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Rival Premier League managers Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger showed their support for Kevin Keegan and Alan Curbishley, who both resigned from their positions on points of principle two weeks ago. Keegan left Newcastle due to interference from directors, while Curbishley left West Ham, claiming the board undermined him over transfers. Ferguson praised both men for standing up for their principles at a League Managers Association dinner at Wembley Stadium, stating that they resigned because they were no longer in control of their teams. He mentioned that players were being sold without their input. That is not deemed appropriate. It is not the reason you embarked on becoming a manager, at the mercy of a chairman. Arsenal manager Wenger expressed: "If you have no authority, yet are held accountable for the success or failure, that is awful." The manager is the key figure at the club, so why dismiss the manager when things are not going well? Ferguson, who has led Manchester United for almost 22 years, and Wenger, who is approaching 12 years at Arsenal, are the two longest-serving managers in the Premier League. Ferguson stated that in the current era of youthful and wealthy chairmen, success is crucial and the management challenges have evolved since the beginning of his and Arsene's careers. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect and acknowledged the financial limitations faced by managers. Ferguson supported the decision of managers to leave when faced with sudden changes mid-season. The conversation also touched on the influx of overseas investment in the Premier League, particularly with the Abu Dhabi United Group's acquisition of Manchester City and their intention to pursue signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas. Wenger expressed his belief that significant financial investment could create instability in the league. He noted that there is a shift in the motivations of new club owners, with a previous generation aspiring to buy their dream club, whereas now individuals may be motivated by money or seeking glory. Having more money in the League can be beneficial, but an excess of money can lead to inflationary pressure and destabilize other clubs by putting a strain on their resources. Despite being fierce rivals, Wenger and Ferguson shared smiles and jokes, indicating a newfound understanding and mutual respect between them. They have even shared wine and meals at coaching conferences in Geneva, further solidifying their respect for each other. We both have excellent teams and have experienced intense competition over the past ten years.

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In order to find an answer about Venus, it is necessary to thoroughly examine all aspects of the planet, including how its surface has changed over time. Unlike Earth, which has plate tectonics causing the movement of continent-sized pieces of land, Venus does not have this process. However, a recent study suggests that Venus may have a unique variation of this process, where blocks of its surface have shifted and twisted, altering their surroundings in the process. 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, the agency's final exploration of Venus. In the early 1990s, radar technology was used to penetrate the planet's dense atmosphere and create a detailed map of its entire surface. Upon revisiting these maps, researchers identified 58 campi spread across the planet's lava-covered plains. 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 planetary scientist Paul Byrne from North Carolina State University, the campi on Venus were likely created by being pulled by the flowing mantle below, causing them to move like pack ice. This movement resulted in the formation of mountains when campi moved towards immobile land, grooves when moving away, and strain marks and etchings along boundaries when moving side-to-side. The fact that this deformation occurred in Venus' lowlands is important. The lava covering the landscapes is between 750 and 150 million years old, making them some of the youngest on the planet. This suggests that the tectonic activity in these areas 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. These missions will use advanced radar systems to closely study the landscapes and determine if any movement has occurred since the time of Magellan. If evidence shows that Venus is tectonically active, it will support the idea that Venus was once capable of plate tectonics due to having a significant amount of water in the past. This process of plate tectonics helps regulate the climate by cycling carbon and preventing extreme global warming. However, catastrophic events, such as volcanic eruptions, may have caused Venus to become a dry, inhospitable planet with inactive plate tectonics. Therefore, over the past billion years, the surface of the entire planet has been a single, motionless plate. However, this does not mean that the planet is completely still. Scientists, through missions like Magellan, have identified fault networks, rift zones, and mountain ridges - evidence of both ancient and more recent movement. If the findings of this new study are accurate and parts of Venus have been recently moving, it suggests that the planet's surface is more dynamic than previously thought. Joseph O'Rourke, a planetary scientist at Arizona State University, who was not involved in the study, stated that understanding why Venus has this unexpected tectonic activity would have significant implications. There are many Earth- and Venus-sized planets in the universe, and their tectonic activity will play a role in shaping their destinies. Understanding Earth and Venus is crucial in order to understand other rocky planets in our solar system and beyond, according to O'Rourke. Venus, with its many unexpected features, presents a challenge in 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 currently reentering Earth's atmosphere to be burned up. This event underscores the risks faced by companies looking to deploy thousands of small satellites for internet service from space, as future solar outbursts could potentially disrupt more of these satellites. The sun operates on an 11-year cycle of activity and inactivity. At the moment, the sun is increasing in activity and is expected to reach its peak around 2025. This recent solar event was considered mild compared to what the sun is capable of. Hugh Lewis, a space debris expert, believes that a more severe event is likely to occur during the next solar cycle. If a minor solar flare can damage 40 Starlink satellites, a stronger one could cause even more harm to SpaceX and other companies with megaconstellations. SpaceX confirmed the potential loss of 40 satellites in a recent blog post. The company stated that following the launch, the satellites were released into their planned orbit, situated approximately 130 miles above Earth. This height was selected in part 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 raise their orbits to more secure levels, "the atmosphere quickly reclaims the failed technology," according to Lewis. This serves as a good safety precaution. However, on Jan 29, prior to the launch of these satellites, a powerful eruption of highly energetic particles and magnetism from the sun, known as a coronal mass ejection, was observed. This ejection reached Earth around Feb 2, leading to a geomagnetic storm in Earth's magnetic field. The intense storm added energy to particles in Earth's atmosphere, causing it to expand and increase in density. This increased drag on objects moving through the atmosphere, including satellites, causing their orbits to shrink and draw closer to the lower atmosphere where they would burn up. During a recent Starlink deployment, SpaceX reported that the storm caused atmospheric drag to increase by up to 50% compared to previous launches, resulting in the loss of 40 out of 49 satellites due to gravity. Currently, there are 1,915 Starlink satellites in orbit, so losing up to 40 is not a major concern for SpaceX, according to Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at Harvard and the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. However, Lewis estimates that the loss could be up to $100 million in hardware costs. The risks of solar outbursts and geomagnetic storms to objects in low-Earth orbit are well documented, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration categorizing storms from minor to extreme. The recent "moderate" storm could potentially alter orbits due to changes in atmospheric drag. Given these risks, it raises the question of whether SpaceX considered this hazard during the Starlink deployment. "I am surprised," said Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina in Canada. "Did they really not anticipate this?" Jonathan McDowell also expressed his surprise, stating, "It is unexpected. One would have assumed they were prepared for this." A SpaceX media representative, when reached by email, mentioned that the team was too busy to respond to questions. The fact that these satellites are entering the atmosphere quickly rather than staying in low-Earth orbit is actually positive, and they do not pose any danger to people on the ground. Lewis stated that the system functioned correctly in terms of safety, with the satellites de-orbiting without posing any risk. Most satellites orbit at higher altitudes, which helps them avoid potential dangers caused by atmospheric expansion. However, satellites orbiting at lower altitudes are still at risk, raising concerns about SpaceX's ability to continue deploying spacecraft at this altitude. Lewis explained that as the sun becomes more active, it emits more extreme ultraviolet radiation, which is absorbed into our atmosphere. This will cause the atmosphere to expand significantly, leading to an expected increase in atmospheric density by one or two orders of magnitude. Many astronomers have criticized Starlink and other satellite constellations for potentially interfering with telescope research on Earth due to their reflection of sunlight. This incident is seen as representative of SpaceX's approach to issues in low-Earth orbit, where they address failures and improve in the future. This event serves as a lesson for SpaceX, according to Lewis. Lawler stated that the outcome is in their hands, and he expressed a hope that this situation will make them see reason.

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. Despite a rough start to 2012, senior ministers have come out in support of Gillard, including Defense Minister Stephen Smith, amidst media reports suggesting she may face a challenge from Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd. Political analysts now believe Gillard is unlikely to lead the party into the next election in 2013, with a potential move against her expected later in the year. According to Monash University political analyst Nick Economou, some MPs are starting to worry and believe a change in leadership may be necessary. The initial major opinion polls for 2012 showed that government support was stuck at historically low levels. Online bookmakers Sportsbet stated that the odds of Rudd becoming the leader again by the end of the year had decreased to $1.20 for a $1.00 bet. Despite this, some members of the party, such as Smith, expressed strong support for the current Prime Minister, believing she is handling challenging situations well. Other ministers, including Combet, Conroy, and Crean, have called for unity within the party and criticized Rudd for not being a team player. Despite being ousted as prime minister due to difficulties passing reforms, Rudd still maintains popularity among voters. The government is facing 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 in government or an early election if the new leader cannot secure similar support. This could result in the conservative opposition abolishing a new mining tax and carbon tax scheduled to begin on July 1. Gillard dismissed recent rumors, stating that she is focused on implementing effective policies and not concerned with media speculation. Gillard ended 2011 on a positive note after gaining additional support in parliament, strengthening her majority. However, her year did not start off well in 2012. She lost the backing of an independent in January because she failed to keep her promise to change gambling laws. Additionally, she lost a staff member who resigned due to his involvement in a protest against Opposition Leader Tony Abbott that created a security threat. As a result, the government's majority in parliament is now just one seat, with one lawmaker facing scrutiny in a police investigation regarding the use of union funds for prostitutes. Despite this, there is a possibility for relief if the central bank reduces interest rates next week. Australian Financial Review political editor Laura Tingle noted a shift in support away from Gillard in the past week, although many Labor lawmakers remain strongly opposed to Rudd. Tingle wrote on Friday that there has been a shift in sentiment against Julia Gillard. Economou mentioned that any action against Gillard is unlikely until July, when the carbon tax and mining tax come into effect. This will give Labor time to present their budget in May and campaign for the Queensland state election on March 24. Economou warned that the real threat to Gillard will come after the carbon tax is implemented, and if conditions do not improve by then, she may need to step down.

Oscar voters are known to appreciate a good drama, but at the Toronto International Film Festival, dramas are struggling to secure distribution due to a shift towards escapist fantasies and comedies among audiences. Despite the festival's reputation as a launching pad for award-winning films, many dramas are lacking distribution deals, including notable titles like "Chloe" and "Dorian Gray." This trend reflects the challenges faced by serious-minded films in the current film industry climate. Industry insiders believe that the audience for quality dramas still exists, and that the genre is far from dead. They view the issue as more of a cyclical trend related to marketing and production costs rather than a lack of creative content. However, it is acknowledged that creating successful films like "No Country for Old Men" in today's market is a challenging task. Director Jon Amiel, known for his film "Creation" about Charles Darwin, expressed that "drama" has become a taboo word in Hollywood, with even indie distributors hesitant to invest in movies with unconventional subjects. There are numerous movies that American viewers will not have the opportunity to see. The declining interest is evident in box office numbers. Two successful films in the art house genre last summer were "The Hurt Locker," which made $12 million, and "(500) Days of Summer," which earned around $29 million. According to entertainment attorney Steven Beer, there is a cautious approach towards dramas in the current market. Despite challenges such as lower box office returns and declining DVD sales, industry insiders believe that dramas can still attract fans and generate profits. The key lies in developing an appropriate production and marketing strategy that aligns with the current movie-going landscape. Effective marketing often involves grassroots campaigns that target specific audience groups, such as science and period drama enthusiasts for films like "Creation." To remain viable, production costs need to be reduced to accommodate the changing market conditions. Competition from other home entertainment options has contributed to the decrease in DVD sales, making it essential for the industry to adapt in order to succeed with these types of films. Tom Ortenberg, president of theatrical films at The Weinstein Co., emphasized the need for models to change in a difficult economic climate. Industry expert David Poland noted that the decrease in DVD sales has made distributors hesitant to invest in costly dramas, although there is still a demand for them. Distributors are being more selective in their choices, making it challenging for a film to have the same impact as "Slumdog" did at Toronto 2008. Tom Bernard, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, acknowledged that buyers at Toronto 2009 are approaching the festival with caution compared to previous years.

Mohsin passed away while receiving treatment at Dhaka's Combined Military Hospital at 9:30am on Monday. Selina Haque, additional secretary to the defence ministry, confirmed this news. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her deep sorrow at Mohsin's death and extended her condolences to his grieving family. Mohsin had been admitted to CMH on June 2 after testing positive for COVID-19. As his condition worsened, he was moved to intensive care and received plasma therapy. Mohsin, who was the younger brother of former principal secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury, was promoted to the rank of senior secretary on June 14 while he was still in the hospital. Mohsin, born in Cumilla in 1963, obtained an MSc in Soil Science from Dhaka University and later completed an MA in Governance Studies from Northern University in Dhaka. A member of the 1985 BCS batch, he served in various capacities at 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 role in the defence ministry, he was the secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

In total, there were a minimum of 19 fatalities across multiple states due to the storm. It was ranked as the third highest snowfall accumulation in New York City history, with at least 25.1 inches (63.7 cm), and was also one of the largest storms in Washington, according to the National Weather Service. Thirteen individuals lost their lives in weather-related car accidents in Arkansas, North Carolina, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia. One person passed away in Maryland and three in New York City while clearing snow. Officials in Virginia reported that two people 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 live. The storm was predicted 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 storm. Visibility was forecasted to be very low, at one-quarter of a mile or less. The statue of Pierre Charles L'Enfant is covered in snow during a winter storm in Washington on January 23, 2016. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency, along with 10 other state governors. He has also implemented a ban on all travel on New York City area roads and on Long Island, with the exception of emergency vehicles, from Saturday afternoon until 7am on Sunday. At that time, all bridges and tunnels into the city from New Jersey will also reopen. Subways that run above ground and trains operated by the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North stopped service at 4pm due to heavy snowfall. The impact of the travel ban on New York's financial services industry was considered minimal over the weekend, and it is unclear how much the heavy snow will affect Wall Street's reopening on Monday. On Broadway, the response was swift. The mayor's recommendation led to the cancellation of Saturday matinee and evening shows. The typically lively city of 8.5 million people fell into a peaceful silence. Tourists and locals wandered the streets of Manhattan, some even skiing in Central Park. Snowmen were built and friendly snowball fights broke out among the residents. The area around the Washington Monument was blanketed in snow during a winter storm on January 23, 2016. Authorities in New York and New Jersey stopped public transportation, while the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority decided to suspend operations through Sunday in the capital. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser stated at a press conference that the snow is expected to stop late tonight or early tomorrow morning, but the situation remains hazardous. The area will continue to experience strong winds which will result in poor conditions and visibility. FlightAware.com reported over 5,100 flight cancellations on Saturday and over 3,300 on Sunday. United Airlines announced that they would not operate 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 and other New York airports. The blizzard first hit Washington, where snow accumulated outside the White House and on the city's monuments, before moving on to the New York City area. "We have yet to make snow angels, but we are excited to do so in front of the White House," said Robert Bella Hernandez, 38. "We plan to stroll around and admire the snow-covered landmarks of DC. If it becomes unsafe, we may retreat indoors for a brief period." Washington's record snowfall of 28 inches (71.1 cm) dates back to 1922, with a recent significant snowfall of 17.8 inches (45.2 cm) in 2010. High winds, reaching 70 mph (112.5 km) in Wallops Island, Virginia, caused coastal flooding along the East Coast from North Carolina to New York, with tides higher than during Sandy. National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Gallina provided this information. A man is seen walking near the Washington Monument during a winter storm in Washington on January 23, 2016. The storm also impacted the Mid-Atlantic cities of Baltimore and Philadelphia, resulting in power outages for about 150,000 customers in North Carolina and 90,000 homes in New Jersey that Saturday. The high tides, exceeding those of Superstorm Sandy three years prior, flooded roads along the Jersey Shore and Delaware coast, breaking records in Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes, Delaware, according to NWS meteorologist Patrick O'Hara. Some evacuations were necessary along the New Jersey Shore, where residents had to leave their homes due to the storm in 2012. Linda Gilmore, the county's public information officer, reported that the barrier islands close to Atlantic City were facing notable tidal flooding. The storm originated along the Gulf Coast and brought snow to Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky on Friday. Meteorologists explained that the winter system resulted from warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean clashing with cold air along the coast.

The October issue of GQ features Paul McCartney, who usually relies on familiar Beatles stories in interviews. However, in this issue, McCartney appears more open and less concerned about his image, even sharing a story about the Beatles' teenage adventures. This added a new dimension to his public persona and made him more relatable to fans. McCartney's willingness to be transparent in the interview was a refreshing change from his usual reserved self. In contrast, not all high-profile interviews require this level of openness, as seen in the September issue of Vogue featuring Beyoncé. The article accompanying this text is titled "Beyoncé in Her Own Words," and it is not a profile but a collection of short commentaries on various topics such as motherhood, family, body acceptance, and touring. Anna Wintour describes it as a "powerful essay" written by Beyoncé herself, with only a credit at the end indicating that a journalist was present at some point. This erases outside perspectives and the usual dynamic between interviewer and interviewee in celebrity journalism, which could be concerning for those who value context and depth in the fame economy. This is not a rare occurrence and is seen frequently in the world of pop music. Many well-known artists, like Taylor Swift, Drake, and Frank Ocean, have chosen to avoid the press in recent years. Instead, they communicate with their fans through social media or remain silent altogether. A monologue, not a dialogue, is changing the role of celebrity press. In-depth interviews have been important for creating and maintaining stars since the 1960s. Even at the height of fame, artists still engaged with the media by answering questions. This was how they shared their thoughts and feelings about important events, such as John Lennon discussing the Beatles' breakup, Tupac Shakur speaking from jail, or Courtney Love after Kurt Cobain's death. It was enlightening for fans and a source of pride for celebrities, especially during confrontational interviews. Stars like Ice Cube and Madonna excelled in these situations, showing their thoughtfulness, willingness to be challenged, and awareness of their public image. However, this was in a time when print media held more power compared to the internet and TMZ. As celebrities' every move began to be constantly reported, they became more reserved. While this shift may not necessarily mean the end of traditional celebrity journalism, it does mark a significant change in the industry. However, the pressure on celebrity journalism coming from higher authorities may not be as significant as the threat emerging from younger generations of celebrities who are active on social media platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud. These new celebrities share their lives on their own terms, swiftly and decisively, without the constraints of traditional interviews. This generation values hyper-documentation and has rendered the traditional promise of celebrity journalism, which focuses on providing intimate perspectives and behind-the-scenes access, largely obsolete. For example, the rapper Lil Xan has been involved in several online dramas recently, sharing personal struggles and relationship issues without waiting for traditional media to cover his story. He even announced a series for Netflix on Instagram without going through traditional platforms. At times, social media posts have replaced the traditional tell-all interview, with celebrities like Ariana Grande, XXXTentacion, and Logan Paul using platforms like Instagram and YouTube to share their personal stories. These posts provide a one-sided narrative with limited scrutiny, creating a safe space for young celebrities to connect with their fans. With the widespread reach and targeted audience of social media, traditional celebrity journalism faces challenges in staying relevant. The most famous celebrities have moved away from it, while newer celebrities have grown up in a time where traditional journalism is less important. As time passes, the middle ground may disappear completely. Additionally, there is now a wide range of content being created, making it hard for consumers to distinguish between original journalism and brand-created content. This lack of clarity encourages celebrities to move away from traditional media, where they have less control over the final product. As traditional media outlets face extinction, the new media landscape is often seen as a correction or a noisy distraction. For example, Selena Gomez is featured on the cover of Elle this month, with a relatively harmless accompanying story. When the interview was published online, she responded with a lengthy Instagram post expressing her frustration. She mentioned that it was difficult for her to speak candidly for over an hour only to have someone else turn her words into a paid article. As she gets older, she desires for her voice to truly be her own. She then outlined the specific topics she had hoped to discuss in the interview, and expressed disappointment that the focus was shifted to her personal life and church instead. This imbalance in power between celebrities and the press has led publications to compromise their integrity in order to maintain access to famous individuals. This has resulted in celebrities taking on the role of guest editor for magazines, further blurring the lines between control and access. While Swift was featured on the cover of Harper's Bazaar this year, she actually interviewed rock muse Pattie Boyd in the accompanying article. Rihanna also took her own photograph for the cover of The Fader in 2015, with the help of a professional photographer. This act was a commentary on fame and the cover star taking control of their own image. If these options are not possible, magazines can have a friend of the celebrity conduct the interview instead. In an issue of Elle, Jennifer Lawrence had a conversation with Emma Stone, while Blake Lively interviewed Gigi Hadid for Harper's Bazaar. Cleo Wade, an Instagram affirmation specialist, conducted Katy Perry's cover interview for Glamour. Interview magazine, known for its celebrity interviews, recently made a comeback with Raf Simons chatting with George Condo and Jennifer Jason Leigh speaking with Phoebe Cates, with a journalist occasionally joining in. The magazine shows that the friend being interviewed doesn't necessarily have to be famous. The current Rolling Stone feature with the usually private pop star Sia and the recent New York magazine interview with Woody Allen's wife, Soon-Yi Previn, were both conducted by long-time friends of the subjects. These stories rely on the close relationships between the journalists and their subjects to provide insight, rather than maintaining objectivity. Celebrity profiles are meant to act as a bridge between the reader and the subject, but in the pursuit of exclusivity, ethical boundaries are often ignored. Friendship should not be a requirement for interviews, as it can limit the depth and objectivity of the conversation. Fans are deprived of the insight that comes from challenging questions, rather than just agreeing with the interviewee. It would have been fascinating to have probing discussions with Beyoncé about "Lemonade" or Swift about "Reputation", allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the artists. However, instead of embracing these types of conversations, these celebrities have become closed off. It is unfortunate that we will never get the answers to the unasked questions. Copyright 2018 New York Times News Service.

Rafiq, a former captain of the England Under-19s of Pakistani descent, revealed last year that he felt like an outsider at Yorkshire and even considered suicide. Hutton, in his resignation letter, criticized the Yorkshire board and senior management for their failure to address racism and change the club's culture. He also apologized to Rafiq for the club's failure to address the serious allegations of racism when he was there. "I regret that we were unable to convince the top members of the board to understand the seriousness of the situation and demonstrate concern and remorse." The England Cricket Board (ECB) has suspended Yorkshire ECB from hosting major matches, but Hutton mentioned that the ECB was hesitant to take action when approached. Hutton stated, "I want to clarify that as soon as I learned of Azeem Rafiq's allegations, I immediately contacted the ECB to request their assistance and involvement in conducting a thorough investigation." Hutton expressed disappointment when the ECB refused to assist, as he believed it was a significant issue for the sport as a whole. It is well-documented that Hutton has repeatedly voiced his frustration with the ECB's unwillingness to take action. The CEO of the ECB, Tom Harrison, explained that the organization was invited to participate in a Yorkshire panel of inquiry, but they were unable to do so as they are the regulator. He clarified that it would be inappropriate for them to be both regulator and part of the investigation. Harrison disagreed with the suggestion that the ECB had declined to assist with the investigation. The ECB had previously stated that it would ensure Yorkshire is held responsible for their actions and may impose penalties. Rafiq and other high-ranking Yorkshire officials are required to provide testimony in front of a parliamentary Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) panel on November 16.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen has announced a state of emergency for his team's World Cup campaign ahead of their match against Denmark. Both teams are in desperate need of a win to stay in contention for the knockout stages after losing their opening games. Le Guen is not holding back in his evaluation of his team's performance so far. "I prefer for people to be highly motivated and aware of the emergency situation," said Cameroon's players are rumored to have been involved in some internal conflict following the defeat, but captain Samuel Eto'o emphasized that this was not the case. "I want to make it clear that there has never been any internal conflict within the team and there never will be," he stated at the conclusion of Friday's press conference. "As long as my teammates, my coach, and my country have confidence in me, there will never be any internal conflict." Despite the players' mindset, one thing is certain - Le Guen will make changes. He announced that he will make changes for the next game by replacing three players. He mentioned that the team did not perform well and will be making adjustments to improve. He emphasized that he will fulfill his responsibilities as a coach and team selector, and is open to making changes for the benefit of the team. I alter things when I notice they are not functioning properly. During the game against Japan, I attempted to place the players in their club positions, except for Stephane Mbia. If that strategy does not yield results, I make adjustments. This statement appears to be a direct mention of his past choice to position Eto'o on the right side, a decision that was criticized, including by Eto'o himself who stated on French TV that he performs best in the center. Eto'o clarified that he was not attempting to influence his coach and stated that he will follow instructions. He emphasized that Paul Le Guen is the one responsible for making decisions, while the players are there to represent their country and follow his guidance. Le Guen, in addition to discussing his own duties, urged his players to live up to their nickname of Indomitable Lions. He acknowledged his role in selecting the team and setting tactics but stressed the importance of the players also embodying a certain spirit, suggesting that they need to reconnect with the spirit of the Lions.

This is an example of the type of compromise that has long been made by some employees of the Kremlin's propaganda machine. These individuals value the steady work and creative challenge, even if they do not agree with the mission of their workplace. Recently, Likin, who had been the art director for Channel 1, a major player in the Kremlin's propaganda apparatus, resigned following President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine. Likin, who claimed he was not a politician, felt that the invasion aligned him with a "life-exterminating" agenda. He criticized Russian television for catering to those who are too lazy to seek alternative sources of information, lacking education or the habit of analysis. The invasion of Ukraine has prompted some Russians who previously worked for the government to sever ties, indicating the Kremlin's struggle to maintain full societal unity behind the war. There have been numerous arrests and mass exodus from Ukraine in protest of the invasion, with high-profile resignations at Russia's state television channels, including Putin's climate envoy Anatoly Chubais. Marina Ovsyannikova's bold act of protest during a live news broadcast has garnered attention, while others like Zhanna Agalakova have quietly resigned, reflecting the internal turmoil within Putin's system and the significant influence of television on public perception of the war. Many thoughtful individuals are feeling a sense of their own wrongdoing. There is no way out, you see? Merely seeking forgiveness is not sufficient." The Kremlin controls all of Russia's national television networks, and while their impact has decreased with the popularity of YouTube and social media, they remain the primary source of news for the public. According to surveys by the Levada Center, an independent Moscow pollster, around 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 presented Russians with a narrative of the conflict that contrasts sharply with what is seen in the West: Russians are portrayed as the heroes, similar to their role in World War II when they fought Nazi Germany and liberated Ukrainian territories from neo-Nazis supported by the dominant West. Images of deceased civilians and destroyed homes are inaccurately labeled as either fabricated or the result of Ukrainians bombing their own areas. According to a Channel 1 reporter in Mariupol, some locals claim that the Ukrainian military is intentionally targeting residential buildings, while others believe that nationalists were instructed to inflict maximum damage on the city before retreating. Pollsters suggest that many Russians believe the narrative presented on their television, which portrays the war as a continuation of longstanding animosity and grievances towards the West. Despite this, most state television journalists have remained in their positions, intensifying the message of Russia fighting for its survival. Liliya Gildeyeva, a former anchor at NTV, admitted that she had compromised her principles before realizing the extent of her actions only after the war had begun. She mentioned that when one starts to give in to oneself slowly, they may not realize how far they have fallen. The shock of the war has caused a significant number of Russians to leave the country in recent weeks, flying to destinations such as Turkey and Armenia. Among those leaving are journalists, activists, tech workers, and young professionals who no longer see a future for themselves in Russia. Even some members of Russia's elite, like Chubais, the Kremlin's climate envoy, have left the country due to the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin confirmed that Chubais had resigned. He was considered one of the few officials with liberal views left in Putin's government, and his key role in the economic reforms of the 1990s in Moscow made him unpopular among many Russians. It is uncertain whether the dissatisfaction among some of the elite could pose a threat to Putin's government. Likin, the former art director of Channel 1, believed that those who were willing to step down based on their principles were a small minority in Russian society. Agalakova, the former correspondent of Channel 1, commented that many of her former colleagues who chose to stay did not work for a specific cause. People who leave their jobs at state television, especially those who speak out, face an uncertain future as they have families, loans, and a need to survive. Agalakova, who was a correspondent based in Paris, mentioned that some of her acquaintances stopped speaking to her after she quit. Likin, on the other hand, plans to continue his career as an architect in Russia and may consider returning to television if it changes its agenda. Government-sponsored polls suggest that most Russians support Putin's invasion, but analysts warn that people may not answer surveys truthfully during wartime. Agalakova now realizes that years of propaganda on Russian television have influenced public opinion and support for the current Kremlin policies by distorting the memory of the country's World War II sacrifices. Agalakova stated that the mention of Nazism in relation to Ukraine causes an immediate reaction in society, due to the Kremlin's false claims about Russia fighting Nazis in Ukraine. She described this as a shameless and fraudulent game. As propaganda continues, Russians who are skeptical of television have fewer sources for accurate news. The Echo of Moscow radio station and TV Rain television channel have been shut down, and access to Facebook and Instagram has been blocked. Additionally, journalist Alexander Nevzorov is under criminal investigation for posting about the Russian bombing of Mariupol on his Instagram page. The most recent attempt to instill fear in critics of the war involved promoting a new law that could result in up to 15 years in prison for going against the official narrative of the conflict in Ukraine. Denis Volkov, from the Levada polling center, believes that the true test of Russian public opinion will come once the economic hardships caused by Western sanctions start affecting society. Despite this, Volkov thinks that the Kremlin's narrative of the West undermining Ukraine to harm Russia, and Russia bravely protecting its people abroad, has become deeply ingrained in the minds of television viewers and is unlikely to change soon. Many Russians tend to accept news that aligns with the television narrative and reject anything that doesn't, regardless of its truthfulness.

Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine was inaugurated as president on Thursday and immediately vowed to combat corruption and poverty, as well as restore political stability in order to regain foreign support for the struggling economy. The ceremony, which was subdued, underscored the contentious nature of the election, still disputed by his opponent Yulia Tymoshenko, and exposed deep divisions within the nation. Despite this, Yanukovich's inauguration represented a comeback from the 2004 Orange Revolution, where mass protests overturned a rigged election in his favor. In his address to officials, lawmakers, and foreign dignitaries, Yanukovich acknowledged Ukraine's significant challenges, including massive debts, poverty, corruption, and economic collapse. He emphasized the need for an innovative strategy to move the country forward, which he claimed his team had already developed. He addressed the lack of foreign investment in Ukraine, acknowledging the country's unstable business climate. He expressed his intention to restore political stability, eliminate corruption, and establish clear rules for the relationship between the government and businesses in order to build trust with investors and international financial institutions. Ukraine's economy has been severely impacted by the global economic downturn, leading to a decline in exports and a significant decrease in the value of its currency. The country is relying on a $16.4 billion IMF bailout program, which was suspended recently and will likely resume once stability is restored. The finance ministry announced that an IMF technical mission is scheduled to visit on April 7th. This often results in a thorough visit from IMF officials who will then determine whether to resume the program. Yanukovich, a former mechanic with support from wealthy industrialists, had a difficult upbringing in eastern Ukraine and a history of minor criminal convictions. He is expected to improve relations with Russia, Ukraine's former Soviet ruler, following a period of estrangement under Viktor Yushchenko. Yanukovich has suggested potential compromises with Moscow regarding the Russian Black Sea fleet in Crimea and has proposed a joint consortium with Russia to manage Ukraine's gas pipelines. However, he aims to renegotiate a decade-old gas supply agreement between Ukraine, Tymoshenko, and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He also mentioned that he intends to have a balanced foreign policy and is committed to strengthening relationships with the European Union. During his speech, he stated that he is willing to maintain good relations with Russia, the EU, and the United States in order to benefit Ukraine. His website confirmed that he plans to visit Brussels next week and Moscow in early March. Yanukovich defeated Prime Minister Tymoshenko by 3.5 percentage points, but only received the support of one-third of the 37 million voters. The voting results showed a clear divide between Russian-speaking voters in the eastern and southern industrial regions who supported Yanukovich, and Ukrainian-speaking voters in the western and central areas who voted for Tymoshenko. Tymoshenko withdrew her legal challenge to Yanukovich's election last Saturday, but maintains that he was not rightfully elected. She and most of her parliamentary bloc did not attend the ceremony on Thursday, making it seem empty. Despite Yanukovich's call for a capable executive power, Tymoshenko is still resisting efforts to remove her as prime minister, indicating ongoing political tension in the short term. She is working to rally her allies in parliament to support her, while his party and its influential supporters are trying to break up her coalition and form a new one. Creating a coalition involves delicate 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, leading to more uncertainty.

