands of small satellites into orbit for internet service from space. There is a possibility that future solar outbursts could also disrupt these newly deployed satellites. The sun operates on an 11-year cycle, fluctuating between active and calm periods. Currently, the sun is increasing towards its peak, which is predicted to occur around 2025. This recent solar event was considered moderate compared to previous occurrences. Hugh Lewis, a space debris expert at the University of Southampton, believes that a more extreme event is likely to happen during the next solar cycle. If a mild solar flare can damage 40 Starlink satellites, a stronger solar event could cause even more harm to SpaceX and other company's megaconstellations. SpaceX has announced the potential loss of up to 40 satellites in a blog post. The company stated that following the launch, the satellites were released into their planned orbit, approximately 130 miles above Earth. This specific altitude was chosen partly to prevent potential collisions with other satellites in the future. If the satellites experience issues after being deployed at this altitude and are unable to move to more secure orbits, they will quickly be reclaimed by the atmosphere, which is considered a safety measure. However, before the launch of these satellites on Jan 29, a powerful eruption from the sun called a coronal mass ejection was detected, which arrived at Earth around Feb 2 and caused a geomagnetic storm in Earth's magnetic field. The intense storm added energy to particles in Earth's atmosphere, causing it to expand and increase in density. This increased drag on objects moving through the atmosphere, such as satellites, causing their orbits to shrink and bringing them closer to the lower atmosphere where they burn up. SpaceX reported that during a recent Starlink deployment, the storm caused atmospheric drag to increase by up to 50%, leading to the loss of 40 out of 49 satellites. Currently, there are 1,915 Starlink satellites orbiting in space, and losing up to 40 of them is not a major concern for SpaceX, according to Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. However, Lewis estimates that the loss of these satellites could potentially cost up to $100 million, including the launch expenses. The risks of solar outbursts and geomagnetic storms affecting objects in low-Earth orbit are well-documented, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration categorizing geomagnetic storms on a scale from minor to extreme. The recent "moderate" storm could cause changes in atmospheric drag that may impact satellite orbits. Given these risks, it raises the question of whether SpaceX considered these hazards during the deployment of Starlink satellites. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina in Canada, expressed her surprise and confusion at the situation, while McDowell also found it unexpected. A SpaceX media representative mentioned that the team is busy and unable to answer questions. The satellites entering the atmosphere quickly instead of lingering in low-Earth orbit is seen as a positive development and does not pose a threat to people on the ground. Lewis stated that the system performed as expected in terms of safety, with the satellites de-orbiting without putting anything else at risk. Satellites at higher altitudes are generally safe from atmospheric expansion hazards, but those at lower altitudes remain vulnerable. This raises concerns about SpaceX's ability to continue deploying spacecraft at low altitudes. With the sun becoming more active and releasing more extreme ultraviolet radiation, the atmosphere will expand significantly, leading to an expected increase in atmospheric density by one or two orders of magnitude. The recent incident involving the destruction of Starlink satellites represents a significant change compared to previous events. Many astronomers have criticized satellite constellations like Starlink for potentially interfering with telescope research on Earth. Some view this incident as indicative of SpaceX's approach to problems in low-Earth orbit - fixing issues as they arise rather than taking preventative measures. The destruction of these satellites serves as a tough lesson for SpaceX, according to Lewis. Lawler stated that it is up to them to decide what happens next, and he expressed hope that this will make them see things more clearly.

There is growing speculation that Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard may be removed from her position by her party before the end of the year. Senior ministers have come out in support of Gillard following a difficult start to 2012. Defense Minister Stephen Smith and other cabinet ministers have expressed their backing for Gillard, despite media reports suggesting she may face a leadership challenge from Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd. Political analysts now believe it is unlikely that Gillard will lead the party in the next election, scheduled for the second half of 2013, with a potential move against her expected later in the year. Monash University political analyst Nick Economou stated that some MPs are beginning to worry and believe that Gillard may not lead the Labor Party in the next election. The initial major opinion polls for 2012 revealed that government backing was stuck at historically low levels. Online bookmakers Sportsbet announced on Friday that the odds of Rudd reclaiming his position as leader before the year ends had decreased to $1.20 for a $1.00 bet. Smith, speaking from Brussels on Australian television, expressed his strong support for the Prime Minister, commending her performance in challenging circumstances. Climate Change Minister Greg Combet, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, and Regional Affairs Minister Simon Crean have all urged an end to party discord, with Crean stating that Rudd does not work well within a team. Despite being perceived as a lone operator by his Labor colleagues, Rudd maintains popularity among voters, even after being ousted as prime minister due to difficulties in passing reforms. The government faces a dilemma as Prime Minister Gillard relies on support from two independents and the Greens, and any change in leadership could potentially lead to a change of government or an early election. A leadership spill could result in the conservative opposition scrapping a new mining tax and carbon tax set to begin on July 1. Despite rumors, Gillard remains focused on delivering good policy and dismisses media chatter, stating she is focused on her job. Gillard ended 2011 with a strengthened position after gaining support from a disaffected opposition lawmaker who became parliamentary speaker. She has had a difficult start to 2012, losing support from one independent and a staffer due to broken promises and controversial actions. This has left the government with a slim majority in parliament and facing scrutiny over a police investigation. Despite economic challenges, there may be some relief if interest rates are cut as expected. There has been a shift in support away from Gillard, although many Labor lawmakers still have negative feelings towards Rudd. Tingle wrote on Friday that the situation has changed unfavorably for Julia Gillard with a quiet but noticeable threat. Economou mentioned that any action against Gillard would probably not happen until July, coinciding with the implementation of the carbon tax and mining tax. This timeline would give Labor the opportunity to present its budget in May and focus on campaigning for the Queensland state election on March 24, where polls indicate Labor is likely to lose power. Economou warned that the period after the carbon tax is introduced will be crucial, and if there is no improvement by then, Gillard may be forced to step down.

Oscar voters highly appreciate a good drama, but at the Toronto International Film Festival, dramas were less prominent on screen and more of an issue behind the scenes. The festival, known as a significant step towards movie awards, opened with the film "Creation" seeking a US distributor. Many films at the festival lacked distribution, including notable titles such as "Chloe" and "Dorian Gray." Due to audience preferences for escapism and comedies during the recession, distributors are focusing on those genres, leaving serious dramas struggling to secure distribution. According to industry insiders, enthusiasts of quality dramas still exist and the genre itself is not dead. They believe that the problem lies more in marketing and cost rather than creative content. Despite this, creating successful films like "No Country for Old Men" from 2007, which won an Oscar for best film, is challenging. Director Jon Amiel, known for "Creation" which depicts Charles Darwin's struggles with evolution in the 1850s, referred to "drama" as the new undesirable term in Hollywood. He mentioned that even indie distributors are not interested in purchasing movies about deceased, bald Englishmen. Many American films are not being seen by American audiences, as evidenced by the declining box office numbers. Two successful films in the art house market this summer were "The Hurt Locker," which earned $12 million, and "(500) Days of Summer," which earned roughly $29 million. According to entertainment attorney Steven Beer, dramas are considered risky in today's market due to a conservative attitude. Despite challenges in the industry, experts believe that dramas can still attract audiences and generate profits. The key lies in creating a suitable production and marketing strategy that aligns with the current state of the movie industry. Effective marketing often involves grassroots campaigns that cater to specific demographics, such as fans of science and period pieces for films like "Creation." Additionally, production costs need to be reduced to accommodate the decreasing box office revenue and DVD sales, which have been impacted by competition from other forms of entertainment. Despite the difficulties, dramas have always been and will continue to be a challenging but potentially rewarding genre in the film industry. Tom Ortenberg, president of theatrical films at The Weinstein Co., stated that in a challenging economic climate, there is a need for models to change. David Poland, an industry watcher at MovieCityNews.com, pointed out that the decrease in DVD sales has made distributors hesitant to support expensive dramas. Despite this, there is still a demand for the genre. Distributors are now more selective when considering dramas, making it difficult for another breakout film like "Slumdog" at Toronto 2009. Tom Bernard, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, noted that buyers at Toronto are now more cautious than in the past.

