UN Report Warns Growing Number of People Face Water Scarcity
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UN Report Warns Growing Number of People Face Water Scarcity
UN Report Warns , Growing Number of People , Face Water Scarcity.
On March 21, the United Nations released a report warning
that 26% of the world's population, approximately
2 billion people, lack access to safe drinking water.
.
According to NPR, the report comes
on the eve of the U.N.'s first conference on
the topic of water in over 45 years.
.
The U.N.'s World Water Development Report 2023 revealed that 46% of people lack access to basic
sanitation globally, equal to about 3.6 billion people.
.
NPR reports that the U.N.
Has laid out
a goal to ensure that all people in the world
have access to clean water by 2030.
According to Richard Connor, editor-in-chief of the
report, meeting the goal will require somewhere
between $600 billion and $1 trillion per year.
.
Connor said that with 70% of the world's
water use going to agriculture, it becomes
critical for irrigation to be more efficient.
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According to the U.N.'s Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organization (UNESCO) report, as climate change
continues, water scarcity is expected to increase.
.
Seasonal water scarcity will increase in
regions where it is currently abundant ā
such as Central Africa, East Asia and parts
of South America ā and worsen in regions
where water is already in short supply, such
as the Middle East and the Sahara in Africa, World Water Development Report 2023, via NPR.
An increase in intensity or frequency of droughts
and 'heat extremes' can be expected in most
regions as a direct result of climate change.
The UNESCO report states that an average
of 10% of the world's population already lives
in an area with high or critical water stress.
In Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyyās first in-person appearance at a UN Security Council meeting on Moscowās invasion of his country, he told a special meeting that the Russian veto has rendered the world body āineffectiveā. Zelenskyy said that the United Nations was at a dead end regarding aggressions and suggested Russia be stripped of its veto right as one of five permanent members of the post-World War II Security Council as punishment for attacking Ukraine. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken sided with the US and blamed Russia for weaponizing hunger. Russiaās Sergei Lavrov responded. Watch here.
#UNSC #RussiaUkraineWar #UnitedNationsSecurityCouncil #VolodymyrZelenskyy #SergeiLavrov #AntonyBlinken #Veto
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Poland will stop supplying weapons to Ukraine after a row about grain imports saw President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticise the country at the UN and Warsaw summon.. Sky News
Iran Set To Impose , Harsher Punishments For , Violating Hijab Laws.
BBC reports that Iran has passed a controversial
new bill increasing the prison terms and fines
for women who break strict dress code laws.
According to the new bill, which still needs the approval
of the Guardian Council to become law, anyone dressed
"inappropriately" could face up to ten years in jail. .
The new measure comes one year after widespread
protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, who died while
being held by morality police for violating hijab laws.
In response to Amini's death, women
burnt their headscarves at nationwide
protests against the clerical establishment. .
Hundreds of people were reportedly
killed in a crackdown by security forces
in response to the demonstrations.
On September 20, members of
the Iranian parliament voted 152 to 34
to pass the "Hijab and Chastity Bill.".
The bill would give any person caught dressed
"inappropriately" a prison sentence between five
to ten years and a fine between $3,651 to $7,302.
BBC reports that the bill also includes measures
to punish anyone "promoting nudity" or
"making fun of the hijab" on social networks
and in the media.
Earlier in September, eight United Nations
human rights experts said that the bill , "could be described as a form of gender apartheid, as authorities
appear to be governing through systemic discrimination with the
intention of suppressing women and girls into total submission.".
The bill also violates fundamental rights,
including the right to take part in cultural
life, the prohibition of gender discrimination,
freedom of opinion and expression,
the right to peaceful protest, and the right
to access social, educational, and health
services, and freedom of movement, United Nations experts, via BBC
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Research Suggests , High Fiber Diets , Come With Myriad of Health Benefits.