The renaming of India's tech hub and other cities was done to coincide with Karnataka's 59th formation day. An official stated that the state government notified that Bangalore and 11 other cities in the state will now be pronounced and spelled in Kannada starting from Nov 1, following approval by the central government. Bangalore, being the fifth largest city in the country, has gained global attention 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 have their names changed to reflect the local language. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed pride in the 60-million people of the state being able to use the Kannada names of these cities officially. He also mentioned plans to rename more cities and towns in the state in the future. Despite many locals already using the Kannada names for these cities, some feel that the renaming has taken away the charm and fame of the city's Anglican name. We must accept and adapt to the renaming of states and cities, as US Secretary of State John Kerry first used the term "Bangalored" in 2008 to emphasize how Indian software firms were taking American tech jobs. Other states like Maharashtra have also renamed cities, such as Bombay to Mumbai and Madras to Chennai, in order to respect historical names and sentiments. Karnataka began its renaming process in 2006 to commemorate the state's golden jubilee in response to various demands. The state legislature also approved it during the previous BJP administration. On Monday, the state government will instruct corporations, departments, and institutions to update their nameplates and stationery as needed. Chief secretary Kaushik Mukherjee stated that private firms or organizations will not be required to change their registered names if they reference any of the 12 cities.

Officials have announced that Southern African leaders will convene in Swaziland's capital Mbabane on Wednesday for an urgent meeting 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 opposition members and declaration that a free and fair presidential election on Friday was not possible, Mugabe remains defiant. The meeting in Mbabane has been organized by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), as pressure mounts on Mugabe to address the political and economic challenges facing Zimbabwe. The leaders of Tanzania, Angola, and Swaziland will attend the meeting in their capacity as 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 main agenda 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 dire consequences if the international community did not intervene. He called for the U.N. to take stronger action, including actively isolating President Mugabe, and emphasized the need for a protective force to safeguard the people. Tsvangirai stated that while armed conflict is not desired, the people of Zimbabwe require global leaders to not only speak out against the situation but also take action through military force. This force would act as peacekeepers, protecting the people from their oppressors and ensuring a safe environment for the democratic process. Pressure on Mugabe has increased from various sources, both within and outside of Africa, due to Zimbabwe's political and economic crisis. The United States has called on SADC to denounce both the election and Mugabe's government as illegitimate. Angola's state-owned ANGOP news agency reported that SADC executive secretary Tomaz Salomao stated that foreign ministers agreed during a meeting on Monday that there was a "climate of extreme violence" in Zimbabwe and that the government needed to protect its people. The scheduled run-off election on Friday was supposed to be between Mugabe and Tsvangirai. Tsvangirai had won the first round in March, but official results did not give him a clear victory. In the March parliamentary elections, Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change defeated Mugabe's ZANU-PF party, marking the first time since independence from Britain in 1980 that ZANU-PF had been defeated. Both Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and the leader of South Africa's ruling African National Congress called for the postponement of Friday's election following Tsvangirai's withdrawal. Zuma, who is seen as one of the most influential figures in South Africa, has urged for immediate involvement from the United Nations and SADC, stating that the situation in Zimbabwe is spiraling out of control. While Mbeki's approach has been one of quiet diplomacy with Mugabe and resisting the use of economic influence over Zimbabwe, Zuma, who replaced Mbeki as ANC leader, has been more vocal in his criticism of Mugabe. Despite pressure from the West, Mugabe remains defiant and has declared that the election will proceed as planned. Mugabe stated that elections will continue, and those who choose to acknowledge the legitimacy of his government can do so, while those who do not want to should refrain. Mugabe has overseen a decline in the economy, with 80 percent unemployment and inflation rates surpassing 165,000 percent, which he attributes to Western sanctions.

It was cautioned by the Socialist government that the European football tournament beginning on June 10 in France may face disruptions if it did not compromise. Tens of thousands of protesters were seen on the streets, with workers responding to the union's call by halting work at oil refineries, nuclear power plants, and railways. Additionally, they set up roadblocks and burned materials at ports and distribution centers. Prime Minister Manuel Valls stood firm on the government's decision to uphold the law, promising to dismantle refinery blockades and suggesting potential adjustments to the reforms without altering its main components. The CFDT, another major trade union in the country, supported this stance. The ongoing protests, triggered by a reform aimed at simplifying hiring and firing procedures, were closely monitored to assess the strength of the opposition led by the CGT. Scores of participants from the Nuit Debout youth protest movement joined the street marches, prompting police to take measures to prevent potential violence. Recent rallies have resulted in injuries to both police officers and protesters, as well as numerous arrests. CGT leader Philippe Martinez suggested that the government could resolve the situation by pausing the implementation of the controversial labour law. FO union leader Jean-Claude Mailly likened the situation to a football match, urging the prime minister to reconsider his stance. Despite calls for changes to the law, Prime Minister Valls remained firm in his decision not to back down, insisting that adjustments could be made but the core provisions would remain intact. The SNCF national train company stated that around two-thirds of national, regional, and local rail services were operational, indicating that the strikes by railworkers were causing less disruption compared to the previous week when half of the trains were not running. Following police action to remove blockades at refineries and fuel distribution centers, Prime Minister Valls reported that 20-30 percent of gas stations were either out of fuel or low on certain types. Transport Minister Alain Vidalies mentioned that the situation had improved, with fuel deliveries from depots to gas stations getting better. The number of gas stations experiencing shortages decreased from 140 on Wednesday to 83 on Thursday in the Loire-Atlantique region of western France. French nuclear power capacity has been reduced by up to five gigawatts because of stoppages, which is approximately six percent of the country's total production capacity. Although power industry experts believe that the nuclear plant strike will not lead to major blackouts due to legal limits on strike action and power imports from other countries, it is expected to increase running costs for the EDF power utility. Meanwhile, dock workers are on strike at the southern port of Marseille, causing the number of ships waiting at sea to offload oil, gas, and chemicals to increase to 21, when it would typically be around five, according to the port authority. In 2010, a protest over pension reform ended after police dispersed picketers at supply depots and rail workers faced stoppages that affected their pay. Total SA, a major oil company, announced that most of its fuel distribution depots are operational, but two out of its five refineries in France are currently not functioning and two more are expected to stop soon. The CGT union is facing a more isolated struggle this time, as the head of the CFDT union, Laurent Berger, who supports the proposed labor reform, expressed concerns about the intense political and industrial environment and called for a more peaceful approach.

Manchester United is looking to add another player for the upcoming season, but they do not intend to make significant changes to their squad even though they lost the Premier League title. Manager Alex Ferguson mentioned during a news conference that there might be one new signing.

The Embassy believes that Tarique is responsible for severe political corruption that has negatively impacted US national interests related to democratic stability and foreign assistance goals. They do not wish to impose a similar ban on his wife, daughter, or mother. The cable provided background information to support their recommendation, citing Bangladesh's history of systemic corruption and efforts by the current government to address this issue. Cynicism remains high regarding the Government's ability to hold corrupt leaders accountable. Concerns about corruption continue to erode trust, hindering private sector investment and undermining public confidence in a democratic future. A cable described Tarique Rahman as the feared son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, noting his release on bail and departure to the UK for medical treatment in 2008. The cable also accused Tarique of frequently demanding bribes and being a symbol of corrupt government and violent politics in Bangladesh. Despite facing multiple pending cases of corruption, extortion, bribery, embezzlement, and tax evasion, Tarique was released. Due to his strong political connections that extend to the highest court in the country, Tarique was able to influence the legal system and successfully bypass a united attempt by the Caretaker Government to prevent his release on bail. It is believed that Tarique possesses multiple passports, one of which was recently granted a visa by the UK in September. Another passport holds a five-year multiple-entry B1/B2 visa issued on May 11, 2005, which is suspected to be in the possession of the government. Reports suggest that Tarique has amassed a significant amount of illicit wealth, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. He is facing multiple extortion charges based on the testimonies of various well-known business owners who were victimized by him. One case involves Tarique allegedly threatening Al Amin Construction owner Amin Ahmed with shutting down his company unless he paid $150,000. Other local 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 systematic pattern of extortion on a large scale. In addition to extortion, the ACC has charged him with hiding illicitly obtained wealth, and the National Board of Revenue has accused him of tax evasion. His corrupt activities extended beyond extorting local companies. The ACC has discovered evidence of bribery involving both foreign and local firms and individuals in several cases: A. Siemens: A witness revealed that Tarique received a bribe of approximately two percent on all Siemens deals in Bangladesh, paid in US dollars. This case is currently being investigated by the DOJ Asset Forfeiture and the FBI. B. Harbin Company: ACC sources claim that the Chinese construction company, Harbin Company, paid 750,000 USD to Tarique to open a plant. One of Tarique's associates received the bribe and transferred it to Singapore to deposit with Citibank. C. Monem Construction: An ACC investigator informed Embassy officials that Monem Construction paid a bribe of 450,000 USD to Tarique in order to secure contracts. The ACC has evidence indicating that Tarique accepted a 210 million taka bribe to prevent the prosecution of a murder case against Sanvir Sobhan, the son of the chairman of the Bashundura Group. Sanvir was accused of killing Humayun Kabir, a director of the Bashundura Group. In addition to bribery and extortion, ACC's investigation revealed that Tarique was also involved in a complex embezzlement scheme that was highly profitable. With the assistance of multiple accomplices, Tarique managed to steal 20 million taka (equivalent to 300,000 USD) from the Zia Orphanage Trust fund. According to a source from the ACC, Tarique, who is a co-signer on the trust fund account, used the funds for purchasing land in his hometown. Additionally, he distributed signed checks from the orphanage fund accounts to members of the BNP party for their 2006 election campaigns. Tarique's corrupt actions have had damaging consequences on the US interests outlined in the Proclamation. His behavior has undermined public trust in the government and destabilized democratic institutions. Tarique's well-known disregard for the rule of law poses a direct threat to US financial aid goals aimed at reforming legal systems, promoting good governance, and preventing judicial misconduct. The corruption and dishonest practices that Tarique has promoted in Bangladesh have had a detrimental impact on US businesses, leading to missed opportunities. His embezzlement of public funds has also destabilized the political landscape in this Muslim-majority country and hindered US efforts to establish a stable democratic government, a crucial objective in this important region. Furthermore, Tarique's blatant corruption has jeopardized key priorities of the US Embassy in Dhaka, including promoting democratization, development, and countering terrorism. Tarique's blatantly corrupt behavior puts all three at risk. His record of stealing, blackmailing, and interfering in legal proceedings weakens the legal system and challenges the US objective of a stable, democratic Bangladesh. The culture of corruption and bribery that Tarique encouraged has hindered US efforts to boost economic growth, deterring foreign investment and complicating American companies' operations overseas. Additionally, his blatant disrespect for the law has created a breeding ground for terrorists in Bangladesh, worsening poverty and undermining democratic institutions. Ultimately, much of Bangladesh's problems 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, there have been noticeable developments.

Egyptians will be voting on Saturday in a referendum regarding constitutional changes that aim to enable fair elections, but these changes have caused a rift within the reform movement that overthrew Hosni Mubarak. The vote has split the country between those who believe more significant constitutional changes are necessary and those who think the amendments are sufficient for now. It is anticipated that there will be a high voter turnout. The Muslim Brotherhood, an organized Islamist group, supports the amendments, putting them at odds with secular groups and prominent reform advocates such as Mohamed ElBaradei and Amr Moussa, who are both running for president. The military council, which Mubarak transferred power to on Feb. 11, is hoping the amendments will be approved so that they can proceed with their plans for parliamentary and presidential elections, ultimately transitioning power to an elected government. "This vote will be a turning point," stated Ahmed Saleh, an activist currently overseeing ElBaradei's campaign for president. "There is a strong desire among the people to vote and there is a sense of change in the air." The military council that took power from Mubarak on Feb. 11 has encouraged a high voter turnout. According to the council, the main objective of the referendum is to create a suitable environment for future parliamentary and presidential elections. The focus is not only on the outcome, but on the participation of Egyptians and their voices being heard. The council has requested a judicial committee to propose amendments, including a limit of two terms for the presidency, thus restricting the time a leader can hold office to a maximum of eight years, as opposed to the three decades Mubarak served. Rejecting the amendments will require the council to reconsider its strategy and lengthen a transitional period that it hopes to keep brief. However, the reforms do not meet the expectations of reformists who seek a complete overhaul of the constitution. Youth groups who led protests against Mubarak believe the amendments are an effort to undermine the revolution. There are concerns that the tight election schedule set by the military will not allow parties enough time to recover from years of repression, giving an advantage to the Muslim Brotherhood and remnants of Mubarak's regime. General Ismail Etman, a member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, stated that amending the constitution is the best, although not the most ideal, solution. In an interview with Al Gomhuria newspaper published on Thursday, he mentioned that the approval of the amendments would result in the creation of new laws that would allow for more political freedom, such as the removal of restrictions on forming political parties. The media has been buzzing with discussions on how to vote, with the "No" campaign continuing their efforts in Al Masry Al Youm newspaper. One of the objections raised by the campaign was the lack of time and information given to make such a significant decision, as highlighted by various public figures urging voters to reject the amendments. A Muslim Brotherhood leader expressed his support for the constitutional amendments on the following page, stating that it is a necessary step towards fulfilling the revolution's demands. He also noted that those who oppose the amendments have not presented a viable alternative. With up to 45 million eligible voters in Egypt, a significant turnout is anticipated, especially from voters familiar with past elections tainted by violence and fraud during the Mubarak era. One voter, Ahmed Adel, emphasized the importance of his vote in the upcoming election, expressing his intention to vote for the amendments in order to help steer his country in the right direction towards establishing a parliament and president promptly. Activist Ziad el-Elemi expressed a differing opinion, stating that workshops are being conducted nationwide to educate citizens on the fact that constitutional amendments alone are insufficient.

Experts say that if Barack Obama were a corporate CEO, he would be receiving praise for his management style. His calm and steady demeanor, which has earned him the nickname "No Drama Obama," is seen as a valuable trait that business leaders could learn from. According to management consultant and Wayne State University senior lecturer Paul Reagan, Obama's clear values and consistent follow-through on his promises have earned him high credibility, positioning him as a respected corporate leader. Paul Copcutt, a personal brand strategist based in Dundas, Ontario, pointed out that one aspect of Obama's style that business leaders may not share is his keen awareness of his own strengths and weaknesses. Copcutt noted that Obama's cabinet selections reflect this awareness, as he has chosen veterans to provide expertise in areas where he may be lacking. Copcutt emphasized the importance of focusing on one's strengths as a leader and delegating tasks that align with one's weaknesses. Obama's cabinet choices, which include individuals like Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates, demonstrate an effort to build a coalition with diverse voices, according to Reagan. Chief executives often create a close-knit group of advisors who may not provide a diverse range of perspectives necessary for leading the entire organization, according to a business historian and professor at Harvard Business School. While President Obama has shown some skill in selecting key cabinet members and advocating for an economic stimulus plan, it is still unclear how successful he will be once he takes office in January. Reagan pointed out that while a management style like Obama's, which appeals to many different groups, has its benefits, it also carries the risk of disappointing a wide range of people. He mentioned that there is a possibility that Obama may have promised too much change, leading to confusion or the inability to fulfill expectations. Koehn suggested that chief executives could learn from how Obama handled challenges during his presidential campaign, such as his loss in the New Hampshire primary and the controversy surrounding his former pastor Jeremiah Wright. She highlighted Obama's emotional competence in these situations as a valuable skill for leaders facing challenges in today's uncertain financial climate, such as fear of job loss or concerns about organizational performance. She stated that it is important for business leaders to be aware of the intangible aspects of their people and organization, beyond just focusing on tangible resources, head count, market, and customers. CEO coach Deb Dib can identify a number of characteristics she sees in Obama that she believes are important for business executives to possess. These traits include being caring, confident, consistent, commanding, and calm. Dib believes that effective CEOs often exhibit many of these attributes, regardless of their political affiliation. She feels that there is something to be learned from Obama's leadership style.

The conservative state is currently one of the few EU members that prohibits marriage or civil partnerships for same-sex couples. However, supporters of the proposal, including the Orthodox Church and all but one parliamentary party, want to further amend the constitution to define marriage as exclusively between a man and a woman to prevent gay couples from marrying in the future. Numerous human rights groups are urging people to boycott the vote, warning that approval could lead to more attempts to undermine minority rights and push Romania towards a populist, authoritarian path. A recent poll by CURS showed a projected turnout of 34 percent, above the required 30 percent threshold, with 90 percent in favor of the change. The Coalition for the Family gathered 3 million signatures to support the amendment. The lower house of parliament approved the referendum last year, followed by the senate in September, making it the final step needed. Campaign posters from the Coalition urged people to vote "Yes" to protect family values and prevent gay couples from adopting children. Another ad suggested that voting "No" would allow a man to marry a tree. The ruling Social Democrat Party leader, Liviu Dragnea, expressed concerns about legalizing marriage between a man and an animal, stating that similar laws in other countries could be adopted in Romania. The government loosened anti-fraud monitoring and limited options for challenging the result just before the vote, while the broadcasting regulator removed a cut-off date for campaigning. According to the independent think tank Expert Forum (EFOR), there are currently no effective methods to verify fraud in the referendum. This lack of mechanisms has led to a sense of distrust in the fairness of the process. Some opposition figures believe that the ruling PSD party is using the referendum as a distraction from their leader's legal issues and conflicts with the European Commission. Former Prime Minister Dacian Ciolos believes the government is trying to create anti-European sentiment in Romania to support their agenda. The Orthodox Church has expressed support for a "Yes" vote, calling it Christian, democratic, and patriotic. Romania decriminalized homosexuality in 2001, significantly later than neighboring countries, and discrimination against the LGBT community remains prevalent. Photograph title: Romania 1+2 Caption: Clergymen from Romania participate in a rally advocating for a "Yes" vote on the impending referendum. The referendum seeks to amend the constitution to prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages in the future. The event took place in Draganesti, Romania on October 4, 2018. Source: 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 meeting with Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying stated that Washington should not use the military facilities on the islands as a reason to cause trouble. Hua emphasized that the South China Sea dispute should not become a problem between China and the United States. The US State Department plans to urge China to reduce tensions and halt militarization in the South China Sea. They believe that China's militarization activities only worsen tensions and that a diplomatic solution is needed to peacefully settle territorial claims. Wang is scheduled to have a meeting 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. Toner stated in a news briefing that China hopes the US will keep its promise not to take sides in the dispute and to stop escalating tensions, particularly regarding China's military presence in the region. Hua also mentioned that China's deployment of defensive facilities on its own territory is similar to the United States defending Hawaii. Hua also stated that the increased regional tensions are a result of US ships and aircraft conducting frequent patrols and surveillance in the area. The main reason for the militarization of the South China Sea is highlighted in this statement. The hope is that the United States will not mix up right and wrong or apply double standards in this matter. It was suggested on Monday that Australia and other nations should emulate the US by carrying out "freedom-of-navigation" naval activities within 12 nautical miles (18 km) of disputed islands in the South China Sea. China asserts ownership over a large part of the South China Sea, which sees over $5 trillion in global trade annually. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan also have conflicting territorial claims in the region. Beijing has caused concern by building and reclaiming land on the islands it controls, although it claims these actions are mainly for civilian purposes. The state-owned China Southern Power Grid Company will establish a power grid management station in what China refers to as Sansha City on Woody Island in the Paracels. This station will be able to control microgrids on 16 other islands, according to China's top regulator of state-owned assets. In the future, the station will be able to remotely manage power for multiple islands in the area, but it did not specify which islands. Wang will be in the United States from Tuesday to Thursday, where he is expected to discuss North Korea. China also reiterated its opposition to the potential deployment of an advanced US missile defense system by the US following North Korea's recent rocket launch.

Norwegian Ambassador Sidsel Bleken stated that she regularly discusses the challenges Norwegian businesses encounter in Bangladesh with the government. However, she noted that the approval process is slow and cumbersome. Bleken expressed a desire for more Norwegian companies to invest in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of an easier business environment. She mentioned that the questions received by the embassy from Norwegian companies are mainly about the business climate. The Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Kazi M Aminul Islam, expressed confidence that as the investment climate improves, more companies will come to take advantage of the huge market and opportunities available in Bangladesh. He listened to the concerns of Norwegian companies such as Grameenphone, Jotun Group, Sactec Solar, Bergen Engines and Poly ConCrete, urging them to communicate any issues they may have so that they can be resolved. He mentioned that weekly meetings are now being held to address these concerns. He stated that he does not believe there are any unresolved cases and expressed his strong attachment to improving the ease of doing business. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, the Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, who attended the breakfast meeting, discussed his experiences as a news publisher and noted similarities with challenges faced by foreign companies. It is reported that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Norway are positive, with Norway establishing diplomatic ties with Bangladesh shortly after its independence on April 14, 1972. Norway has historically been involved in development cooperation in Bangladesh. With the economic development of Bangladesh over the years, the focus has shifted from aid to trade and business. Telenor, the largest Norwegian company in Bangladesh, owns a majority stake in Grameenphone, the leading mobile operator in the country. The Varner group is a key player in the textile industry, while Cefalo, a Norwegian software company, has established its presence 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 projects and has established a local office in Dhaka with a staff of 20. Other Norwegian companies operating in Bangladesh include Jotun Group, Poly Concrete, FireSafe, and Hexagon. Scatec Solar is also present in Bangladesh. In 2017, Bangladesh exported goods worth NOK 2.2 billion to Norway, primarily clothing, and imported NOK 286 million, mainly machinery and finished products. The political ties between the two countries have strengthened in recent years. The first Norwegian Foreign Minister, Børge Brende, visited Bangladesh in February 2017. During the visit, they engaged in business dialogue and discussed various issues, including the repatriation of dividends and the ease of doing business. The ambassador noted that while laws may be adequate, there is a need for professional institutions to effectively implement them. She emphasized the importance of institutional strengthening in ensuring that foreign investors can repatriate their profits in accordance with local regulations. Bangladesh, like many other nations, has established repatriation policies and foreign exchange guidelines overseen by its central bank, Bangladesh Bank. Various processes exist for different types of repatriation, with entrepreneurs often requiring foreign consultants for expertise and technical knowledge. These consultants must be paid in foreign currency, leading to complications for Norwegian company officials in managing both inflow and outflow of funds. "It is difficult for a new company," stated one official. "According to Bangladesh's laws, consultancy payments must be made based on revenue earnings. How can a new company without previous revenue make foreign payments for essential consultants with technology expertise?" Another official added, "The approval process is excessively bureaucratic." The challenges faced in repatriating dividends, as allowed by law, are significant, with inward funds supposed to be free and outward funds from investment profits also meant to flow freely. However, our experiences in this regard have not been positive." Each time money is sent, there is a process of approval involved, according to Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Michael Foley. Foley emphasized the importance of the rule of law for businesses to operate comfortably in foreign markets. He criticized the use of "discretion" by authorities when there are no clear laws on a matter, stating that it is incorrect. Foley also mentioned that Grameenphone's significant market power status goes against the competition law of 2012, but they are managing the situation. "We are happy to operate in this country, but it is important to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that conditions are favorable for business operations," said Khalidi, the editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com. He expressed support for BIDA's efforts to attract foreign investments, which are currently difficult to secure. Khalidi also urged the government to address longstanding issues that hinder investment, noting that these concerns have been discussed for many years, including in editorials he wrote in the 1990s. "Bureaucrats need to adjust their mindset."

Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara is emphasizing the importance of "mental strength and fortitude" for his team at the Twenty20 World Cup following the traumatic incident in Lahore earlier this year. Sangakkara stressed that in the current world climate, security is a concern for all teams, and they must be mentally prepared to focus on playing cricket despite potential threats. He expressed satisfaction with the security measures put in place so far. Six members of the Sri Lanka team, including Sangakkara, were injured when gunmen opened fire on their team bus while on their way to the Gaddafi Stadium for the second test against Pakistan in March. The attack resulted in the deaths of six Pakistani policemen and the bus driver. In response to the incident, the Sri Lanka team is in close contact with a national police intelligence cell dedicated to ensuring security for the upcoming World Cup in England. Steve Elworthy, the tournament director for the World Twenty20, noted that security measures have significantly increased following the Lahore attack. Elworthy informed Reuters that the situation has shifted, creating a new and different landscape. This change has heightened awareness of the dangers that cricketers and officials face. While the security plan for the event was already well-developed, the incident prompted a thorough review and reassessment of all strategies. Tournament organizers and the ICC are confident that they have taken necessary measures to ensure the safety of players. Teams are provided with police convoys for transportation to and from matches, as well as dedicated security personnel for each team. Elworthy stated that he was unable to disclose the specific information regarding team security. Leading the event's security is John Evans, the former chief constable of Devon and Cornwall in south-west England, who has also provided advice to the Football Association (FA) on security issues. Reg Dickason, head of security for the England team, is also involved, along with independent security consultants from the ICC. Despite the heightened security measures, Sangakkara noted that his team has not been distracted from cricket, as the tournament has been kept low key. We have the chance to solely focus 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 could support. After two years of sitting empty, the greenhouse was sold for a significantly lower price than it was originally purchased for. This experience in Exeter reflects the overall challenges faced by Canada's legal pot industry, 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. Surveys have indicated that a significant number of Canadians are not interested in trying out a new habit. The mayor, George Finch, expressed disappointment outside Exeter's historic Town Hall, saying, "We were excited about it, it sounded almost too good, didn't it? It's unfortunate." When Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government legalized marijuana in 2018, the primary intention was to create a fairer justice system rather than to establish a thriving new industry. However, investors saw the potential for profit, leading to a surge of interest in marijuana-related companies on the Toronto Stock Exchange. This "green rush" resulted in a flurry of investment in companies looking to serve the Canadian market as well as eyeing opportunities in the US, where more states were also legalizing marijuana. Greenhouses that had been dormant were renovated and sold for high prices, and new indoor growing facilities sprang up nationwide. Newspapers, which had been downsizing, began hiring journalists to cover the emerging marijuana industry. Just like plastics in the movie "The Graduate," marijuana appeared to be on track to become Canada's next big trend. The frenzy of investments resembled the dot-com stock boom of the late 1990s, ultimately resulting in a similar crash. Despite a slight recovery due to increased legalization in the United States, with New York and four other states legalizing marijuana recently, a marijuana stock index remains down about 70% from its peak in 2018. Even 2 1/2 years after legalization, many marijuana producers in Canada are still experiencing significant losses. A significant new rival is emerging with Mexico's recent legalization of recreational marijuana use. This could potentially make the business environment more difficult for Canadian marijuana growers. According to Kyle Murray, vice dean at the University of Alberta School of Business, there may be a series of consolidations in the industry as a result. The situation is likened to the dot-com boom and subsequent bust, with Canopy Growth, Canada's largest producer, experiencing losses of CA$1.2 billion in the first nine months of its current operating year. Mass layoffs have affected the industry, leading to major producers merging in order to increase their strength through size. Many greenhouses in multiple provinces have permanently closed down. Analysts had predicted that the marijuana industry in Canada would experience a significant increase in sales similar to the liquor industry in the United States after Prohibition ended. However, the expected growth did not materialize, as stated by Brendan Kennedy, the CEO of Tilray, a prominent grower based in Nanaimo, British Columbia, which reported a loss of $272 million last year. Kennedy is one of the few remaining leaders in Canada's marijuana industry, facing challenges in competing with the illicit market due to strict regulations. Despite losses and stock declines leading to many pioneers being ousted, Kennedy will continue as a director after the planned merger between Tilray and Aphria, expected to create the world's largest cannabis company. In Ontario, sales were initially planned to be handled through government-owned liquor stores, similar to Quebec, but were canceled by a new Conservative government in 2018, leaving only online sales through a provincial website. The province has altered its plans twice since then, resulting in a uneven rollout of privately owned shops. Despite an increase in licensing, Ontario has only approved 575 shops, while Alberta, with one-third of Ontario's population, has 583 shops. Although initial expectations for profits from marijuana were too high, Murray believes a successful business will eventually emerge, as indicated by the growing number of shops in Ontario. The decrease in prices closer to street prices should also boost legal sales. Murray suggested that despite the poor start, it does not indicate a bad market overall. He believes that with time, there will be successful companies that become global leaders. British Columbia, once a hub for illegal marijuana, has seen a positive growth in legal store sales from June to October 2020. In Quebec, the government-run cannabis store operator, Société Québécoise du Cannabis, initially lost nearly CA$5 million in its first fiscal year but has since turned a profit. Despite disappointment in the domestic market, some major Canadian growers are looking to foreign markets, particularly for medical marijuana, as their next opportunity. However, many analysts are doubtful. Brent McKnight, a professor at McMaster University, believes that Mexico's recent steps towards creating the world's largest legal market could pose a significant threat to marijuana cultivation in Canada. Trade agreements may prevent Canada from restricting imports from Mexico, and Mexico's lower labor costs and warmer climate could give it a competitive edge. He mentioned that this would definitely decrease prices for local growers. With the industry in Canada needing to consolidate in order to survive, there are concerns about the impact on smaller players as large, publicly traded companies take over. Before legalization, many of the first shops selling marijuana in defiance of Canadian laws were nonprofit "compassion clubs" serving medicinal users. The current system, focused on big corporate growers and profits, has marginalized many individuals from minority communities in the industry, according to Dr. Daniel Werb, a public health researcher and drug policy analyst at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto. Werb's research group has found a lack of diversity in the leadership of legal suppliers. Vendors in Indigenous communities are also 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 Indigenous communities, but there is still a lack of diversity and creativity in the industry according to Werb.