Mohsin passed away during treatment at Dhaka's Combined Military Hospital at 9:30am on Monday, as confirmed by Selina Haque, additional secretary to the defence ministry. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed deep sorrow at Mohsin's death and extended her condolences to his family. Mohsin had been admitted to CMH on Jun 2 after testing positive for the coronavirus and was later moved to intensive care where he received plasma therapy as his condition worsened. He was the younger brother of former principal secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury and was promoted to senior secretary on Jun 14 while still in the hospital. Mohsin, born in Cumilla in 1963, earned an MSc in Soil Science from Dhaka University and a MA in Governance Studies from Northern University in Dhaka. He was a member of the 1985 BCS batch and held various positions in the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Prime Minister's Office. Prior to his time at the defence ministry, he served as secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

There were a total of 19 fatalities across multiple states due to the storm. It was the third largest snowfall accumulation in New York City history with 25.1 inches, and also one of the biggest storms in Washington. Thirteen people died in weather-related car accidents in various states, while one person died in Maryland and three in New York City while shoveling snow. Officials in Virginia reported that two individuals died from hypothermia. The storm, which dumped nearly two feet of snow on the Washington area overnight, unexpectedly gained strength as it moved northward towards the New York metropolitan area, where approximately 20 million people reside. The storm was forecasted to continue through the night, with snow accumulations expected to reach between 24 and 28 inches in New York City, northern New Jersey, and western Long Island, accompanied by winds gusting up to 45 mph. The statue of Pierre Charles L'Enfant in Washington was covered in snow during the winter storm on January 23, 2016. Visibility was predicted to be very low, around one-quarter of a mile or less. During a winter storm in Washington on January 23, 2016, the statue of Pierre Charles L'Enfant was covered in snow. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency, along with 10 other state governors, and implemented a travel ban on roads in the New York City area and Long Island. The ban was in effect from Saturday afternoon until Sunday morning, with bridges and tunnels from New Jersey reopening at 7am. Subways, Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North trains stopped running at 4pm due to heavy snowfall, making it difficult for ploughs to clear the roads and railways. The impact of the travel ban on New York's financial services industry over the weekend was considered minimal, and the effect of the heavy snow on Wall Street's reopening on Monday was uncertain. On Broadway, the effect was quickly felt as theaters followed the mayor's recommendation to cancel Saturday performances. The typically busy city of 8.5 million people fell silent, with residents and tourists exploring Manhattan and Central Park covered in snow. Some people skied, others built snowmen, and some engaged in friendly snowball fights. The Washington Monument grounds are snowy during a winter storm in Washington on January 23, 2016, leading to the suspension of public transportation by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. Mayor Muriel Bowser stated at a press conference that while the snow is expected to stop late tonight or early tomorrow morning, the situation remains dangerous. We anticipate that strong winds will persist in the region, leading to poor conditions and visibility. FlightAware.com reported that more than 5,100 flights were canceled on Saturday and over 3,300 on Sunday. United Airlines announced that it would not be operating at Washington-area airports over the weekend, with plans to gradually resume service on Monday. Limited operations are expected to start on Sunday afternoon at Newark, New Jersey, and other New York area airports. The blizzard first hit Washington before moving on to the New York City area, leaving snow outside the White House and covering the city's famous monuments. "We have yet to make snow angels, but we are excited to do so in front of the White House," expressed 38-year-old Robert Bella Hernandez. "We plan on walking around to see the snow-covered landmarks in DC. If it gets too dangerous, we may go back inside for a bit." The highest recorded snowfall in Washington was 28 inches in 1922, with the most recent significant snowfall being 17.8 inches in 2010. The East Coast experienced high winds, with speeds reaching up to 70 mph in Wallops Island, Virginia, causing coastal flooding. National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Gallina reported that the tides were higher than during Hurricane Sandy. In Washington, a man was seen walking near the Washington Monument during a winter storm on January 23, 2016, as reported by Reuters. The storm also affected Baltimore and Philadelphia, with a significant number of customers in North Carolina and New Jersey losing power. The high tides caused by the storm broke records in Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes, Delaware, surpassing those seen during Superstorm Sandy three years prior. Some evacuations were necessary along the New Jersey Shore, where residents had to leave their homes during the destructive storm in 2012. Linda Gilmore, the public information officer for the county, reported that the barrier islands close to Atlantic City were facing notable tidal flooding. The storm originated from the Gulf Coast and brought snow to Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky on Friday. Meteorologists explained that the storm was created when warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean combined with cold air, resulting in a large winter system along the coast.

The October issue of GQ features Paul McCartney, who has traditionally relied on well-known Beatles stories in interviews. However, in his GQ feature, he appeared unscripted, somewhat indecisive, and less concerned with protecting his image than expected. McCartney even shared a memory of the Beatles' youthful sexual escapades, resulting in a bold New York Post headline. This revelation was both enlightening for readers and fans, and humanizing for McCartney, who has been a celebrity for so long he seems more like a statue. It required McCartney to be open and engage in dialogue for such an in-depth profile. Not all high-profile stories require this level of openness, as seen in the September issue of Vogue featuring Beyoncé on the cover. The article accompanying this text is titled "Beyoncé in Her Own Words," which is not a typical profile but rather a collection of brief and only occasionally revealing comments on various topics such as motherhood, family, body acceptance, and touring. Anna Wintour describes the piece in her editor's letter as a "powerful essay" written by Beyoncé herself, suggesting that this is a positive aspect. While there was a journalist present during the process, the article ultimately seems to erase outside perspectives, as indicated by the "as told to" credit at the end. This may not be concerning for Beyoncé fans, but for those interested in celebrity journalism, which typically adds context and depth to the fame economy through the interaction between interviewer and interviewee, this could be seen as a significant issue. It is not a rare occurrence, especially in pop music, for many well-known performers to avoid the press. Taylor Swift has not granted an in-depth interview to a print publication in at least two years, while Drake has done the same for about a year. Frank Ocean has essentially vanished once again. Instead of providing meaningful communication, these artists either remain silent or share one-sided stories through social media. A monologue, rather than a dialogue, is changing the landscape of celebrity press, disrupting the traditional role of in-depth interviews as a tool for both building and maintaining fame. Since the 1960s, celebrities have seen answering questions as a necessary part of their job, a way to explain themselves and their work to the public. This has been evident in iconic moments such as John Lennon discussing the breakup of the Beatles, Tupac Shakur speaking from jail, and Courtney Love's response to Kurt Cobain's death. It used to be enlightening for fans and a source of pride for celebrities, especially when interviews were confrontational. Stars like Ice Cube and Madonna thrived in these situations, showing themselves to be thoughtful, unafraid of challenges, and aware of their public image. However, this was when print media had more influence and the internet and TMZ were not as dominant. With celebrities being constantly monitored in real-time, they became more hesitant. This shift alone may not mean the end of traditional celebrity journalism. The pressure on celebrity journalism from higher-ups may not be as significant as the growing threat from below, where a new generation of celebrities, such as YouTube stars and SoundCloud rappers, are sharing their lives on social media in a rapid and unfiltered manner. This generation values all-access hyper-documentation, making traditional celebrity journalism, which emphasizes behind-the-scenes access, less relevant. An example is rapper Lil Xan, who has recently been involved in various online dramas without waiting for traditional media to catch up. At times, social media posts have replaced traditional tell-all interviews for celebrities. For example, Ariana Grande used Instagram to mourn her ex-boyfriend, Mac Miller, while XXXTentacion responded to sexual assault allegations on his Instagram Story. YouTube star Logan Paul also used his platform to apologize for controversial content. These posts provide one-sided narratives with little scrutiny, making social media a safe space for young celebrities. With the ability to reach a large, targeted audience on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, celebrities no longer rely on traditional media for exposure. This shift has created a challenge for celebrity journalism as the most famous individuals have bypassed it entirely, while newer celebrities deem it irrelevant. As time passes, the middle ground may eventually disappear completely. Additionally, the variety of content being created has expanded, making it challenging for everyday consumers to distinguish between original reporting and aggregated content, as well as content produced by journalistic sources versus brands. This lack of clarity motivates celebrities to move away from traditional media, where they have less control over the final product. With the decline of traditional media, the new media landscape is often seen as a way to correct or divert attention. For example, Selena Gomez is featured on the cover of Elle magazine this month, with a relatively harmless accompanying story. However, when the interview was published online, she responded with a lengthy Instagram post expressing her frustration. She mentioned how difficult it is for her to speak from the heart for over an hour only to have someone else put those thoughts into paid words. As she grows older, she desires for her voice to remain her own. She then went on to list the specific topics she had wanted to discuss in the interview, criticizing the fact that her personal life and church had received more attention. This shift in power dynamics has led to publications, weakened and financially fragile, to resort to finding ways to trade the feeling of control for access to celebrities. This has even resulted in celebrities guest editing special issues of magazines. While Swift was featured on the cover of Harper's Bazaar this year, she actually took on the role of interviewer in the accompanying article, posing questions to rock muse Pattie Boyd. Rihanna also took a unique approach in 2015 by photographing herself for the cover of The Fader, with the help of a professional photographer. This act served as a commentary on the omnipresent nature of fame and the concept of a cover star capturing their own image. If these methods are not feasible, magazines can opt to have a friend of the celebrity conduct the interview instead. In Elle magazine, Jennifer Lawrence interviewed Emma Stone while Blake Lively conducted Gigi Hadid's Harper's Bazaar May cover interview. Katy Perry's March Glamour cover interview was done by Instagram affirmation specialist Cleo Wade. Interview magazine, known for its celebrity conversations, has been recently revived. In the comeback issue, Raf Simons talks with George Condo (with occasional input from a journalist) and Jennifer Jason Leigh converses with Phoebe Cates. The friend involved in the conversation doesn't necessarily have to be a famous person. In the current Rolling Stone feature with the elusive pop star Sia, the writer establishes himself as a close friend of hers. Similarly, New York magazine's recent interview with Soon-Yi Previn, Woody Allen's wife, was conducted by a long-time friend of Allen, sparking criticism on social media. These articles capitalize on the perceived closeness of friendships to provide insight, disregarding the journalistic duty to remain objective. The unspoken agreement in celebrity profiles is that the journalist represents the reader, not the subject. However, in the pursuit of exclusive access, ethical standards are often overlooked. Friendship should not be a requirement before conducting interviews. This approach is unfair to fans, who are deprived of the insights that come from challenging discussions rather than just agreeing with the interviewee. Imagine the valuable conversations that could have taken place with Beyoncé about "Lemonade" or Taylor Swift about "Reputation", benefiting both the curious audience and the interview subjects. Unfortunately, these celebrities have chosen to isolate themselves, missing out on the chance for deeper exploration. It is regrettable that we will never learn about the unasked questions. Copyright 2018 New York Times News Service.

