Cop29 live: Slashing methane emissions is ‘our emergency brake’, UN says
3.16pm GMTSaudi Arabia is blocking the negotiations at Cop29 at every turn to prevent a repeat of the pledge it reluctantly agreed to a year ago at Cop28 – to “transition away from fossil fuels”. Saudi negotiators are not only opposing proposed text for the Cop29 deal related to cutting carbon emissions, but also proposals on adaptation, a registry for national climate pledges and more. “Maybe they’ve been emboldened by Trump’s victory, but they are acting with abandon here,” he told the New York Times. With vast oil reserves, the rich Saudi state has a lot to lose if the urgently needed phase out of fossil fuels gets under way. Dr Joanna Depledge, a negotiations expert at the University of Cambridge, said Saudi Arabia’s opposition was “blatant and brazen”.
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 07:26 UTC
Newspaper headlines: PM 'defiant' on Ukraine and 'Clarkson's farmy army'
The Daily Telegraph, external says Chancellor Rachel Reeves has told farmers she will not be reversing plans, announced in the Budget, to bring in inheritance tax on farms worth more than a million pounds. The Guardian, external, the Telegraph, external and the Times, external all highlight Sir Keir Starmer's comments about Ukraine, after President Biden's decision to allow Kyiv to use long-range US missiles to strike deep into Russia. The Daily Mirror, external notes that the UK stands shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. The Times, external and the Daily Mail, external both have more on - in their words - the IT "meltdown" at British Airways. According to the Financial Times, external, some of China's biggest tech groups in Silicon Valley are trying to poach US talent to help them develop Artificial Intelligence.
Source:The Times
November 19, 2024 07:15 UTC
Thousands march to New Zealand's parliament in protest of treaty bill – video
The hīkoi mō te Tīriti, or march for the treaty, has arrived at New Zealand's parliament house to protest a bill that seeks to reinterpret the country’s founding treaty between Māori and the crown. Although the bill is unlikely to become law, its introduction has prompted widespread anger among the public, academics, lawyers and Māori rights groups, who believe it is creating division, undermining the treaty, and damaging the relationship between Māori and ruling authorities
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 07:01 UTC
Southbound Donovan Road Off-Ramp on US 101 in Santa Maria will be closed Monday and Tuesday
The southbound Donovan Road off-ramp on US 101 in Santa Maria will be closed Monday, November 18 and Tuesday, November 19 between 9 am and 2:00 pm. This ramp closure will allow Caltrans to replace concrete and asphalt in the work zone. Message signs will be in place to alert the traveling public. Road information and updates can also be found on Caltrans District 5 Social Media platforms: Twitter at: @CaltransD5, Facebook at: Caltrans Central Coast (District 5) and Instagram at: @Caltrans_D5.
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 06:31 UTC
Digital avatar of King Richard III has Yorkshire accent – video
A team at Face Lab at Liverpool John Moores University has created a digital avatar based on a reconstruction of Richard III’s head. The video shows an address by King Richard III detailing the conferment on his son, Edward. The avatar went on display at York Theatre Royal on Sunday after experts helped to generate a replica of the former monarch's voice
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 05:57 UTC
Climate Inaction Farce: COPs Hosted By Major Greenhouse Gas Polluters & True Carbon Price Ignored
COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) or the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference, was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from 30 November to 13 December 2023. Gideon Polya, “Climate Crisis, Climate Genocide & Solutions”, Korsgaard Publishing, 2020. Chris Hope, “How high should climate change taxes be?”, Working Paper Series, Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, 9.2011: http://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/fileadmin/user_upload/research/workingpapers/wp1109.pdf . Gideon Polya, “COP27 Ignores Carbon Price, Climate Costs, Carbon Debt, Full Reparations & Global South”, Countercurrents, 13 November 2022: https://countercurrents.org/2022/11/cop27-ignores-carbon-price-climate-costs-carbon-debt-full-reparations-global-south/ . Gideon Polya, “Climate Scientists: Planetary Emergency, Planet In Peril, Act Now”, 3 December 2019: https://countercurrents.org/2019/12/climate-scientists-planetary-emergency-planet-in-peril-act-now/ .
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 05:49 UTC
Omar Torres Resigns From San José City Council, Is Arrested
Omar Torres [00:02:57] We need to continue to ensure that our families do not fall into homelessness. And this man was allegedly extorting Omar Torres, threatening to essentially publish photos and videos of him, including nude photos and videos if if Omar Torres did not pay him money. And then in the course of that investigation, police and authorities eventually started to turn their investigation to point back at Omar Torres. And on Election Day, November 5th, Omar Torres submits a letter of resignation from the city council to the city clerk of San Jose and alerts his colleagues that he’ll be resigning. Alan Montecillo [00:12:27] So Omar Torres is arrested and resigns on Election Day.
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 05:49 UTC
Xi Jinping pleased with 'positive momentum' of China-Australia relations – video
China-Australia relations have achieved 'a turnaround and are maintaining a positive momentum of development', Chinese president Xi Jinping says. Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese says he is pleased to meet with Xi again, while highlighting the 'encouraging progress made in the stabilisation of our relationship'. The two leaders spoke while attending the G20 summit in Brazil
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 04:52 UTC
Seven of the UK’s loveliest boutique Christmas markets
Most of the big UK cities host a glitzy Christmas market with ferris wheels, live bands and big-name sponsors. Details B&B doubles from £185 (mashtun-aberlour.com)4. Details B&B doubles from £90 (rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk)6. Chester Christmas Market, CheshireThe Chester Christmas Market has timber huts and Nordic firs CELYNNEN PHOTOGRAPHY“Historic, handmade and magical” are the principles of Chester’s Christmas market, which looks fresh out of Frozen with its timber huts, Nordic firs and wood-and-wool decorations. Details B&B doubles from £194 (portmeirion.wales)• 18 of the best Christmas markets in the UK for 2024Which is your favourite boutique Christmas market?