Ugandan police discovered an unexploded suicide belt and made multiple arrests following the deaths of 74 soccer fans in twin bomb attacks during the World Cup final. Somali Islamists with ties to al Qaeda claimed responsibility for the attacks. Uganda's opposition has called for the withdrawal of peacekeepers from Somalia. A government spokesperson reported the discovery of the unexploded suicide belt in Kampala, following the explosions at two bars on Sunday. Arrests were made after the belt was found in the Makindye area. He did not provide details on the number or origin of the people who were arrested. Coordinated attacks like these are often associated with al Qaeda and groups connected to Osama bin Laden's militant network. The al Shabaab militants have threatened further attacks unless Uganda and Burundi remove their peacekeepers from the African Union peacekeeping force in Somalia (AMISOM). The opposition Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Uganda has called on President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw his soldiers and stated that they would do so if they were to win the upcoming elections in early 2011. They believe that there is no peace to be kept in Somalia and that Uganda has no strategic interest in the region. FDC spokesman Wafula Oguttu told Reuters that they are sacrificing their children for no reason and their goal is to remove their troops as soon as they take power. AMISOM stated that the explosions will not impact their mission in Somalia, where they protect the presidential palace from insurgent attacks 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 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 abroad. Foreign direct investment in the third largest economy in East Africa has increased significantly, largely 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 environment, but a one-time attack is unlikely to deter major companies like British hydrocarbons explorer Tullow Oil. An American was killed in the attack, and the United States has offered assistance with the investigation, with three FBI agents already on the ground collecting evidence and another team ready to deploy if needed in the east African nation. 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.

Her dream is challenging, but if she achieves it, she will become the first Bangladeshi to conquer the seven summits of the world. This feat requires climbing a total of 113,102 feet across seven continents, including two in extremely cold and uninhabited regions. Historically, it has been men who have attempted or completed the seven summits, followed by women from the same country. If Wasfia Nazreen accomplishes this goal, she will also make history. Bangladesh on Seven Summits is an initiative endorsed by the Liberation War Museum to commemorate 40 years of Bangladesh's Independence. The project pays homage to individuals who faced significant obstacles to establish the nation. When questioned about funding, she mentioned to bdnews24.com that she had sold all the jewelry left by her mother. Additionally, Wasfia sold the small property she had inherited, providing the initial funds for the campaign. Mutual Trust Bank and Renata Limited provided sponsorship for Wasfia to conquer Mount Elbrus. She is now urging national companies to support her in her mission to place Bangladesh's flag on top of every continent. Wasfia has left her job in order to achieve this goal within the next year, and she is determined to succeed even if it takes a decade. Her first step towards this goal was to conquer Mount Elbrus in Europe. Since February, the usual climbing route to the European summit on the south side of the mountain has been closed due to terrorist attacks. As a result, her team had to change their plan and climb the more dangerous and unexplored North side, which is home to more crevasses. On July 10, Wasfia and her team attempted their first summit push but faced severe weather changes, including thunderstorms, strong winds, and poor visibility. Finally, on July 12, the team got within 300 meters of the summit. However, they had to turn back due to the harsh weather conditions and a deadline to descend by mid-day. She plans to return to Elbrus to finish the last 300 meters once the situation improves. Wasfia, speaking from nearly the top of Europe via satellite message, urged the youth of Bangladesh to continue moving the country forward and showcase its beauty on the world stage. She also mentioned her upcoming challenge of climbing Kilimanjaro in September as part of her Seven Summits Plan. Located in the north-eastern region of Tanzania, Kilimanjaro stands as the tallest mountain in Africa, reaching a height of 19,341 feet. Wasfia is planning to climb Aconcagua in December, which is the highest peak in South America at 22,841 feet and is situated in the Argentinian Andes. Denali, also known as Mount McKinley, is the highest peak in North America at 20,320 feet and is on Wasfia's list of climbs for June-July 2012. According to Wasfia, Denali is considered one of the toughest climbs with a summit rate of only 18 percent and a high number of accidents and deaths. In April-May 2012, Wasfia will attempt to conquer the highest point in the world. If she is successful, she will become the third person from Bangladesh to reach the summit of Everest, also known as Sagarmatha or Chomolungma by the Nepalese and Tibetans. Vinson Massif, located just 750 miles from the South Pole in Antarctica, stands at 16,066 feet. In February 2012, Wasfia plans to brave the extreme cold to plant the Bangladeshi flag at its peak. The final mountain on her list is Puncak Jaya, also known as the Carstensz Pyramid, situated in the central highlands of Indonesia. Puncak Jaya, at 16,024 feet, is the highest mountain in Oceania and the tallest island peak in the world. Wasfia plans to travel to the destination in September or October of 2012. She described the journey as dangerous, noting that reaching the base-camp involves navigating through red-tape and climbing a challenging rock surface that requires technical skills. Wasfia mentioned that she is seeking sponsorship for her mountain climbing endeavors on all continents, and she expressed a preference for Bangladeshi sponsors in order to create a sense of national pride in her accomplishments. She stated that she would only consider large foreign companies as a last resort for sponsorship.

The protests started earlier in the week with high school students protesting against the second fare increase of the year by jumping subway turnstiles. However, on Friday night, demonstrators escalated by setting fire to multiple subway stations, banks, buses, and the headquarters of the largest electricity provider in the country, Enel. Looters also targeted supermarkets, stores, and pharmacies. One student was reportedly killed by the police and another was injured by rubber bullets during the protests, which caused chaos in one of Latin America's most prosperous cities. President Piñera declared a state of emergency, restricting citizens' movement and giving the army control over internal security to restore order after the violent demonstrations. The fare increase announcement on October 6th sparked anger, especially as the cost of living continues to rise for poor and middle-class families while wages remain stagnant. "Isabel Mora, an 82-year-old retiree receiving a monthly pension of around $62, expressed frustration at the unfairness of the situation, noting the rising costs of transportation, electricity, gas, and other expenses alongside low salaries. President Piñera had pledged to address the issue of increasing transportation fares, which now stand at about $1.20 for rush hour rides. The protests escalated on Friday, with hundreds of people entering subway stations without paying, leading to clashes with special police units who used tear gas, violence, and arrests to control the situation." The subway system halted service on multiple lines and ultimately had to close down the entire network by nighttime, leaving hundreds if not thousands of people stranded on the streets. Many were unable to catch crowded buses and had to walk for hours to reach their homes. Government officials labeled the protestors as "organized vandals" and "criminals" and declared they would enforce a law allowing for harsher penalties. On Friday night, residents in the capital city protested by banging pots and pans. People were seen stealing from supermarkets and building barriers, while it seemed that the police had withdrawn to their stations. These protests took place as Chile gets ready to hold two important global meetings: an APEC summit in November and the UN Climate Change Conference in December. © 2019 New York Times News Service.

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 while leaving a constituency meeting in Punjab province. Iqbal is currently recovering in the hospital from a bullet wound, with Minister of State for Interior Affairs Talal Chaudhry stating that he is stable and in good spirits. Leaders from Pakistan's main opposition parties have all condemned the assassination attempt, while 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 contributed to creating the backdrop for the attack. Naeem ul Haq, chief of staff for former cricket star Khan, strongly criticized Nawaz Sharif for making baseless accusations against his opponents and fueling tension and anger in the political climate. He warned that if Sharif continues to spread lies, such incidents will persist. Despite being disqualified as prime minister by Pakistan's Supreme Court last July for a minor financial discrepancy, Sharif's party still holds a majority in parliament. Sharif has accused the court ruling as a conspiracy orchestrated by rival Khan, portraying him as a puppet of the military establishment known for interfering in politics. Khan refutes allegations of collusion with the army, while the military denies involvement in politics. The attack on Sunday has increased tensions leading up to the upcoming election in late July. Initial reports suggest that the attacker may have ties to a new Islamist political party that advocates for the death penalty for blasphemy and the implementation of strict sharia law. However, the Islamists deny any connection to the attacker, according to a local administrator's report seen by Reuters. Party leader Khadim Hussain Rizvi emphasized that they are engaged in a peaceful struggle and those working against Tehreek-e-Labaik will not be victorious. He condemned the attack on Iqbal, stating that Labaik is striving to establish the Prophet's religion without the use of weapons. The police revealed that Iqbal was shot in the right arm and the bullet entered his groin. The suspected shooter, identified as Abid Hussain, 21, has not had a motive officially confirmed. Minister of state Chaudhry stated that religious radicalism is a part of the suspect's background, and mentioned that other individuals have been arrested and police are investigating groups that may have influenced the attack. He emphasized that radicalism is not just an individual issue, but a social problem that is instigated by others. Labaik, the group responsible for the attack, originated from a protest movement in support of Mumtaz Qadri, who murdered the governor of Punjab in 2011 over his stance on blasphemy laws. The movement caused significant disruptions, including shutting down the country's capital for three weeks, and is now linked to the recent assassination attempt on Iqbal, sparking concerns of potential violence by Islamists leading up to the upcoming elections.

Kuwait will mandate that incoming travelers must quarantine at their residence for a period of 10 days unless they can provide a negative PCR test for COVID-19 that was taken within 72 hours of their arrival.

Even though vaccines are highly effective against COVID-19, recent reports of breakthrough infections and updated guidelines on mask-wearing for vaccinated individuals have caused confusion and anxiety. While it is possible for vaccinated individuals to still get infected with high levels of the virus, such cases are rare compared to the unvaccinated population. Vaccination remains crucial for protecting oneself and others, according to Gregg Gonsalves, an epidemiology professor at Yale. It's important to remember that no vaccine provides complete immunity, so precautions are still necessary, especially with the emergence of variants like Delta. Erin Bromage, a comparative immunologist and 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 is usually effective, a powerful hurricane like Delta can overwhelm it, allowing some water to seep through. Despite the increased infectiousness of Delta compared to earlier forms of the virus, vaccines still provide additional protection. However, in situations of high viral load, such as being near an unvaccinated person, the protection may not be as effective. Fortunately, the current vaccines in the United States are highly successful in preventing serious illness, hospitalization, and death. Over 97 percent of COVID-19 hospitalizations are in unvaccinated individuals. In Singapore, vaccinated patients hospitalized with delta breakthrough infections are less likely to need supplemental oxygen and clear the virus faster than unvaccinated patients. Breakthrough infections are rare, with only some states reporting data since the CDC stopped tracking all cases in May. The Kaiser Family Foundation recently conducted an analysis of state-reported data and discovered that breakthrough cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are uncommon among individuals who have received the full COVID-19 vaccination. The rate of breakthrough cases among fully vaccinated individuals is below 1 percent in all states, with percentages ranging from 0.01% in Connecticut to 0.29% in Alaska, according to the Kaiser analysis. However, many breakthrough infections may go unreported as infected individuals may not show symptoms or only experience mild symptoms that resolve before seeking testing. 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, noted that while breakthrough infections are rare, the true rarity is unknown without a population-based sample. Many individuals who experience a mild sore throat for a couple of days may have contracted breakthrough cases, but the vaccine is not to blame for this. It has been estimated that the vaccine campaign has prevented 100,000 to 200,000 deaths. The risk of a breakthrough infection increases with more exposure to the delta variant. Large gatherings like the July 4 celebration in Provincetown, Massachusetts, or the packed Lollapalooza concert in Chicago, increase the likelihood of vaccinated individuals coming into contact with someone carrying a high viral load. The more people you interact with, the higher the risk, depending on the local risk level. In the near future, there may be a significant increase in cases at events like Lollapalooza due to the close proximity of people, making it an ideal situation for the spread of the delta variant. The CDC recommends wearing a mask in areas designated as orange or red on their color-coded map of COVID-19 outbreaks, which includes about 80 percent of counties in the United States. The Northeast and Upper Midwest have low infection numbers, while states like Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Florida are experiencing a surge in delta cases. The issue with relying on maps for case counts is that the numbers are changing quickly, and cases could spike in your area before the map updates. Even if you live in a highly vaccinated community with low case counts, it's important to consider neighboring communities' numbers and vaccination rates, as viruses can easily spread across state and county lines. Experts suggest that wearing a mask outdoors is not necessary if you're not in a crowd and can maintain a safe distance from others. However, attending a crowded outdoor event is still risky, and wearing a mask is recommended in such situations. 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 close to them for an extended period of time. While fully vaccinated individuals like himself may not wear a mask in all indoor situations, he opts for an N95 mask when entering public spaces. For optimal protection, it is advised to use a high-quality medical mask such as an N95, KN95, or KF94, with the latter being less likely to have counterfeit versions. If a medical mask is not available, double masking with a surgical mask underneath 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 can let germs in. It is recommended to choose your mask based on the situation. A cloth mask may be sufficient for a brief visit to a deserted convenience store in a highly vaccinated area. However, a higher-quality mask is more appropriate for air travel or in a crowded grocery store, particularly in areas with low vaccination rates and high case counts. Masks that have straps or ties around the back of the head provide a tighter seal compared to masks with ear loops. Huffman emphasized the need to enhance previous mitigation efforts in order to combat the delta variant, including the use of masks. He advised individuals to consider upgrading to masks with high filter quality that fit snugly on the face, ensuring a tight seal around the edges. Huffman stated that the most important factor is to ensure the mask is sealed well all around the nose bridge, cheeks, and under the chin, stating that 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 without masks. Wearing a mask indoors with a small group of vaccinated individuals is not considered essential, according to Huffman. However, certain situations may call for additional precautions. Although rare, there is a theoretical possibility of a vaccinated person spreading the virus to another vaccinated individual. Those who socialize in crowded venues or travel to high-risk areas pose a greater risk than those who avoid large gatherings and primarily interact with vaccinated individuals. Bitton recommends prioritizing outdoor gatherings, especially for families with unvaccinated individuals or those at high risk due to the spread of the delta variant. Hosting events in backyard or patio settings and minimizing indoor time can reduce the risk of exposure. It is safer to spend time with small groups of vaccinated friends rather than attending large parties, even if all attendees are believed to be vaccinated. Opening windows for better ventilation when indoors is also advised. If someone in the group is particularly vulnerable due to age or compromised immune system, it is reasonable to request that even vaccinated individuals get tested before visiting. A basic and quick home test can be provided to guests to ensure that everyone is free of COVID. Whether or not you can dine at restaurants depends on factors such as local conditions, your willingness to take risks, and the health status of those around you. The risk is minimal in areas with high vaccination rates and low case numbers. For example, dining at a restaurant in Vermont, where two-thirds of the population is vaccinated, is safer than eating indoors in Alabama or Mississippi, where only one-third of residents are vaccinated. Parents of unvaccinated children and individuals with weakened immune systems, who studies indicate may have reduced vaccine efficacy, may opt to order takeout or eat outside for an extra layer of protection. Is traveling safe? Should I avoid snacks and beverages and continue wearing my mask? Although airplanes are usually well ventilated and not a significant source of outbreaks, it is still wise to take precautions. The risk of coming into contact with an infected individual may be higher in airport terminals, while dining in airport establishments, or going through security. Text = Air on airplanes is exchanged every two to three minutes, which is more frequent than in grocery stores and other indoor places. Passengers must wear masks but can remove them to eat or drink. Airplane ventilation systems limit airflow to a few rows to prevent it from circulating throughout the cabin, meaning an infected passenger primarily poses a risk to those nearby. Experts recommend using a high-quality medical mask, such as an N95 or KF94, when flying. If you do not possess a mask, it is recommended to wear two masks. While the risk of a vaccinated individual briefly removing their mask to eat or drink during a flight is low, it is preferable to keep it on as much as possible. The CDC advises that unvaccinated individuals, including children, should avoid flying. Bromage shared that he recently flew and briefly removed his mask to drink a beverage, but kept it on for the majority of the flight. He mentioned that he would feel more at ease removing his mask to eat if he knew that the individuals next to him were vaccinated. He stated that he would be more worried if the individual beside him did not seem to be concerned about COVID precautions or wore their mask incorrectly. He emphasized the importance of keeping a mask on, especially when sitting next to a talkative person. The safety of buses, subways, and trains for vaccinated individuals is dependent on various factors such as the duration of the ride and the level of crowding. Although most public transportation systems still mandate mask-wearing, which reduces the risk, the longer the ride and the more crowded the vehicle, the higher the risk of viral exposure, despite the protection provided by vaccination. Many individuals rely on public transportation to commute to work or school, and it is advisable to wear a properly fitted medical mask or double mask while doing so. When deciding whether to use public transit, it is important to take into account local vaccination rates and the trend of rising case counts. As for hugging and visiting older relatives or unvaccinated children, while it is generally safe for vaccinated individuals to do so without masks, parents of unvaccinated children should be cautious, especially when visiting older relatives. In communities where there are few cases of COVID-19 and many people are vaccinated, it is generally considered safe for unvaccinated children from one household to visit their vaccinated grandparents. However, with the spread of the delta variant and children returning to school, there is an increased risk for older or immunocompromised individuals who are more susceptible to severe illness from COVID-19, even if they are vaccinated. When families plan to visit a high-risk relative, it is recommended to limit other exposures, such as avoiding dining out or going to the gym in the week leading up to the visit. While the risk of a vaccinated person transmitting COVID-19 is low, vaccinated grandparents should also minimize their own exposure when spending time with unvaccinated children. For example, aerosol scientist Huffman mentioned that he still wears masks in public settings, but has not been wearing them indoors with his elderly parents. "If I had more interactions that increased my risk of exposure, I would strongly consider wearing a mask when indoors with vulnerable individuals. Rapid home tests are an additional precaution to take when visiting grandparents or immune-compromised family members. It is recommended to take a test a few days before the visit and also on the day of the visit. Home tests are a great option for those feeling anxious about the virus, as testing before coming together can provide peace of mind and allow for enjoyable time spent together. How can I determine if I have the delta variant?" If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 in the United States, it is highly likely that you have the delta variant, according to the CDC. The delta variant has also become dominant in several other countries, with the World Health Organization reporting that it accounts for a high percentage of cases in countries such as Australia, Bangladesh, Botswana, China, Denmark, India, Indonesia, Israel, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, and the UK. However, regular COVID tests do not indicate whether your infection is specifically caused by the delta variant or another strain of the virus. Health departments can use genomic sequencing to determine the prevalence of various variants in a population, but this data is not usually disclosed to individuals. It is still important for individuals to isolate and consult a healthcare professional if they experience low blood oxygen levels, difficulty breathing, or other concerning symptoms.

It has been discovered that contrary to previous reports, including those by The New York Times, Elon Musk's SpaceX is not responsible for the potential crater on the moon's surface. Instead, it is likely that a piece of a rocket launched by China's space agency will be the cause. Bill Gray, creator of Project Pluto, software used for astronomical calculations, recently announced that the upper stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is 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 2015. Gray has been monitoring this rocket part for several years, noting that in early January it came within 6,000 miles of the moon's surface, with the moon's gravity potentially causing it to crash on a subsequent orbit. Reports from amateur astronomers who witnessed the object passing Earth once again confirmed the expected collision within the Hertzsprung crater. However, a Saturday email from Jon Giorgini, an engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, provided new information. Giorgini manages Horizons, an online database that can provide information on the locations and orbits of nearly 1.2 million objects in the solar system, including around 200 spacecraft. After being asked by a Horizons user about the object's connection to the DSCOVR rocket, Giorgini decided 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 thought he had it correct but then went back through his old emails to refresh his memory on when the object was first observed in March 2015, approximately one month after DSCOVR was launched. Typically, newly spotted objects in the sky are asteroids, and this was also assumed for this particular object, which was labeled WE0913A. However, it was discovered that WE0913A was orbiting Earth instead of the sun, suggesting it originated from Earth. Gray suggested it could be a part of the rocket that launched DSCOVR, and further data showed that WE0913A passed the moon two days after DSCOVR's launch, confirming the identification. Gray realized his mistake in assuming DSCOVR was heading towards the moon for a gravity assist to reach its final destination, but Giorgini clarified that DSCOVR was actually launched on a direct path not passing the moon. Gray admitted that he regretted not reviewing the information before making his January announcement. After Jon Giorgini brought it to his attention, Gray realized his mistake. SpaceX did not comment on the issue, but it is likely that they were not monitoring the second stage of the rocket, as it is usually burned up in the atmosphere. The rocket needed all of its propellant to deliver DSCOVR to its destination. However, the unpowered and uncontrolled second stage of the rocket was in an orbit that was not a threat to satellites, so it was likely not being monitored. Gray expressed a wish for more transparency from companies launching boosters into high orbits, as he had to do research to determine what was in orbit. Gray then began examining other recent launches, particularly those bound for the moon, but found limited information in that category. The top candidate for the mission was a Long March 3C rocket which launched China's Chang'e-5 T1 spacecraft on October 23, 2014. The spacecraft orbited the moon and returned to Earth, releasing a return capsule that landed in Mongolia as a test for the upcoming Chang'e-5 mission in 2020. A computer simulation of the orbit of WE0913A revealed that it would have passed close to the moon on October 28, just five days after the Chinese launch. Additionally, data from a cubesat attached to the rocket's third stage closely matched that of WE0913A, according to Gray. "It's a case that could likely result in a conviction if brought before a jury," remarked amateur astronomer Christophe Demeautis from northeast France, after further observations this month adjusted the projected time and location of the object's impact on the moon. The crash is still expected to occur around 7:26 am Eastern time, but it will not be visible from Earth due to its location on the far side of the moon. The search for the missing Falcon 9 part, specifically the DSCOVR second stage, is ongoing. The most likely scenario is that it is now orbiting the sun instead of the Earth, and it may still be out there. This would make it currently out of sight. Similar occurrences have happened before with parts of old rockets resurfacing, as seen in 2020 when a mystery object was identified as a component of a rocket launched in 1966 for NASA's Surveyor missions to the moon.

Rogozin announced on his Telegram channel that Roskosmos is halting cooperation with European partners on space launches from Kourou and pulling its technical staff from French Guiana in response to EU sanctions. The EU downplayed the impact of Russia's withdrawal, stating that it would not affect the quality of service provided by its satellite networks Galileo and Copernicus. Galileo is Europe's global navigation satellite system used for positioning and timing in various industries, while Copernicus provides earth observation data. EU Commissioner Thierry Breton tweeted that necessary decisions will be made to develop the second generation of these two sovereign space infrastructures. "We are ready to work decisively with member states to defend critical infrastructures in the event of an attack, and to advance the development of Ariane 6 and VegaC to ensure strategic autonomy in terms of carrier rockets."

A recent poll showed that Australian Prime Minister John Howard is at risk of losing his Sydney-based seat in the upcoming national election on November 10. The poll, conducted by Galaxy for The Sunday Telegraph newspaper and SBS television, indicated that Howard is trailing behind former television presenter Maxine McKew by 46 percent to 53 percent when votes were distributed to the two major parties. McKew, who was recruited by the rival Labor Party to challenge Howard, is also tied with him in terms of who voters believe would do the best job for the seat of Bennelong, which Howard has held since 1974. The poll was conducted following the recent interest rate hike by Australia's central bank to combat inflation caused by strong domestic demand, low unemployment, and rapid global growth. These interest rate increases have been negatively impacting Howard, who won his fourth election in 2004 with the promise of "Keeping interest rates low." The central bank has increased interest rates five times, impacting support for Howard's Liberal-National coalition in crucial suburbs where voters are struggling with high mortgages and excessive borrowing due to low interest rates. Howard is also facing challenges in his own constituency, which now has a significant Asian population and is among the top 20 electorates with residents who speak a language other than English at home. Some immigrant families are unhappy with Howard's policies requiring new arrivals to embrace Australian values such as "mateship" and "fair go" equality, as well as learn English for faster integration into society. Despite poll predictions, senior Labor lawmaker Bob McMullan believes it will be difficult to defeat Howard. "We are approaching the end of the current three-year term and there is a willingness for change among the people. However, I believe their voting intentions are not fixed, but rather flexible," he stated in an interview with Australian television. Foreign Minister Alexander Downer expressed confidence in Howard's wisdom and experience leading him to victory, while criticizing opposition leader Kevin Rudd for lacking a clear plan for Australia's future. Downer acknowledged the usual controversies surrounding the incumbent's record, stating that he did not want to appear overly optimistic." I am someone who is fairly calm about the challenges that are coming my way.

Last week, a friendly Amazon employee asked me if I would like to start shopping by scanning a QR code in the Amazon app at the opening of a Whole Foods Market in Washington's Glover Park neighborhood. I chose to use my palm for scanning and linked it to my Amazon account within a minute before entering the highly advanced grocery store. I shopped for the next 30 minutes. I bought cauliflower florets, grapefruit sparkling water, strawberries, and organic chicken sausages at the store. Cameras and sensors tracked my movements and created a virtual shopping cart for me in real time. I didn't need a cashier, I just walked out and Amazon would bill my account later. Amazon purchased Whole Foods for $13 billion over four years ago. The grocery chain's transformation into an Amazon-owned entity is now fully realized with the renovated Whole Foods store in Glover Park. Previously, Amazon had taken gradual steps to integrate its influence into the hundreds of Whole Foods locations in the US and UK, primarily through discounts and free home delivery for Amazon Prime members. However, the 21,000-square-foot Whole Foods store near Georgetown, along with a forthcoming prototype store in Los Angeles, represents a significant advancement in Amazon's role in the grocery industry. These stores are designed to be predominantly operated by tracking and robotic technology, marking a new era in grocery shopping. The Just Walk Out technology involves numerous cameras that have a comprehensive view of customers, as well as sensors placed under each item in the store. Deep-learning software is used to analyze shopping behavior and improve the accuracy of charges. This technology is similar to what is used in driverless cars, as it can detect when a product is picked up and automatically charge customers when they leave the store. Anyone who has an Amazon account, not just Prime members, can use this method of shopping and avoid a traditional cash register by having the bill charged to their Amazon account. Amazon has been testing this automated technology for over four years, starting with 24 Amazon Go convenience stores and several Amazon Fresh grocery stores nationwide. The palm-scanning technology, called Amazon One, is now being used by other businesses, 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. These stores served as important experiments, according to Dilip Kumar, Amazon's vice president of physical retail and technology. The company sees Whole Foods as another step in its expansion of technology into retail stores. Kumar stated that they identified areas that caused issues for customers and actively worked to find solutions to alleviate those issues. One example was customers not liking standing in checkout lines, which led to the development of the Just Walk Out technology. He did not confirm if Amazon intended to expand this technology to all Whole Foods stores. According to Karen Weise, an Amazon expert at the New York Times, Amazon operates with long-term goals, allowing them to slowly transform various industries over many years. The Whole Foods in Glover Park has been a central 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 facing closure four years ago due to a dispute with the landlord and a rat infestation, Amazon has announced plans to reopen the store as a Just Walk Out pilot project. While the rats may be gone, the neighborhood still harbors some concerns. The renovated store has caused a lively local discussion among residents on social media and email groups. Some residents are divided on whether the store's new technology gives off a "dystopian" vibe or is impressive. Some residents fondly remember the store's previous inviting atmosphere with free samples and pancakes. Alex Levin, a long-time resident, believes that people should not reject the store's changes and should instead use the technology to their advantage. He shared an anecdote of trying to trick the store's cameras and sensors but was unsuccessful, as Amazon did not charge him for the items he attempted to steal. However, some people mentioned that they discovered mistakes in their bills and were unhappy about the switch from selling produce by weight to selling it per item, bundle, or box. Some people also lamented the disappearance of the checkout line, where they enjoyed browsing magazines and last-minute impulse purchases. Additionally, many people were wary of the tracking technology, with one retired librarian comparing it to George Orwell's novel "1984." Amazon stated that it did not have any intention of utilizing video and other customer information from Whole Foods for advertising or its recommendation engine. Customers who are not interested in participating in the new technology can simply enter the store without signing in and make their purchases at self-checkout kiosks using a credit card or cash. As a loyal customer of the Whole Foods in Glover Park, I had been looking forward to exploring the changes in the store, which I had previously found to be dark, cramped, and chaotic. However, my feelings became mixed somewhere between the palm scan and the six-pack banana bundles. I became aware of a sign near the entrance that prohibited shoppers from taking photos or videos inside the store. I glanced up at the ceiling and saw many small black plastic boxes hanging from the rafters. An employee informed me that those were the cameras that would track me during my shopping trip. There were workers at the entrance helping customers check in, as well as others at the seafood counter, cheese station, and produce areas. Kumar mentioned that human employees would always be present in the stores, but I couldn't help but wonder for how much longer. Amazon, facing criticism for how it treats its workers, announced that employees may eventually have more customer interaction duties. This indicates a move towards a more self-service model. For example, when I went to the bakery and asked for my $4.99 Harvest loaf to be sliced, I was directed to a professional bread slicer for customers, with a warning label about 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 took an organic avocado and put it with nonorganic avocados. After shopping, I returned for the same organic avocado. If the cameras and sensors were working correctly, Amazon would detect my actions and charge me for the misplaced organic avocado. At checkout, I could use a self-checkout kiosk or skip the process. I chose the second option and waved my hand over a turnstile to exit. The turnstile opened, and an employee informed me that I would receive my receipt in two to three hours. I left feeling uneasy, as if I could be wrongly perceived as a shoplifter. I received an email from Amazon in my inbox one hour later. The email contained a link that directed me to my Amazon account where I could view the details. According to the email, my shopping session lasted 32 minutes and 26 seconds, and my total bill was $34.35. I was charged the correct amount for the organic avocado.

A former militia leader in Nigeria, 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 been causing disruptions in oil production and kidnapping foreign workers. Asari, who is facing charges of treason, was granted bail after rebel groups in the region released hostages, announced a ceasefire, and expressed a willingness to engage in talks with the new government under President Umaru Yar'Adua. However, the peace efforts are still uncertain, particularly in light of recent violence in Bayelsa state where troops killed eight suspected militants during an attempted attack on an oil well. Asari's release on bail was based on health reasons and was not opposed by prosecutors, who believe he is not seeking attention. Justice Peter Olayiwola stated that the accused will be released for health reasons but with certain conditions, including not participating in any political activities or rallies and reporting his movements to security services. The Supreme Court had previously denied bail for Asari, citing national security concerns after a lengthy legal process lasting 20 months. Prosecutors had consistently opposed his release until now. Activists involved in peace negotiations between the government and delta rebels suggested that the court's decision on Thursday was the outcome of a political agreement. Asari has been in detention since September 2005 and his trial has been prolonged due to multiple adjournments. Elders from his Ijaw ethnic group tried unsuccessfully to negotiate his release. The situation changed after Yar'Adua's inauguration, where he called for a ceasefire in the delta. State governors from the region have since publicly advocated for Asari's release. Ijaw activists believe that the recent ruling will help calm armed rebels seeking control over oil revenues and compensation for oil spills in the impoverished delta. Ifeanyi Jonjon, the leader of the Ijaw Youth Council, expressed approval of the recent actions taken, stating that it aligns with their demands. He believes that utilizing Asari to communicate with the freedom fighters could help steer them away from violence towards a peaceful resolution. Despite Asari's absence in court, his supporters were joyful. "This development is positive for those who have businesses in the Niger Delta region. It will help to calm the situation. Asari's involvement is crucial in achieving peace in the delta," stated Emmanuel Diffa, an Ijaw leader who has been advocating for Asari's freedom.