NPR reports that a recent review of studies on fiber-rich
diets found links to lower risk for major health problems
like obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Fiber provides fuel for trillions of microbes
that live in the gut, producing chemical
messengers that influence health.
The U.S. government's dietary guidelines suggest
eating 14 grams of fiber for every 1,000 calories. .
However, NPR reports that only about 9% of women
and 3% of men meet those daily recommendations.
According to researchers, the best source
of fiber is from a number of plant-based foods,
like whole grains, beans, seeds and nuts.
Foods like sweet potatoes, avocados, pears, asparagus,
brown rice and pumpkin seeds are not only a good source
of fiber, but also vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Foods like sweet potatoes, avocados, pears, asparagus,
brown rice and pumpkin seeds are not only a good source
of fiber, but also vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Foods like sweet potatoes, avocados, pears, asparagus,
brown rice and pumpkin seeds are not only a good source
of fiber, but also vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients.
Salads can be another good source
of fiber if iceberg lettuce is
substituted with cabbage or kale.
NPR recommends taking small steps to introduce
more fiber into your diet in order to give the
gastrointestinal tract time to adjust.
As your daily intake of fiber
is increased, keep track of how
different high-fiber foods affect you. .
At the same time, it is very important to drink plenty of
water, which will help fiber move through your system and
prevent it from hardening, causing gas and constipation.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Caesars and MGM , Hit by Cyberattacks.
Caesars and MGM , Hit by Cyberattacks.
On Sept. 11, MGM Resorts revealed that
it had been targeted by hackers.
On Sept. 14, Caesars Entertainment announced
that it had also been targeted in a cyberattack. .
NPR reports that Caesars told the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) that tens of millions of customers' sensitive information was potentially exposed. .
We have taken steps to ensure that the stolen data is deleted by the unauthorized actor, although we cannot guarantee this result, Caesars Entertainment, via statement.
According to Brett Callow, threat analyst for the New Zealand-based cybersecurity firm Emsisoft, Scattered Spider claimed responsibility for the attack.
They appear to be native English speakers under the umbrella of a Russia-based operation called ALPHV or BlackCat, Brett Callow, threat analyst for the New Zealand-based cybersecurity firm Emsisoft, via statement.
According to cybersecurity firm Mandiant, the hacker group gets password reset information and multifactor bypass codes via SMS text phishing and calling help desks.
This relatively new entrant in the ransomware industry has hit at least 100 organizations, most of them in the U.S. and Canada, Mandiant, via statement.
MGM Resorts International is the biggest casino company in Las Vegas, while Caesars is the world's largest casino owner, NPR reports. .
MGM Resorts International is the biggest casino company in Las Vegas, while Caesars is the world's largest casino owner, NPR reports. .
It's not clear if ransoms were paid by either casino.
It is believed that the highest ransom
ever paid to hackers was $40 million by
CNA Financial in 2021, NPR reports.
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Nancy Pelosi , Is Running for Reelection.
The former House speaker made the announcement on Sept. 8, NPR reports. .
Now more than ever our City needs us to advance San Francisco values and further our recovery, Nancy Pelosi, via X.
Our country needs America to
show the world that our flag is still
there, with liberty and justice for ALL. , Nancy Pelosi, via X.
That is why I am running for reelection ā and respectfully ask for your vote. , Nancy Pelosi, via X.
The 83-year-old's announcement
comes as her party looks to regain control
of the House of Representatives.
Democrats lost nine seats
in the House last year. .
Speculation over Pelosi's political
future has mounted since she announced
last year "that she would not run for another term in party leadership," NPR reports. .
Pelosi became the first woman to be
speaker of the House in 2007.
After losing to Republicans in 2011,
she was reelected as speaker in 2019
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Idalia Moves Into Carolinas , After Slamming Floridaās Gulf Coast.
Idalia Moves Into Carolinas , After Slamming Floridaās Gulf Coast.
After wreaking havoc with 125 mph winds in Florida and 90 mph winds in Georgia on Aug. 30, Idalia has been downgraded to a tropical storm.