Rafiq, a former captain of the England Under-19s and of Pakistani descent, expressed feeling like an outsider at Yorkshire last year and even considered suicide. Hutton, in his resignation letter, criticized the Yorkshire board and senior management for their unwillingness to acknowledge racism and apologize. He acknowledged the club's failure to address serious allegations of racism and apologized to Rafiq. The author expresses regret that they were unable to convince the executive members of the board to understand the seriousness of the situation and to demonstrate care and regret. The England Cricket Board (ECB) has suspended Yorkshire ECB from hosting international or major matches, but Hutton mentioned that the ECB was hesitant to take action when approached. Hutton stated that when made aware of Azeem Rafiq's accusations, they immediately contacted the ECB for assistance and support in conducting a thorough investigation. Hutton was disappointed when the ECB declined to assist, as they believed it was a significant issue for the sport as a whole. It is known that Hutton has consistently voiced frustration with the ECB's reluctance to take action. The CEO of the ECB, Tom Harrison, stated that the ECB was invited to participate in a Yorkshire panel of inquiry, but had to decline as it goes against their role as a regulator. Harrison disagreed with the suggestion that the ECB had refused to assist in the investigation. The ECB had previously stated that it would ensure Yorkshire was held responsible for their actions and would potentially impose penalties. Rafiq and other top Yorkshire officials have been summoned to testify before a parliamentary DCMS panel on November 16th.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen has declared a state of emergency on his team's World Cup campaign before their match against Denmark. Both teams are in desperate need of a victory after losing their opening games. Le Guen was honest about the team's struggles since the loss to Japan. I prefer people to be highly motivated and aware of the state of emergency. There are rumors of in-fighting among Cameroon's players after a defeat, but captain Samuel Eto'o emphasized that this was not the case. He stated at a press conference on Friday that there has never been any in-fighting in the group and there never will be, as long as he has the support of his teammates, coach, and country. Regardless of the players' mindset, it is certain that coach Le Guen will make changes. He stated that without going into specifics, he plans to substitute three players for their upcoming game. He expressed disappointment in their performance, stating they were not up to their usual standard. He intends to start three new players and make some adjustments. He emphasized that as the coach and team selector, he understands his duties and is open to change. When I notice that things are not going well, I make adjustments. In the game against Japan, I attempted to place the players in their usual positions for their clubs, except for Stephane Mbia. If that strategy doesn't prove successful, I make alterations. This statement appeared to be a direct mention of his past choice to position Eto'o on the right side, a position he played for Inter Milan under Jose Mourinho the previous season. Le Guen has faced significant backlash for this decision, including criticism from Eto'o himself, who stated on French TV channel Canal Plus that his preferred position was in the center. Eto'o stated that he was not attempting to sway his coach's decisions and emphasized that he will follow instructions given to him. He mentioned that Paul Le Guen is responsible for making decisions, and as players representing their country, he will play wherever he is asked to. Le Guen also stressed the importance of the players living up to their Indomitable Lions nickname, indicating that he has his own responsibilities in selecting the team and tactics, but the players must also regain a certain spirit. He mentioned the need for the players to rekindle the spirit of Lions and urged them to rediscover it.