Pakistan completed a series sweep of Zimbabwe in all three cricket formats, winning the second Twenty20 in a thrilling last-ball finish in Harare. Zimbabwe struggled to build momentum during their chase, 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. He needed six runs off the last ball, but Sohail Khan's well-executed delivery secured the win for Pakistan. Taibu, who had moved to the leg side, was unable to make a shot, resulting in an underwhelming conclusion to Zimbabwe's chase. The team allowed the target to become too large for them, despite a promising start by Vusi Sibanda and Chamu Chibhabha. Sibanda kicked off the innings with a beautiful straight drive for four, but they failed to rotate the strike effectively, causing the required run-rate to increase. Chibhabha attempted to accelerate the scoring against Saeed Ajmal, but was caught by Yasir Shah while attempting to hit over long on. Ajmal's first over without conceding any runs while taking a wicket slowed down Zimbabwe's pursuit of the target, which lasted until the last over. Sibanda became increasingly frustrated and was eventually caught by Hafeez at point while trying to hit a boundary. Hafeez's impressive performance continued as he bowled out Cephas Zhuwao with a straight delivery and then took the wickets of Hamilton Maskadza and Brendan Taylor. As Zimbabwe's chances of winning diminished, Charles Coventry took risky shots at the beginning of Junaid Khan's over. Two players scored four runs each, while the third player got out by bottom-edging the ball onto his stumps. Despite Elton Chigumbura playing some powerful shots, he struggled against the quality bowling. Pakistan's bowlers remained calm even in the final over. 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 less than 150 runs. Taylor made creative changes to his bowling lineup, starting with a spinner and then bringing in Chibhabha in the third over. Chibhabha took a wicket by catching Asad Shafiq trying to hit a length ball for six, followed by Rameez Raja getting caught at short fine leg. Kyle Jarvis also performed well by bowling better lengths than in previous matches, resulting in Raja being caught out with a short ball. The hosts continued to put pressure on Pakistan by catching Shoaib Malik behind off Chigumbura after he attempted to hit a wide delivery. Hafeez batted well against the spinners, allowing Umar Akmal to be cautious. Chigumbura bowled a controlled spell with slower balls. Price finally dismissed Hafeez, who tried to hit a boundary but fell short. After Hafeez was out, Pakistan struggled to score boundaries and only managed 36 runs in the last five overs. Akmal was run out while attempting a second run and Tanvir was bowled by Jarvis. Jarvis performed well under pressure towards the end of the match and effectively utilized yorkers, a type of delivery that he is getting very close to mastering.

Daschle was pleasantly surprised by the reversal of protocol when Bob Dole insisted on coming to his office instead of the other way around. Dole's witty and straightforward response exemplified his no-nonsense approach, reflecting his Kansas upbringing and values. Throughout the next 35 years, spanning time in the House, Senate, and multiple presidential campaigns, Bob Dole thrived in Washington as a skilled deal maker. While there was certainly partisanship during his time in the Capitol, Dole was known for reaching across party lines to achieve bipartisan successes, including passing legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act and welfare reform. One of his most notable collaborations was with liberal Democrat George McGovern to reform the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Even after leaving the Senate, they continued to collaborate on nutrition issues. Senator Patrick Leahy, who considered Dole a friend, praised their commitment to working together and keeping their promises. Leahy also highlighted the strong relationship between George Mitchell and Dole during their time in the Senate, noting how they would frequently visit each other's offices. Leahy mentioned that both Mitchell and Dole trusted each other and never surprised one another. Additionally, they had dedicated phone lines on their desks for direct communication. The button proved useful in November 1994 when Republicans regained the majority. Mitchell, who was not seeking reelection, wanted to congratulate Dole and requested to visit his office. Dole replied quickly, insisting on visiting Mitchell instead, which was seen as a kind and considerate gesture by Mitchell and his team. According to presidential historian Robert Dallek, Dole excelled at working with politicians from both parties, reflecting a time when bipartisanship was valued in politics. This is not to suggest that Dole did not hold strong conservative beliefs. Newt Gingrich, the former Republican speaker of the House, is known for his role in introducing partisan warfare in Washington. He worked closely with Dole to pass tax cuts and defeat President Bill Clinton’s health care plan. In a recent interview, Gingrich compared Dole to current Republican leader Sen. Mitch McConnell, noting their tactical skills and ability to get things done. However, Dole did not fully support Gingrich's confrontational approach. When Gingrich and House Republicans refused to pass federal spending bills, causing the government to shut down in 1995, Dole expressed his frustration on the Senate floor. He believed the situation had become ridiculous and urged for it to end. In Washington, Dole and his wife, Elizabeth Dole, were viewed as a powerful couple representing the city's institutions. Dole symbolized World War II and the Greatest Generation, embodying dignity and honor from a bygone era. He played a key role in the creation of the World War II Memorial on the National Mall and frequently greeted veterans there. Dallek, the historian, described Dole as a representation of America with his roots in the heartland and his embodiment of shared values. Dole left the Senate in 1996 after serving for over 25 years to pursue a presidential campaign during a time of political change in Washington, with Gingrich's influence and Clinton's impeachment over the Monica Lewinsky scandal adding to growing partisan tensions. When Dole, who was the Senate's longest-serving Republican leader, announced his departure in a speech at the chamber, the traditional ways of the Capitol were still evident. Despite his decision to run against Bill Clinton, Democratic senators gathered on the floor to listen to him speak. After he finished, they all stood and applauded him.

Numerous architects are upset about the decision to demolish the red building, which enhanced the beauty of the street alongside a park. A heritage activist is urging authorities to save the building due to its historical importance. Recently, a contractor named Shakil began demolishing parts of the building's roof, stating that he was awarded the job through a tender eight months ago and plans to complete the demolition in four days. When approached for a statement, DAE Director General Md Golam Maruf stated to bdnews24.com that the decision to demolish the building was made by the government. He chose not to provide further details, indicating that the building no longer fell under his department's jurisdiction despite its historical importance in agricultural research. Maruf suggested contacting the Cotton Development Board (CDB), the current owner of the building, for more information. CDB Executive Director Md Farid Uddin initially asked to be called back in an hour due to being in a meeting, but subsequently did not respond to bdnews24.com's attempts to reach him. Taimur Islam, CEO of Urban Study Group in Dhaka City, has spoken out against the recent demolition of buildings, highlighting that over 2,500 unlisted heritage buildings are at risk. He emphasized the importance of preserving these buildings to protect the city's architectural heritage. Taimur stated that the building holds significance due to its historical and architectural importance. He mentioned that a Famine Commission was established after the famine in Odisha during the mid-18th century, and some structures were built in Dhaka's Farmgate area to support agricultural expansion. The building was further developed when Bengal was divided in 1905. Taimur emphasized the architectural value of the building. Taimur expressed that the courts and DC council buildings built during the colonial period are similar to the current situation in Bangladesh, where agriculture is being neglected despite being the most vital sector. He believes that the entire area should have been conserved as it holds significant historical value. The agricultural sector has seen technological advancements over time, with seven to eight buildings that should have been protected according to the UNESCO Convention. Architects hurried to the site when demolition work began, with the Institute of Architects Bangladesh General Secretary Qazi Muhammad Arif advocating for the preservation of the building due to its historical importance. There are numerous buildings like this across the country, and it is the responsibility of the government to protect them. As professionals, we believe that the buildings that can be saved should be saved." Arif mentioned that there are plans to construct a tall office building at Khamarbarhi, but there may be ways to safeguard the old buildings. Now it appears that it is too late. The Vice-President of the institute, Jalal Ahmed, stated to bdnews24.com that he was unaware of any plans for the building. He also mentioned that the demolition work had progressed too far and that the building did not seem to be in such poor condition as to warrant being torn down. Associate Professor Shehzad Zahir of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology commented that the advancement of Bangladesh's agriculture sector was achieved through scientific research. He explained that the laboratory building was where agricultural research began in Bangladesh, making it a key player in the country's agricultural development. He urged for the demolition to be halted immediately and for steps to be taken to protect and preserve the building, as it dates back to 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 mentioned that the building is well-suited for Bangladesh's tropical climate. Sajid expressed disappointment and concern over the lack of preservation of traditional designs in the building. The speaker suggested that the authorities should have taken photographs of the building before it was damaged so that future generations could see it. However, he noted that it would be expensive to restore the building now that it has been severely damaged by a hammer.

Law Minister Shafique Ahmed has raised doubts about the ability of local institutions to effectively govern the development of their constituents. However, other participants at a seminar on Thursday, including members of parliament, politicians, and economists, expressed support for strong local governance 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, stated that he believed the ruling Awami League would fulfill its election promise to establish such a commission. Mujahidul Islam Selim, general secretary of the Bangladesh Communist Party, criticized the local government ministry for unlawfully maintaining control over local governance, deeming it unconstitutional. The government is required by the constitution to provide five layers of public representation, but only two of these layers are currently functioning at the Upazila and union levels. Local representatives believe that these elected bodies cannot operate independently due to the interference of MPs. Abdul Majid, president of a group of Upazila chairmen and vice-chairmen, stated that the Upazila councils are not functioning properly as everything is controlled by the MPs. He mentioned at a meeting that the Upazila chairman follows the instructions of the local MP. Meher Afroz Chumki, a Member of Parliament from Gazipur, emphasized the importance of changing one's mindset. She advocated for empowering local government but criticized bureaucratic obstacles for hindering genuine government efforts. Chumki believes that by giving more authority to local governments, they will be able to assume more responsibility, but she thinks that closed-mindedness is preventing this from occurring. Hasanul Haq Inu, President of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal and also an MP, stressed the need for clearly defined roles for both local and central government to delineate their respective responsibilities. 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 his support for decentralization and agreed with the views of the other speakers. He also raised the question of whether local agencies are capable of handling the responsibility. The Governance Advocacy Forum organised a seminar presided over by Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, where over 400 chairmen and vice-chairmen held a hunger strike at Muktangan in the capital on Jan 22. They presented a ten-point demand for empowerment, including the cancellation of a law requiring the corresponding MP to be appointed as advisor to the Upazila council. The demands also included a 70 percent budget allocation, separate budgets for local government, and giving chairmen the authority to evaluate all government employees under the council. Additionally, they requested to be given control of 13 offices under 10 ministries in accordance with the Upazila Parishad Act, the ability for local government organizations to create their own annual and five-year plans, reforming district councils, the formation of a local government commission, and 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 endorsed Biden in a campaign ad, announced Time magazine's choice during a television special on NBC. Biden, the former vice president under Obama, and Harris, a US senator from California, will be featured on the magazine's cover on Dec 21. They beat out health care workers, Dr. Fauci, the racial justice movement, and Trump for the honor. Time revealed the finalists on the "Today" show and the editor-in-chief noted the magazine's historical ties to the presidency. Felsenthal pointed out that this was the first time the magazine had selected the vice president as a person of the year. He emphasized that the choice of person of the year is not just a reflection of the past year, but also an indication of the future. He mentioned that the next four years will be a significant test for Vice President Harris and President Biden to see if they can deliver on their promise of unity. Biden, speaking in a prerecorded segment, expressed his belief that if Trump had been reelected, it would have had a lasting impact on the American identity. Harris, who initially ran for president, acknowledged the challenges they would face. "We are currently facing multiple crises that have come together," she stated. Despite the decline of weekly print magazines in the media industry, Time magazine's marketing of their annual distinction continues to generate excitement. The tradition dates back to 1927, when aviator Charles Lindbergh was named the first "man of the year." Time has honored presidents, peacemakers, astronauts, popes, Queen Elizabeth II, American women, and the Earth. However, some of the individuals chosen in the past have been notorious, such as Adolf Hitler in 1938 and Josef Stalin in 1939 and 1942. Time's selection process is not based on popularity, but rather on the person or persons who had the most impact on the news and our lives, 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 criticized the choice of Thunberg, calling it "ridiculous" on Twitter. In 2018, Time magazine chose 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 amid widespread disinformation. The journalists honored also 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 recognized 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 Time announced its choice, President Trump claimed on Twitter that he had been told he would likely be selected again and said he had declined the recognition. Time quickly issued a statement refuting the president's claim. Donald Trump was named Time's person of the year for 2016 after defeating Hillary Clinton in the presidential election. 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 tenure. Nine presidents, including Dwight D. Eisenhower who was recognized in 1944 for his role in World War II, have been selected more than once by the magazine. Franklin D. Roosevelt holds the record for being named person of the year three times. Text from around 2020 belonging to The New York Times Company.

Producers of an interactive mobile phone film directed solely by women are creating a project called "Overheated Symphony", which aims to showcase women's voices from around the world. This project, part of the Birds Eye View film festival in London, encourages women to create short films on their mobile phones with the theme of "Overheated" and send them to a London-based film director for compilation. The resulting film could be a "hot chick flick" or a powerful statement on global warming. The project's website states that they want to see hot content and are inviting women from all over to participate. The idea for "Overheated Symphony" was inspired by the 1927 film "Berlin - Symphony of a Great City" by German filmmaker Walter Ruttmann, which used a montage of still pictures to depict city life. The final edit will be created by British film director Sarah Turner, who describes the project as abstract and a dialogue of ideas with women globally. Turner believes that women's themes and issues will be a significant aspect of the finished piece. Turner will collect the mobile films before the March 2 deadline and 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, now in its third year, believes the film is about women, heat, and new technology. She anticipates some intense reactions due to the nature of the project. She stated that the trend in film and media is moving towards interactivity and multi-platform projects. They wanted to create a project with a game-like feel where everyone can participate. Creating a film with voices from women around the world is not only beautiful but also challenges the stereotype that women are not tech-savvy. Participants are invited to upload their films on the festival's YouTube channel. Although the final outcome is uncertain, Millward believes it will be greater than the individual contributions. She mentions that the film is unpredictable and could potentially cover various themes such as climate change and passion. She anticipates that it will encompass a range of topics.

Rival Premier League managers Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger came together to show support for Kevin Keegan and Alan Curbishley, who both resigned from their positions two weeks ago due to issues of principle. Curbishley left West Ham, citing concerns about the board undermining his authority on transfers, while Keegan departed Newcastle, citing interference from directors as the primary reason for his resignation. Ferguson praised both men for standing up for their principles and refusing to continue in roles where they felt they were no longer in control of their teams. That is not something that can be accepted. It is not the reason you became a manager, to be at the mercy of a chairman's whims. Arsenal manager Wenger stated that it is terrible to be held accountable for success or failure without having control. He emphasized that the manager is the most crucial figure at a club, as evidenced by the fact that managers are often sacked when things are not going well. Ferguson, who has been leading Manchester United for almost 22 years, and Wenger, who is approaching 12 years at Arsenal, are the two managers with the longest tenure in the Premier League. Ferguson emphasized the challenges faced by modern managers, with a focus on the increased influence of young and wealthy chairmen. He acknowledged the financial constraints in the industry, but also expressed support for managers who leave due to changes halfway through the season. The conversation also touched on the influx of overseas money in the Premier League, exemplified by the Abu Dhabi United Group's acquisition of Manchester City and their reported interest in signing Cristiano Ronaldo and Cesc Fabregas. Wenger expressed concern that substantial investments could disrupt the league, noting that there has been a shift in the motivations of club owners in England from fulfilling a dream to potentially seeking financial gain or recognition. Having an increased amount of money in the League can be beneficial, but an excess of money can create inflationary pressure and destabilize other clubs by putting a strain on their resources. Despite being competitors, the two men shared smiles and jokes, indicating a better understanding and mutual respect between them. Wenger mentioned that they have even shared a glass of wine and a meal at coaching conferences in Geneva, highlighting the respect they have for each other. We both have strong teams and have had intense competition for the past ten years.

Text = What is the name of this?

In order to find an answer, all aspects of Venus must be thoroughly examined, including how its surface has changed over time. While Earth has plate tectonics which shapes its features, Venus does not have this process. However, a recent study suggests that Venus may have a unique variation of plate tectonics, with certain parts of its surface made up of blocks that have moved and twisted, altering their surroundings. These dancing blocks, which are thin and flat slices of rock known as campi (which means "fields" in Latin), vary in size from as small as Ireland to as large as Alaska. They were discovered using data from NASA's Magellan orbiter mission, 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, researchers identified 58 campi scattered across the volcanic lowlands of the planet. These campi are surrounded by lines of small mountain ranges and grooves, which have also been altered and marked over time. According to Paul Byrne, a planetary scientist at North Carolina State University and the lead author of the study, the reason for the formation of the campi on Venus is that they were essentially being dragged around by the flowing mantle below. Byrne compares the movement of the campi to pack ice shimmying around. When campi moved towards immobile land, it would cause the ground to form mountains, while moving away would stretch the land and create grooves. The side-to-side movement of campi along boundaries would leave strain marks and etchings. The fact that this deformation occurred in the lowlands of Venus is significant. The lava covering the landscapes is estimated to be between 750 and 150 million years old, making them some of the youngest on the planet. The tectonic activity that created these landscapes 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 is found, it will confirm the belief that Venus is still geologically active, although not as much as Earth. Venus may have once had a large amount of water, which could have allowed for plate tectonics to occur. This process helps regulate the climate by moving carbon, preventing extreme global warming. However, Venus may have experienced catastrophic events, such as volcanic eruptions, that led to its current barren and inactive state. Therefore, over the past billion years, the surface of the entire planet has been relatively motionless and unchanging. However, this does not mean that Venus is completely stable. Previous missions like Magellan have revealed fault networks, rift zones, and mountain ridges that show evidence of past movements. If this new study is accurate and shows that large areas of Venus have recently been shifting, it suggests that the planet's surface is more dynamic than previously thought. Joseph O'Rourke, a planetary scientist at Arizona State University not involved in the study, stated that understanding why Venus has this unexpected tectonic activity could have significant implications. There are numerous Earth- and Venus-sized planets in the universe, and how their tectonic activity influences their destinies is crucial to comprehend. According to O'Rourke, if we cannot understand Earth and its closest neighbor, we cannot claim to understand any rocky planet within or beyond our solar system. Venus, with all its unexpected features, presents a significant challenge in this regard.

Due to a geomagnetic storm caused by a recent solar outburst, 40 out of 49 newly launched Starlink satellites have become inoperable and are now reentering Earth's atmosphere to be destroyed. This event underscores the risks faced by companies intending to launch thousands of small satellites for internet service from space. There is a possibility that future solar outbursts could also disrupt these orbital transmitters, as the sun goes through an 11-year cycle of activity levels. Currently, the sun is increasing in activity and is predicted to reach its peak around 2025. This recent solar event was considered mild compared to previous ones. Hugh Lewis, an expert on space debris, believes that a more intense solar event is likely to occur during the next cycle. If a relatively weak solar flare can damage 40 Starlink satellites, a stronger one could cause even more harm to SpaceX and other companies' satellite constellations. SpaceX has already announced the potential destruction of 40 of its satellites due to this solar activity. The company stated that once the satellites were launched, they were placed in their intended orbit approximately 130 miles above Earth in order to reduce the risk of future collisions with other satellites. If the satellites experience issues at this altitude and cannot be moved to a safer orbit, they are quickly absorbed by the Earth's atmosphere as a safety precaution. However, before the satellites were launched on Jan 29, a powerful coronal mass ejection from the sun sent energetic particles and magnetism towards Earth, resulting in a geomagnetic storm around Feb 2. The intense storm increased the kinetic energy of particles in Earth's atmosphere, causing it to expand and become denser. This increased drag on objects moving through the atmosphere, including 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% compared to previous launches, leading to the loss of 40 out of 49 satellites due to gravity. Currently, there are 1,915 Starlink satellites in orbit, so losing up to 40 is not a major concern for SpaceX, according to Jonathan McDowell, an astronomer at the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. However, Lewis estimates that this loss could amount to up to $100 million in hardware costs. The dangers of solar outbursts and geomagnetic storms to objects in low-Earth orbit are well-documented, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration categorizing geomagnetic storms from minor to extreme. A recent "moderate" storm could potentially affect orbits by changing atmospheric drag. Given these risks, it raises the question of whether SpaceX considered this hazard during the Starlink deployment. Samantha Lawler, an astronomer at the University of Regina in Canada, expressed her surprise at the situation, stating that she was dumbfounded by the lack of preparation. McDowell also found it unexpected and believed that they should have been more prepared. When reached out to for comment via email, a SpaceX media representative mentioned that the team is currently occupied with other tasks. The fact that the satellites are entering the atmosphere quickly and not lingering in low-Earth orbit is seen as positive, and they do not pose any danger to people on the ground. Lewis stated that the system worked correctly in terms of safety, with the satellites de-orbiting without risking anything else. Satellites at higher altitudes are generally safe from atmospheric expansion risks, but those at lower altitudes still face dangers. This raises concerns about SpaceX's ability to continue deploying spacecraft at low altitudes. Lewis explained that as the sun becomes more active, it emits more extreme ultraviolet radiation that is absorbed into our atmosphere, causing it to expand significantly. This is expected to increase atmospheric density by one or two orders of magnitude. This event represents a much larger change than what was previously observed. Many astronomers have expressed criticism towards Starlink and other satellite constellations for potentially interfering with telescope research on Earth due to their reflection of sunlight. Some view this incident as indicative of SpaceX's approach to issues in low-Earth orbit - addressing failures and improving in the future rather than anticipating problems. The destruction of these satellites serves as a tough lesson for SpaceX, according to Lewis. Lawler suggested that the outcome is in their hands and expressed hope that this situation will help them see things more clearly.

There is increasing speculation that Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard may be removed from her position by her party before the end of the year. This has led senior ministers to publicly show their support for Gillard following a challenging start to 2012. Despite media reports suggesting that Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd may challenge her leadership, Defense Minister Stephen Smith and other cabinet ministers have expressed their backing for Gillard. Many political analysts now believe it is unlikely that Gillard will lead her party into the next election, scheduled for the second half of 2013, with a potential leadership change expected later in the year. According to Monash University political analyst Nick Economou, some MPs are beginning to worry and believe that Gillard's leadership may not last until the next election. The initial major opinion polls for 2012 showed government backing at a standstill near all-time lows. Online bookmakers Sportsbet revealed that the odds of Rudd becoming leader again by the end of the year have decreased to $1.20 for a $1.00 bet. Smith, who expressed strong support for the Prime Minister, stated that she is performing well despite challenging circumstances. Other ministers, including Greg Combet, Stephen Conroy, and Simon Crean, have also urged an end to party discord, with Crean criticizing Rudd for not being a team player. Despite being ousted as prime minister due to his government's struggles with reforms, polls indicate that Rudd remains popular with voters despite being viewed as a lone operator by his Labor colleagues. The government is facing a dilemma because Gillard governs with support from two independents and the Greens, and any leadership change could result in a change of government or an early election if a new leader cannot negotiate similar support. This means that a leadership spill could lead to a change of government, with the conservative opposition planning to abolish a new 30 percent mining tax and a carbon tax set to begin on July 1. Gillard dismissed the recent rumors on Friday, stating that she is focused on delivering good policy and does not pay attention to media chatter. Despite a challenging end to 2011, Gillard's position was strengthened as a disaffected opposition member became parliamentary speaker, increasing her majority from one vote to three. However, her performance in 2012 has been lackluster. She lost the backing of an independent in January due to breaking a promise to alter gambling laws, and later had a staff member resign for his involvement in a disruptive protest against Opposition Leader Tony Abbott. This has left the government with a slim majority in parliament and facing scrutiny over a lawmaker involved in a police investigation regarding union funds and prostitution. Additionally, economic challenges such as declining house prices and job cuts persist, but there may be some relief if the central bank lowers interest rates as predicted. While there has been a shift in support away from Gillard, many Labor lawmakers remain strongly opposed to Rudd. Tingle wrote on Friday that there has been a shift in sentiment against Julia Gillard, with a quiet but strong threat. Economou mentioned that any action against Gillard is not expected until July, when both the carbon tax and mining tax are implemented. 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 may lose power. Economou warned that the real challenge for Gillard will come after the carbon tax is in effect, and if there is no improvement by then, she may have to step down.

Oscar voters have a strong preference for dramas, but at the Toronto International Film Festival, there was a lack of dramas on screen as many struggled to find distribution. The festival, known as a key stop for Hollywood awards, opened with the Charles Darwin drama "Creation" seeking a US distributor. Over 330 films were shown during the 10-day festival, with about a third still lacking distribution. The recession has caused audiences to prefer escapist fantasies and comedies, leaving serious dramas struggling to find distributors. According to industry insiders, fans of quality dramas still exist and the genre is not dead. They believe the problem lies more in marketing and cost rather than the creative content itself. However, creating successful movies like "No Country for Old Men" from 2007, which won an Oscar for best film, is becoming increasingly challenging. Director Jon Amiel, whose film "Creation" depicts Charles Darwin's struggles with evolution in the 1850s, referred to "drama" as the new taboo term in Hollywood. Amiel noted that even indie distributors are not interested in films about obscure historical figures like a deceased, bald Englishman. There are numerous movies that American viewers are unlikely to watch, as evidenced by declining box office numbers. Two successful art house films from the previous summer were "The Hurt Locker," which made $12 million, and "(500) Days of Summer," which earned approximately $29 million. Entertainment attorney Steven Beer noted a prevailing cautious attitude towards dramas in the current market. However, industry professionals believe that dramas can still attract audiences and generate profits. The crucial factor is developing a suitable production and marketing strategy that aligns with the current movie industry landscape. Often, these strategies involve grassroots marketing campaigns that focus on specific demographics, such as fans of science and historical dramas for a film like "Creation." Additionally, production costs need to decrease to accommodate the decreased box office revenue and declining DVD sales, which have been affected by the rise of alternative forms of home entertainment. Despite the challenges, these types of films have always faced difficulties and will continue to do so. Tom Ortenberg, president of theatrical films at The Weinstein Co., acknowledges that the current economic climate is challenging and models need to change. David Poland of MovieCityNews.com believes that the decline in DVD sales has made distributors hesitant to support expensive dramas, although there is still demand for the genre. Distributors are now more selective when considering dramas, which may impact the potential for a breakthrough film like "Slumdog" at Toronto 2009. Tom Bernard, co-president of Sony Pictures Classics, agrees that buyers at Toronto are more cautious now than in the past.

Mohsin died while undergoing treatment at Dhaka's Combined Military Hospital on Monday at 9:30am, as confirmed by Selina Haque, an additional secretary to the defence ministry. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her deep sorrow over Mohsin's passing and extended her condolences to his family. Mohsin had been admitted to CMH on June 2 after testing positive for COVID-19, and was later transferred to the intensive care unit and received plasma therapy as his condition worsened. He was promoted to the rank of senior secretary on June 14 while still in the hospital, and was the younger brother of former principal secretary Kamal Abdul Naser Chowdhury. Mohsin, who was born in Cumilla in 1963, obtained an MSc in Soil Science from Dhaka University and later a MA in Governance Studies from Northern University in Dhaka. A member of the 1985 BCS batch, Mohsin 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. He served as the secretary to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change before moving to the defence ministry.

There were a total of 19 fatalities in multiple states due to the storm. It was the third largest snowstorm in New York City history with at least 25.1 inches of snow, and also one of the biggest in Washington. Thirteen deaths were caused by weather-related car accidents in various states, while one person died in Maryland and three in New York City while clearing snow. Officials in Virginia reported that two people succumbed to hypothermia. The storm, which brought nearly two feet (60 cm) of snow to the Washington area, unexpectedly intensified as it moved north towards the New York metropolitan area, where about 20 million people reside. The storm was predicted to continue throughout the night, accumulating between 24 and 28 inches (60 to 71 cm) of snow in New York City, northern New Jersey, and western Long Island, with winds reaching speeds of up to 45 mph (72 kph). Visibility was expected to be limited to one-quarter of a mile (400 meters) or less. The statue of Pierre Charles L'Enfant in Washington was covered in snow during the winter storm on January 23, 2016. The statue of Pierre Charles L'Enfant is covered in snow during a winter storm in Washington on January 23, 2016. New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has declared a state of emergency, along with 10 other state governors. He has also implemented a travel ban on all roads in the New York City area and Long Island, except for emergency vehicles, from Saturday afternoon until 7am on Sunday. Subways running above ground and trains operated by the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North have stopped service at 4pm due to heavy snowfall. The impact of the travel ban on New York's financial services industry over the weekend was minimal, and it is uncertain how much the heavy snow will affect Wall Street's reopening on Monday. On Broadway, there was an immediate response as theatres canceled Saturday performances following the mayor's recommendation. The bustling city of 8.5 million, the largest in the United States, suddenly became eerily quiet. Tourists and locals wandered the streets of Manhattan, with some even skiing in the snowy Central Park. Others enjoyed building snowmen or engaging in friendly snowball fights. During a winter storm in Washington on January 23, 2016, the grounds around the Washington Monument were covered in snow. While public transportation was halted in New York and New Jersey, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority took the rare step of suspending operations through Sunday in the capital. Mayor Muriel Bowser stated at a press conference that although the snow was expected to end late that night or early the next morning, it was still dangerous. We anticipate ongoing strong winds in the region, which will continue to result in poor conditions and visibility. FlightAware.com reported that more than 5,100 flights were cancelled 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 begin on Sunday afternoon at its Newark hub and other New York area airports. The storm initially hit Washington, where snow accumulated outside the White House and famous monuments were covered in snow, before moving on to the New York City area. "We are excited to make snow angels in front of the White House," said Robert Bella Hernandez, 38. "We plan to explore the snow-covered landmarks of DC and retreat indoors when it becomes unsafe. The record snowfall in Washington is 28 inches (71.1 cm) from 1922, with the most recent significant snowfall being 17.8 inches (45.2 cm) in 2010. The East Coast experienced high winds, reaching 70 mph (112.5 km) in Wallops Island, Virginia on Friday, causing coastal flooding." National Weather Service meteorologist Greg Gallina said. A man is walking near the Washington Monument in Washington during a winter storm on January 23, 2016, as reported by Reuters. The storm also affected Baltimore and Philadelphia in the Mid-Atlantic, causing power outages for about 150,000 customers in North Carolina and 90,000 homes in New Jersey. Record-high tides, higher than those seen during Superstorm Sandy three years earlier, led to flooding along the Jersey Shore and Delaware coast, with Cape May, New Jersey, and Lewes, Delaware, setting new records. Some evacuations were necessary along the New Jersey Shore, where residents had to leave their homes during the 2012 storm. Linda Gilmore, the county's public information officer, reported that the barrier islands close to Atlantic City were facing considerable tidal flooding. The storm, which originated along the Gulf Coast, brought snow to Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky on Friday. Meteorologists explained that the winter system was formed when warm, moist air from the Atlantic Ocean mixed with cold air on the coast.