After wreaking havoc with 125 mph winds in Florida and 90 mph winds in Georgia on Aug. 30, Idalia has been downgraded to a tropical storm.
But the storm remained a threat as the "risk of freshwater flooding, storm surge and strong winds" continued "across portions of Georgia and the Carolinas," forecasters warned.
Early on Aug. 31, the National Hurricane Center said Idalia was 20 miles from
Myrtle Beach with 60 mph winds. .
Several parts of North Carolina were
under a storm surge warning.
The Carolinas are also susceptible to
potential tornadoes at this time.
On Aug. 30, 150,000 people lost power in Florida, while over 130,000 were without electricity in Georgia, according to PowerOutage.us.
In South Carolina, "major coastal inundation" was reported by the National Weather Service.
Water broke through downtown
Charleston's historic seawall. .
It's not clear how many fatalities have
resulted from the storm at this time.
By the evening of Aug. 30, Kevin Gurthrie, director of the Florida Division of Emergency Management, said "there were no outstanding missing person reports," according to NPR. .
75% of the agency's search has been completed, but houses are coming up empty, meaning that most people chose to heed warnings and evacuate.
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Federal Government, Fines American Airlines , for Long Delays.
NPR reports that the United States government will fine
American Airlines $4.1 million for long ground delays that
kept passengers on board planes without a chance to exit.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation,
it is the largest fine ever issued against an airline
since regulation on ground delays began decades ago.
NPR reports that American will have to
pay half of the fine in the next 30 days.
The federal government will give
the airline credit for the other half of
the fine, equaling just over $2 million. .
The Department of Transportation's investigation
revealed that American had kept 43 domestic flights
grounded for at least three hours between 2018 and 2021.
This is the latest action in our
continued drive to enforce
the rights of airline passengers, Pete Buttigieg, Transportation Secretary, via NPR.
NPR reports that American Airlines defended itself, saying
that those 43 flights represent just 1% of the airline's
7.7 million flights operated over the same period of time.
The airline reportedly added that
"substantial compensation" had already
been paid to delayed passengers. .
A majority of delays reportedly occurred at
Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).
NPR reports that many of the incidents happened during
thunderstorms or other inclement weather
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UNESCO Designates Jericho Ruins , as World Heritage Site.
The U.N. World Heritage Committee voted to list the ruins as a "World Heritage Site in Palestine" on Sept. 17, CNN reports. .
The Palestinian Authority Foreign Affairs Ministry praised the decision to acknowledge Jericho's "cultural, economic and political significance.".
The ministry also called the site evidence of
"10,000 years of human development," CNN reports.
The outstanding universal value
of the site qualifies it to be one
of the World Heritage sites, PA Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Rula Maāayah, via statement.
However, the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs is upset that Jericho is now a World Heritage Site.
It referred to the decision as "another sign of Palestiniansā cynical use of UNESCO and politicization of the organization.".
The site, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank between the Jordan River and Jerusalem, dates "back to the modern Stone Age," CNN reports. .
The site, located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank between the Jordan River and Jerusalem, dates "back to the modern Stone Age," CNN reports. .
Jericho became the oldest walled
city on the planet in 2010
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Designated a World Heritage Site by Unesco, together with the whole of Pisa's Piazza del Duomo, the tower is a fundamental example of the Romanesque style, in particular Pisan Romanesque, and a fine example of medieval engineering
Credit: euronews (in English) Duration: 00:37Published
In a stunning development in the Central African nation of Gabon, Army officers appeared on national television just hours back to say they have taken power. They said they were annulling the results of Saturday's election, in which President Ali Bongo was declared the
#winner#Gaboncoup #CoupinGabon #Alibongogabon
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Russia and Turkey Set , for Negotiations to Resume , Ukraine Grain Deal.
Next week, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to
host Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan for negotiations
to allow Ukrainian grain to reach world markets.
