UN to Join International Efforts to Restore the World's Wheat Supply
Video Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories - Duration: 01:31s - Published
UN to Join International Efforts to Restore the World's Wheat Supply
UN to Join , International Efforts , to Restore the World's Wheat Supply.
'The Independent' reports that the United Nations
will join international efforts to distribute the
world's wheat supply currently stuck in Ukraine.
'The Independent' reports that the United Nations
will join international efforts to distribute the
world's wheat supply currently stuck in Ukraine.
On May 18, U.N.
Secretary General
Antonio Guterres is expected to announce talks
aimed at releasing over 20 million tons of wheat.
.
On May 18, U.N.
Secretary General
Antonio Guterres is expected to announce talks
aimed at releasing over 20 million tons of wheat.
.
The United States, the European Union,
Russia and Ukraine will reportedly
take part in the vitally important talks.
The United States, the European Union,
Russia and Ukraine will reportedly
take part in the vitally important talks.
Ukraine is the world's sixth-largest wheat exporter.
.
Prior to Russia's invasion,
Ukraine would export 4.5 million tons
of agricultural produce every month.
Prior to Russia's invasion,
Ukraine would export 4.5 million tons
of agricultural produce every month.
Those shipments
have all but ceased
since the war began.
Both the U.S. and the EU
have blamed rising food prices
on Russia's Black Sea blockade.
According to the EU, about 90% of Ukraine's
grain and oil exports were shipped
through its ports before the war.
A spokesman for the U.S. state department stressed that governments around the world needed to put pressure on Russia to end the blockade and ensure global food security.
A spokesman for the U.S. state department stressed that governments around the world needed to put pressure on Russia to end the blockade and ensure global food security.
Their blockade of ports not allowing food and
wheat to leave Ukraine, their efforts to keep
farmers from planting their farms, their
attacks on food silos - all of this has
contributed to an already dire situation, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador
to the U.N., via 'The Independent'
Amid escalating tensions between Russia and NATO, Polish Prime Minister acknowledges the presence of many soldiers in Ukraine fighting for President Zelensky's army. This revelation adds another layer to the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region. Stay updated on the latest developments and analysis of the situation.
#VladimirPutin #NATO #PutinvsNATO #EuropeanNations #EuropeanUnion #RussiaUkraineWar #PolishPM #UkrainianSoldiers #NATOSoldiers #VolodymyrZelenskyy #Oneindia
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With an unprecedented breaththrough the Greens were among the surprise winners of the last European elections. Their ambitious climate agenda won over many voters. But Covid-19, the war in Ukraine, inflation and soaring energy costs have all taken heavy toll on the movement's popularity
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 20:00Published
World Leaders Ask Israel , Not to Retaliate for Iranian Attack.
On April 13, Iran launched hundreds
of drones and missiles at Israel.
The attack came after two Iranian
generals were killed in "a suspected
Israeli strike in Syria" on April 1, AP reports. .
99% of Iran's drones and missiles were intercepted by Israel, according to a military spokesperson. .
World leaders are cautioning
Israel to show restraint and resist
retaliating against Iran, AP reports. .
Now is the time to be smart
as well as tough, to think
with head as well as heart, David Cameron, British foreign secretary, via statement.
We cannot afford another front
in the Middle East. There would only
be losers, in the region and beyond, Alexander Schallenberg, Austria’s foreign minister, via statement.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Israel's ability to intercept Iran's attack "really impressive" and urged the country to "contribute to de-escalation.".
This is a success that perhaps also
should not be thrown away. Hence
also our advice to contribute to
de-escalation themselves, Olaf Scholz, German chancellor, via statement.
Kenya urges Israel to show utmost restraint
taking into account the urgent need for all
parties to walk away from the brink beyond
which recovery will be enormously difficult. , William Ruto, president of Kenya, via statement.
We have condemned, we have
intervened, we will do everything
to avoid an escalation, an inferno, Emmanuel Macron, president of France, via statement.
Now is the time to defuse
and de-escalate. Now is the
time for maximum restraint, António Guterres, U.N. secretary-general, via statement.
While on a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, President Joe Biden
also condemned a retaliatory strike, saying,
"You got a win. Take the win," a senior official said. .
While on a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister
Benjamin Netanyahu, President Joe Biden
also condemned a retaliatory strike, saying,
"You got a win. Take the win," a senior official said.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
UN Issues 'Red Alert' , Regarding Global Warming , After Record Heat in 2023.
Al Jazeera reports that the United Nations' weather
agency has sounded a "red alert" regarding global
warming, citing a number of different factors.
Those factors include record-breaking levels of
greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, as well as
record-high temperatures on both land and sea.
Those factors include record-breaking levels of
greenhouse gas emissions in 2023, as well as
record-high temperatures on both land and sea.