In the October issue of GQ, Paul McCartney is featured and reveals a more unguarded side of himself during several long conversations. He appears less concerned with maintaining his image and even shared a story about the Beatles' teenage adventures, leading to a cheeky headline. This level of transparency was refreshing for both fans and McCartney himself, who is often seen as more of an icon than a person. This openness required him to answer questions and engage in give and take, unlike other big stories such as the September issue of Vogue featuring Beyoncé. The article accompanying this text is titled "Beyoncé in Her Own Words", which is not a profile but rather a collection of brief commentaries on various topics such as motherhood, family, body acceptance, and touring. Anna Wintour describes the article as a "powerful essay" written by Beyoncé herself, suggesting that this is a positive aspect. While a journalist was involved in the process, the piece is credited as "as told to" at the end, erasing outside perspectives. This may not be concerning for Beyoncé fans, but for those interested in celebrity journalism that adds depth and context to the fame economy, this could be seen as a problem. Many well-known performers in pop music are avoiding the press, with Taylor Swift and Drake not granting interviews for at least a year or more. Frank Ocean has also been largely absent. Instead of traditional media access, artists are often choosing to communicate through social media or maintaining complete silence. A monologue, rather than a dialogue, is changing the dynamics of celebrity journalism. In-depth interviews have been important for creating stars since the 1960s, but also for maintaining their image. Celebrities used to continue engaging with the media even after reaching the height of fame, as answering questions was seen as part of their job. This was a way for cultural figures to explain themselves, such as John Lennon discussing the Beatles' breakup, Tupac Shakur speaking from jail, or Courtney Love after Kurt Cobain's death. It used to be enlightening for fans and a point of pride for celebrities, especially when the discussions were challenging. Stars like Ice Cube and Madonna thrived in these situations, showing themselves to be thoughtful, unafraid of criticism, and aware of their public image. This was during a time when print media held a lot of power, before the internet and TMZ took control of the narrative. As celebrities' every move began to be constantly documented, they became more hesitant. This shift alone wouldn't necessarily mean the end of traditional celebrity journalism. The pressure on celebrity journalism from higher authorities may not be as significant as the threat emerging from below, where a new generation of celebrities, such as YouTube stars and SoundCloud rappers, are sharing extensively on social media on their own terms. This generation moves quickly and decisively without the need for patience and pushback they might face in traditional interviews. They prioritize all-access hyper-documentation over the promise of celebrity journalism, which focuses on intimate perspectives and behind-the-scenes access. An example of this shift is seen in rapper Lil Xan, who has played out various online dramas without waiting for traditional media to catch up to his story. In today's world, social media posts have replaced traditional tell-all interviews for celebrities. Ariana Grande, XXXTentacion, and Logan Paul have all used platforms like Instagram and YouTube to share their stories without facing much scrutiny. These platforms have become safe spaces for young celebrities, as their direct social media audience can reach more people than traditional publications. This shift has left celebrity journalism facing a difficult challenge, as the most famous celebrities no longer rely on it, and the newly famous grew up in a time when it was not as important. As time passes, the middle ground may disappear completely. Additionally, there is now a wide range of content being created, making it hard for consumers to distinguish between original reporting and aggregated content, journalistic outlets and branded content. This lack of clarity pushes well-known figures away from traditional media, where they have less control over the end result. As traditional media outlets face extinction, 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 this month, with a relatively harmless accompanying story. When the interview was published online, she responded with a lengthy Instagram post expressing her frustration. She mentioned how difficult it was for her to speak for over an hour and have someone else turn those thoughts into paid content. As she gets older, she wants her voice to be heard more clearly. She listed the specific topics she wanted to discuss in the interview and expressed disappointment that her personal life and church received more attention. With the power dynamic leaning towards celebrities, publications have had to resort to finding ways to trade control for access in order to stay afloat. This has led to celebrities guest editing special issues of magazines. Swift was featured on the cover of Harper's Bazaar this year, but instead of being interviewed, she was the one asking questions to Pattie Boyd. Similarly, Rihanna took her own photograph for the cover of The Fader in 2015, with the help of a professional photographer. This act served as a commentary on fame and the cover star taking control of their own image. As an alternative, magazines can have a friend of the celebrity conduct the interview if the star is not available for an interview. The magazine Interview is known for featuring conversations between celebrities, such as Jennifer Lawrence interviewing Emma Stone in Elle. Recently, the magazine was revived and in the new issue, Raf Simons talks with George Condo and Jennifer Jason Leigh talks to Phoebe Cates, with a journalist occasionally chiming in. The magazine also features interviews with non-famous friends. For example, Blake Lively interviewed Gigi Hadid for Harper's Bazaar and Katy Perry's interview for Glamour was conducted by Instagram affirmation specialist Cleo Wade. In a recent Rolling Stone article featuring the usually private pop star Sia, the author reveals himself as a close friend of hers. Similarly, a recent interview with Soon-Yi Previn, Woody Allen's wife, in New York magazine was conducted by a longtime friend of Allen, sparking criticism on Twitter. These articles rely on the idea of friendship to provide insight, instead of maintaining objectivity as journalists should. The unspoken agreement in celebrity profiles is that the journalist represents the reader, not the subject. However, in the pursuit of exclusive access, ethical boundaries are often ignored. Friendship should not be a requirement in journalism, as it prevents critical and probing conversations that could be enlightening for both fans and the interview subjects. Instead of pushing back and asking tough questions, many stars have become closed off, missing out on opportunities to showcase their complexity. It is unfortunate that we may never learn the answers to the unasked questions. Text = Copyright 2018 New York Times News Service.

Rafiq, a cricketer of Pakistani descent and former captain of the England Under-19s, revealed last year that he felt isolated at Yorkshire and even considered suicide. Hutton, in his resignation letter, criticized the Yorkshire board and senior management for their reluctance to acknowledge and address racism at the club. He admitted that during his time at the club, he witnessed a resistant culture that did not welcome change or criticism. Hutton, who joined the board after Rafiq's departure, also issued a sincere apology to the 30-year-old player, acknowledging that the club should have taken the allegations of racism more seriously. "I regret that we were unable to convince the executive members of the board to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation and demonstrate concern and remorse." The England cricket board (ECB) has suspended Yorkshire EB from hosting international or major matches, but Hutton mentioned that the ECB was hesitant to take action when approached. "I want to clarify that as soon as I learned of Azeem Rafiq's allegations, I immediately contacted the ECB to request their assistance and involvement in conducting a thorough investigation," Hutton stated. "I was disappointed when they refused to assist, as I believed it was a matter of significant importance for the entire sport. It is on record that I have consistently voiced my frustration with the ECB's reluctance to take action." The CEO of the ECB, Tom Harrison, mentioned that the ECB was invited to participate in a Yorkshire panel of inquiry, but they could not do so as they are the regulator. Harrison clarified that being both a regulator and part of an investigation goes against their role, and he disagreed with the suggestion that the ECB had declined to assist. The ECB previously stated that it would investigate Yorkshire's actions and potentially impose penalties. Rafiq and other high-ranking Yorkshire officials have been summoned to appear before a parliamentary DCMS panel on November 16 to provide testimony.

Cameroon coach Paul Le Guen has declared a state of emergency for his team's World Cup campaign ahead of their match against Denmark. Both teams are in desperate need of a victory after losing their opening games. Le Guen was straightforward in acknowledging the challenges his team has faced since their loss to Japan. I prefer people to be highly motivated and aware of the state of emergency. There have been rumors of in-fighting among Cameroon's players after a recent defeat, but captain Samuel Eto'o strongly denied this, stating that there has never been any in-fighting in the group. He emphasized his role as captain and expressed his commitment to ensuring unity within the team. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the players' mindset, it is certain that coach Le Guen will make significant changes. He stated that he plans to substitute three players for their upcoming game without providing specifics. He expressed dissatisfaction with their performance, stating that they were not up to standard. He mentioned that he will introduce three new players to the starting lineup and make some adjustments. As the coach and team selector, he acknowledged his duties and emphasized that he is willing to make changes. He also noted that he is not inflexible. 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 club positions, except for Stephane Mbia. If that strategy does not succeed, I make changes. This statement appeared to be a direct mention of his past choice to position Eto'o on the right flank, a role in which Jose Mourinho utilized him during his time at Inter Milan the previous season. Le Guen has faced significant backlash for this decision, including criticism from Eto'o himself, who stated on French television channel Canal Plus that his preferred position was in the center. Eto'o emphasized that he was not attempting to sway his coach's decisions and stated that he will follow instructions. "Paul Le Guen is responsible for making these choices, our job is to represent our country and I will play in any position he assigns me," Eto'o stated. While Le Guen acknowledged his own duties, he also urged his players to uphold their reputation as the Indomitable Lions. "I must remind them of their duties; I have mine in selecting the team and tactics, but they must rekindle a certain spirit," he explained. "There is much talk about the Lions' spirit, and I have urged them to find that again."

The text provides an example of employees of the Kremlin propaganda machine who have historically valued their work and the challenges it presents, despite not necessarily agreeing with the mission of their workplace. Recently, after President Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine, Likin, who had been the art director for Channel 1, resigned from his position. He stated that he was not a politician but felt that the invasion aligned him with a harmful agenda. Likin expressed that Russian television caters to those who rely on it due to laziness or lack of access to alternative sources of information. The invasion of Ukraine by Putin has prompted some long-time government workers in Russia to sever ties with the regime, indicating a struggle within the Kremlin to maintain complete societal unity in support of the war. Thousands of people have been arrested for protesting 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 Feb 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 protest by interrupting a live news broadcast to display an anti-war poster. Other resignations have been more quiet, shedding light on 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 resigned recently, described her colleagues left behind as "clinically depressed" due to the situation. Many intelligent individuals are feeling their own sense of guilt, with no way out. Merely asking for forgiveness is not sufficient. While Russia's national television networks are under Kremlin control, their impact has decreased with the popularity of YouTube and social media. However, they remain the primary source of news for the public. Approximately two-thirds of Russians relied on state television for news last year, a decrease from 90% in 2014, according to surveys conducted by the Levada Center, an independent pollster in Moscow. Throughout the war, state television channels have portrayed a narrative of the conflict that contrasts sharply with what is seen in the West, portraying Russians as the heroes fighting against neo-Nazis supported by the Western powers. Pictures of dead civilians and destroyed homes are being wrongly labeled as either fake or the result of Ukrainians shelling themselves. According to a Channel 1 reporter broadcasting from Mariupol, some locals believe the Ukrainian military is intentionally targeting residential buildings, while others claim nationalists were ordered to destroy the city before retreating. Polls show that many Russians believe the narrative presented on state television, which portrays the war as a continuation of longstanding grievances against the West. Despite the propaganda, some journalists have left their positions, with one anchor admitting to compromising her values before realizing the extent of her actions once the war began. "When you start to give in to yourself gradually, you may not realize how far you have fallen," she explained. The aftermath of the war seemed to be the driving force behind the significant number of Russians leaving the country in recent weeks, with many booking flights to destinations like Turkey and Armenia. While some of these individuals were journalists and activists escaping potential arrest, others included tech workers and young professionals who felt that there was no longer a promising future for them in Russia. Even members of Russia's elite have chosen to leave, with the most notable departure being Chubais, the Kremlin's climate envoy, who resigned due to the war in Ukraine and departed the country. The Kremlin confirmed that Chubais had resigned. He was viewed as one of the few officials in Putin's government with liberal views, and his significant role in the economic reforms of the 1990s in Moscow made him unpopular in many parts of Russian society. It is not certain if the complaints from some of the elite could have any impact on destabilizing Putin's government. Likin, the former art director of Channel 1, stated that those like him who were willing to step down based on their beliefs were a small proportion of Russia's population. Agalakova, the former correspondent of Channel 1, commented that many of her former colleagues who chose to stay did not work for a particular idea. "People have obligations to their family, debts to pay, and a need to survive. Those who leave their jobs at state television, especially if they speak out, face an uncertain future. Agalakova, who was a correspondent based in Paris, mentioned that some of her acquaintances stopped talking to her after she left. Likin, on the other hand, plans to stay in Russia and continue his career as an architect. He mentioned that he would consider returning to television if it shifts its focus to promoting life instead of promoting death. Government-sponsored surveys suggest that most Russians support Putin's invasion, although analysts warn that people may not be truthful in surveys during times of war. Agalakova now realizes that years of propaganda on Russian television have influenced public opinion and prepared the way for war by distorting Russians' memory of their country's sacrifices in World War II to align with the Kremlin's current policies." Agalakova expressed that when the concept of Nazism is falsely linked to Ukraine by the Kremlin, causing reactions from society, it is a deceitful and shameless game. Amid the spread of propaganda, Russians who are skeptical of television news sources have limited options for obtaining accurate information. The Echo of Moscow radio station and TV Rain independent television channel have been shut down, while access to Facebook and Instagram has been blocked by the government. Additionally, a popular journalist, Alexander Nevzorov, is under criminal investigation for posting about the Russian bombing of Mariupol on his Instagram page. The most recent attempt to instill fear in critics of the war involved promoting a new law that can result in up to 15 years in prison for going against the official narrative of the conflict in Ukraine. Denis Volkov, from the Levada polling center, believes that the true test of Russian public opinion will be seen as the economic difficulties caused by Western sanctions begin to affect society. Despite this, Volkov thinks that the Kremlin's narrative of the West trying to undermine Russia by supporting Ukraine and Russia fighting to protect its people abroad has become deeply ingrained in the minds of television viewers and is unlikely to change soon. Many Russians seem to accept news that aligns with the television narrative and reject anything that doesn't, regardless of its truthfulness.

Viktor Yanukovich of Ukraine was inaugurated as president and immediately promised to address corruption, poverty, and political instability in order to regain foreign support for the struggling economy. The low-key ceremony reflected the contentious election and deep divisions in the country, with his rival Yulia Tymoshenko disputing the results. Despite this, his inauguration marked a comeback from the 2004 Orange Revolution, where mass protests overturned a rigged election in his favor. Yanukovich acknowledged the challenges of colossal debts, poverty, corruption, and economic collapse, stating that his team has developed a strategy for progress. He mentioned the lack of foreign investment in Ukraine and the unstable business climate, emphasizing the need for political stability, anti-corruption measures, and 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 been severely impacted by the global economic downturn, particularly affecting its steel and chemical exports and causing a significant devaluation of its currency. The country is relying on a $16.4 billion IMF bailout program, but lending has been halted and will likely only resume once stability is restored. The finance ministry announced that an IMF technical mission is scheduled to visit on April 7th. This often results in a thorough visit from IMF officials who will then determine whether to resume the program. Yanukovich, a former mechanic with strong support from wealthy industrialists, had a difficult upbringing in eastern Ukraine and a history of minor criminal offenses. He is anticipated to strengthen relations with Russia, Ukraine's former Soviet ruler, following five years of distance during Viktor Yushchenko's pro-Western leadership. He has suggested potential compromises with Moscow regarding the status of Russia's Black Sea fleet in Crimea and has proposed a consortium with Russia to manage Ukraine's gas pipelines. However, he aims to revise a decade-old gas supply agreement negotiated by Tymoshenko and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. He also mentioned his intentions to have a well-balanced foreign policy and expressed his commitment to strengthening relations with the European Union. During his speech on Thursday, he stated that he would maintain open options and strive for equal and mutually beneficial relationships with Russia, the EU, and the United States in order to achieve maximum benefits for Ukraine. His website later confirmed his upcoming visit to Brussels next week, with EU officials scheduling the visit for Monday. Additionally, he plans to visit Moscow in the first 10 days of March, as announced by his Regions Party. Yanukovich defeated Prime Minister Tymoshenko by a margin of 3.5 percentage points, but only a third of the 37 million voters supported him. The voting results showed a clear divide between Russian-speaking voters in the eastern and southern regions who supported Yanukovich, and Ukrainian-speaking voters in the western and central areas who voted for Tymoshenko. Tymoshenko gave up her legal challenge to Yanukovich's election just last Saturday, but she maintains that he was not rightfully elected. She and most of her bloc in parliament did not attend the ceremony on Thursday, making it seem empty. Despite Yanukovich's call for the formation of a capable executive power, Tymoshenko is still resisting efforts to remove her as prime minister, indicating ongoing political tension in the short-term. She is trying to rally her allies in parliament, while his party and its influential supporters are trying to sway deputies from her coalition and create a new one. Creating a coalition involves complex negotiations and may take a considerable amount of time. If Yanukovich is unable to form a new coalition, he will have no choice but to hold new parliamentary elections, leading to even more uncertainty.

The renaming of Bangalore and 11 other cities in Karnataka to their Kannada names coincided with the state's 59th formation day. The state government officially announced the change, approved by the central government, starting from November 1. Bangalore, known for its IT industry, talent pool, climate, and cosmopolitan culture, will now be known as Bengaluru. Other cities like Mysore, Mangalore, Belgaum, Bellary, Hubli, and Gulbarga will also be renamed. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed pride in using the Kannada names officially and announced plans to rename more cities in the future. Despite the change, many still use the English names when speaking or writing in English. We are left with no option but to accept and become accustomed to it. US Secretary of State John Kerry was the first to use the term "Bangalored" during the 2008 presidential election to bring attention to how Indian software companies were taking away tech jobs through outsourcing. Renaming cities and states is not a new concept, as seen in Maharashtra changing Bombay to Mumbai, Madras to Chennai, Calcutta to Kolkata, Poona to Pune, Baroda to Vadodara, and Orissa to Odisha. This was done to honor the original names of cities and show respect for the sentiments of the people. The renaming process began in 2006 when the state's first coalition government between Janata Dal-Secular (JD-S) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) proposed the idea to commemorate the state's golden jubilee in response to demands from various organizations. 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. 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 have announced that Southern African leaders will convene an emergency meeting in Swaziland's capital Mbabane on Wednesday to address the crisis in Zimbabwe. Prior to this, Zimbabwean opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai called on the United Nations to isolate President Robert Mugabe and emphasized the need for a peacekeeping force in Zimbabwe. 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 has disregarded the decision. The meeting in Mbabane, organized by the Southern African Development Community (SADC), comes as international pressure mounts on Mugabe to address the political and economic challenges facing Zimbabwe. Leaders from Tanzania, Angola, and Swaziland will participate in the meeting as representatives of the SADC's troika organ on politics, defense, and security, according to a statement from the Tanzanian government. The statement mentioned that President Levy Mwanawasa of Zambia, the current SADC chairman, and President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa, the SADC mediator for Zimbabwe, 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 conflict. Tsvangirai, who has sought refuge in the Dutch embassy in Harare, expressed concern that Zimbabwe would face further difficulties without international intervention. He called for the United Nations to take stronger action against President Mugabe, including isolating him and deploying a force to protect the people. Tsvangirai stated that while they do not desire armed conflict, the people of Zimbabwe require global leaders to follow their words of condemnation with the moral integrity of military intervention. This force would act as peacekeepers, separating the people from their oppressors and protecting the democratic process that Zimbabwe seeks. Pressure on Mugabe has grown from within Africa and beyond due to Zimbabwe's political and economic turmoil, which is attributed by the West and opposition to the 84-year-old president's nearly three-decade-long rule. The United States has called on SADC to denounce both the election and Mugabe's regime 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 significant level of violence in Zimbabwe and that the government needed to protect its citizens. The election on Friday was supposed to be a run-off between Mugabe and Tsvangirai, with the opposition leader winning the first round in March. Despite official figures not giving him an outright victory, Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change also won a parallel parliamentary election in March, marking the first defeat for Mugabe's ZANU-PF party since 1980. Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade and the leader of South Africa's ruling African National Congress both called for the postponement of Friday's election following Tsvangirai's withdrawal. Zuma, who is considered one of the most powerful figures in South Africa alongside Mbeki, has urged the United Nations and SADC to intervene urgently, stating that the situation in Zimbabwe has spiraled out of control. While Mbeki's administration has favored a policy of "quiet diplomacy" with Mugabe and resisted using South Africa's economic influence over Zimbabwe, Zuma, who replaced Mbeki as ANC leader in December, has been increasingly vocal in his criticism of Mugabe. Despite mounting pressure, Mugabe remains defiant, stating at a rally in western Zimbabwe that the upcoming election will proceed as planned, dismissing criticism from the West. Mugabe stated that the elections will continue, and those who wish to acknowledge their legitimacy can do so, while those who do not want to, should not. Mugabe has overseen a decline into economic turmoil, with 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.

It was cautioned by the Socialist government that the European football tournament beginning in France on Jun 10 could face disturbances if the government did not give in. Demonstrators flooded the streets while workers heeded the union's call by halting work at various facilities such as oil refineries, nuclear power plants, and railways. They also set up obstacles on roads and set fire to wooden pallets and tires at critical ports like Le Havre and near vital distribution centers. Prime Minister Manuel Valls asserted that the government would not retract the law and would dismantle refinery blockades, suggesting that there could be minor adjustments to the reforms but not to any fundamental aspects. The country's major trade union, CFDT, supported his stance. Following months of ongoing protests triggered by a reform aimed at simplifying hiring and firing procedures, the strikes and demonstrations on Thursday were being closely monitored to determine the strength of the CGT-led opposition movement. Scores of participants from a youth protest movement called Nuit Debout (Night Rising) joined the street marches. Police were present to prevent any potential violence, as similar rallies in recent weeks had resulted in injuries to both police officers and protesters, as well as numerous arrests. Philippe Martinez, the head of the CGT union, suggested that the government could resolve the situation by halting the implementation of the controversial law. Jean-Claude Mailly, leader of the FO union, also expressed dissatisfaction with the government's response, stating that it was time for the prime minister to make a change. Despite calls to modify the law, Prime Minister Valls remained firm in his stance and refused to eliminate the provision that had sparked the protests. This particular section of the law would allow companies to bypass national labor regulations if they establish agreements on wages and working conditions with the majority of their employees. The train company SNCF reported that around two-thirds of national, regional, and local rail services were running despite ongoing strikes by railworkers. The impact of the strikes was less severe compared to the previous week when half of the trains were not running. Following police intervention to clear blockades at refineries and fuel depots, Prime Minister Valls stated that 20-30 percent of fuel stations were experiencing shortages. Transport Minister Alain Vidalies mentioned that the situation was improving, with fuel deliveries from depots to petrol stations getting better. In the Loire-Atlantique department of western France, the number of fuel stations experiencing shortages decreased from 140 on Wednesday to 83 on Thursday. The French nuclear power capacity has been reduced by up to five gigawatts due to stoppages, which is approximately six percent of the total production capacity. While experts believe that the strike at the nuclear plant is unlikely to cause major blackouts due to legal restrictions and power imports, it typically increases running costs for EDF power utility. Additionally, a strike by dockers at the port of Marseille has led to an increase in the number of ships waiting to offload oil, gas, and chemicals. A protest over pension reform in 2010 ended after police dispersed picketers at supply depots and railworkers faced disruptions that affected their paychecks. Total SA, a major oil company, announced that almost all of its fuel distribution depots are operational, with only one exception. However, it cautioned that two out of its five refineries in France are currently not operating, and two more are expected to stop production soon. The CGT union is facing a more isolated fight this time around. Laurent Berger, leader of the CFDT union and supporter of the proposed labor reform, expressed concerns about the intense political and industrial atmosphere, urging for a more peaceful approach.

Manchester United is looking to add one more player for the upcoming season, but they do not anticipate making significant alterations to their squad even though they lost the Premier League title, according to manager Alex Ferguson's remarks at a news conference on Tuesday.

The Embassy believes that Tarique is responsible for severe political corruption that has negatively impacted US national interests, specifically the stability of democratic institutions and US foreign assistance goals as outlined in Section 4 of the proclamation. The Embassy, while labeling the cable as 'confidential', stated that they did not want to impose a similar ban on Tarique's wife, Dr. Zubaida Rahman, their daughter Zaima, or Tarique's mother Khaleda Zia, who is a former Prime Minister of Bangladesh. The cable provided a detailed explanation to support its recommendations, citing Bangladesh as a developing nation with widespread corruption. The current Caretaker Government, which came into power in January 2007 after months of political turmoil, has promised to combat corruption and eliminate the pervasive kleptocracy that has plagued the poverty-stricken nation. Corruption has been identified as a major factor in reducing Bangladesh's growth rate by two percent per year, according to experts. There is a high level of skepticism regarding the Government's ability to hold corrupt leaders accountable, which continues to fuel concerns about corruption and erode trust in the private sector and confidence in a democratic future. A cable described Tarique Rahman as the feared son of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, highlighting his reputation for demanding bribes and involvement in corrupt activities. Despite facing multiple charges including corruption, extortion, bribery, embezzlement, and tax evasion, Tarique was released on bail and left Bangladesh for medical treatment in the UK in 2008. Due to his strong political connections, Tarique was able to influence the legal system and successfully bypass attempts by the Caretaker Government to prevent him from obtaining bail. It is believed that Tarique possesses multiple passports, one of which was issued by the UK in September and another with a five-year multiple-entry visa issued in May 2005. There are suspicions that one of his passports is being held by the government. It has been reported that Tarique has amassed a significant amount of illegal wealth amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. He is facing multiple extortion charges based on the testimonies of various prominent business owners who he preyed upon and manipulated. One instance involves Tarique allegedly blackmailing Amin Ahmed, owner of Al Amin Construction, threatening to shut down his company unless he paid $150,000. Other local business figures, such as Mohammad Aftab Uddin Khan of Reza Construction, Ltd., Mir Zahir Hossain of Mir Akhter Hossain Ltd., and Harun Ferdousi, have also accused Tarique of engaging in a systematic extortion scheme involving millions of dollars. Additionally, the ACC has charged him with hiding illicit wealth, and the National Board of Revenue has accused him of tax evasion. Tarique's corrupt actions extended beyond extorting local businesses. The ACC has discovered evidence of bribery cases involving both foreign and local firms and individuals. One case involves Siemens, where Tarique allegedly received a two percent bribe on all deals in Bangladesh. Another case involves the Harbin Company, which reportedly paid $750,000 to Tarique to open a plant. Monem Construction also allegedly paid a bribe of $450,000 to Tarique to secure contracts. These cases are currently being pursued by the DOJ and the FBI. The ACC has evidence that Tarique accepted a 210 million taka bribe to prevent the prosecution of a murder case against Sanvir Sobhan, the son of the chairman of the Bashundura Group. The murder case involved the killing of Humayun Kabir, a director of the same group. In addition to bribery and extortion, the ACC also found that Tarique was involved in an elaborate embezzlement scheme. With the help of multiple associates, Tarique successfully stole 20 million taka (300,000 USD) from the Zia Orphanage Trust fund. An ACC source revealed that Tarique, who is a co-signer on the trust fund account, utilized the funds for purchasing land in his hometown. Additionally, he gave signed checks from the orphanage fund accounts to BNP party members for their 2006 election campaigns. Tarique's corrupt actions have negatively impacted the interests of the US as outlined in the Proclamation, as they have diminished public trust in the government and undermined the strength of democratic institutions. Tarique's well-known disregard for the rule of law poses a direct threat to the United States' financial assistance objectives aimed at reforming legal systems, promoting good governance, and preventing judicial abuses. The culture of corruption, bribery, and embezzlement that Tarique has perpetuated in Bangladesh has significantly hindered US businesses, leading to missed opportunities. His embezzlement of millions of dollars in public funds has destabilized the political landscape in this Muslim-majority nation and hindered US efforts to establish a stable democratic government in a crucial region. Additionally, Tarique's corruption has jeopardized specific goals of the US Mission, including promoting democratization, fostering development, and combating terrorism in Bangladesh. Tarique's brazenly corrupt actions put all three at risk. His track record of stealing, blackmailing, and interfering with the legal system undermines the rule of law and poses a threat to the US objective of a stable, democratic Bangladesh. The culture of corruption and bribery that Tarique encouraged hindered US efforts to boost economic growth by deterring foreign investment and complicating the operations of American companies abroad. Additionally, his blatant disregard for laws has created a fertile ground for terrorists to infiltrate Bangladesh, as well as worsening poverty and weakening democratic institutions. In essence, much of Bangladesh's problems 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 developments have taken place.

Egyptians will be voting on Saturday in a referendum to approve constitutional changes aimed at enabling free and fair elections. These changes have caused division among those who believe more extensive constitutional reform is necessary and those who believe the amendments are sufficient for now. The Muslim Brotherhood supports the amendments, putting them at odds with secular groups and prominent reform advocates such as Mohamed ElBaradei and Amr Moussa. The military council, which took power from Mubarak, is hoping for the amendments to be approved so they can continue their plan for parliamentary and presidential elections. Ahmed Saleh, who is currently leading ElBaradei's presidential campaign, described the upcoming vote as a significant moment. He believes that there is a strong desire among people to vote and that change is imminent. The military council, which took over power from Mubarak on Feb. 11, is encouraging a high voter turnout for the referendum. The main purpose of the referendum is to establish a favorable environment for future parliamentary and presidential elections. The council emphasized the importance of Egyptian citizens participating and voicing their opinions. A judicial committee has been tasked with drafting amendments for the referendum, which include limiting the presidency to two terms and restricting the time a leader can hold office to eight years, as opposed to Mubarak's three-decade rule. The council will have to reconsider its strategy and extend a transitional period if the amendments are rejected, which they hope to keep as brief as possible. However, the reforms do not meet the demands of reformists who are pushing for a complete rewrite of the constitution. Youth groups leading protests against Mubarak believe the amendments are an effort to stifle the revolution. There are concerns about the military's tight timeline for elections, as it may not allow enough time for political parties to recover from years of repression, potentially giving an advantage to the Muslim Brotherhood and remnants of Mubarak's regime. General Ismail Etman, a member of the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, stated that amending the constitution is the best, though not ideal, solution. In an interview with Al Gomhuria newspaper published on Thursday, he mentioned that the approval of the amendments would result in the creation of new laws that would allow for more political freedom, including the removal of restrictions on political party formation. There has been widespread discussion in newspapers, television stations, and social media on how to vote on the amendments. The "No" campaign continued to push for their cause on Friday with a full-page advertisement in Al Masry Al Youm, a popular Egyptian newspaper. The advertisement included objections such as the lack of time and information before making such a significant decision, along with endorsements from various public figures 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 step towards meeting the demands of the revolution. He also mentioned that those who oppose the amendments have not presented a clear alternative. With up to 45 million eligible voters in Egypt's population of 80 million, a high turnout is expected, especially from voters who have experienced violent and rigged elections under Mubarak. One voter, Ahmed Adel, expressed his intention to vote for the amendments in order to help the country move forward and establish a parliament and president as soon as possible. Activist Ziad el-Elemi expressed a different opinion, stating that workshops are being conducted nationwide to educate citizens on the idea that constitutional amendments alone are not sufficient.

Management experts say that if Barack Obama were a corporate CEO, he would be praised for his effective management style. His calm and steady demeanor, which has earned him the nickname "No Drama Obama," is seen as a valuable trait that business leaders could learn from. According to Paul Reagan, a management consultant and senior lecturer at Wayne State University, Obama's clear values and consistent follow-through on his promises contribute to his high credibility and make him appear as a corporate leader to many people. Paul Copcutt, a personal brand strategist from Dundas, Ontario, pointed out that one aspect of Obama's leadership style that sets him apart from business leaders is his acute understanding of his own strengths and weaknesses. This self-awareness is reflected in his choice of cabinet members, where he has selected experts to compensate for his own lack of experience. Copcutt emphasized the importance of focusing on one's strengths and delegating tasks that are not within one's expertise. Obama's cabinet selections, which include individuals like Hillary Clinton and Robert Gates, demonstrate his willingness to collaborate with voices that may offer differing perspectives. Chief executives often create a group of advisors who are supportive but may not provide all the diverse perspectives needed to effectively lead an organization. Obama has only begun to demonstrate his leadership skills by selecting key cabinet members and advocating for quick action on an economic stimulus plan. Nancy Koehn, a business historian and professor at Harvard Business School, believes that the true test of Obama's leadership will come once he assumes office on January 20th. Reagan warned that although a management style like Obama's may have widespread appeal, it also carries the risk of disappointing many people. He suggested that Obama may have promised too much change without providing enough clarity, leading to misunderstandings and unmet expectations. Koehn suggested that business leaders could learn from Obama's handling of challenges during his presidential campaign, especially his ability to respond with emotional intelligence to difficult situations. This skill could be particularly useful in navigating today's uncertain economic environment and addressing concerns such as job insecurity and underperformance in organizations. She mentioned that it is important for business leaders to be aware of the aspects of their people and organization that go beyond just tangible resources, head count, market, and customers. CEO coach Deb Dib identifies several traits in Obama that she believes are essential for effective business executives, such as being caring, confident, consistent, commanding, and calm. She emphasizes that successful CEOs often possess these attributes, regardless of their political affiliations. Dib views Obama as a valuable source of inspiration for learning and improving as a leader.