Next week, Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to
host Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdogan for negotiations
to allow Ukrainian grain to reach world markets.
Associated Press reports that the news comes
just over six weeks after a deal was brokered
between Moscow and the United Nations. .
Associated Press reports that the news comes
just over six weeks after a deal was brokered
between Moscow and the United Nations. .
The deal, brokered by Turkey, allowed shipments
of grain from Ukraine to safely reach
global markets amid Russia's ongoing invasion. .
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov,
the two leaders are scheduled to meet in
Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi on September 4.
According to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov,
the two leaders are scheduled to meet in
Russia's Black Sea resort of Sochi on September 4.
AP reports that the announcement ends weeks of
speculation as to the next step in international
efforts to repair the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
The initiative was aimed as sending much-
needed food to Africa, the Middle East and
Asia where hunger is an increasing threat. .
The initiative was aimed as sending much-
needed food to Africa, the Middle East and
Asia where hunger is an increasing threat. .
Both Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of the
world's wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other food
products that are crucial in developing nations.
Both Russia and Ukraine are major suppliers of the
world's wheat, barley, sunflower oil and other food
products that are crucial in developing nations.
In July of 2022, Turkey brokered
a deal for shipments to resume
from three Black Sea ports. .
In July of 2022, Turkey brokered
a deal for shipments to resume
from three Black Sea ports. .
While the initiative was in effect,
nearly 33,000 tons of grain
were shipped out of Ukraine.
While the initiative was in effect,
nearly 33,000 tons of grain
were shipped out of Ukraine.
AP reports that Turkey serves as both a main
trading partner of Russia and a logistical hub for
Moscowās foreign trade amid strict Western sanctions
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Kuwait Bans āBarbieā , Over Gender and Sexuality Themes, , Lebanon Moves to Do the Same.
The blockbuster film opens
across the Middle East on Aug. 10.
On Aug. 9, Kuwait announced that the movie would be banned, NBC News reports. .
Officials say that 'Barbie' promotes "ideas and
beliefs that are alien to the Kuwaiti society and
public order," according to state news agency KUNA.
Lebanese Culture Minister Mohammad Mortada would also like to see the film banned, .
saying it was found to "contradict values of faith
and morality" and "promote homosexuality and sexual transformation," NBC News reports. .
His request was sent to Lebanon's General Security agency which will make the final decision.
Supporters of the LGBTQ+ community in Lebanon are in an uproar over the potential ban.
Supporters of the LGBTQ+ community in Lebanon are in an uproar over the potential ban.
But the country's relative tolerance has diminished in recent years due to the influence of "Islamist and far-right Christian groups," NBC News reports. .
While 'Barbie' does not dramatically flaunt sexuality, it does include LBGTQ+ cast members Kate McKinnon and Hari Nef.
While 'Barbie' does not dramatically flaunt sexuality, it does include LBGTQ+ cast members Kate McKinnon and Hari Nef.
'Barbie' has already grossed
over $1 billion worldwide
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Invasive Red Fire Ant Colonies, Found in Europe For the First Time.
According to a new study, red fire ants
have been found in Europe for the first time. .
CNN reports that the highly invasive species,
which has the scientific name Solenopsis invicta,
is natively found in South America.
The species have now spread throughout the world,
from the United States, all the way to China
and Australia, over the last century.
The aggressive insects possess
a painful sting, which can irritate
the skin and trigger allergic reactions.
The invasive species can also
cause damage to both crops
and local ecosystems.
According to researchers, 88 red fire ant
nests have been identified near
the city of Syracuse in Sicily, Italy.
S. invicta is one of
the worst invasive species.
It can spread alarmingly quickly, Mattia Menchetti, Lead study author and researcher at
the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, via CNN.
Finding this species in Italy
was a big surprise, but we
knew this day would come, Mattia Menchetti, Lead study author and researcher at
the Institute of Evolutionary Biology, via CNN.