It is an example of the type of deal that has long been made by certain employees of the Kremlin propaganda machine - individuals who valued the stability of their job and the creative challenge, even if they did not agree with the goals of their workplace. Only this month, following President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Likin resigned from his position as the art director for Channel 1, the Russian state television network that plays a significant role in the Kremlin's propaganda efforts. He stated that he was not a politician, but that the invasion meant he was now part of a campaign with a destructive agenda. Likin remarked in a phone interview that in Russia, television is tailored for individuals who are too lazy to seek information from other sources, lacking education or the habit of critical analysis. Putin's actions in Ukraine have prompted some Russians who have long been employed by the government to sever ties with it, indicating a struggle within the Kremlin to maintain full societal support for the war. There have been numerous arrests during protests against the invasion of Ukraine, with tens of thousands fleeing the country. Putin's climate envoy, Anatoly Chubais, resigned on Wednesday, making him the first senior government official to do so since the invasion began on February 24. Several high-profile resignations have also occurred at Russia's state television channels, which play a crucial role in Putin's control over domestic politics. Marina Ovsyannikova, a Channel 1 staff member, made a bold act of protest by interrupting a live news broadcast to display an anti-war poster. Other resignations, like Likin's, have been more quiet, revealing the unrest within Putin's system and highlighting the significant influence of television in shaping public perception of the war. Zhanna Agalakova, a Channel 1 correspondent who recently resigned, described a sense of clinical depression among some of her colleagues who remain. Many individuals who are thinking are feeling guilt and there is no way out, just asking for forgiveness is not sufficient. Russia's national television networks are all under Kremlin's control, even though their influence has decreased with the popularity of YouTube and social media, they are still the main source of news for the public. According to surveys conducted by the Levada Center, approximately two-thirds of Russians relied on state television for news last year, a decrease from 90% in 2014. Throughout the war, state television channels have portrayed a different view of the conflict compared to what is seen in the West, depicting Russians as the heroes who are bringing liberation to Ukrainian lands from neo-Nazis supported by the West. Photographs of dead civilians and destroyed homes are falsely labeled as fake or blamed on Ukrainians shelling themselves. Reports from Mariupol suggest that local residents believe the Ukrainian military is intentionally targeting residential buildings, while others claim nationalists were instructed to destroy the city before retreating. Polls show that many Russians believe the narrative presented by state television, linking the war to longstanding grievances against the West. Despite some journalists leaving their positions, many have chosen to stay and continue promoting Russia's struggle for its existence. Former NTV anchor Liliya Gildeyeva, who quit her job, admitted that she had compromised her values before realizing the extent of her actions once the war began. She stated that when you start to give in to yourself little by little, you may not realize how far you have fallen. The shock of the war has caused a large number of Russians to leave the country in recent weeks, boarding flights to destinations like Turkey and Armenia. While some leaving were journalists and activists escaping potential arrest, many were tech workers and young professionals who no longer saw a future for themselves in Russia. Even some members of Russia's elite have left, with the highest-profile departure being Chubais, the Kremlin's climate envoy, who resigned over the war in Ukraine and left the country. The Kremlin has confirmed that Chubais has resigned. He was viewed as one of the few liberal officials in Putin's government, and his key role in economic reforms in Moscow during the 1990s made him unpopular among many Russians. It remains uncertain whether discontent among some of the elite could have any impact on destabilizing Putin's government. Likin, the former art director of Channel 1, believed that those willing to resign for their principles were a small minority in Russian society. Agalakova, a former correspondent for Channel 1, stated that many of her former colleagues who stayed did not work for a particular idea. "People have obligations to their family, debts to pay, and basic needs to fulfill in order to survive. Those who leave their jobs at state television, especially those who speak out, face an uncertain future. Agalakova, who was a correspondent based in Paris, mentioned that some of her friends stopped talking to her after she resigned. Likin, on the other hand, plans to remain in Russia and continue his career as an architect. He mentioned that he might consider returning to television if there is a shift in its content towards promoting life rather than destroying it. Government-sponsored polls suggest that the majority of Russians support Putin's military actions, although analysts warn that people may not be completely honest in surveys during times of conflict. Agalakova now realizes that years of propaganda on Russian television have paved the way for war, particularly by twisting Russians' memory of their country's sacrifices in World War II to align with the current policies of the Kremlin." Agalakova expressed that the mention of Nazism in Ukraine by the Kremlin triggers immediate reactions from society, but she believes it is a manipulative and deceitful tactic. Due to the spread of propaganda, Russians who are skeptical of television have limited options for reliable news sources. Echo of Moscow radio station and TV Rain independent television channel have been shut down, and access to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram has been blocked by the government. Additionally, journalist Alexander Nevzorov is under criminal investigation for sharing information about the Russian bombing of Mariupol on Instagram. The most recent attempt to instill fear in critics of the war involves a new law that can result in up to 15 years in prison for going against the official narrative of the conflict in Ukraine. According to Denis Volkov from the Levada polling center, the true test of Russian public opinion will come when the economic effects of Western sanctions are felt. Despite this, Volkov believes that the Kremlin's narrative of the situation has been deeply embedded in the minds of television viewers and is unlikely to be changed soon. Many Russians tend to accept news that aligns with the television narrative and dismiss anything that contradicts it, regardless of its truth.

Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine was inaugurated as president on Thursday, promising to tackle corruption, poverty, and political instability in order to regain foreign support for the struggling economy. His swearing-in ceremony was subdued, reflecting the contentious election against Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko and the deep divisions within the country. Despite this, his inauguration marked a comeback from the 2004 Orange Revolution, which had overturned a rigged election in his favor. In his speech to officials, lawmakers, and foreign dignitaries, Yanukovich acknowledged the country's significant challenges, including debt, poverty, corruption, and economic collapse, and expressed confidence in his team's innovative strategy for moving forward. He mentioned the lack of foreign investment in Ukraine, along with its unstable business environment, and emphasized the need to restore political stability, eradicate corruption, and establish clear regulations for the relationship between the government and businesses. These factors are essential for building trust with investors and international financial institutions. Ukraine's economy has suffered due to the global economic downturn, particularly affecting its steel and chemical exports and causing the hryvnia to lose half its value against the dollar in the last 18 months. The country relies on a $16.4 billion International Monetary Fund bailout program, which was paused last year and is expected to resume once stability is restored. The finance ministry announced that an IMF technical mission is scheduled to visit on April 7th. This typically results in a thorough visit from IMF officials, who will then determine whether to resume the program. Yanukovich, a former mechanic supported by wealthy industrialists, had a challenging upbringing in eastern Ukraine and has a criminal record for petty offenses. He is expected to improve relations with Russia, Ukraine's former Soviet ruler, following a period of estrangement during Viktor Yushchenko's pro-Western leadership. Yanukovich has suggested potential compromises with Moscow regarding the Black Sea fleet in Crimea and has proposed a consortium involving Russia to manage Ukraine's gas pipelines. However, he aims to renegotiate a decade-old gas supply agreement negotiated by Tymoshenko and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He also mentioned his intention to pursue a well-rounded foreign policy and has made a commitment to strengthening relationships with the European Union. During his speech on Thursday, he emphasized his willingness to maintain positive and beneficial connections with Russia, the EU, and the United States, aiming to achieve the best outcomes for Ukraine. His website later confirmed his upcoming visit to Brussels, scheduled for Monday, as well as his plans to visit Moscow in early March, according to his Regions Party. Yanukovich won the election by defeating Prime Minister Tymoshenko with a 3.5 percentage point lead, although he only garnered the support of one-third of the 37 million eligible voters. The voting results showed a clear divide between Russian-speaking voters in the east and south who supported Yanukovich, and Ukrainian-speaking voters in the west and center who voted for Tymoshenko. Tymoshenko recently gave up her legal challenge to Yanukovich's election, but she still believes he was not rightfully elected. She and most of her parliamentary bloc boycotted the ceremony, casting doubt on the legitimacy of Yanukovich's presidency. Despite Yanukovich's call for a competent executive power, Tymoshenko is refusing to step down as prime minister, leading to ongoing political tension in the short-term. She is working to rally her allies in parliament, while Yanukovich's party is trying to weaken her coalition and form a new one. Creating a coalition involves difficult negotiations and may take a long time. If Yanukovich is unable to form a new coalition, he will have no choice but to hold new parliamentary elections, adding to the ongoing uncertainty.

The rebranding of India's technology hub and other cities coincided with Karnataka's 59th formation day. An official stated that the state government had officially announced that Bangalore and 11 other cities in the state would be pronounced and spelled in Kannada starting from November 1, following approval from the central government to rename them in the local language. Bangalore, being the fifth largest city in the country, has gained global recognition over the past decade due to its successful IT industry, talented workforce, pleasant climate, and diverse culture. Other well-known cities like Mysore will now be known as Mysuru, Mangalore as Mangaluru, Belgaum as Belagavi, Bellary as Ballari, Hubli as Hubballi, and Gulbarga as Kalaburgi. The remaining five cities will also undergo name changes. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed pride in being able to officially use Kannada names for these cities and announced plans to rename other cities in the state in the future. Despite the changes, many citizens still use the English versions of the city names in conversation. We have no other option but to follow and adapt to it. The term "Bangalored" was first used by US Secretary of State John Kerry in the lead up to the 2008 presidential election to highlight the impact of Indian software firms taking American tech jobs through outsourcing. Renaming cities and states is not uncommon, as seen in Maharashtra changing Bombay to Mumbai, Madras to Chennai, Calcutta to Kolkata, and others. Karnataka also joined in this trend in 2006 to honor the state's 50th anniversary and respect the sentiments of its people. During the previous BJP administration, the state legislature also approved it. On Monday, the state government will instruct corporations, departments, and institutions to update their nameplates and stationery accordingly. Chief Secretary Kaushik Mukherjee stated that private companies or organizations will not be required to change their registered names if they reference any of the 12 cities.