The conservative state, which is currently 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 a union between a man and a woman. Supporters of this proposal, including the Orthodox Church and nearly all parliamentary parties, believe this change is necessary to prevent gay couples from being able to marry in the future. However, many human rights groups are urging people to boycott the ballot, warning that approving this change could lead to further erosion of minority rights and a shift towards a populist, authoritarian government in Romania. A recent poll indicated a 34 percent turnout, with 90 percent in favor of the change, surpassing the required 30 percent threshold. The Coalition for the Family, a group that collected 3 million signatures in support of the change, is leading the effort. Last year, the lower house of parliament voted in favor of the referendum, with the senate following in September to complete the necessary stages. Campaign posters from the Coalition encouraged a "Yes" vote to protect family values and prevent gay couples from adopting children, while another ad warned that a "No" vote could lead to a man marrying a tree. The leader of the ruling Social Democrat Party expressed concerns about legalizing marriage between a man and an animal, citing examples from other countries. In the days leading up to the vote, the government loosened anti-fraud monitoring and restricted challenges to the result, while the broadcasting regulator removed the deadline for campaigning. The independent think tank Expert Forum (EFOR) stated that there are no effective methods to verify fraud in the referendum, leading to a lack of trust in the fairness of the process. Some believe the ruling party 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. The government denies these claims, while the Orthodox Church has stated that a "Yes" vote would be in line with Christian, democratic, and patriotic values. Romania decriminalized homosexuality in 2001, much later than neighboring countries, and LGBT discrimination remains prevalent. Photo title: Romania 1+2 Description 1: Roman Catholic priests participate in a demonstration in favor of a "Yes" vote on the upcoming referendum, which suggests amendments to the constitution to prohibit the recognition of same-sex marriages in the future, in Draganesti, Romania, on October 4, 2018. REUTERS.

Last week, the United States accused China of escalating 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 the US to meet Secretary of State John Kerry, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that Washington should not use the issue of military facilities on the islands as an excuse to cause problems. She stated that the US is not involved in the dispute and it should not become a problem between China and the United States. In response, US State Department spokesman Mark Toner stated that the US will urge China to deescalate and cease militarization in the South China Sea. Toner emphasized the need for a diplomatic solution to peacefully address territorial claims. 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. China is hopeful that the US will honor its commitment to remain neutral in the dispute and refrain from escalating tensions, particularly regarding China's military presence in the region. Hua noted that China's defensive measures on its own territory are similar to the US defending Hawaii. The increase in regional tensions has been attributed to frequent patrols and surveillance by US ships and aircraft in recent years. The main reason for the militarization of the South China Sea is highlighted in this statement. It is hoped that the United States will not misinterpret the situation or show bias. A senior US naval officer has suggested that Australia and other nations should conduct "freedom-of-navigation" naval operations near contested islands in the South China Sea, following the US lead. China asserts authority over most of the South China Sea, a crucial route for over $5 trillion in global trade annually, with competing claims from Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Beijing has caused concern with its construction and reclamation activities on the islands it controls, stating that these actions are primarily for civilian purposes. The China Southern Power Grid Company, a state-owned entity, will establish a power grid management station in Sansha City, also known as Woody Island in the Paracels. This station will have the capability to connect with microgrids on 16 other islands, as confirmed by China's top regulator of state-owned assets. In the future, the station will be able to remotely oversee power distribution for multiple islands in the area, although the specific islands were not named. Wang is expected to visit the United States from Tuesday to Thursday. Hua mentioned that the minister will likely discuss North Korea, and reiterated China's opposition to a potential US deployment of an advanced missile defense system in response to North Korea's recent rocket launch.

The Norwegian Ambassador, Sidsel Bleken, stated that they frequently discuss the challenges faced by Norwegian businesses in Bangladesh with the government. However, she mentioned that the approval process is slow and cumbersome. Bleken expressed the desire to see more Norwegian companies investing in Bangladesh and emphasized the importance of an easy business environment. She made these remarks after meeting with Norwegian businesses in Dhaka at her residence on Monday. Bleken noted that most questions received by the embassy from Norwegian companies pertain to the business climate. The Executive Chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, Kazi M Aminul Islam, emphasized that with an improving investment climate, more companies are likely to enter the market, presenting a significant opportunity. He addressed concerns raised by Norwegian companies such as Grameenphone, Jotun Group, Sactec Solar, Bergen Engines, and Poly ConCrete, urging them to communicate any issues they may have so they can be addressed promptly. He mentioned that weekly meetings are now held to address and resolve these concerns. He stated that he believes there are no unresolved cases and emphasized his strong commitment to improving the ease of doing business. Toufique Imrose Khalidi, the Editor-in-Chief of bdnews24.com, spoke about his experiences as a news publisher, highlighting the challenges faced by foreign companies. The bilateral relations between Bangladesh and Norway are reported to be positive, with Norway establishing diplomatic ties with Bangladesh shortly after its independence in 1972. Norway's engagement in Bangladesh has historically focused on development cooperation. With Bangladesh's economic development over time, aid has been substituted with a greater focus on trade and commerce. Telenor, the largest Norwegian contributor in Bangladesh, holds a majority stake in Grameenphone, the nation's leading mobile service provider with more than 70 million users. The Varner group is a significant player in the textile sector, while Cefalo, a Norwegian software company, operates 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 a staff of 20 individuals. Other Norwegian businesses in Bangladesh include Jotun Group, Poly Concrete, FireSafe, and Hexagon. Scatec Solar is also established in Bangladesh. In 2017, Bangladesh exported NOK 2.2 billion worth of goods to Norway, primarily clothing, while importing NOK 286 million in machinery and finished products. Additionally, the political ties between the two nations have strengthened in recent times. In February 2017, Foreign Minister Børge Brende became the first Norwegian Foreign Minister to visit Bangladesh. The ambassador mentioned that they regularly engage in business dialogue, focusing on topics such as repatriation of dividends and improving the ease of doing business. While some laws may be adequate, there is a lack of professional institutions to enforce them, making institutional strengthening crucial. Foreign investors typically send their profits back to their home countries in accordance with the laws and regulations of the host country. Bangladesh, like many other nations, has established policies on repatriation and foreign exchange regulations overseen by the central bank, Bangladesh Bank. Various procedures are in place for different types of repatriation, including the need for foreign consultants to provide expertise and technical knowledge. Payment for these services typically must be made in foreign currency, leading to complexities for Norwegian company officials in managing both inflows and outflows of funds. "It is difficult for a new company," stated one official, referring to the requirement under Bangladesh's law to pay consultants based on revenue earnings. This poses a challenge for new companies without previous revenue to make foreign payments for necessary technology consultants. Another official described the approval process as overly bureaucratic. When it comes to repatriating dividends as allowed by law, the officials noted that the challenges are significant. While inward funds and outward funds from investments are supposed to flow freely, the officials shared that their experiences have not been positive. Sending money involves a rigorous approval process each time, according to Grameenphone Chief Executive Officer Michael Foley. He emphasized the importance of the rule of law for businesses to operate comfortably in foreign markets. Foley pointed out that authorities sometimes use their discretion in the absence of specific laws, which he believes is not right. He also mentioned Grameenphone's significant market power, which he acknowledged goes against competition laws but stated that they continue to manage the situation. "We are pleased to continue operating in this country," he said. "However, it is important to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and that operating in this country is made easier for people. We are in support of BIDA's efforts to attract foreign investments, which are currently difficult to obtain." Khalidi, the editor-in-chief of bdnews24.com, emphasized the need for the government to address these longstanding issues. "The points they have raised are valid," he said, noting that he had been discussing these issues since the 1990s in his editorials on investment facilitation. Bureaucrats need to adjust their mindset.

Scientific investigation has revealed an error in ocean temperature measurements dating back decades, indicating that the world's seas are warming and rising at a faster rate than previously thought. A team of international scientists identified the error in data collected from a common probe called an XBT, and after correcting it and conducting a thorough statistical analysis, they determined that ocean warming and sea level rise have been underestimated. The team's findings, published in the journal Nature, show that the rate of ocean warming between 1961 and 2003 is actually 50 percent higher than previously reported. John Church, one of the authors of the report, had been skeptical of the historical data due to inconsistencies with computer model results of climate and ocean trends. Church, a senior research scientist at the climate centre, stated that after realigning the observations, the models now align much better with the observations than before. By statistically comparing XBT observations with research ship observations, one can estimate the errors associated with XBTs. This is important because the oceans hold over 90 percent of the heat in the planet's climate system and can mitigate the effects of climate change. Warmer water expands, causing sea levels to rise, along with run-off from melting glaciers and ice sheets. Church's team estimated a global average surface warming of 0.4 degrees Celsius between 1961 and 2003, with sea levels rising 1.6 millimeters per year during this period, as per Church. Church mentioned that sea levels have been rising at a rate of over 3 mm per year since 1993 due to increased fossil fuel consumption. XBTs were previously used by commercial vessels to measure ocean temperatures, but they have now been largely replaced by satellites and permanent probes. XBTs were disposable instruments that were thrown overboard with a wire attached to measure temperatures as they sank. Church explained that inaccuracies in measuring the depth of the instrument could lead to errors in temperature readings. To address this issue, Susan Wijffels and her colleagues developed a mathematical formula to correct these errors. Combining a broader statistical analysis of global ocean temperature data with other factors revealed a more accurate representation that aligned with widely used computer models predicting climate and ocean behavior due to global warming. This new perspective shows a consistent rate of warming and an upward trend in that warming, which increases confidence in the reliability of future projections. Additionally, observations suggest that actual sea level rise is tracking towards the higher end of projected estimates, with the U.N. Climate Panel warning of potential sea level rise of up to 80 cm by 2100 if carbon dioxide levels are not controlled.

However, throughout the United States, the elevations of various structures and landscapes will soon be changing in relation to average sea level. Many will actually decrease in height, with parts of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska expected to shrink by up to 5 feet and 6 1/2 feet, respectively. According to Juliana P Blackwell, director of the National Geodetic Survey, Seattle will be 4.3 feet lower than its current elevation. This shift is due to geodesists redefining the reference point or vertical datum from which height is measured, as they calculate the Earth's shape, size, gravitational field, and orientation in space over time. The completion of a challenging math and physics task, expected to take fifteen years, is seen as a significant accomplishment by experts in the field. Chris Rizos, president-elect of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, describes the United States' efforts in this area as important. This project, known as "height modernisation," is part of a larger initiative by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to more accurately determine the country's position on Earth. The new National Spatial Reference System, which includes height, latitude, longitude, and time, is scheduled to be implemented in late 2022 or 2023. This system will replace outdated reference systems from the 1980s that were not as precise due to limitations in technology at that time. The mistakes in elevation become more significant when traveling diagonally across the country from the southeast to the northwest. The only region in the US projected to maintain its current elevation or increase slightly is the southern tip of Florida. "There is a noticeable slant that indicates that all the mistakes in our vertical network are shifted towards the northwest," Blackwell explained. However, elevation has always been linked to pride. Some residents of Colorado are concerned that a few of their mountain peaks may drop below a certain threshold for bragging rights under the updated elevation system, according to Blackwell. “They are very proud of the height of these things, and it will be disappointing if they turn out to be shorter than previously believed,” she stated. She is uncertain about the exact new measurements of Colorado’s peaks. In Beaumont, Texas, residents are dealing with the news that certain areas have subsided so much that they now fall within the floodplain. As a result, some landowners may need flood insurance. Daniel R Roman, chief geodesist at NOAA, explained that people were surprised to learn that the heights had changed, as they had assumed they remained the same for floodplain mapping. The US has been measuring its height since 1807, when Thomas Jefferson established the Survey of the Coast, which later became the National Geodetic Survey. The survey was the first scientific agency in the nation, with the goal of increasing safety in shipping. As the country grew westward, so did the practice of measuring, with the coast serving as a reference point for zero elevation. Surveyors placed metal bench marks in the land as they traveled, noting each point's height above sea level, often mile by mile. Those wishing to measure the height of a structure or hill would do so in relation to the bench mark and, ultimately, to sea level. Geodetic levelling, also known as the process, was laborious and costly. The purpose was to ensure that elevations were consistently measured nationwide over the years, rather than each region having its own method. For instance, if engineers from different states were constructing a bridge spanning state borders, they needed assurance it would align correctly. By 1900, geodesy had advanced. Rather than relying on a coastline as a reference for sea level, geodesists created a model of sea level using tide readings. Since then, the height reference has been adjusted five times - in 1903, 1907, 1912, 1929, and 1988. The 1988 model is currently the standard in the US and Mexico, but it lacked accurate information for California and parts of Texas and North Carolina. This is due to significant movement in the crust caused by tectonic plate activity and extraction of oil, gas, and water from underground. To address this issue, David B Zilkoski, a former director of the National Geodetic Survey, suggested using global navigational satellite system technologies like GPS, which were becoming more widely available at the time. GPS is very accurate in determining your location in a flat, two-dimensional space, such as at the intersection of Bank Street and Garden Avenue. However, it can also provide your location in a three-dimensional world, for example, Bank Street and Garden Avenue at an altitude of 40 feet above sea level. By the mid-1990s, the idea of using GPS to update elevation had become popular due to its affordability and simplicity. Satellites, and consequently global positioning systems, calculate elevation based on a simplified mathematical representation of the Earth's shape known as an ellipsoid. Imagine a basketball that is compressed at the top and bottom. However, there was a significant issue. James L Davis, a geophysicist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in New York, pointed out that GPS technology does not have accurate information about gravity. This topographic research is being conducted in the Glacier Bay region of Alaska, as reported by The New York Times. Geodesists place importance on gravity because height is not just a measurement of distance above the ground, but also influenced by the strength and direction of gravity, which is affected by the density of the terrain below and near it. Therefore, geodesists refer to "height" instead of "elevation" to emphasize this connection. Davis mentioned that when discussing gravity in public lectures, a significant portion of the talk involves encouraging the audience to consider it from a different perspective. Therefore, relying solely on GPS for measuring height may result in significant inaccuracies. An engineer who neglects to consider local gravity variations when laying pipe with GPS may struggle to ensure proper water flow. Incorporating detailed gravitational field measurements into GPS height calculations is a complex undertaking. The National Geodetic Survey initiated the GRAV-D mission in 2007 to address this challenge. Geodesists will use gravity data to create a model that accurately reflects average sea level globally, including on land. Due to variations in gravity, the geoid model is uneven and likened to a lumpy potato. All heights will be measured with this model in mind. Once the new height system is established, unforeseen applications will arise, according to Blackwell of the National Geodetic Survey. She referenced "The Jetsons," a futuristic animated show from the 1960s where characters traveled in small spacecraft around their cities. The technology to quickly and accurately calculate heights and other coordinates was considered unimaginable back then. Today, accurate navigation in three dimensions is increasingly important due to the widespread use of drones, self-driving cars, and remotely operated aerial systems. Despite advances in calculating the shape of the Earth by geodesists, human activities such as global warming are altering the planet's shape by melting glaciers and ice sheets, causing a shift in mass from land to ocean and ultimately changing sea levels and elevations. The change in mass is also impacting the planet's structure. According to Davis from Columbia University, the mass on Earth's surface is pushing down on the planet and changing its shape. Essentially, human-induced climate change is also modifying gravity worldwide. Davis explained that this is happening as a result of chemical alterations in the atmosphere that lead to the movement of mass. The current amount of mass being displaced is significant. Davis and other scientists are working hard to determine more precisely how to calculate the impact of human activity on the Earth, which is evident in the shape of the geoid and the Earth's rotation. They are striving to accurately measure changes in the Earth's shape and mass in glaciers in order to predict future events at specific locations in the coming years. This race to understand and predict the effects of the human footprint is a new challenge compared to centuries ago when the focus was on determining the Earth's shape.

A study published online in Nature Geoscience reveals that recent volcanic activity in Panama and Costa Rica may provide insights into the formation of the Earth's continental crust billions of years ago. While many scientists believe that all of the planet's continental crust was created during a specific period in Earth's history, the new research suggests that "juvenile" continental crust has been forming continuously throughout history. Senior study author Esteban Gazel, an assistant professor of geology at Virginia Tech, explains that while the massive production of continental crust seen in the past is no longer common, there are exceptions that still produce new continental crust. The melting of the oceanic crust led to the creation of the Galapagos islands, which recreated Achaean-like conditions necessary for the formation of continental crust. Researchers found that the geochemical composition of erupted lavas became similar to continental crust about 10 million years ago. They also observed seismic waves moving through the crust at speeds comparable to those found in continental crust around the world. The formation of juvenile continental crust in places like the western Aleutian Islands and the Iwo-Jima segment of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc system has also been observed. This study prompts questions about the global impact of newly-formed continental crust throughout history and its role in the development of continents and life itself. For instance, the creation of the Central American land bridge led to the blocking of the seaway, altering ocean circulation, dividing marine species, and significantly influencing the Earth's climate. Gazel noted, "We have uncovered a significant discovery in the planet's evolution."

Scientists have discovered that modern humans may have migrated from Africa to Arabia much earlier than previously believed, up to 65,000 years earlier. This migration was likely due to environmental factors rather than advanced technology. The migrants are thought to have taken a direct route to the Arabian Peninsula from Africa, rather than traveling through the Nile Valley or the Near East as previously suggested. Researchers studied ancient tools found at the Jebel Faya archaeological site in the United Arab Emirates and used luminescence dating to determine that the tools were between 100,000 and 125,000 years old. Simon Armitage from the University of London, who was part of the study, believes these findings will lead to a reassessment of how modern humans spread globally. The research, led by Hans-Peter Uerpmann from Eberhard Karls University in Tuebingen, indicated that the tools found were not made in the Middle East but rather resembled those made by early humans in east Africa. This suggests that people were able to leave Africa without the need for significant cultural achievements. The study, published in Science, proposed that environmental factors such as sea levels played a more crucial role than technological advances in enabling migration. By analyzing sea-level and climate-change data from the last interglacial period around 130,000 years ago, researchers concluded that lower sea levels would have made the Bab al-Mandab strait between Arabia and the Horn of Africa narrower, creating a safe passage out of Africa during that time. Uerpmann suggested that the straits could have been crossed at low tide, allowing modern humans to walk or travel by rafts or boats. Earlier beliefs that the deserts of the Arabian Peninsula would have prevented an exodus from Africa are challenged by a new study indicating that Arabia was more hospitable during the last interglacial period, with increased water sources and vegetation. While the timing of modern humans leaving Africa has been a topic of contention, previous findings indicated they may have migrated along the Mediterranean Sea or Arabian coast approximately 60,000 years ago.

According to UN scientists, there will likely be an increase in heat waves and other extreme weather events such as heavier rainfall, floods, cyclones, landslides, and droughts across the globe this century due to climate change. The IPCC is urging countries to create disaster management plans to adapt to these risks. The report states that there are varying probabilities for these events based on future greenhouse gas emissions, but overall, extreme weather is expected to become more frequent. The report emphasizes that warm daily temperature extremes are almost certain to increase globally in the 21st century, with warm spells, or heat waves, becoming longer, more frequent, and more intense. According to one emissions scenario, a hottest day that currently has a 1-in-20 chance of occurring is projected to become a 1-in-2 year event by the end of the 21st century in most regions. Exceptions to this trend are expected in very high latitudes. Heat waves are anticipated to increase in intensity, with temperatures rising by 1 to 3 degrees Celsius by the mid-21st century and by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius by the late-21st century, depending on the region and emissions scenario. Delegates from nearly 200 countries will convene in South Africa starting on Nov. 28 for climate talks, with the most likely outcome being modest steps towards a broader agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the fight against climate change. Despite global efforts to reduce carbon emissions, experts warn that current pledges are insufficient to prevent global temperatures from rising beyond 2 degrees Celsius, a threshold that could lead to more frequent extreme weather events and challenges in food production. Global carbon emissions increased significantly last year, setting a new record after a period of economic downturn. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) predicts that heavy precipitation will likely become more frequent in the 21st century, particularly in high latitudes and tropical regions. The IPCC defines "likely" as a two-thirds chance or greater. The report also suggests there is a medium level of confidence that this trend will result in increased local flooding in certain areas, although the impact on river floods remains uncertain due to their complex causes. Additionally, the IPCC anticipates that tropical cyclones will either become less frequent or maintain their current frequency, but they are expected to become more intense. "According to the report, the likelihood of heavy rainfalls from tropical cyclones is expected to rise due to ongoing warming. The report also highlighted concerns about the increasing average maximum wind speed of tropical cyclones, as well as the rising sea levels that pose a threat to small island states. Additionally, the report noted that droughts, which are a major concern for a growing global population, are projected to worsen. The global population recently reached 7 billion and is forecasted to reach 9 billion by 2050, according to UN data." It is predicted with medium confidence that droughts will become more severe in the 21st century. This is due to either decreased precipitation or increased evapotranspiration in various regions such as southern Europe, the Mediterranean region, central Europe, central North America, Central America, Mexico, northeast Brazil, and southern Africa. Additionally, there is a high likelihood of landslides being caused by shrinking glaciers and permafrost as a result of climate change.

A study published in the journal Environmental Research found that parts of China, India, Europe, and the northeastern United States are experiencing a disproportionately high number of annual deaths - 8.7 million - due to fossil fuel pollution. This research provides the most detailed assessment to date of premature deaths caused by fossil fuel air pollution. In comparison, a 2017 study estimated 4.2 million deaths annually from all outdoor airborne particulate matter. Eloise Marais, an expert in atmospheric chemistry at University College London, and co-author of the study, was surprised by the large impact of air pollution on health. Previous research had difficulty distinguishing pollution from fossil fuels from other sources like wildfires or dust. The team from three British universities and Harvard University aimed to address the issue by utilizing a high-resolution model to identify the specific pollutants present in a particular area. The authors emphasized the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy sources due to the impact of burning fossil fuels on climate change. The study, based on 2018 data, is intended to serve as a catalyst for governments to expedite this shift. Co-author Joel Schwartz, an environmental epidemiologist at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, stated that quantifying the health effects of fossil fuel combustion can effectively communicate the advantages of transitioning to alternative energy sources to policymakers and stakeholders.

Conservationists have reported that the largest population of rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the wild, totaling around 6,000 individuals, has been discovered in the freshwater regions of Bangladesh's Sundarbans and nearby Bay of Bengal waters. This finding was revealed at the First International Conference on Marine Mammal Protected Areas in Maui by the Wildlife Conservation Society. Previously, the largest known populations of Irrawaddy dolphins were only in the low hundreds. Dr. Steven Sanderson, president of the Wildlife Conservation Society, expressed optimism about the discovery, stating that it gives hope for the protection of endangered species and their habitats. The study was conducted by researchers including Brian Smith, Rubaiyat Mansur Mowgli, and Samantha Strindberg of the Wildlife Conservation Society, as well as Benazir Ahmed of Chittagong University in Bangladesh, in an area where little marine mammal research has been done. Despite the discovery of a large population of Irrawaddy dolphins, researchers caution that these animals are increasingly at risk of being caught in fishing nets accidentally. Two dolphins were found entangled and drowned during the study, a common problem reported by local fishermen. The Irrawaddy dolphin, also known as Orcaella brevirostris, can grow up to eight feet and is found in large rivers, estuaries, and freshwater lagoons in South and Southeast Asia. In Myanmar's Ayeyarwady River, these dolphins are known for participating in "cooperative fishing" with humans, where they help herd fish towards fishing boats and nets, ultimately benefiting from the relationship by easily catching cornered fish and those that escape the nets during the fishermen's haul. In 2006, WCS played a key role in creating a protected area on the Ayeyarwady River to protect the endangered mammal population. The WCS, based in New York, is currently collaborating with the Ministry of Environment and Forests in Bangladesh to establish a protected area network for both Irrawaddy and Ganges River dolphins in the Sundarbans mangrove forest. The conservation group emphasizes the importance of funding to sustain these efforts, as well as their long-term initiatives to research the impact of climate change on the habitat, promote sustainable fishing practices, and develop local ecotourism projects.

A study revealed that the shrinking ice and snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere is reflecting less sunlight back into space, contributing to global warming. Satellite data showed that Arctic sea ice, glaciers, winter snow, and Greenland's ice were reflecting less energy back to space from 1979 to 2008. This decrease in reflectivity exposes darker ground or water, which absorbs more heat, resulting in an increase in the amount of solar energy absorbed by the planet. Mark Flanner, the lead author of the study, stated that this reduction in the cooling effect is causing the planet to absorb more solar energy. He stated that the decrease in reflected solar energy due to warming is more significant than what is predicted by current climate models. The research, conducted by a team of US-based researchers and published in Nature Geoscience, suggests that the cryosphere is more sensitive to and influential in driving climate change than previously believed. The exposure of more ground and water to sunlight leads to increased heat absorption, which accelerates the melting of nearby snow and ice. The shrinking of Arctic sea ice in recent decades is primarily attributed to greenhouse gas emissions from human activities such as burning fossil fuels. Studies indicate that Arctic sea ice may disappear in summers later in this century, which would have negative impacts on indigenous hunting cultures, polar bears, and other wildlife, as well as contribute to global climate change. Flanner stated that drawing conclusions about future melting rates, such as Arctic sea ice, from the study's findings was impossible due to the limited 30 years of data. He emphasized that climate is influenced by many other factors besides ice shrinkage. These factors include the presence of clouds in a warmer world, which reflect sunlight, and increased water vapor that traps heat in the atmosphere. The study predicted that for every one degree Celsius rise in temperature, there would be a decrease in solar energy reflected out to space from the Northern Hemisphere's snow and ice by 0.3 to 1.1 watts per square meter. Temperatures in the Northern Hemisphere have increased by approximately 0.75 degrees Celsius in the last thirty years. The study did not examine the Southern Hemisphere, which has more ice in Antarctica but is colder and exhibits fewer indications of warming. "Globally, the Earth absorbs solar energy at an average rate of 240 watts per square meter annually. The planet would be darker and absorb an extra 3.3 watts if the cryosphere in the Northern Hemisphere were not present," Flanner explained.

In a study published in Environmental Research Letters, researchers discussed how peat bogs, which are wetlands containing high levels of carbon from decaying vegetation, could play a crucial role in helping the world achieve climate goals, such as limiting postindustrial warming to 2 degrees Celsius as outlined in the 2015 Paris agreement. Alexander Popp, a senior scientist at the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research in Germany, emphasized the importance of protecting and restoring these peatlands, as achieving certain greenhouse gas emission targets would be extremely challenging without these efforts. Peatlands are found worldwide, in both tropical and colder regions, and while they only cover 3% of the global land area, their deep layers of peat contain significantly more carbon than the world's forests. In undisturbed bogs, the carbon remains wet and preserved. However, if a bog is drained for farming or other purposes, the carbon begins to oxidize and is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, contributing to global warming. This process can last for hundreds of years. It is currently estimated that drained peatlands around the world release as much carbon dioxide each year as all air travel combined. Additionally, dried out peatlands pose a fire hazard, and peat fires have the potential to release large amounts of carbon rapidly. In September and October 2015, peat fires in Indonesia, where bogs have been drained for palm oil plantations and other purposes, released more carbon dioxide daily than all the fossil fuels burned in the European Union. Restoring dried peatlands by allowing them to become wet again would saturate the decaying vegetation, preventing further carbon dioxide release and eliminating the fire hazard. "Rewetting them is crucial for achieving mitigation targets," Popp stated. Many climate change mitigation pathways predict that by the end of the century, land use, including forests and agriculture, would be a net carbon sink, storing more carbon than is released into the atmosphere. This would help slow global warming. The researchers stated that many pathways do not consider emissions from degraded peatland. When they incorporated peatland data into their land-use model, they discovered that land use would release more carbon dioxide than it stored. By protecting pristine wetlands and rewetting 60% of degraded ones, land use could become a net carbon sink again. Mike Waddington, a peat researcher at McMaster University, praised the study for advocating the restoration of peatlands, noting their significant carbon storage capabilities despite covering a small area. He mentioned that the study emphasized how crucial peatlands are in regulating the global climate. Currently, efforts to change land use for climate benefits often prioritize planting trees over preserving peatlands. Waddington explained that there is significant pressure to plant trees in drained peatlands, but this is not the best option considering the carbon storage capacity of intact bogs. Peat bogs are typically dried out by digging ditches, allowing water to drain. Some peatlands are drained for peat extraction for horticulture or fuel, in addition to being converted into croplands or forests. Waddington stated that draining only 10 to 15% of a peatland and extracting peat can transform the entire system into a source. To restore peatlands, blocking ditches or building berms to maintain peat saturation could be effective. The study found that there was uncertainty in cost estimates for protecting and restoring peatlands, but the main conclusion remained the same. Waddington described this as an easy and straightforward solution. © 2020 The New York Times Company holds the rights to this text.

Researchers believe that the Earth's soils currently contain 2.4 trillion tonnes of gases in the form of organic carbon, but they argue that there is potential for even more storage. A study published in Nature by scientists from the US and Scotland suggests that by implementing changes in agricultural practices, an additional 8 billion tonnes of carbon could be stored in the soil. Geoscientist Dave Reay from Edinburgh University emphasizes the importance of soil as a key ally in the fight against climate change, stating that improved management practices can significantly increase the amount of carbon stored in soils. The availability of data on soils has long been ignored as a solution for addressing climate change. Issues with measuring and reporting accurately have hindered advancements in climate-smart soil management. However, with the recent increase in big data on soils worldwide and advancements in understanding and modeling, it is time for this important aspect to be recognized. Researchers have known for some time that soils play a significant role in carbon storage and have been studying ways to control emissions from soils. They have tested methods for preserving soil carbon and have consistently warned about the organic carbon stored in permafrost. They have also determined that human-induced greenhouse gas emissions correlate with the expansion of global agriculture many years ago. Scientists now estimate that land use is responsible for around 25% of all man-made greenhouse gas emissions, with 10% to 14% directly from agriculture. They believe that since soils contain three times more organic carbon than is currently in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, improved management of the Earth's surface could also aid in reducing emissions. The key is to maintain healthy ecosystems, as unmanaged forests and grasslands are effective at storing carbon. Restored wetlands can also absorb carbon, while drained wetlands release it. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as growing crops with deeper roots and using charcoal-based composts, can help conserve carbon and provide food. Tools like the 'Cool Farm Tool' can assist farmers in managing emissions from their land. Various responses, such as improved crop rotation, low tillage instead of deep ploughing, land restoration, and agroforestry, could collectively have a significant impact, according to researchers. This "all-of-the-above" approach, with support from science, government policymakers, and innovative strategies, could potentially help soils retain the equivalent of four-fifths of annual emissions from the burning of fossil fuels.