Source:The Times
November 19, 2024 04:25 UTC
OET rises as the top English test for UK nurses
In recent years, the OET Test has emerged as the leading English-language test for nurses and health professionals aspiring to work in the UK. According to a new social impact report by Cambridge University Press and Assessment, the OET Test surpassed the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) as the preferred test for overseas nurses registering with the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Determined to advance her nursing career, Revathy chose the OET Test as it closely matched the real-life communication skills she needed for her role. “When I took the OET Test, I was asked to write about scenarios like transferring a patient or discharging someone. For international nurses looking to make a difference in the NHS, OET provides the tools, resources and confidence needed to succeed.
Source:The Times
November 19, 2024 03:06 UTC
India to open two new consulates in UK's Manchester and Belfast
UK-India to restart trade talks:PM Modi in G20:On the sidelines of the G20 Summit held in Brazil, Prime Minister Narendra Modi informed United Kingdom counterpart, Keir Starmer , that India is set to open two Consulates General of India in UK's Belfast and Manchester. "Recognizing the ample opportunities for further engagement between the two sides in the light of growing bilateral economic and business relations and with a view to better serve the consular requirements of the Indian community in the United Kingdom, Prime Minister Modi announced the establishment of two new Consulates General of India in the United Kingdom in Belfast and Manchester. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates)"India is the fifth largest economy in the world and a vital trading partner for the UK. We believe there is a good deal to be done here that works for both nations," said UK Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. He further affirmed India's support for Brazil's initiative to form a global alliance against hunger and poverty.
Source:The Times
November 19, 2024 02:41 UTC
Political Organizer Marshall Ganz On How Democrats’ Ground Game Failed Harris
In the 1960s and ‘70s, political organizer Marshall Ganz worked with Cesar Chavez and the farmworker rights movement. He also worked on campaigns with Nancy Pelosi, Jerry Brown and others. Scott talks with Ganz, whose new book “People Power Change: Organizing for Democratic Renewal” comes at a time when Democrats are finding themselves without clear leadership.
Source:The Guardian
November 19, 2024 01:11 UTC
Texas State Board To Decide On Bible Curriculum
Texas State Board To Decide On Bible Curriculum Controversial Bluebonnet Learning proposal faces fierce debate as public testimonies loomTexas is once again at the center of controversy as its state board of education gears up to decide whether to allow Bible stories to be included within public school lesson plans for English and Language Arts. Throughout the previous months, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) has faced immense pressure from both supporters who argue for the benefits of biblical literacy and opponents who fear unconstitutional overreach. Mary Castle, the director of government relations for Texas Values, stated, "This is not a religious curriculum where we’re studying world religions; it’s not history either. His media company, eSpired, co-developed material for the curriculum, including The Kids Guide to the Bible. Whether the state board chooses to accept or reject the curriculum promises to deeply shape not only the students of Texas but also the national dialogue on the intersection of faith and public education.
Source:The Guardian
November 18, 2024 23:48 UTC
Columbus Responds To Neo-Nazi March With Unity And Resilience
His message echoed sentiments expressed by various community leaders who rallied to counter this show of bigotry with unity. Governor DeWine’s remarks are particularly poignant against the backdrop of the state's recent experiences with rising white supremacist activities, which have alarmingly escalated. Community and faith leaders were quick to act after the march, attempting to reclaim the narrative of inclusivity and community support. This clarion call to action rang throughout across various religious and community gatherings, establishing clear boundaries against manifestations of hate. Columbus City Attorney Zach Klein warned the demonstrators to stay away, stating firmly on social media, "Your hate isn’t welcome here."
Source:The Guardian
November 18, 2024 23:40 UTC
India vital partner of UK, says British Indo-Pacific minister Catherine West
(You can now subscribe to our(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channelThe UK is committed to foster deeper cooperation with India as it is a "vital" partner and one of the fastest growing economies in the world, British Minister for Indo-Pacific Catherine West said on Monday as she embarked on a two-day visit to the country. West will continue to unlock the full potential of the UK-India partnership and drive forward greater growth for both countries building upon the ambitions set out by Foreign Secretary David Lammy during his visit to New Delhi in July, a British government readout said.She will also reiterate that the UK remains committed to negotiating a mutually beneficial free trade agreement and bilateral investment treaty, it added. "I am delighted to be visiting India for the first time as Minister for the Indo-Pacific," West said. "As one of the fastest growing economies in the world, India is a vital partner," she said.Minister West's visit will include a meeting at the Ministry of External Affairs where she will reinforce the UK's commitment to a stronger partnership and the importance of the enduring links between people of the two nations, the readout noted.The two sides are expected to review the overall situation in the Indo-Pacific and explore ways to bolster cooperation in the region during West's visit to India.During an education roundtable at the British Council , the Minister will learn more about the unique "living bridge" between the UK and India, representing the 1.7 million people in the UK with Indian heritage and connecting our two countries, it said.The British minister is also scheduled to visit the Jama Masjid where she will learn about its history and architecture, it said.West's visit to New Delhi comes nearly four months after India and the UK firmed up a mega technology security initiative that sets out a bold new approach for collaboration in a range of "priority" sectors including telecom, critical minerals, semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The initiative was firmed up during Lammy's trip in July.In 2021, India and the UK adopted the 10-year roadmap to expand ties in the key areas of trade and economy, defence and security, climate change and people-to-people connections among others.West's visit to India follows a two-day trip to Bangladesh, where she reaffirmed UK support for the interim government's work to build a more prosperous and democratic future for the country.
Source:The Times
November 18, 2024 23:28 UTC