Officials announced that Southern African leaders will convene an emergency meeting in Swaziland's capital Mbabane on Wednesday to address the crisis in Zimbabwe. Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has called on the United Nations to isolate President Robert Mugabe and deploy a peacekeeping force in the country. Despite the U.N. Security Council's recent condemnation of violence against the opposition and declaration that a free and fair presidential election on Friday was not possible, Mugabe remains defiant. The meeting in Mbabane, organized by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), comes as international pressure mounts on Mugabe to find a solution to Zimbabwe's political and economic challenges. Tanzania, Angola, and Swaziland's leaders will participate in the meeting as part of the SADC's troika organ on politics, defense, and security. The statement mentioned that the current SADC chairman, President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia, and the SADC mediator for Zimbabwe, President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, have been invited to attend the meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss how the SADC and its troika organ on politics, defense, and security can assist Zimbabwe in resolving its current state of conflict. Tsvangirai, who has sought refuge in the Dutch embassy in Harare after withdrawing from the election, expressed concern that Zimbabwe would face further challenges if the international community did not intervene. He called for the United Nations to take stronger action, including isolating dictator Mugabe and deploying a force to protect the people. "We do not desire armed conflict, but the citizens of Zimbabwe require global leaders to not only speak out against the situation, but to also consider using military force for moral reasons," stated Tsvangirai. He emphasized that such force would be used for peacekeeping purposes, to protect the people and uphold the democratic process that Zimbabwe longs for. Pressure on Mugabe has been mounting from both within and outside of Africa due to the political and economic crisis in Zimbabwe, which is largely attributed to the 84-year-old president who has been in power for 28 years. The United States has called on SADC to denounce both the election and Mugabe's government as illegitimate. According to Angola's state-run ANGOP news agency, SADC executive secretary Tomaz Salomao stated that foreign ministers agreed at a meeting on Monday that there was a "climate of extreme violence" in Zimbabwe and that the government needed to protect the people. The intended run-off election between Mugabe and Tsvangirai was scheduled for Friday. Tsvangirai, who won the first round in March, did not secure an outright victory according to official figures. In March, Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change also won a parallel parliamentary election, marking the first defeat for Mugabe's ZANU-PF party since independence from Britain in 1980. Following Tsvangirai's withdrawal, Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and the leader of South Africa's ruling African National Congress both called for the postponement of Friday's election. Zuma, considered one of the most powerful figures in South Africa alongside Mbeki, has urged the United Nations and SADC to intervene urgently in the situation in Zimbabwe, which he believes has spiraled out of control. While Mbeki's approach has been one of "quiet diplomacy" with Mugabe and has resisted using South Africa's economic influence over Zimbabwe, Zuma, who replaced Mbeki as ANC leader, has been more vocal in his criticism of Mugabe. Despite the pressure from the West, Mugabe remains defiant and insists that the election scheduled for Friday will proceed as planned. "Mugabe stated that elections will proceed as planned. Those who wish to acknowledge our authority may do so, while those who do not should abstain," said Mugabe. Mugabe has overseen a decline into economic turmoil, with figures such as 80 percent unemployment and the world's highest inflation rate of at least 165,000 percent. He attributes his country's economic difficulties to Western sanctions.

The Socialist government was warned that the European football tournament in France starting on June 10 could face disruptions if the government did not change its stance. Many workers responded to the union's call for protests by halting work at various facilities and setting up roadblocks at ports and distribution hubs. Prime Minister Manuel Valls stated that the government would not retract the law, despite the protests, but suggested that there could be some adjustments to the reforms. The CFDT trade union supported Valls' position. The protests, sparked by labor reforms, were seen as a test of the opposition's strength led by the CGT union. Scores of participants from a youth protest movement known as Nuit Debout joined the street marches, which were organized to express dissent. Police were present to prevent potential violence, as there have been numerous incidents of clashes between police and protesters in recent demonstrations. Union leaders, including CGT chief Philippe Martinez and FO leader Jean-Claude Mailly, expressed their willingness to disrupt the Euro 2016 football contest as a form of protest against the government's policies. Despite calls for changes to the controversial labor law, Prime Minister Valls remained firm in his stance and refused to make any significant alterations. The SNCF national train company reported that around two-thirds of national, regional, and local rail services were operational, indicating that the railworker strikes were having a lesser impact compared to the previous week. Following police action to remove blockades at refineries and fuel distribution centers, Prime Minister Valls stated that 20-30 percent of fuel stations were experiencing shortages. Transport Minister Alain Vidalies stated that the situation had improved, with fuel deliveries from depots to gas stations increasing. The number of fuel stations with shortages decreased from 140 on Wednesday to 83 on Thursday in the Loire-Atlantique region of western France. The French nuclear power capacity was reduced by five gigawatts due to stoppages, which is approximately six percent of the total production capacity of the country. While experts in the power industry believe that the strike at the nuclear plant will not lead to major blackouts because of legal restrictions on strike actions and power imports from other countries, the strike typically increases operating costs for the EDF power utility. Additionally, dockers striking at the southern port of Marseille resulted in an increase in the number of ships waiting at sea to offload oil, gas, and chemicals from five to 21, according to the port authority. A protest over pension reform in 2010 ended after police dispersed pickets at supply depots and railworkers faced stoppages affecting their paychecks. Total SA, a major oil company, has reported that most of its fuel distribution depots are operational, with only one not functioning. However, it has also stated that two out of its five refineries in France are currently not operational, and two more are expected to stop in the near future. The CGT union is facing a more isolated fight this time, as Laurent Berger of the CFDT union, who supports the proposed labor reform, has expressed concern about the intense political and industrial tensions, urging for a more peaceful resolution.

Manchester United is looking to add one more player for the upcoming season, but they do not intend to make significant changes to their squad despite losing the Premier League title, according to manager Alex Ferguson's statement on Tuesday. He mentioned that there might be just one signing during a news conference.

The Embassy believes that Tarique is responsible for severe political corruption that has negatively impacted US national interests, specifically in terms of democratic institutions and foreign assistance goals. However, they do not want to impose a ban on Tarique's wife, daughter, or mother, who is a former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The cable provided background information to support their recommendation, highlighting Bangladesh's history of systemic corruption and the current government's efforts to combat it. Doubts about the Government's ability to hold corrupt leaders accountable are widespread. Concerns about corruption are still prominent, leading to a lack of trust that hinders private sector investment and undermines public confidence in a democratic future. A cable referred to Tarique Rahman as the feared son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, detailing his release on bail and departure to the UK for medical treatment. The cable condemned Tarique for his involvement in bribery and corruption, labeling him as a symbol of corrupt government and violent politics in Bangladesh. Despite facing multiple charges including corruption, extortion, bribery, embezzlement, and tax evasion, he was still released. Having strong political connections that extend to the highest court in the country, Tarique was able to influence the legal system and thwart the efforts of the Caretaker Government to prevent his release on bail. It is believed that Tarique possesses multiple passports, one of which was granted a visa by the UK in September. Another passport holds a five-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visa issued in May 2005, which is suspected to be in the possession of the government. Reports suggest that Tarique has amassed a significant amount of illicit wealth amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. He is facing multiple extortion charges based on the testimony of several well-known business owners whom he exploited. For example, in one instance, it is alleged that Tarique threatened to shut down Al Amin Construction unless he was paid $150,000. Other business leaders, such as Mohammad Aftab Uddin Khan of Reza Construction, Ltd, Mir Zahir Hossain of Mir Akhter Hossain Ltd., and Harun Ferdousi, have also accused him of engaging in a pattern of extortion involving millions of dollars. In addition to extortion charges, he is also facing accusations of hiding illegal wealth and tax evasion. Tarique's corrupt activities extended beyond extorting local companies. The ACC has discovered evidence of bribery in various cases involving both foreign and local companies and individuals. For example, a witness revealed that Siemens paid Tarique and his brother Koko a two percent bribe on all deals in Bangladesh, while the Harbin Company reportedly paid Tarique 750,000 USD to open a plant. Monem Construction also allegedly paid Tarique 450,000 USD to secure contracts. The DOJ Asset Forfeiture and FBI are currently investigating the Siemens case, while ACC sources are looking into the Harbin Company and Monem Construction cases. The ACC has evidence linking Tarique to accepting a 210 million taka bribe in the Kabir Murder Case, in which he promised to clear Sanvir Sobhan of charges related to the killing of Humayun Kabir, a director of the Bashundura Group. In addition to bribery and extortion, the ACC's investigation revealed that Tarique was also involved in an elaborate embezzlement scheme. With the assistance of multiple accomplices, Tarique managed to steal 20 million taka (300,000 USD) from the Zia Orphanage Trust fund. An ACC source revealed that Tarique, a co-signer on the trust fund account, utilized the funds for a land purchase in his hometown and also issued signed checks from the orphanage fund accounts to BNP party members during their 2006 election campaigns. Tarique's unethical actions have negatively impacted US interests outlined in the Proclamation, as they have undermined public trust in the government and destabilized democratic institutions. Tarique's defiance of the rule of law poses a significant threat to US financial assistance objectives aimed at reforming legal systems, enhancing good governance, and preventing judicial misconduct. His involvement in bribery, embezzlement, and corrupt practices has negatively impacted US businesses, leading to missed opportunities. Additionally, his misappropriation of public funds has destabilized political conditions in Bangladesh, hindering efforts to establish a stable democratic government in the region. Tarique's corruption has also jeopardized the achievement of specific goals outlined by the US Embassy in Dhaka, including democratization, development, and counterterrorism efforts. Tarique's extremely corrupt behavior puts all three at risk. His involvement in embezzlement, extortion, and interference in the legal system undermines the rule of law and poses a threat to the US objective of a stable, democratic Bangladesh. The corrupt environment he created has hindered US efforts to promote economic development by deterring foreign investment and complicating the operations of American companies. Additionally, his blatant disregard for the law has created an environment for terrorists to thrive, worsened poverty, and weakened democratic institutions in Bangladesh. In essence, many of Bangladesh's issues can be attributed to Tarique and his associates. The cable concludes by stating that applying a 212(f) finding to Tarique Rahman aligns with the US's firm stance against corruption in Bangladesh. The Embassy suggests that Tarique Rahman should be considered subject to Presidential Proclamation 7750 for his involvement in public official corruption as outlined in Section 1, Paragraph (c) of the Proclamation. Six years later, significant changes have occurred.