A new report by the UN's Environment Programme, called the Global Deserts Outlook, highlights the increasing pressures faced by the world's desert ecosystems due to climate change, high water demand, and tourism. The report emphasizes that deserts are not barren wastelands, but rather biologically, economically, and culturally dynamic regions with significant potential if managed sensibly. The authors also express concern about the excessive use of water for water-intensive agricultural crops in these areas. Desertification is the focus of World Environment Day, with activities such as tree planting to combat erosion and educational talks in schools taking place. Various groups around the world are taking action to address desertification, such as planting vegetation on dunes in Mauritius and collecting computer parts for recycling in Australia. In Zambia, a beauty pageant called "Miss Environment" is being held, while in India, local schools are being encouraged to plant trees and build sandcastles to raise awareness about desertification. UN Secretary General Kofi Annan warns that poverty, unsustainable land management, and climate change are transforming drylands into deserts, which in turn worsens poverty. However, some positive changes are expected in the next 50 years. New economic opportunities, such as shrimp and fish farms in Arizona and the Negev Desert in Israel, are providing environmentally friendly livelihoods for local residents. Additionally, desert plants and animals are being viewed as potential sources of new drugs and crops. Experts suggest that deserts could play a role in addressing global warming, with some proposing that a portion of the Sahara could generate enough solar energy to power the world. However, many desert regions are projected to become even drier in the future, and the melting glaciers that sustain South American deserts are causing additional challenges. The consequences of human activity are still causing challenges. In both the United States and the United Arab Emirates, a growing number of individuals are opting to reside in desert cities, putting additional strain on limited water supplies. Mountainous regions within deserts are especially at risk, with their wildlife and ecosystems facing potential extinction within the next 50 years unless immediate measures are taken.

According to the WWF, around 143 million mammals, 2.46 billion reptiles, 180 million birds, and 51 million frogs were affected by the severe bushfires in Australia. Initially, the WWF had estimated the number of affected animals at 1.25 billion while the fires were still ongoing. The fires ravaged over 11 million hectares of land in the Australian southeast, which is approximately half the size of the United Kingdom. WWF-Australia's CEO, Dermot O'Gorman, described this as one of the worst wildlife disasters in modern history. The research conducted by Lily Van Eeden from the University of Sydney is the first of its kind to analyze the impact of bushfires on animals across the continent, and it can be used by other countries to enhance their understanding of bushfire impacts worldwide. The overall number of animals impacted by destroyed habitats has increased, leading to a lack of food and shelter or the need to relocate to already occupied habitats. Researchers attribute the rise in animal casualties to a broader assessment of the affected area, rather than just focusing on the most affected states. Australia experienced one of its worst bushfire seasons from September 2019 to March 2020, resulting in 34 human fatalities and the destruction of nearly 3,000 homes.

Begum's family, in an effort to protect their limited belongings, secured their sole suitcase to their makeshift home made of bamboo and banana leaves that was built following the previous destructive flood in the region just two years earlier. When the floodwaters rose, their home became stranded in muddy water, forcing the family to cook on a dry elevated area nearby. Unfortunately, tragedy occurred when Begum left her 1-year-old daughter, Lamia Khatun, on higher ground while she washed clothes in the floodwaters on Tuesday. However, the water continued to rise. Begum, 32, recounted how she returned to find that the person was no longer there and later discovered her lifeless body. In southern Asia, over 4 million individuals have been severely impacted by monsoon floods, resulting in the destruction of homes and structures, the submerging of entire villages, and the need for people to seek refuge on rooftops. The monsoon season, typically occurring from June to September, brings heavy rainfall that is essential for South Asia's agricultural economy. However, in recent years, the monsoon season has brought cyclones and devastating floods, leading to the displacement of millions in low-lying areas, especially in Bangladesh. The previous year saw a minimum of 600 fatalities and over 25 million people affected by flooding due to the intense monsoon rains in Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, and Nepal, as reported by the United Nations. In 2017, over 1,000 people lost their lives due to floods in South Asia. The heaviest rainfall this year has been in northeast India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, and Nepal, according to the Southeast Asia Flash Flood Forecast System, which is associated with the United Nations. The flooding in Bangladesh began in late June, and authorities anticipate it will continue this month, affecting more areas. Enamur Rahman, the Bangladeshi minister for disaster management, stated that the floods are the worst in decades, leaving hundreds of thousands of families stranded and requiring the opening of over 1,000 emergency shelters. Rahman emphasized that every available resource is being utilized to combat the disaster. Researchers have warned that Bangladesh may lose more than 10% of its land to sea-level rise, displacing millions of people. India has also been severely affected by floods, with at least 85 deaths and millions affected in states like Assam, Bihar, and Odisha. Kaziranga National Park in Assam, home to the vulnerable one-horned Indian rhinoceros, has been completely flooded. Authorities reported that over 50 animals perished in the flood, but some wildlife was saved. Rescue efforts have been conducted in 22 districts in Assam, where more than a dozen rivers and tributaries have exceeded the danger level. In Nepal, 67 individuals have lost their lives and 40 are unaccounted for, according to the National Emergency Operation Center. This is in addition to the monsoons that have hit Bangladesh, a low-lying and heavily populated country with 165 million inhabitants, which is regularly devastated by flooding. In Jamalpur, located in the northern part of Bangladesh, the flood situation has escalated to a critical level, with rivers overflowing significantly above the danger mark. Muneeb-ul-Islam, a 42-year-old resident of the area, shared that he has experienced the devastation of losing his home multiple times over the past decade, leaving him with only the clothes on his back. Along with his wife and three children, Muneeb-ul-Islam is one of over 1 million people in Bangladesh who have been displaced or rendered homeless by the floods. He expressed feeling as though he and his family are being punished, stating that this will be the third time in recent years that they have had to start over from nothing. Another resident named Begum, who tragically lost her 1-year-old child, described her life as completely shattered. She has relocated to a nearby shelter, which is a school building, where hundreds of people are crowded together. The fear of the coronavirus spreading in such close quarters is a major concern. Begum's family expressed that they were not adequately warned about the extent of the flooding. She stated, "I will never return to our previous home. The water has taken everything from us."

Ocean scientists are calling for governments to invest billions of dollars by 2015 in a new system to monitor the seas and provide alerts for various threats such as tsunamis and climate change-related acidification. They believe that improved oversight would bring significant economic benefits by helping to understand and mitigate the impact of issues like over-fishing and extreme weather events. A scientific alliance called Oceans United plans to present this plea to governments at a meeting in Beijing in November. The alliance, led by the Partnership for Observation of the Global Oceans (POGO), aims to address the increasing challenges facing the world's oceans, such as rising salinity, temperature, acidity, and decreasing biodiversity. Jesse Ausubel, a founder of POGO, emphasized the urgent need to accurately measure and monitor the health of our oceans. POGO stated that setting up a global ocean monitoring system would cost between $10 billion and $15 billion, with an additional $5 billion needed for annual operating costs. Currently, an estimated $1 to $3 billion is spent on monitoring the oceans. Tony Knap, director of the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and a POGO leader, acknowledged that the cost may seem high during a time of budget cuts, but emphasized that the investment could prevent greater losses. In the case of the Japan tsunami, officials believe that the $100 million subsea cable system, which is connected to an early warning system, could prevent 7,500 to 10,000 out of a projected 25,000 fatalities in the event of a massive underwater earthquake. Knap noted that while $100 million may seem like a large sum for installing cables, the potential to save lives makes it seem insignificant. According to Ausubel, new funding could be used to expand various ongoing projects such as satellite monitoring of ocean temperatures, tracking devices on marine animals, and tsunami warning systems in certain countries. Ausubel compared these advancements to the historical investment governments have made in lighthouses, buoys, and navigation aids. He emphasized the importance of addressing current environmental concerns, such as the increasing acidity of ocean waters due to rising carbon dioxide levels from fossil fuel consumption. This could pose difficulties for creatures like lobsters, crabs, shellfish, corals, and plankton in constructing their protective shells, ultimately impacting other marine organisms.

Sony Ericsson has appointed Bert Nordberg as the new chief executive in an effort to turn around the struggling cellphone maker's fortunes. Nordberg plans to focus on increasing market share and restoring profitability by developing successful products and continuing with restructuring efforts. Nordberg, 53, who is currently the Executive Vice President at Ericsson and leads the company's Silicon Valley division, expressed confidence in the support from both parent companies and suggested that achieving profitability is not far off. The company announced that Sony CEO Howard Stringer will take over as board chairman on October 15, replacing Ericsson CEO Carl-Henric Svanberg, who will assume the role of chairman at BP Plc in January. Analyst Neil Mawston from Strategy Analytics believes that these management changes indicate Sony and Ericsson's commitment to working together, which will likely reassure Sony Ericsson's employees and customers. Sony Ericsson experienced the biggest decline in sales among the top five cellphone vendors in the first quarter. Research firm Gartner reported last week that Sony Ericsson's market share globally has dropped to 4.7 percent due to missing out on mobile phone trends such as full keyboards, Internet browsing, and navigation. Ben Wood, head of research at CCS Insight, stated that the new CEO, Nordberg, has important decisions to make right away. Sony Ericsson needs to streamline its mobile software strategy, reduce its reliance on mid-tier feature phones, and aim to restore profitability in the challenging economic climate of the mobile phone industry. While Sony Ericsson is known for its music and imaging phones, it lacks a strong presence in the smartphone market. Nordberg plans to revamp the firm's product portfolio strategically. "In this field, successful products are essential," he stated. Nordberg has been employed at Ericsson since 1996, after working at companies such as Data General Corp. and Digital Equipment Corp. In July, Sony Ericsson reported a pre-tax loss of 283 million euros ($400 million) and predicted a challenging remainder of the year, with the market expected to contract by at least 10 percent. "I believe this is a result of the need for a fresh start, some new perspectives. Sony Ericsson has also not performed well in the past year and a half," noted Greger Johansson from Redeye. At 1214 GMT (8:14 a.m. EDT), Ericsson's shares were trading at 66.90 crowns, which was 0.5 percent lower than before. This performance was better than the DJ Stoxx European technology index, which was down 1.7 percent.

The nation's space agency will take a significant step towards its goal on Wednesday as Tianwen-1, the spacecraft launched in July, will attempt to enter orbit around Mars. If successful, China plans to send a lander and robotic rover to the planet later this year, potentially joining NASA's trio of spacecraft studying the Martian surface. China has announced that Tianwen-1 is expected to arrive at Mars on Wednesday. The China National Space Administration and state media have not given detailed information about the spacecraft's mission. The space agency is known for being secretive about its missions, but has become more open in recent times, such as by broadcasting the Chang'e-4 mission's launch live. Tianwen-1 was launched from China in July, making use of the optimal alignment between Mars and Earth in their orbits. This enables a relatively brief journey between the two planets. The spacecraft has used its engines multiple times to adjust its trajectory and align itself correctly with Mars. The latest engine firing happened on Feb 5, capturing images of Mars from a distance of around 1.3 million miles. The next engine firing is scheduled for Wednesday to use up most of the remaining fuel for a braking maneuver, slowing the spacecraft down to be captured by Martian gravity. There, the spacecraft will orbit Mars at a safe distance along with other robotic explorers before attempting a surface landing. Past missions to Mars have faced challenges, such as a Chinese mission in 2011 that never left Earth's orbit due to a failed Russian rocket, and NASA's Mars Climate Orbiter in 1999 which burned in the Martian atmosphere due to a navigation error involving English units not being converted to metric. In 1992, NASA's Mars Observer spacecraft lost communication just before reaching Mars, possibly due to a fuel line issue. A similar incident occurred in 1974 with the Soviet mission Mars 4, when the spacecraft failed to fire its retro rockets and drifted away from Mars. Despite these challenges, landing on Mars is even more difficult than orbiting the planet. The question remains: when will China successfully land on Mars? Their orbiter is equipped with a lander and rover that will attempt the challenging descent to the Martian surface. China has announced that it plans to land on Mars in May, with its target being Utopia Planitia, a basin in the northern hemisphere that may have been hit by a meteor in the past. This area was previously visited by NASA's Viking 2 lander in 1976. The Tianwen-1 mission aims to study the distribution of ice in this region, which could be crucial for potential human colonies on Mars. Landing on Mars is a risky endeavor due to the high speed of descent and the thin atmosphere providing little assistance in slowing down the spacecraft. Air resistance continues to produce high temperatures that need to be managed. Several Soviet, NASA, and European missions have failed upon landing, with only NASA achieving successful landings more than once. The Chinese spacecraft will spend several months orbiting Mars to assess systems and choose a safe landing location. If the rover successfully lands, it will require a name. A group of experts chose 10 semi-finalists from nominations in China, including names like Hongyi, which means ambition and persistence in Chinese, Qilin, a mythical creature, and Nezha, a deity associated with rebellious youth. China's recent achievements in space include launching a mission to Mars in July, visiting the moon with the Chang'e-5 mission in November to collect samples and bring them back to Earth for study. This marks the first new collection of moon rocks since the Soviet Union's final lunar mission in 1976. China's Chang'e-4 mission, which was the first to successfully land on the far side of the moon, is still active with its Yutu-2 rover exploring the lunar surface more than two years after its launch. Another significant arrival in 2021 is the Hope orbiter from the United Arab Emirates, which recently reached Mars and will focus on studying the planet's atmosphere to enhance scientists' understanding of Mars' weather patterns. The third recent arrival on Mars will be Perseverance, NASA's latest rover. It was launched in July after the other two spacecraft and will not orbit Mars but instead go directly to the planet's surface on Feb. 18. This robotic explorer is NASA's fifth rover on Mars and is similar to Curiosity, currently in the Gale crater. Perseverance has different scientific instruments and will explore the Jezero crater, a dried-out lake where scientists hope to find evidence of extinct Martian microbial life. The mission will also attempt to fly a helicopter in the thin Martian atmosphere, a first for the red planet. After landing, NASA's Ingenuity helicopter will be deployed by the rover to conduct several test flights in the thin Martian atmosphere, proving that exploration of Mars can be done from both the ground and the air. In addition to Ingenuity, there are currently six orbiters studying Mars from space, making for a busy environment around the red planet. Three spacecraft were sent to Mars by NASA: Mars Odyssey in 2001, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2005, and MAVEN in 2013. Europe has two spacecraft in orbit, Mars Express launched in 2003, and ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter in 2016, which is a joint mission with Russia. India's Mars Orbiter Mission, also known as Mangalyaan, was launched in 2013. Additionally, two American missions are currently operating on the surface of Mars. Since 2012, Curiosity has been exploring, accompanied by InSight, which has been researching marsquakes and other internal characteristics of Mars since 2018. Another American mission, the Opportunity rover, ceased functioning in 2019 due to a dust storm that drained its power.

Scientists announced that satellite images have revealed a significant portion of Antarctica's Wilkins Ice Shelf is collapsing rapidly due to the warming climate in the region. The collapse covers an area of approximately 160 square miles, according to data from the University of Colorado. The Wilkins Ice Shelf, which is a large expanse of floating ice spanning 5,000 square miles, is situated on the southwest Antarctic Peninsula, around 1,000 miles south of South America. Lead scientist Ted Scambos described the event as ice blocks breaking and falling into the ocean, causing the shelf to completely shatter. These types of occurrences are rare, but it is crucial to study them in order to gain a better understanding as they could result in the complete disappearance of the ice shelf," Scambos explained. According to Scambos, a significant portion of the ice shelf is currently being held up by a small strip of ice. If this last "ice buttress" were to collapse, approximately half of the total ice shelf area could be lost within the next few years. British Antarctic Survey scientist David Vaughan stated: "This shelf is on the brink of collapse." Scambos explained that a portion of the ice shelf, which faces the ocean, is breaking apart in a familiar pattern that has been observed in other locations over the past decade or so. He stated that in each instance, it has been determined to be a consequence of global warming. The collapse of the ice shelf was first documented on Feb. 28 through satellite images, revealing a large iceberg breaking away from the southwestern front of the shelf, triggering a rapid disintegration of the interior. A plane was dispatched to capture photos of the disintegrating shelf from above. Scambos noted that the ice shelf has existed for several centuries, but rising temperatures and exposure to ocean waves are causing it to fragment. In the last fifty years, the Antarctic Peninsula has experienced rapid warming, comparable to any other region on Earth, according to scientists. The increase in greenhouse gases is closely linked to this warming, along with changes in atmospheric circulation around Antarctica. Although the summer melt season in Antarctica is ending, scientists do not anticipate immediate further disintegration of the ice shelf. However, they will closely monitor the situation in January to see if the ice continues to break apart.

A report from Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) stated that global warming is progressing more quickly than anticipated due to increased greenhouse gas emissions from rapid economic growth since 2000. Emissions from burning fossil fuels have risen by about 3 percent annually since 2000, up from 1 percent in the 1990s. This acceleration is driven by the fact that more carbon is being burned per unit of wealth created worldwide. The lead scientist, Mike Raupach, explained that this rapid increase in emissions means that climate change is happening at a faster rate than previously predicted by studies conducted in the 1990s and early 2000s. Raupach and a team of experts from the Global Carbon Project quantified global carbon emissions and fossil fuel demand. The report discovered that in 2005, nearly 8 billion metric tons of carbon were released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide globally, compared to just 6 billion metric tons in 1995. According to Raupach, as countries go through industrial growth, they go through a phase of heavy and often inefficient use of fossil fuels. Efficiency improves as countries develop, but eventually levels off. Developed countries like Australia and the US have reached this plateau, while developing countries like China are still in the intensive development phase. Since the industrial revolution began, the US and Europe have been responsible for over 50 percent of global emissions over two centuries, while China's contribution is less than 8 percent, according to the CSIRO report. The report indicated that the 50 least-developed nations have contributed less than 0.5 percent of global emissions in the last 200 years. The average carbon emissions per person in Australia and the United States exceed 5 tons per year, while in China it is 1 ton per year. Raupach stated that this emphasizes the importance of reducing emissions and highlights the historical aspect of carbon emissions. He emphasized the need to consider both past and present emissions trajectories in global emissions reduction negotiations in order for reductions to be effective, workable, and equitable. The CSIRO report revealed that Australia has one of the highest per capita emissions in the world due to heavy reliance on fossil-fuel generated electricity and the use of cars and trucks for transportation. This indicates that Australia has a long way to go in reducing emissions to achieve CO2 stabilization, according to Raupach. Despite some improvements in energy efficiency, Australia's progress has not been as rapid as that of other developed countries. Australia, like the United States, has not signed the Kyoto Protocol due to concerns about its effectiveness and has called for a global scheme to replace it, arguing that it is unworkable because it does not include binding targets for major developing nations like India and China. China is the second largest emitter of carbon dioxide in the world, following the United States. Talks have not yet begun in earnest regarding the next phase of the Kyoto agreement. India and China are firmly against mandatory targets and are pushing for wealthy countries, especially the United States, to make significant reductions in emissions.

The bones of fish that perished when a massive asteroid collided with Earth have led scientists to conclude that the event took place in the spring, marking the end of the reign of dinosaurs. The impact, which occurred over 66 million years ago off the Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico, ended the Cretaceous period and resulted in a mass extinction of three-quarters of Earth's plant and animal species. While it has been difficult to find fossils directly linked to the meteor strike, in 2019, palaeontologists discovered a mass graveyard in southwestern North Dakota containing creatures that died shortly after the impact. Despite being approximately 2,000 miles away from the meteor impact, North Dakota experienced seismic waves equivalent to a magnitude 10 or 11 earthquake, causing water from lakes and rivers to overflow and kill fish. Tektites, small glass beads propelled into the air by the impact, fell from the sky. Researchers spent years studying the site, known as Tanis, located in the fossil-rich Hell Creek formation spanning four states. While an article in The New Yorker hailed Tanis as a treasure trove of fossil discoveries, the initial scientific paper focused more on the geological aspects of the site. The new scientific findings now offer valuable insights into the previously incomprehensible cataclysm. Stephen L Brusatte, a paleontologist at the University of Edinburgh who was not involved in the research, expressed amazement at the ability to pinpoint an event that occurred 66 million years ago to a particular time of year. He described it as a detective story of the highest caliber. Animals in the Northern Hemisphere, some emerging from hibernation or giving birth to young, may have been more vulnerable to extinction if the event occurred in spring when organisms are not likely to be in hibernation. On the other hand, animals in the Southern Hemisphere hunkering down in autumn may have been more sheltered from the sudden change in climate. During a telephone news conference arranged by Nature, it was suggested that hibernation could increase an animal's chances of survival during such an event. Brusatte agreed that if one could isolate themselves in a burrow or seek shelter underwater, it could be beneficial. He sees potential in using this approach to better understand the patterns and processes of extinction. During first learned about Tanis in 2017 from a talk by Jan Smit, an expert on dinosaur extinction at Vrije University in Amsterdam, during her master's degree studies. She was captivated by the fossil finds in North Dakota and immediately reached out to Smit about conducting isotopic analysis on the fish bones found there. She contacted Robert DePalma, the palaeontologist leading the study of Tanis. She traveled to North Dakota in August 2017 and spent 10 days at Tanis digging up fossils of six fish - three sturgeon and three paddlefish. In the lab, researchers carefully extracted thin slices of bone from the paddlefish's lower jaws and the sturgeon's pectoral fin spines. They observed distinct light and dark lines in the bones, which indicated seasonal changes in growth rates, similar to tree rings. The outermost sections of the bones showed that the fish became more active and grew faster after winter. During expressed his belief that the fish likely perished in April rather than summer based on the fluctuation of carbon isotopes in their bones, indicating lower levels of plankton in the water. This evidence, along with the discovery of tektites in the fish's gills but not in their digestive tract, suggests that the fish died in the spring. Jeroen van der Lubbe, a paleo-climatologist at Vrije University and one of the authors of the Nature paper, also noted that these findings support the conclusion that the fish died in the spring. "They were unable to continue swimming," During explained. "They died right away." Another group of scientists, led by DePalma, conducted a separate analysis on fish fossils and reached nearly identical conclusions, as reported in the journal Scientific Reports in December of last year. ©2022 The New York Times Company.

Bird enthusiasts are amazed at the increasing number of snowy owls migrating from the Arctic to the lower 48 states this winter. Researchers are calling this mass southern migration "unbelievable." Thousands of these large white birds have been seen across the country, feeding in farmlands, perching on rooftops, flying over golf courses, and gliding over shorelines. While some snowy owls typically fly south from their Arctic breeding grounds each winter, it is rare for so many to venture so far away, especially during irruptions. Denver Holt, head of the Owl Research Institute in Montana, described this event as unprecedented and the most significant wildlife event in decades, noting his two decades of study on snowy owls in the Arctic. Holt and other experts on owls believe that the increase in snowy owl sightings in areas farther south than usual is likely due to a high population of lemmings, a rodent that makes up a large part of the owls' diet during breeding months. Last season, there was an abundance of lemmings, leading to a higher number of offspring per breeding pair compared to previous years. This increase in owl population may have caused greater competition for food in the Far North, prompting younger, male owls to migrate southward in search of food. He mentioned that there is a lack of research on the animals due to the difficult terrain they occupy in northern Russia and Scandinavia. The increase in snowy owl sightings has attracted birders from Texas, Arizona, and Utah to the Northern Rockies and Pacific Northwest, benefiting local economies. The sudden appearance of snowy owls has captured the interest of the public of all ages and backgrounds. Frances Tanaka, a volunteer at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington, noted that many visitors inquire about snowy owl sightings. However, reports of malnourished owls at some locations suggest a negative aspect to the migration. Holt stated that an owl that arrived at an airport in Hawaii in November was purposely shot to prevent potential plane collisions. He mentioned that snowy owl populations are thought to be decreasing due to a changing climate affecting the availability of vegetation that lemmings depend on. The recent increase in snowy owl sightings this winter, including sightings as far south as Oklahoma, is still not fully understood. Holt explained that there is a lot of speculation surrounding this phenomenon, but concrete evidence is lacking.

An ancient underground water basin the size of Libya, known as Australia's Great Artesian Basin, is crucial for the country to avoid a water crisis amidst the impact of climate change and drought. This massive groundwater basin covers 1.7 million sq km, lying beneath one-fifth of Australia. Holding 65 million gigalitres of water, it is equivalent to 820 times the amount of surface water in Australia and could cover half of Earth's land mass under half a metre of water. The basin is replenished with 1 million megalitres annually as rain seeps through porous sandstone rock and gets trapped underground. According to hydrogeologist John Hillier, the water in the basin could meet Australia's needs for 1,500 years if fully utilized. However, he and other experts caution that the basin's water supply is in danger due to decreasing artesian pressure, which pushes water to the surface through bores and springs. If the artesian pressure drops too low because of excessive water extraction, the ancient water source may become inaccessible without expensive pumping. Some parts of the basin, which reaches depths of up to 3 km, lie as deep as two km underground. The basin, created between 100 and 250 million years ago, is made up of layers of water-bearing sandstone aquifers and non-water-bearing siltstones and mudstones. Water from the basin is extracted through bores and is crucial for industries such as mining, tourism, and grazing in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. The Great Artesian Basin Coordinating Committee states that underground water from the basin contributes A$3.5 billion (US$2.4 billion) annually to farming, mining, and tourism. The mining and petroleum industry extracts 31,000 megalitres of water from the basin each year, which is crucial for future expansion. BHP-Billiton uses about 11,680 megalitres of basin water annually for its Olympic Dam mine in South Australia, and plans to triple this usage to double production. Xstrata Plc is also considering the basin as a water source for a large open cut thermal coal mine in Queensland. However, the agricultural industry is the largest consumer of water, using 500,000 megalitres annually to irrigate some of Australia's most productive farmlands. Angus Emmott, who manages a cattle property named Moonbah in central Queensland, depends on basin water during dry periods. Emmott believes that the bores are essential for the social and economic prosperity of the region, which lacked permanent fresh water in the past. He emphasizes the importance of using Great Artesian Basin water efficiently, especially with the increasing impacts of climate change. Since its initial use in 1878, approximately 87 million megalitres have been extracted from the basin, with up to 90 percent of it being wasted. Due to a decrease in water pressure, over 1,000 natural springs and one-third of the original artesian bores have stopped flowing. The extraction of ancient basin water also contributes to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, releasing 330,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. A 15-year project called the Great Artesian Basin Sustainability project began in 1990 with the goal of preserving the water supply and necessary hydraulic pressure. Currently, there are around 3,000 bores releasing water into open bore drains, with 90 percent of the water evaporating due to the outback heat. However, efforts have been made to control over 1,052 bores and remove thousands of kilometers of open drains, resulting in the saving of 272 gigalitres of water each year. Farmers are now using technology to manage livestock access to bores and control bore flows, which has led to improved land management and better pasture and stock management. This sustainable practice has resulted in increased flow from bores and springs that had previously ceased to flow. Farmers and scientists emphasize the importance of continued efforts to prevent a water crisis in the Great Artesian Basin due to anticipated higher demand on basin water in the future. Emmott emphasized the importance of taking care of communities for their survival, as it takes a long time for resources to recharge. A A$17 million report on the Great Artesian Basin aims to ensure water availability for future mining, pastoral, and environmental needs due to the increased mining activity in the area. Andy Love from Flinders University will lead the study on how to meet the growing demands for groundwater allocations in the region. Love stated that it is essential to find a balance between development and environmental protection, which can only be achieved with a better understanding of the safe extraction levels of groundwater.

Since 1500, over 320 terrestrial vertebrates have gone extinct and populations of remaining species have declined by 25 percent on average. Invertebrate animal life is also facing a crisis. Human activity is the main cause of this current extinction event, known as 'Anthropocene defaunation'. Between 16 to 33 percent of vertebrate species are threatened or endangered globally, with large animals like elephants and polar bears being the most affected. The increase in rodents due to human activity is also leading to higher levels of disease-carrying ectoparasites. In the past 35 years, the human population has doubled while the number of invertebrate animals has decreased by 45 percent, mainly due to habitat loss and climate disruption. These losses could have far-reaching consequences in our daily lives. Dirzo recommended that promptly decreasing rates of habitat change and overexploitation could be beneficial, but these strategies should be customized to specific regions and circumstances. He emphasized that extinction is not just about losing a species, but also about the depletion of crucial ecosystem functions that animals contribute to. This information was shared in a review published in the journal Science.

In 2010, Musa Ibrahim became the first Bangladeshi to raise the national flag at the top of Mount Everest, while Bangladeshi scientists successfully sequenced the jute genome. However, the year was marred by a decline in Dhaka stocks and allegations of fund siphoning against Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Despite these challenges, the achievement of reaching the summit of Mount Everest was a source of great pride and joy for Bangladeshis. The president of the North Alpine Club, Musa, received his education from Dhaka University and BRAC University and is originally from Lalmonirhat. Recently, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced in parliament that Bangladeshi researchers, specifically from Dhaka University's biochemistry and biotechnology departments led by Dr. Maqsudul Alam, have successfully sequenced the genome of jute. This discovery is expected to help improve the quality of jute fiber and allow it to grow in harsh weather conditions caused by climate change. In other news, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus has been embroiled in controversy over allegations of misusing funds from Grameen Bank and attempting to cover up the matter. The documentary 'Caught in Micro Debt' by Danish journalist Tom Heinemann was broadcast on Norwegian state television NRK on Nov 30, bringing attention to the fund transfer issue that occurred 12 years ago. bdnews24.com was the first to report on the story in Bangladesh on Dec 1. Yunus called a media conference on Sunday to address the debate surrounding the 'channelled fund'. Grameen Bank claimed that the issue had already been resolved by the Norwegian government and the bank in 1998. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several other ruling party leaders criticized the Grameen Bank chief and called for investigations. The Bangladeshi ship MV Jahan Moni was hijacked by Somali pirates in the Arabian Sea on December 5th near the Indian coast of Kochin. The ship, which has 26 Bangladeshis on board, including 25 crew members, has been taken to the Somali coast. There have been calls for the government to negotiate with the pirates and pay ransom. Relatives of the crew members who were captured are urging the government to take prompt action in order to rescue them. Two weeks ago, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni stated to the media that no government should pay ransom under any circumstances. The ship owner confirmed that negotiations with Somali pirates are currently taking place. In a similar incident, Somali pirates recently released a German ship after receiving a ransom of $5.5 million. The ship had been captured in May. The issue of sexual harassment towards women made headlines in newspapers after incidents involving stalkers resulted in the death of Mizanur Rahman, a college teacher in Natore, in October. The violence continued with the killing of Chanpa Rani Bhowmik in Faridpur on Oct 26, and Rupali Rani of Sirajganj tragically committing suicide after being kidnapped by an eve-teaser on Nov 1. In response to these incidents, the government, prompted by the High Court, made amendments to the law to allow for stalkers to be tried in mobile courts, which began operating in early November. The financial market of the country was thrown into chaos at the end of the year due to a sudden meltdown of share prices. This led to increased interest from the general public in investing in the capital market as several records of exchange were broken. Investors drove up share prices until the general index at the Dhaka Stock Exchange plummeted in the second week of December, losing over 500 points in just one hour, shortly after reaching an all-time high. Frustrated and angry investors took to the streets on two occasions in the last month as the market showed signs of decline. On December 8 and 19, protesting investors vandalized windows, and threw bricks and bottles at the police following record falls in the market. The nation has adopted a comprehensive education policy for the first time ever. The National Education Policy was approved by the cabinet on May 31 and by parliament on Dec 7. Despite protests from some Islamic parties claiming that religious education opportunities will be diminished, the government refutes these claims and is focused on implementing the policy. The new policy will extend primary education to class VIII and eliminate the Secondary School Certificate exam. The policy includes plans to update text books and exam systems, as well as modernize madrasa education. Anthrax caused panic when over 500 people were affected in various districts. The government declared a red alert and began large-scale cattle testing nationwide, including in border areas where foreign cattle enter. Demand for cattle meat dropped suddenly, but by October the government declared the country anthrax-free. Butchers claimed that poultry traders intentionally caused panic for profit. Abdul Latif Biswas, the Livestock State Minister, supported their claims and stated that the government would look into the situation. BIMAN TAILSPIN occurred when pilots went on strike on Oct 26, resulting in the national carrier's operations coming to a halt. The strike, led by younger pilots, was called off after a meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Oct 29, saving Biman Bangladesh Airlines from potential closure. On Oct 25, Biman suspended four pilots, including the acting president and general secretary of the pilots' association BAPA. BAPA made the decision to go on strike in response to a decision they were protesting. That same evening, 53 pilots called in sick. On October 20th, the 116-member BAPA group gave Biman a 24-hour ultimatum to meet their 5-point demand, which included cancelling the order to raise the retirement age of pilots from 57 to 62 years. The pilots also warned that they would not perform any duties beyond their contract with Biman if their demands were not addressed.