According to the study's authors, while red fire ants were
previously discovered in imported products, this is the first
time colonies of the invasive species have been identified.
According to the study's authors, while red fire ants were
previously discovered in imported products, this is the first
time colonies of the invasive species have been identified.
The team's findings were published in
the scientific journal 'Current Biology.'.
Last week, a United Nations-backed report warned that
invasive species were driving both plant and animal
extinctions, while also threatening global food security.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
It seems that the battle of the South American nation Ecuador in controlling gangs and gang wars is perhaps taking a toll on the country. Yesterday, Ecuadorās capital Quito, was rocked by attacks with grenades and two car bombs, followed hours later by inmates in six prisons taking hostage 57 prison guards and police officers. The wave of attacks was an apparent show of force by organised crime gangs that claimed no victims, while the uprising in the prisons was believed to be a riposte to a police sweep of jails to confiscate weapons the day before. The mass hostage-taking came a day after hundreds of soldiers and police officers carried out an operation to search for weapons, ammunition and explosives in one of the country's main penitentiaries, in the Andean city of Latacunga in the south. But authorities later said the incident was in protest against the transfer of inmates to other prisons. An inmate transfer earlier on Wednesday, aimed at preventing gang clashes, may have been the trigger. Initial reports suggested that all hostages were taken at one prison in the city of Cuenca, but later, the state office in charge of prisons, clarified that the action was spread across six prisons, without identifying which ones.
#Ecuadorprisohostage #Hostagesituationecuador #Ecuadorprisons
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It seems that the battle of the South American nation Ecuador in controlling gangs and gang wars is perhaps taking a toll on the country. Yesterday, Ecuadorās capital Quito, was rocked by attacks with grenades and two car bombs, followed hours later by inmates in six prisons taking hostage 57 prison guards and police officers. The wave of attacks was an apparent show of force by organised crime gangs that claimed no victims, while the uprising in the prisons was believed to be a riposte to a police sweep of jails to confiscate weapons the day before. The mass hostage-taking came a day after hundreds of soldiers and police officers carried out an operation to search for weapons, ammunition and explosives in one of the country's main penitentiaries, in the Andean city of Latacunga in the south. But authorities later said the incident was in protest against the transfer of inmates to other prisons. An inmate transfers earlier on Wednesday, aimed at preventing gang clashes, may have been the trigger. Initial reports suggested that all hostages were taken at one prison in the city of Cuenca, but later, the state office in charge of prisons, clarified that the action was spread across six prisons, without identifying which ones.
#Ecuadorprisohostage #Hostagesituationecuador #Ecuadorprisons
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Liam Payne Hospitalized , With Kidney Infection.
The former One Direction singer
took to social media on Aug. 25.
He let fans know that he's dealing with a serious health issue and has to cancel his upcoming tour, TMZ reports.
Itās with a heavy heart I have to tell you that we have no other choice but to postpone my upcoming tour of South America, Liam Payne, via Instagram.
Over the past week Iāve been in hospital with a serious kidney infection, itās something I wouldnāt wish on anyone, and doctors orders are that I now need to rest and recover, Liam Payne, via Instagram.
Payne's South American tour was scheduled to take place from Sept. 1 through Sept. 12.
I was beyond excited to come play for you guys. To all of you who have bought tickets: Iām so sorry. , Liam Payne, via Instagram.
Refunds will be issued to
fans who bought tickets.
However, Payne says he's working on
figuring out a way to reschedule the tour. .
Thanks as always for the love and support, and look forward to seeing you soon, Liam Payne, via Instagram
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio was fatally shot following a rally in Quito on Wednesday evening. The killing comes amid a startling wave of violence in the South American nation, with drug trafficking and violent killings on the rise.
#Ecuador #EcuadorianPresidentialCandidate #FernandoVillavicencio #FernandoVillavicencioShotDead #FernandoVillavicencioAssassinated #EcuadorianPresidentialElection
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