Egyptians will participate in a referendum on Saturday to vote on constitutional changes aimed at enabling free and fair elections. The reform movement that ousted Hosni Mubarak is divided over the amendments, with some calling for more extensive changes and others believing the amendments are sufficient for now. The Muslim Brotherhood supports the amendments, while secular groups and prominent reform advocates like Mohamed ElBaradei and Amr Moussa are against them. The military council, which took power from Mubarak, hopes the amendments will pass so that it can continue its plan for parliamentary and presidential elections. Ahmed Saleh, an activist currently leading ElBaradei's presidential campaign, described the upcoming vote as a significant moment. He emphasized that there is a strong desire among the people to participate in the election and that change is on the horizon. The military council, which took over power from Mubarak on Feb. 11, is encouraging a high voter turnout for the referendum. The council stated that the main objective of the referendum is to create a favorable environment for future parliamentary and presidential elections. They stressed the importance of Egyptian citizens voicing their opinions and participating in the process. The council has tasked a judicial committee with drafting amendments that include a two-term limit for the presidency, limiting the leader's time in office to eight years, in contrast to Mubarak's three decades in power. Rejecting the amendments will require the council to reconsider its strategy and extend a transitional period that it aims to keep as brief as possible. However, the proposed reforms do not meet the expectations of reformists who seek a complete overhaul of the constitution. Youth groups who led protests against Mubarak view the amendments as an attempt to undermine the revolution. There are concerns about the tight timeline set by the military for elections, as it may not allow enough time for political parties to recover from years of suppression, potentially benefiting the Muslim Brotherhood and remnants of Mubarak's regime. General Ismail Etman of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces stated that amending the constitution is the most practical, though not the ideal, solution. He stated in an interview with Al Gomhuria newspaper that the approval of the amendments would result in the introduction of new laws that would promote political openness, including the removal of restrictions on the formation of political parties. The debate on how to vote has been widely discussed in newspapers, television stations, and social networking sites. The "No" campaign continued its efforts on Friday with a full-page advertisement in Al Masry Al Youm, a popular Egyptian newspaper. The objection raised by the campaign included concerns about making a historic decision without sufficient time or information, along with endorsements from actors, politicians, religious figures, and businessmen urging voters to reject the amendments. A Muslim Brotherhood leader expressed a different perspective on the constitutional amendments on the following page, stating that supporting them is a crucial step towards meeting the demands of the revolution. He also noted that those who oppose the amendments have not proposed a clear alternative. With up to 45 million eligible voters out of Egypt's population of 80 million, a high turnout is anticipated from voters who have experienced past elections tainted by violence and fraud during Mubarak's rule. One voter, Ahmed Adel, emphasized the importance of his vote in the upcoming election and stated his intention to vote for the amendments in order to help steer his country back on the right path. He emphasized the need for a parliament and president to be established promptly. Activist Ziad el-Elemi expressed a differing opinion, stating that workshops are being held nationwide to educate citizens on the insufficiency of constitutional amendments.

According to experts, if Barack Obama were a corporate CEO, he would be receiving praise for his management style due to his steady hand and calm demeanor, earning him the nickname "No Drama Obama." Management experts believe that business leaders could benefit from learning from his clear value system and consistent follow-through on his promises. Paul Reagan, a management consultant and senior lecturer at Wayne State University, describes Obama's approach as masterful and notes that his credibility is so high that many already view him as a corporate leader. Paul Copcutt, a personal brand strategist from Dundas, Ontario, pointed out that one aspect of Obama's leadership style that business leaders may not share is his keen awareness of his strengths and weaknesses. This awareness is demonstrated in his choice of cabinet members, where he has selected individuals with expertise or experience that he lacks. Copcutt emphasized the importance of focusing on one's strengths as a leader and delegating tasks that are not within one's expertise. Obama's cabinet choices, which include individuals like Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates, reflect his effort to build a coalition with differing voices, according to Reagan. Chief executives often create a close-knit group of advisors who may not provide all the necessary perspectives for effective leadership within an organization. The effectiveness of President Obama's leadership skills is still uncertain, as he has only appointed key cabinet members and called for swift action on an economic stimulus plan. Harvard Business School professor Nancy Koehn believes that the true test of his leadership will come once he assumes the presidency on January 20th. Reagan warned that a management style like Obama's, which appeals to various groups, could lead to widespread disappointment if change is not delivered as promised. Koehn suggested that executives could learn from Obama's handling of challenges during his presidential campaign, using emotional competence to navigate difficult situations in today's uncertain financial environment. She emphasized the importance of business leaders being aware of the aspects of their people and organization that go beyond tangible resources, head count, market, and customers. CEO coach Deb Dib points out a list of qualities she observes in Obama, such as caring, confident, consistent, commanding, calm, and more. These are traits she aims to instill in business executives. Dib emphasizes that effective CEOs typically possess most, if not all, of these attributes. She believes there is valuable lessons to be learned from Obama, regardless of political affiliations.

The conservative state, which is one of the few EU members that does not allow marriage or civil partnerships for same sex couples, is considering changing the constitutional definition of marriage to specify it as only between a man and a woman. Supporters of this proposal, such as the Orthodox Church and almost all parliamentary parties, believe this change is necessary to prevent gay couples from marrying in the future. However, numerous human rights groups are urging people to boycott the vote, warning that approving this change could lead to further erosion of minority rights and push Romania towards a populist, authoritarian direction. A recent poll showed that 90 percent of those surveyed are in favor of the change, and a group called the Coalition for the Family collected 3 million signatures to push for the amendment. The previous year, the lower house of parliament voted in favor of the referendum, which was followed by the senate in September, marking the final stage needed for approval. Some Coalition campaign posters encouraged people to vote "Yes" in order to protect family values and prevent gay couples from adopting children. Conversely, a different advertisement suggested that voting "No" would allow a man to marry a tree. The leader of the ruling Social Democrat Party (PSD), Liviu Dragnea, expressed concerns about potential consequences, citing examples of other countries legalizing marriage between a man and an animal. Days prior to the vote, the government relaxed anti-fraud monitoring and limited opportunities to challenge the outcome, while the broadcasting regulator removed the deadline for campaigning. The independent think tank Expert Forum (EFOR) stated that there are no effective ways to verify fraud in the referendum, which has led to a lack of trust in the fairness of the process. Some critics believe the ruling party, PSD, is using the vote to distract from its leader's legal issues and conflicts with the European Commission. Former Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos accused the government of trying to create anti-European sentiment in Romania. The government denies these accusations, while the Orthodox Church has endorsed a "Yes" vote as being Christian, democratic, and patriotic. Romania legalized homosexuality in 2001, much later than its neighboring countries, and discrimination against the LGBT community is common. Photo title: Romania 1+2 Caption: Romanian religious leaders participate in a demonstration in favor of a "Yes" vote on the forthcoming referendum, which suggests amending the constitution to prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages in the future, in Draganesti, Romania, on Oct 4, 2018. REUTERS.