A study has found that inflation, particularly in food prices, and climate change are becoming significant challenges for Bangladesh in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. The report, 'Social Watch Report 2010', also highlighted debt servicing, poor revenue collection, and a decrease in foreign direct investment as additional obstacles. The report was launched by Dhaka-based research organization Unnayan Shumunnay. The study revealed that Bangladesh has remained at a low ranking of 61 in the Basic Capabilities Index (BCI) over the past decade, with issues such as child mortality, maternal health, and education still prevalent. In comparison, Pakistan has shown improvement, moving from 55 to 65 in the same time frame. Nepal and India have made progress in their rankings, with Sri Lanka leading the region with a score of 99. The report highlights that Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are still seen as political objectives, as demonstrated by the significantly higher global defense spending compared to aid received by developing nations. The Social Watch study estimates that $100-120 billion annually, less than 0.5 percent of global GDP, is needed to achieve MDGs worldwide by 2015. According to a study by Jubilee Netherlands, Bangladesh would require $7.5 billion in annual assistance, five times more than its current aid, to meet MDGs. The study also mentions Bangladesh's vulnerability to climate change despite its minimal contribution to pollution. The report states that the country's greenhouse gas emissions account for less than 0.2% of the global total. Social Watch predicts that climate change will pose significant challenges to the country's efforts to increase economic growth and reduce poverty as planned.

Researchers are equipping elephant seals and autonomous underwater vehicles with monitoring devices in order to uncover the mysteries of the oceans and enhance comprehension of the effects of climate change. The oceans play a crucial role in regulating the world's climate by absorbing heat and redistributing it globally. Additionally, they serve as a significant carbon dioxide sink, slowing down the rate of climate change. However, experts emphasize the necessity of expanding a worldwide monitoring system, with the Southern Ocean between Australia and Antarctica being particularly important. This region is a primary absorber of human-produced carbon emissions and a driving force behind the planet's climate. "To comprehend the speed of climate change, it is essential to grasp the ocean processes such as the rate at which it can store heat and carbon," explained Susan Wijffels, an oceanographer and leader of Australia's Integrated Marine Observing System (IMOS). She emphasized the significant impact of ocean activities on the pace of the climate system and the regional climate change patterns. Wijffels, speaking from a climate conference in Hobart, Tasmania, highlighted the importance of understanding natural ocean cycles that influence terrestrial weather patterns to enhance long-term forecasts for agriculture and urban water management. IMOS collaborates with researchers from various Australian universities, research institutions, as well as scientists from the United States, Asia, and Europe. With a recent increase in funding, the team plans to equip approximately 100 elephant seals with devices to gather data from the depths near Antarctica. A small device equipped with an antenna is fastened to the seals' heads to gather data on temperature, salinity, and pressure while they hunt for food underwater. Additionally, self-propelled gliders measuring about 2 meters in length will be used in the waters near Australia, reaching depths of up to 1,500 meters to collect data. These gliders, equipped with wings and a rudder, are capable of staying at sea for months and can be operated remotely. One of the main focuses is on the sea ice surrounding Antarctica, where current self-propelled measurement tools, known as Argos, struggle to operate effectively as they need to resurface frequently to transmit data to satellites. Argos are cylindrical devices that can dive to depths of up to 2 km. Thousands of Argos have been deployed worldwide, with new varieties being created to detect breaks in sea ice and transmit data. The oceans beneath the ice are currently not well monitored on a global or national scale, according to Wijffels. There is a growing belief that heat from the ocean may be contributing to the destabilization of ice shelves in Greenland and Antarctica. If all the ice in Greenland were to melt, it could raise sea levels by 7 meters (23 feet), scientists warn. Increasing levels of carbon dioxide are causing oceans to become more acidic, which is impacting the ability of sea creatures to create shells. There are concerns that this increased acidity could hinder the ocean's capacity to absorb carbon. The initiative also seeks to enhance monitoring of key ocean currents in Australia that transport heat globally, such as those passing through the Lombok Strait near Bali. While measurements in the North Atlantic are more prevalent, there is a significant lack of data in the Southern Hemisphere, according to Wijffels.

Study leader Jianzhi "George" Zhang, a professor in the department of ecology and evolutionary biology, expressed surprise at the lack of umami taste receptors in penguins, given their diet of fish. Zhang suspects that ancient climate cooling events in Antarctica may have caused the loss of these genes in penguins. Penguins, unlike other birds, lack functional genes for sweet, umami, and bitter tastes. This taste loss likely occurred during the 37-million-year span of penguin evolution, which included periods of dramatic climate cooling in Antarctica.

It was a coincidence, but it will create some chaos. NASA has chosen SpaceX, Elon Musk's rocket company, to transport astronauts back to the moon in the future. However, in the meantime, an upper stage of a SpaceX rocket launched seven years ago is expected to collide with the moon on March 4th, according to amateur astronomers' recent observations and calculations. The impact is projected for 7:25 am Eastern time, with some uncertainty remaining about the exact time and location. Bill Gray, creator of Project Pluto, software for tracking celestial bodies, stated that the rocket fragment will definitely hit the moon. Gray stated that there is a high probability that a predicted object will collide within a few minutes and likely within a few kilometers. Throughout the Space Age, various man-made objects have ventured into the solar system, with some not expected to return. This includes Elon Musk's Tesla Roadster launched into orbit passing Mars in 2018. However, there are instances where these objects circle back, such as a mystery object discovered in 2020 that was part of a rocket launched in 1966 during NASA's Surveyor missions to the moon. Gray has been monitoring a specific piece of SpaceX debris that assisted in launching the Deep Space Climate Observatory for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on February 11, 2015. The observatory known as DSCOVR, which was originally named Triana and championed by Al Gore, is now located about 1 million miles from Earth. It serves as an early warning system for solar storms by monitoring energetic particles from the sun. DSCOVR now regularly captures images of Earth from space, including moments when the moon passes in front of the planet. Typically, the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket is intentionally pushed back into Earth's atmosphere after delivering its payload to avoid adding clutter to space. The upper stage of the rocket used all its propellant to launch DSCOVR into a high orbit around Earth, potentially leading to a future collision. The motion of the Falcon 9 stage is influenced by gravity from Earth, the moon, and the sun, as well as pressure from sunlight. While debris in low-Earth orbit is closely monitored, more distant objects like the DSCOVR rocket are often overlooked. Gray claimed to be the only person tracking these objects. Many spacecraft have crashed on the moon, but this is the first time an object not intended for the moon will end up there. On January 5, a rocket stage passed close to the moon, causing its trajectory to potentially intersect with the moon later on. Amateur astronomers, including Peter Birtwhistle from London, were asked to observe the object as it passed by Earth in January. The large 16-inch telescope in his garden, known as the Great Shefford Observatory, was aimed at the section of the sky where the rocket stage quickly passed by. Birtwhistle noted the speed at which it was moving and made observations that helped determine its trajectory, allowing for a prediction of an impact. Astronomers will have an opportunity for a final observation before the rocket stage travels beyond the moon for the last time. It is expected to collide with the far side of the moon, where it will be out of view from Earth. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter will not witness the impact as it happens, but will fly over the expected impact location later to capture images of the newly formed crater. Mark Robinson, a professor at Arizona State University and the principal investigator for the Orbiter's camera, estimated that a 4-ton metal object traveling at a speed of 5,700 mph will create a crater 10 to 20 meters wide, providing scientists with a glimpse beneath the moon's surface. Unlike meteor strikes, the size and timing of this impact are known. India's Chandrayaan-2 spacecraft, also orbiting the moon, may also be able to photograph the impact site. Other spacecraft that are on their way to the moon this year may have the opportunity to observe the impact location, unless they too accidentally create new craters.

Suzanne Becker, the general manager of the Henry Howard Hotel, mentioned that the delta variant significantly impacted their August plans. However, there was hope as guests were expected to occupy almost all rooms after weeks of low occupancy. Many hotels were fully booked for holiday weekends, allowing for higher room rates. The cancellation of the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in October due to rising coronavirus cases led to the removal of many reservations. Hotels were eagerly anticipating Labor Day in New Orleans, a popular holiday in the city according to Robert LeBlanc, owner of the boutique hotel Chloe in the Garden District. Despite a decrease in reservations due to the delta variant in late July, his hotel was fully booked and had an increase in restaurant reservations. The French Quarter was expected to be packed with visitors for Southern Decadence, also known as "gay Mardi Gras." Beaux Church, who manages three gay bars in the French Quarter, scheduled twice as many bartenders for the busy weekend. Despite having enough staff, he was confident that they would receive a lot of tips and be able to financially recover from the losses during COVID. However, Hurricane Ida hit Louisiana and caused his bartenders to evacuate to other cities, leaving the Henry Howard Hotel and many others empty. As a result, Southern Decadence has been canceled once more. Even though Cafe Lafitte in Exile, known for being open 24 hours a day, had to close due to not being able to operate essential systems, such as lights, air conditioning, and a margarita machine, other businesses in New Orleans are also facing challenges after Hurricane Ida. The city's tourism industry, which is crucial for its economy, is once again dealing with the impact of a natural disaster. Some fear that Ida could be the event that discourages visitors from returning to the city, similar to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 when tourist numbers dropped significantly. It wasn't until 2010 that the number of visitors returned to pre-Katrina levels. Kelly Schulz, a spokesperson for New Orleans & Company, emphasized that Hurricane Katrina did not have the same impact on New Orleans as it did on other parts of Louisiana and Mississippi. Due to the city's infrastructure remaining undamaged, she hoped tourists would come back once power was restored. Some may argue that the city is better off without large crowds, given the high number of COVID patients and low vaccination rates in Louisiana. Researchers have linked Mardi Gras in February 2020 to a significant outbreak of coronavirus. Restaurant owners, hotel managers, and event planners believe that they could have managed the influx of visitors if the storm had allowed, as the city now requires proof of vaccination or a recent coronavirus test along with masks to enter most businesses. Visitors appreciated the safety measures put in place, as it allowed them to move forward with events feeling secure. Amanda Price, an event planner in New Orleans, noted that Labor Day weekend, typically not a popular time for weddings in the city due to hurricane season, saw an increase in weddings this year. Many couples were determined to have their weddings after cancellations caused by COVID-19 concerns and restrictions on large gatherings. “It’s been really hectic,” she mentioned. Cayla Contardi, a resident of Austin, Texas, is a client of Price's who was looking to reschedule her wedding. Saturday, September 4th, marked her third wedding date. Initially, she was set to tie the knot in Tucson, Arizona, on June 20, 2020. She noted that all of her guests had either recovered from COVID or were fully vaccinated, so she believed they could safely hold the 120-person event in a ballroom in the French Quarter. On Saturday afternoon, Contardi received devastating news that her husband's family, who reside in New Orleans and in St Tammany Parish approximately 50 miles north of the city, were evacuating their homes. Despite the hotel informing her on Monday that her guests could no longer stay due to severe damage, she found it difficult to come to terms with the cancellation of her wedding. She mentioned having a beautiful dress that she has owned for three years and expressed reluctance to plan another wedding. Labor Day had traditionally been a busy weekend for restaurants in New Orleans, even before the impact of COVID-19, according to Nina Compton, the chef behind Compère Lapin and Bywater American Bistro. "Usually, many individuals visit the town for a lively celebration before the school year begins," she explained. She had expected a hectic week this year. However, when she noticed the approaching storm, she realized that her expectations would not be met. She found it difficult to accept that while people throughout the state were facing difficulties, restaurants were forced to discard a large amount of perfectly good food. "It's frustrating that we are unable to donate food to those in need because they lack the means to cook," she remarked as she finished clearing out the walk-in fridge at Compère Lapin. She had found a buyer for the produce, but milk and fresh pasta were going to waste. James Doucette, the general manager of Meals From The Heart Cafe, expressed sadness over all the wasted food in the French Quarter's market. He mentioned in an email that his team is currently displaced due to the storm, which is just another challenge they have to overcome. Alon Shaya, the founder of Pomegranate Hospitality, added that the restaurant industry will not only suffer from the loss of weekend tourists, but also from the absence of longer-term visitors due to the storm. Students had recently come back to Tulane University, which was beneficial for his restaurant, Saba, located about a mile away. However, the university has now decided to delay classes for at least another month. This sudden change in plans is a familiar experience for the hospitality industry in New Orleans. At the beginning of the pandemic, business was so slow that almost half of the city's restaurants and one-third of its hotels had to shut down indefinitely. But as more people received vaccinations and began to come back to New Orleans, optimism among businesses skyrocketed. During the spring, Church, who oversees a diner and three gay bars in the French Quarter, experienced a surge in business that exceeded the previous all-time high in 2018. However, the arrival of the delta variant caused Bourbon Street to become deserted almost overnight, resulting in a significant drop in revenue for his bars. Church attributes this decline to tourists avoiding establishments with strict rules requiring proof of vaccination and masks, rules that he personally supports. He had high hopes for the Southern Decadence festival, as organizers were clear about enforcing these requirements. Edgar Chase IV, also known as Dooky, who operates two Dooky Chase restaurants, described the situation as a roller coaster ride due to the unpredictable nature of the business. The weekend was supposed to be a major one for his team, but they had to evacuate instead. He stated that in times like these, his primary concern is not money, but rather how they can provide comfort to people. He believes that this should be the main focus of the hospitality industry at this time.

Deforestation has long been known to impact local temperatures, but a new study suggests it may also have a broader effect on monsoon rains. In addition to releasing carbon dioxide, deforestation alters the reflection of light on the Earth's surface and the amount of moisture in the atmosphere from plant transpiration. Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore used a model to simulate the effects of deforestation on monsoon rainfall. They conducted three deforestation experiments in different climate zones to study the impacts on rainfall patterns. Deforestation in temperate and high latitudes has altered atmospheric circulation patterns, causing the monsoon rains to shift southward. This has led to decreased precipitation in the northern hemisphere monsoon regions of East Asia, North America, North Africa, and South Asia, while increasing rainfall in the southern hemisphere monsoon regions of South Africa, South America, and Australia. The impact of remote deforestation in mid- and high-latitudes on tropical rainfall is greater than that of local tropical deforestation, according to a study. The South Asian monsoon region, specifically India, would experience the most significant decline in precipitation, with an 18 percent decrease. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), emphasizes the importance of considering remote impacts on rainfall when evaluating the climate benefits of reforestation efforts. The research pointed out that the amount of land dedicated to crops and pastures has grown worldwide from 620 million hectares in the 1700s, which accounted for approximately 7 percent of the total land area, to 4,690 million hectares in 2000, representing about one-third of the Earth's land surface.

The Qatar 2022 supreme committee stated that they had always planned to host the Fifa World Cup in the summer of 2022, but are open to hosting in the winter if necessary. They are prepared to host the event in either season and their planning will not be affected. Fifa President Sepp Blatter mentioned that any request to change the timing of the event would need to come from Qatar. Qatar has invested significant resources in proving that their cooling technology will work in open-air stadiums and training grounds, and they are committed to developing these systems regardless of the timing of the event. Their goal is to leave a legacy for Qatar and other countries with similar climates. The technology will allow sports to be played year-round, not just in stadiums or sports venues, but also in public spaces, ensuring outdoor activities can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.

NASA's Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft captured compelling images indicating the possible existence of liquid water on the Martian surface, a discovery that excites scientists curious about the potential for life on the Red Planet. By observing changes in the walls of two craters in Mars' southern hemisphere, scientists using the US spacecraft have detected evidence of water flow in recent years. This finding contributes to the ongoing question of whether life could have thrived on Mars, as water is essential for all known forms of life on Earth. Researchers previously confirmed the presence of water in various forms on Mars, such as ice at the poles and water vapor, as well as geological features suggested to have been shaped by water in the past. Kenneth Edgett, a scientist from Malin Space Science Systems in San Diego, described the search for concrete evidence of liquid water on Mars as a quest for a "smoking gun". He referred to their recent findings as a "squirting gun" for water on Mars. The team of scientists, whose study is published in the journal Science, analyzed images of Mars taken seven years apart and identified 20 new craters caused by space debris impacts. They observed evidence of water flowing down two gullies in recent years, despite the fact that liquid water cannot persist for long on Mars' cold and nearly airless surface due to rapid freezing or evaporation. The evidence suggested that there may be underground liquid water close to the surface in certain areas, which could seep out periodically. The images did not show water directly, but they displayed bright deposits left by material carried downhill inside the crater by running water, occasionally meandering around obstacles and leaving finger-shaped marks diverting from the main flow. Edgett mentioned that the water involved could be acidic, briny, or carrying various sediments, but it definitely contained H2O. He also noted that each apparent flow was caused by an amount equivalent to "five to 10 swimming pools of water." Michael Meyer, the head scientist of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, stated that recent observations suggest that water still flows occasionally on the surface of Mars, providing the strongest evidence to date. He posed questions about how this phenomenon occurs and whether it could indicate a potential habitat for life. Mars is considered to have a less hospitable climate compared to Earth, but some scientists believe that it may have supported primitive, bacteria-like organisms in the past. Previous missions have found evidence suggesting that Mars had abundant water at one point in time. The scientists acknowledged that the images provided only indirect evidence and not definitive proof. They mentioned a potential alternative explanation that the features could have been created by dry dust moving down a slope. The researchers noted that their discoveries raised several questions, such as the origin and quantity of the water and whether it could be used as a resource in future Mars missions. They first observed the gullies in 2000, but this was the first time they observed recently deposited material that appeared to have been carried by liquid water. Recently, NASA announced the end of communication with the Mars Global Surveyor following a successful mission that lasted a decade and involved mapping the planet's surface, monitoring its climate, and searching for signs of water.

Two new reports have highlighted the increasing demand for food, fuel, and wood due to the world's population expected to increase from six to nine billion. This surge in demand will put unprecedented pressure on the world's remaining forests, potentially leading to increased deforestation, global warming, and conflicts with indigenous forest dwellers. Andy White, co-author of one of the reports, warned that without action, traditional forest owners and the forests themselves will suffer, resulting in more deforestation, conflict, carbon emissions, climate change, and reduced prosperity for all. RRI is an international alliance of environmental and conservation NGOs that focuses on forest protection, management, and the rights of forest communities. According to White's report, a significant increase in agricultural productivity is needed to meet the demand for food and biofuels by 2030, which will likely require cultivating an area of land the size of 12 Germanys. This land is expected to be mainly in developing countries, much of which is currently forested. The second report, "From Exclusion to Ownership", highlighted that governments in developing countries still claim ownership of most forests but have not taken sufficient steps to secure the rights and land tenure of forest inhabitants. It emphasized that those whose livelihoods depend on forests are often the most effective guardians of forest resources and biodiversity. RRI pointed out that governments are not effectively stopping industrial encroachments on indigenous territories. The report highlighted the expansion of soy and sugar cane cultivation for biofuels in Brazil, which is projected to increase to 128 million hectares by 2020, largely through deforestation in the Amazon. Ghanaian civil rights lawyer Kyeretwie Opoku emphasized the need to address democratic deficits, violent conflicts, and human rights violations by involving forest communities in decision-making regarding industrial activities and conservation efforts.

However, before anything else can happen, a scavenger hunt must be undertaken in the Australian outback. This upcoming weekend, fragments of an asteroid will touch down in a desolate area near Woomera, South Australia. These pieces are being brought back to Earth by Hayabusa2, a robotic space probe launched by Japan's space agency, JAXA, in 2014 to investigate an asteroid called Ryugu, which is a dark, carbon-rich rock slightly over half a mile wide. The success of this mission and the scientific knowledge gained from it will enhance Japan's reputation as a major player in deep space exploration, alongside NASA, the European Space Agency, and Russia. JAXA currently has a spacecraft orbiting Venus to study its harsh climate and is working with European partners on a mission to Mercury. In the near future, Japan plans to retrieve rocks from Phobos, a moon of Mars, and assist in NASA's Artemis program, which aims to send astronauts to the moon. However, the immediate challenge will be locating a small capsule containing asteroid samples in a vast area near Adelaide, Australia. Shogo Tachibana, the lead researcher analyzing the Hayabusa2 samples, described the location as remote and isolated, with a team of over 70 Japanese individuals currently in Woomera for the capsule recovery. The area, typically used by the Australian military for testing, offers a spacious and suitable environment for the return of a spacecraft from another planet. The return capsule, which detached from the main spacecraft approximately 12 hours prior to the planned landing, was around 125,000 miles away from Earth. JAXA will provide live coverage of the capsule's landing starting at 11:30 am Eastern time on Saturday (early Sunday morning in Australia). The capsule is projected to touch down just before noon. Makoto Yoshikawa, the mission manager, mentioned in an interview that there is a margin of error of approximately 10 kilometres (6 miles) in determining the exact reentry point of the capsule into the atmosphere. Once at a height of 6 miles, the capsule will deploy a parachute, and its drifting path during the descent will further contribute to the uncertainty. Yoshikawa explained that the landing location will be determined by the wind conditions that day. The search area could potentially span 60 miles. The recovery team will follow the trail of the fireball and the capsule's radio beacon to locate the capsule. However, if the beacon or parachute fails, the task will become more challenging. Additionally, there is a sense of urgency in completing the recovery process. The team's goal is to retrieve the capsule, conduct an initial analysis, and quickly transport it back to Japan within 100 hours. Despite being sealed, there is concern that Earth's air may seep into the capsule gradually. Tachibana stated that perfect sealing is not possible. Once the capsule is located, it will be airlifted to a laboratory at the Australian air force base in Woomera. Here, an instrument will extract any gases that may have been emitted by the asteroid rocks as they were disturbed and shattered during reentry. Yoshikawa mentioned that the scientists are interested in detecting any helium particles from solar wind that may have collided with the asteroid and become trapped in the rocks. The presence of these gases would confirm that Hayabusa2 effectively gathered samples from Ryugu, with a minimum of 0.1 grams required for success. Ideally, the spacecraft would have brought back several grams. The Hayabusa2 team in Japan will now begin analyzing the samples from Ryugu. Some of the samples collected by Hayabusa2 at the asteroid Ryugu will be shared with other scientists for further study in approximately one year. The spacecraft arrived at the asteroid in June 2018 and conducted a series of increasingly complex investigations, including dropping probes onto the surface, creating a hole to examine what is below the surface, and collecting small pieces of the asteroid during two descents, which proved to be more difficult than anticipated due to the presence of numerous boulders. Masaki Fujimoto, deputy director general of the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, noted that small celestial bodies like Ryugu were previously overlooked by planetary scientists who primarily focused on studying planets. He expressed his lack of concern for minor bodies but emphasized their importance in the formation of planetary systems. The study of water trapped in minerals from Ryugu could provide insight into the origins of Earth's oceans and the potential for carbon-based molecules to have influenced the development of life. NASA will receive part of the Ryugu samples, in addition to rocks and soil from the OSIRIS-Rex mission to another asteroid. The OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft, which has been studying the carbon-rich asteroid Bennu, will return to Earth in 2023 after dropping off its samples. Despite their similarities in appearance, Ryugu and Bennu have distinct characteristics. The rocks on Ryugu seem to have much less water compared to others. The significance of these similarities and differences will only be understood after further detailed study by scientists. Harold Connolly, a geology professor at Rowan University, mentioned that lessons learned from the Hayabusa2 mission will be valuable when the OSIRIS-Rex sample returns. He finds the similarities and differences very intriguing and plans to participate in analyzing the Ryugu samples in Japan next summer. Hayabusa2 is not Japan's initial planetary mission. The name of the mission, Hayabusa2, references a previous mission that successfully retrieved samples from an asteroid called Itokawa. However, the earlier mission faced significant technical issues, as did JAXA's Akatsuki spacecraft around Venus. In contrast, Hayabusa2 has been successful with minimal issues, despite sharing a similar design with its predecessor. Yoshikawa, the mission manager, stated that there are no major issues with the mission, only minor ones. He mentioned that the team carefully analyzed the failures of Hayabusa, made necessary changes, and conducted multiple rehearsals to prepare for any potential problems. Japanese missions typically have smaller budgets compared to NASA's, resulting in fewer instruments. The cost of Hayabusa2 is under $300 million, while OSIRIS-Rex's cost will be around $1 billion. Delivering the Ryugu samples does not mark the conclusion of the Hayabusa2 mission. After releasing the return capsule, the main spacecraft changed its course to avoid a collision with Earth, narrowly missing by 125 miles. The spacecraft will now head towards another asteroid, a small one known as 1998 KY26, which is only 100 feet in diameter but spins rapidly, completing one rotation in less than 11 minutes. Hayabusa2 will use two flybys of Earth to propel itself towards KY26, with an expected arrival in 2031. During the extended deep space journey, the spacecraft will conduct various astronomical experiments, and it still has a final projectile that may be used to test the surface of the asteroid.

They have urged for immediate action to prevent a potentially catastrophic threat to society, as stated by the Climate News Network ahead of the COP25 climate change summit in Madrid. A group of seven researchers, who recently published a commentary in the journal Nature, warned that irreversible changes to the Earth's environmental systems are already underway, leading to a 'state of planetary emergency'. The scientists described a global tipping point as a crucial threshold where the planet's systems reach a point of no return, such as the loss of the Amazon rainforest, accelerated melting of ice sheets, and thawing of permafrost. This collapse could result in extreme 'hothouse' conditions that would render certain areas on Earth uninhabitable. The scientists emphasized that the window to prevent such tipping points may have already closed, while achieving net zero emissions would require at least 30 years. The photo shows a boat and a bicycle on the dried lake Poopo in Bolivia, which has been affected by climate change. According to Timothy Lenton, a professor of climate change and Earth system science at the University of Exeter, there are nine areas where tipping points are already occurring. These include the destruction of the Amazon, reduction of Arctic sea ice, coral reef die-offs, melting of ice sheets, permafrost thawing, destabilization of boreal forests, and a slowdown of ocean circulation. Lenton believes that these events are interconnected and changes in one area will impact another, leading to a worsening cascade of crises. According to the study, regional warming is causing Arctic permafrost to thaw, releasing carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere. This has also led to insect disturbances and fires in North American boreal forests, potentially changing some regions from carbon sinks to carbon sources. Researchers have found that the climate may be more sensitive than previously believed, with a global tipping point being a possibility. Last year's research also looked at different types of regime shifts in physical climate and ecological systems. The text suggests that surpassing tipping points in one system can heighten the likelihood of surpassing them in other systems. This concept of climate tipping points has been around for 20 years, introduced by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The UN originally proposed that these 'large-scale discontinuities' would only occur if global warming surpassed 5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. According to climate scientists, information from the two most recent IPCC reports, released in 2018 and September 2019, indicates that tipping points could occur with a temperature increase of 1 to 2 degrees Celsius. Currently, global average temperatures are approximately 1 degree Celsius higher than in the pre-industrial era, and they are still rising.

The yen reached a historical low against the euro and remained close to a four-year low against the dollar on Friday due to expectations of low Japanese rates. Meanwhile, oil prices stayed near a seven-week high of over $61. Despite Germany's Ifo business sentiment survey showing a larger than anticipated decrease in February, the euro only slightly decreased against the dollar, leading to an increase in Bunds. However, this did not change predictions that euro zone interest rates will increase next month. Japanese exporters benefitted from the weak yen, boosting the Nikkei average to a seven-year closing high, while European stocks were affected by weakness in banking and concerns over Iran's nuclear programme. The euro reached a record high of 159.63 yen before dropping to around 159.25 yen, with traders expecting the currency to break the 160-yen level soon. The dollar was around 121.40 yen after reaching 121.63 yen for the second consecutive day, not far from the January high of 122.20 yen, the highest since December 2002. This week, Japanese interest rates rose by 25 basis points to 0.5 percent, reaching a decade-high. However, this increase has not halted the yen's decline against major currencies, as Japanese rates are still lower compared to other developed countries. Ronnie Steadman from Lloyds TSB Financial Markets noted that the rise in short-term rates in Japan will not deter Japanese investors, especially households, from purchasing foreign bonds and stocks for better returns. Investors have taken large short positions in the Japanese currency through carry trades, borrowing yen to invest in higher-yielding assets elsewhere. The New Zealand dollar, which offers high yields, reached a 14-month high against the yen on Thursday. Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko Fukui reiterated on Friday that rate increases will occur gradually. Germany's Ifo research institute reported a decrease in the business climate index to 107.0 in February from the previous month's 107.9. Analysts still predicted a European Central Bank rate hike to 3.75 percent in March. The euro was down by about 0.1 percent at $1.311 at 1015 GMT. Euro zone bonds initially dropped but rebounded after the Ifo report, with yields on the 10-year Bund falling by 3.2 basis points to 4.066 percent. Oil prices rose above $61 a barrel to a seven-week high due to a sharp decline in US gasoline stocks and concerns over Iran's nuclear program. US crude increased by 45 cents to $61.40 a barrel. The price hit $61.49, its highest level since January 2nd. Iran stated it would not show any weakness regarding its nuclear program, after the UN nuclear watchdog announced Tehran had not met the February 21 deadline to halt uranium enrichment. European shares decreased slightly at the opening, due to concerns about Iran and weakness in banking stocks, despite positive results from industrial companies and higher commodity prices. The FTSEurofirst 300 index of top European shares was down 0.16 percent at 1,537.54 points, with small decreases in British and French indexes and minimal changes in Germany's index. Japan's Nikkei rose 0.44 percent to a seven-year high, driven in part by gains in exporters like Canon Inc, who benefit from a weaker yen. The increase was offset by a decline of up to 29 percent in Sanyo Electric Co. following reports of a regulatory investigation and unaccounted losses of over $1 billion. The MSCI All-Country World Index stood at 380.93, up 0.05 percent.