The U.N.'s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns there is a "high probability" that 2024 will continue to break high-temperature records. .
The same March 19 report warned
that the world's efforts to reverse
global warming have proven to be inadequate.
Never have we been so close –
albeit on a temporary basis at
the moment – to the 1.5C lower
limit of the Paris Agreement
on climate change. , Celeste Saulo, World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) secretary-general, via Al Jazeera.
The WMO community
is sounding the red
alert to the world, Celeste Saulo, World Meteorological Organization
(WMO) secretary-general, via Al Jazeera.
According to the European Union’s Copernicus Climate
Change Service, the world has already exceeded the
1.5 degree Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement.
Earth’s issuing a distress call, Antonio Guterres, U.N. Secretary-General, via Al Jazeera.
The latest State of the Global
Climate report shows a planet
on the brink. Fossil fuel pollution is
sending climate chaos off the charts, Antonio Guterres, U.N. Secretary-General, via Al Jazeera.
Al Jazeera reports that the news comes as experts
and government representatives are set to meet in
Copenhagen to push for greater global climate actions. .
Al Jazeera reports that the news comes as experts
and government representatives are set to meet in
Copenhagen to push for greater global climate actions.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
They’re set to make historic gains in June’s European elections, but Europe’s rising right wing parties need to find unity if they are to wield greater influence on the EU stage, experts tell Euronews.
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 02:52Published
McDonald's Posts , Disappointing Q1 Results , Amid Ongoing Boycotts.
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
'The Independent' reports that McDonald's posted weaker-
than-expected results in the first quarter of 2024, as a result
of a boycott over the company's perceived support for Israel. .
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
According to McDonald's, higher sales in the
United States helped the fast-food giant overcome
weakness in markets where the brand is being boycotted.
The company saw same-store sales rise by
1.9% worldwide between January and March,
below the Wall Street forecast of 2.1%.
Increased menu pricing and delivery demand
saw same-store sales in the U.S. increase by 2.5%.
In international markets, sales fell
by 0.2% for the first time since 2020.
Despite this, McDonald's said the company's revenue
increased 5% to reach $6.17 billion, while net income went
up 7% to $1.93 billion, in-line with Wall Street estimates.
'The Independent' reports that Muslim-majority
markets like Indonesia, Malaysia and the Middle East
have been boycotting McDonald's for months.
The boycotts started after a McDonald's franchise in
Israel announced in October that it would provide free
meals for Israeli troops amid the ongoing war in Gaza.
In the months since then, the company has tried to limit
the fallout by taking over all 225 McDonald's in the country
with the purchase of Alyonal Limited, its Israeli franchise.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'.
Our hearts remain with
the communities and families
impacted by the war in the Middle East.
We abhor violence of any kind and
firmly stand against hate speech,
and we will always proudly
open our doors to everyone, McDonald's statement, via 'The Indepndent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Negotiations on Global Treaty , to End Plastic Pollution , Reach Critical Phase .
'The Independent' reports that negotiators from around
the world have met to discuss what could become
a global treaty meant to end plastic pollution. .
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on
Plastic Pollution has begun agreeing on treaty language
at their fourth of five scheduled plastics summits.
The most ambitious and contentious
idea revolves around limiting how much
plastic can be manufactured globally.
As most plastics are made from fossil fuels
and chemicals, oil and gas exporters
have strongly objected to the limitations, along
with plastic-producing countries and companies.
According to Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical Associations,
the treaty also focuses on recycling and reuse. .
We want to see the treaty
completed. We want to work
with the governments on
implementing it. The private
sector has a role to play, Stewart Harris, an industry spokesperson
with the International Council of Chemical
Associations, via 'The Independent'.
'The Independent' reports that the Scientists’
Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty provided
scientific evidence on plastic pollution at
the negotiations.
I heard yesterday that there’s
no data on microplastics,
which is verifiably false:
21,000 publications on micro and
nanoplastics have been published, Bethanie Carney Almroth, an ecotoxicology professor at Sweden's University of Gothenburg who co-leads the coalition, via 'The Independent'.
Ecuador's chief negotiator, Walter Schuldt stressed that
countries present at the negotiation share a common
vision of moving forward in the treaty process.
Because at the end of the day,
we’re talking about the survival
of the future of life, not only
of human life but all sorts
of life on this planet, Walter Schuldt, Ecuador's chief
negotiator, via 'The Independent'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
Google Fires More Staffers , Following Protests Over , $1.2 Billion Israel Deal.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
'The Independent' reports that Google has fired at least
20 more workers following protests over the company
supplying Israel with technology amid the Gaza war.
A group representing the fired
workers said the total number of staff
terminated for protesting is now over 50. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
Internal turmoil at the tech giant revolves around
'Project Nimbus,' a 2021 contract for both Google and
Amazon to provide the Israeli government with technology. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
The $1.2 billion contract includes
cloud computing and artificial
intelligence services. .