Last week, the United States accused China of increasing tensions in the South China Sea by potentially deploying surface-to-air missiles on a disputed island. China has not confirmed or denied this accusation. When asked if the South China Sea and the missiles would be discussed during Wang's visit to meet Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying stated that the US should not use the issue of military facilities on the islands as a reason to cause controversy. Hua emphasized that the South China Sea dispute should not be a problem between China and the United States. US State Department spokesman Mark Toner stated that the US will urge China to deescalate and cease militarization in the area, as militarization only heightens tensions. Toner also stressed the importance of having a diplomatic mechanism in place to peacefully resolve territorial disputes. Wang is scheduled to meet with Kerry on Tuesday to discuss various topics including the international response to North Korea's recent nuclear test and rocket launch, cyber security, and climate change, as stated by Toner during a news briefing. China hopes that the US will uphold its promises to remain neutral in the dispute and refrain from escalating the issue and tensions, particularly regarding China's "limited" military presence in the area. Hua noted that China's deployment of defensive facilities on its own territory is similar to the United States defending Hawaii. She also mentioned that the increase in regional tensions is due to US ships and aircraft conducting frequent, close-in patrols and surveillance in the region in recent years. The main reason for the militarization of the South China Sea is highlighted here. It is hoped that the United States will not mix up right and wrong or apply double standards in this matter. Australia and other nations are being encouraged to carry out "freedom-of-navigation" naval operations near disputed islands in the South China Sea, following the lead of the US. China asserts control over most of the South China Sea, a crucial waterway for global trade worth over $5 trillion annually, while Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan also have competing claims. Beijing has caused concern with its construction and reclamation projects on the islands it controls, claiming they are primarily for civilian purposes. China Southern Power Grid Company, a state-owned company, will establish a power grid management station in Sansha City on Woody Island in the Paracels, connected to microgrids on 16 other islands. This station will eventually be able to remotely control power for multiple islands, although the specific islands were not named. Wang will be in the US from Tuesday to Thursday, and is expected to discuss North Korea as well as China's opposition to the potential US deployment of an advanced missile defense system after North Korea's recent rocket launch.

The Norwegian Ambassador, Sidsel Bleken, mentioned that they frequently talk to the government about the challenges that their businesses face in Bangladesh. She expressed that getting approval is a slow and complicated process. Bleken emphasized the importance of having more Norwegian companies investing in Bangladesh and highlighted the significance of an easy business environment. She shared that the questions the embassy receives from Norwegian companies are mainly about the business climate. The Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Kazi M Aminul Islam, believes that as the investment climate improves, more companies will come to take advantage of the huge market and opportunities in Bangladesh. He recently met with Norwegian companies such as Grameenphone, Jotun Group, Sactec Solar, Bergen Engines, and Poly ConCrete to address their concerns and encouraged them to communicate any issues they may have. He mentioned that they hold weekly meetings to resolve any issues that arise. He stated that there are no pending cases and expressed his strong support for improving the ease of doing business. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, discussed his experiences as a news publisher, noting similarities with foreign companies. Bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Norway are reportedly positive, with Norway establishing diplomatic relations with Bangladesh shortly after its independence in 1972. Norway's involvement in Bangladesh has historically focused on development cooperation. However, as Bangladesh's economy has grown over time, there has been a shift from aid to a greater focus on trade and business. The leading Norwegian company in Bangladesh is Telenor, which holds a majority stake in Grameenphone, the largest mobile operator in the country with over 70 million customers. The Varner group is a key player in the textile industry, while Norwegian software company Cefalo has established its own office in Dhaka. Bergen Engines (Rolls Royce Power Systems) has also expanded its business operations in the country. The company is involved in multiple new power plant initiatives and operates a local office in Dhaka with 20 staff members. Other Norwegian firms in Bangladesh include Jotun Group, Poly Concrete, FireSafe, and Hexagon. Scatec Solar is also active in Bangladesh. In 2017, Bangladesh exported NOK 2.2 billion worth of goods to Norway, primarily clothing, and imported NOK 286 million worth of machinery and finished products. Additionally, political ties between the two nations have strengthened in recent times. Foreign Minister Børge Brende made a historic visit to Bangladesh in February 2017, becoming the first Norwegian Foreign Minister to do so. The ambassador noted that regular business dialogues are held, with a recent discussion focusing on repatriation of dividends and other issues related to facilitating business operations. While laws may be in place, there is a need for professional institutions to effectively implement them, highlighting the importance of institutional strengthening. Foreign investors typically adhere to a country's regulations when sending profits back home. Similar to other nations, Bangladesh has established policies regarding repatriation and foreign exchange regulations overseen by the central bank, Bangladesh Bank. Various procedures are in place for different forms of repatriation, with entrepreneurs often relying on foreign consultants for specialized knowledge and skills. These consultants must be paid in foreign currency, requiring recipients to remit their earnings accordingly. However, officials from Norwegian companies have expressed difficulties navigating the complexities of both inbound and outbound financial transactions in Bangladesh. "It is difficult for a new company," stated one official. "According to Bangladesh's laws, consultancy payments must be determined based on revenue earnings. How can a new company without any previous revenue make foreign payments for necessary technology consultants?" Another official remarked that the approval process is overly bureaucratic. The challenges faced in repatriating dividends, as permitted by law, are immense. Inward funds are meant to be unrestricted, and outward funds from investment profits should flow freely as well. However, our experiences have not been positive." Grameenphone CEO Michael Foley emphasized the importance of the rule of law in creating a favorable environment for businesses operating in foreign markets during an event attended by bdnews24.com. He expressed concern over authorities exercising discretion in the absence of clear laws on certain issues, calling it incorrect. Foley also mentioned the challenges posed by Grameenphone's significant market power status, which he believed contradicted the competition law of 2012. Despite these challenges, he stated that they are managing the situation. "We are happy to operate in this country, but it is crucial to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that it is made easier for people to do business here," stated Khalidi. He expressed support for BIDA's efforts to attract foreign investments, emphasizing the current challenges in obtaining them. Khalidi, the editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com, called on the government to address these longstanding issues, noting that they have been discussed for many years, including in editorials he wrote in the 1990s focusing on investment facilitation. "Bureaucrats need to alter their mindset."

Kumar Sangakkara, the captain of Sri Lanka, is emphasizing the importance of "mental strength and fortitude" for his team at the Twenty20 World Cup, especially after the traumatic incident in Lahore earlier this year. He acknowledged that there is never a 100 percent guarantee of safety, but stressed the need for his team to focus on playing cricket and moving forward. Sangakkara highlighted the global security concerns faced by all teams, and expressed satisfaction with the security measures put in place for his team so far. Six members of the Sri Lanka team, including Sangakkara, were injured when gunmen attacked their team bus on the way to the Gaddafi Stadium for the second test against Pakistan in March. Six Pakistani policemen and the bus driver carrying match officials were killed in the incident. The Sri Lanka team is now working closely with a national police intelligence cell to ensure security for the upcoming World Cup in England, which begins on Friday. The World Twenty20 tournament director, Steve Elworthy, who also held the same role during the 2007 World Twenty20 in South Africa, noted that security measures have significantly increased since the Lahore incident. Elworthy informed Reuters that the situation has shifted significantly, creating a new landscape. The incident highlighted the risks for cricketers and officials, prompting a reassessment of the security plan which was already in place. Tournament organisers and the ICC are confident in the measures taken to ensure player safety, such as police convoys and dedicated security staff for each team. Elworthy explained that he was unable to disclose the specific information regarding team security. John Evans, the former chief constable of Devon and Cornwall in south-west England, is in charge of security for the event and has also provided advice to the Football Association on security issues. Reg Dickason, the head of security for the England team, as well as independent security consultants from the ICC, are also involved. Despite the heightened security measures, Sangakkara mentioned that his team has not been distracted from cricket and that the tournament feels like any other, thanks to the efforts to keep everything discreet. "We have the chance to focus solely on cricket, which is quite enjoyable."

The purchase of a greenhouse in Exeter three years ago was expected to bring high-paying jobs and establish the community as a major player in Canada's legal marijuana industry. However, before any jobs were filled or marijuana seeds were planted, it became clear that Canada was already producing more marijuana than the market demanded. After sitting empty for two years, the 1-million-square-foot greenhouse was sold last year for a fraction of its original price. The disappointment felt in Exeter over the failed venture reflects the challenges faced by the legal pot industry in Canada as a whole, with analysts attributing the lack of success to the strict regulations on distribution that limit advertising and marketing opportunities. The slow opening of stores in certain provinces, especially Ontario, is a contributing factor. Additionally, surveys have shown that a lot of Canadians are not inclined to try out a new habit. The mayor, George Finch, expressed disappointment outside Exeter's Town Hall, stating, "We were excited about it. It seemed almost too good to be true, right? It's unfortunate." When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government legalized marijuana in 2018, the main aim was to promote a fairer justice system rather than creating a significant new industry. However, investors had a different perspective, leading to a "green rush" on the Toronto Stock Exchange as money flooded into companies seeking to capitalize on the Canadian market and potential opportunities in the US. This resulted in old greenhouses being renovated and sold at high prices, like the one in Exeter, and new indoor growing facilities springing up nationwide. Newspapers, which had been reducing staff, began hiring journalists to cover the emerging marijuana industry. Similar to the rise and fall of plastics in the film "The Graduate," marijuana was anticipated to be Canada's next big industry. The investment frenzy mirrored the dot-com stock boom of the late 1990s, ultimately leading to a similar crash. Despite a slight rebound due to increasing legalisation in the United States, with New York recently legalising marijuana and four states voting in favour of legalisation in November, one marijuana stock index remains significantly down from its peak in 2018. Even 2 1/2 years after legalisation, many marijuana producers in Canada are still experiencing substantial financial losses. A significant new rival is on the horizon; Mexico recently passed a law allowing recreational marijuana use. This could make the competition even tougher for Canada's cannabis growers. Kyle Murray, vice dean at the University of Alberta School of Business in Edmonton, predicts there may be some difficult times ahead for the industry, comparing it to the dot-com boom and subsequent crash. Canopy Growth, Canada's biggest producer, reported a loss of CA$1.2 billion in the first nine months of its current operating year. There have been widespread layoffs in the industry, leading to large producers merging to increase their strength through size. Many greenhouses in various provinces have permanently shut down. Analysts had high hopes for the marijuana industry in Canada, expecting sales to skyrocket like liquor sales did in the US after Prohibition ended. However, this expectation has not been met, as Brendan Kennedy, the CEO of Tilray, a major grower in British Columbia, stated that the industry has not progressed as quickly as anticipated. Tilray reported a loss of $272 million last year. One of the difficulties in competing with the black market is the strict regulations in place. Kennedy is one of the few remaining leaders in Canada's marijuana industry as many others have faced losses and been ousted. A merger between Tilray and Aphria is set to create the largest cannabis company globally, with Kennedy continuing on as a director. In Ontario, the initial plan was to sell marijuana through government-owned liquor stores, but this was scrapped by the new Conservative government, leaving only online sales as an option. The province's plans have changed twice since then, resulting in a somewhat inconsistent rollout of privately owned shops. Despite a recent increase in licensing, Ontario has only approved 575 shops, while Alberta, with one-third of Ontario's population, has 583 shops. Although initial hopes for marijuana revenue were overly optimistic, Murray believes a successful business will eventually emerge, as indicated by the growing number of Ontario shops. The fact that prices have decreased closer to street prices should also boost legal sales. Murray acknowledged that the poor start does not necessarily indicate a bad market, attributing the initial struggles to an influx of money and companies. Despite this, he believes that some companies will eventually find long-term success and potentially become global leaders. One positive development has been the growth of legal marijuana sales in British Columbia, which saw a 24% increase from June to October 2020, particularly notable considering the province's history as a hub for illegal marijuana production. The government-owned cannabis store operator in Quebec, Société Québécoise du Cannabis, initially lost nearly CA$5 million in its first fiscal year, but has since turned a profit. Despite disappointment from larger growers in Canada, some are looking towards foreign markets, especially for medical marijuana, as a potential opportunity. However, many analysts are doubtful of this strategy. Brent McKnight, a professor at McMaster University, believes Mexico's recent strides towards creating a legal marijuana market could pose a threat to Canadian growers. Trade agreements may prevent Canada from stopping imports from Mexico, and Mexico's lower labor costs and warmer climate could give them a competitive edge. He stated that this would definitely lower prices for local growers, and there are concerns about smaller businesses losing out as larger publicly traded companies take over the industry. Even before marijuana was legalized, some shops were already selling to medical users under the guise of nonprofit compassion clubs. The current focus on profits and large corporate growers has marginalized minority groups in the industry, according to Dr. Daniel Werb, a researcher at St Michael's Hospital in Toronto. Research has shown a lack of diversity in the leadership of the new legal suppliers. Vendors in Indigenous communities have also been left in a state of uncertainty, not typically targeted by police raids but operating outside of the legal framework. Ontario has started licensing shops in some of these communities, but there is still a lack of diversity and creativity in the industry, according to Werb. He believes there was a missed opportunity to approach this industry in a more innovative way.

Ugandan police discovered an unexploded suicide belt and arrested several individuals following two bomb attacks that resulted in the death of 74 soccer fans watching the World Cup final on television. The Somali Islamists, who are associated with al Qaeda, claimed responsibility for the attacks. The opposition in Uganda has called for the withdrawal of the country's peacekeepers from Somalia in response to the bombings. The unexploded suicide belt was found in a different location in the capital city of Kampala, the day after the explosions occurred in two bars filled with soccer fans. According to government spokesman Fred Opolot, arrests were made after the discovery of the unexploded suicide belt in the Makindye area. He did not provide details on the number or origin of those arrested. Coordinated attacks similar to this have been a common tactic of al Qaeda and groups associated with Osama bin Laden's network. The al Shabaab militants have threatened additional attacks unless Uganda and Burundi removed their peacekeepers from AMISOM in Somalia. The opposition FDC party in Uganda has called for President Museveni to withdraw troops from Somalia, stating that there is no peace to maintain and Uganda has no strategic interest in the country. FDC spokesman Wafula Oguttu told Reuters that they are sacrificing their children for no reason and their goal is to withdraw troops after gaining power. AMISOM stated that the explosions will not impact their mission in Somalia, where they protect the presidential palace and secure Mogadishu's airport and port. The FBI is investigating the coordinated blasts, which mark the first time al Shabaab has extended its violent efforts for power internationally. Analysts warn that the group's threats should be taken seriously, as they have shown the intent and capability to launch attacks abroad. Foreign direct investment in the third largest economy in East Africa has increased significantly due to oil exploration near the border with the Democratic Republic of Congo. Analysts believe that a continuous bombing campaign would harm Uganda's investment environment, but a single attack is unlikely to deter major companies like Tullow Oil from investing. An American was among those killed, and the United States has offered assistance with the investigation, with three FBI agents currently collecting evidence on the ground and another team ready to be deployed if needed. Opolot stated that there was no indication that the African Union summit scheduled to be held in Uganda this month would be called off in light of the bombings.