Last week, workers held sit-in
protests at Google's offices in both
New York and Sunnyvale, California.
The protests were organized by the group
No Tech For Apartheid, who said that 30 workers
were fired following the initial sit-in. .
According to Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for
No Tech For Apartheid, Google has now fired
"over 20" more workers, “including non-participating
bystanders during last week’s protests.”.
Google’s aims are clear:
the corporation is attempting
to quash dissent, silence
its workers, and reassert
its power over them, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
In its attempts to do so,
Google has decided to
unceremoniously, and
without due process,
upend the livelihoods of
over 50 of its own workers, Jane Chung, a spokeswoman for No Tech For Apartheid, via 'The Independent'.
Google has disputed the group's claims,
stressing that the company carefully found that, “every single one of those whose employment
was terminated was personally and definitively
involved in disruptive activity inside our buildings.”
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Upcoming , Lyrid Meteor Shower , May Be Hard to See.
'The Independent' reports that skywatchers
looking to catch the Lyrid meteor shower
may be foiled by the moon. .
This year's peak activity occurs
on April 21 and 22, with up to
20 meteors expected per hour. .
Potential viewing should
last through April 29. .
However, the American Meteor Society
warns that strong moonlight
may interfere with viewing. .
Every year, multiple meteor showers
occur and don't require special
equipment to see them. .
For the most part, meteor showers originate
from debris left behind by comets, like the Lyrids,
which come from the comet Thatcher. .
As these space rocks enter the Earth's atmosphere,
air resistance makes them extremely hot,
which causes the air around them to glow.
This glow leaves a fiery trail behind
the meteor, which can be observed
from the ground as a "shooting star.".
Look to the northeast and just
keep staring at the same spot
in the sky. It's always impressive
when you see these things, Don Pollacco, University of Warwick
astronomer, via 'The Independent'.
The Lyrids are best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere,
while the upcoming Eta Aquarids meteor shower
can best be seen from the Southern Hemisphere.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
Microsoft Makes $1.5 Billion , Investment in Leading , UAE Technology Firm.
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
'The Independent' reports that Microsoft has announced
a $1.5 billion investment in a leading United Arab
Emirates-based artificial intelligence firm. .
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The deal, overseen by the UAE's powerful national security
adviser, will see Microsoft president Brad Smith join
technology holding company G42's board of directors.
The UAE's national security adviser,
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, is the
current chairman of G42's board of directors. .
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
In a statement released on April 16, Microsoft
said the deal “was developed in close consultation
with both the UAE and U.S. governments.”.
G42, which runs data centers in the Middle East
and elsewhere, has built the world's leading
Arabic-language AI model, Jais. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
According to Microsoft, G42 will move its
AI applications and services over to the U.S.
tech giant's cloud computing platform. .
The deal will also look to bring digital infrastructure
to regions that G42 has already established
a presence, including the Middle East and Africa.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
'The Independent' reports that G42 previously cut ties with
Chinese hardware suppliers to limit U.S. concerns that
the company was closely tied to the Chinese government.
Prior to Microsoft's investment, the company
reportedly faced allegations of spying for its
connection to a mobile phone app identified as spyware.
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government. .
The tech company also faced accusations
that it gathered genetic material from
U.S. users for the Chinese government.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Russia Vetoes UN Resolution , to Prevent Nukes in Space.
The resolution was sponsored
by Japan and the United States.
It called on all nations to refrain from developing or deploying nuclear weapons "or other weapons of mass destruction in space," 'The Guardian' reports. .
A 1967 international treaty
already bans such weapons in space.
Russia’s U.N. Ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia,
vetoed the resolution, calling it "absolutely absurd and politicized," as well as a "dirty spectacle.".
China abstained from voting, while the rest of the 15-member council voted in favor of the resolution. .
Today’s veto begs the question:
Why? Why, if you are following the
rules, would you not support a
resolution that reaffirms them?
What could you possibly be hiding, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the U.N., via 'The Guardian'.
Russia and China would rather establish an
amendment calling on all nations "to prevent for
all time the placement of weapons in outer space, and the threat of use of force in outer spaces.".
We want a ban on the placement of
weapons of any kind in outer space, not
just WMDs [weapons of mass destruction].
But you don’t want that. And let me ask
you that very same question. Why?, Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s U.N. ambassador, via 'The Guardian'.
Nebenzia went on to say, "if we recall that the U.S. and their allies announced some time ago plans to place weapons … in outer space.".
The U.S.-Japan resolution was announced in March after it was determined that Russia was in possession of "a 'troubling' anti-satellite weapon capability," 'The Guardian' reports.
However, earlier this year, Putin said, , "Our position is clear and transparent: We have always been categorically against and are now against the deployment of nuclear weapons in space."
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published