Commitments for a sustainable future A Pakistani man rests under the shade of trees during a heatwave in Karachi, Pakistan, on June 23, 2015. — AFP The pursuit of climate prosperity has become a defining theme of international cooperation, signalling the end of an era when climate commitments were viewed in isolation from socio-economic development with the operationalisation of the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) and their climate prosperity plans (CPPs). googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1700472799616-0'); }); The latest cycle of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), referred to as NDCs 3.0, reflects a more cohesive approach: countries are updating their pledges under the Paris Agreement by mapping out concrete sectoral and cross-sectoral strategies that unite economic growth, social equity, and environmentally sustainable economic priorities. Recent examples from the UAE, the UK, and Brazil, presented at COP29, underscore the importance of operationalising Article 4.1’s temperature targets in a manner that respects national circumstances yet pushes global ambition toward limiting temperature increases to well below 2 C and, ideally, toward 1.5 C. This new wave of climate commitments extends beyond symbolic statements. Sector-focused policies for renewable energy, decarbonised transport, and industrial transformation exemplify the progression principle enshrined in Article 4.2, which requires each successive NDC to demonstrate incremental ambition. Yet the tension between economic prerogatives and climate action remains palpable, most visibly in nations reliant on fossil fuel revenues. Even when updated NDCs articulate bold objectives, inconsistencies in implementation can dilute progress, as evidenced by the underutilisation of Decision 4/CMA.1 on clarity in accounting methodologies. Without robust and transparent accounting, global stocktaking under Article 14 risks being muddied by inconsistent data, eroding trust and hindering coordinated action. Climate prosperity, as illustrated by Brazil’s CHAMP initiative ‘Coalition of High Ambition Multilevel Partnerships’, elevates climate policy from a narrow focus on emissions reductions to a broader transformative agenda. By incorporating subnational authorities, local governments, and civil society, these frameworks can generate synergy between climate resilience and socio-economic benefits. Decision 4/CMA.1 emphasises the necessity for clarity in NDC design, ensuring that ambitious goals translate into measurable and verifiable outcomes. The draft decision -/CMA.6 advances this discourse by mandating an annual synthesis report on NDCs – a critical instrument to aggregate best practices, identify bottlenecks, and pinpoint areas of overlap or duplication that could benefit from collective interventions. Although ambitious commitments are increasingly common, disparities remain. Major emitters sometimes present laudable targets but lack the policy muscle or enforceable frameworks to put them into effect. Article 4.3’s call for the highest possible ambition continues to clash with entrenched economic dependencies, particularly when fossil fuels still underpin large segments of national revenue. More acutely, adaptation measures remain underprioritised, despite Article 7.9 stipulating their integration into NDCs, leaving frontline communities vulnerable and undermining the comprehensiveness of climate strategies. Similarly, loss and damage considerations often lack detailed guidance in national pledges, weakening the potential for a truly inclusive approach that safeguards those most at risk. Effective NDC implementation hinges on frameworks that move beyond aspirational statements. Decision 1/CP.21, paragraph 26, offers pathways for legally binding commitments, timelines, and accountability measures that ensure compliance with Article 4.1’s temperature goals. Likewise, Article 13’s enhanced transparency framework requires harmonised reporting formats for both mitigation and adaptation, reinforced by Decision 18/CMA.1. These guidelines lay the groundwork for an annual synthesis process, as advocated by draft decision -/CMA.6, providing a realistic barometer of global progress and revealing areas where corrective measures are most urgent. In concert with multilateral platforms like the G20’s net-zero coalition, countries can pool resources, deepen technical collaboration, and orchestrate the large-scale shifts required for a just and inclusive transition. For Pakistan, whose vulnerability to climate shocks is well documented, the trajectory toward climate prosperity demands targeted policy choices. In a context where development deficits converge with intensifying climate threats, updated NDCs must serve not just as compliance documents but as cornerstones of socio-economic transformation. A National Climate Action Transparency Portal could complement the Article 13 requirements by systematically tracking progress on emissions reduction, adaptation initiatives, and loss and damage assessments, feeding the information for Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs). Coupled with annual synthesis reports as outlined in Decision 1/CMA.3, paragraph 30, this platform would allow policymakers to detect gaps in near real-time, refining strategies that unite mitigation with resilience-building. Public institutions in Pakistan should enact legislative frameworks that institutionalise climate commitments, mandating that federal and provincial budgets allocate resources for renewable energy expansion, resilient infrastructure, and climate-smart agriculture. Incentives can encourage research and development in low-carbon technologies, creating local supply chains that support green jobs and economic growth. Complementing these measures, the private sector must align corporate strategies with net-zero aspirations, invest in decarbonising operations, and adopt transparent accounting methodologies to bolster the credibility of emissions reporting. Greater financial innovation, including green bonds and blended financing models, could channel private capital toward clean energy, sustainable transport, and climate-resilient urban development, amplifying the momentum generated by public investments. People at the grassroots level should be empowered to participate in shaping climate policies through local consultative forums and awareness initiatives. Community-driven adaptation projects, such as climate-resilient farming systems and disaster risk reduction protocols, can be scaled up with targeted support from development partners and national agencies. Civil society organisations have a pivotal role to play by raising climate literacy, bridging knowledge gaps, and ensuring that policy debates reflect grassroots realities. Initiatives aimed at behaviour change – ranging from water conservation to sustainable consumption – can reinforce the shift toward low-carbon lifestyles, particularly in urban centres where population pressures intersect with resource constraints. An additional consideration lies in recognising provincial disparities in emissions and capacities within Pakistan, where Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa emit considerably less than Punjab and Sindh, yet shoulder disproportionate climate vulnerabilities. In the spirit of Article 6.2, enabling province-specific emissions targets not only advances intra-national equity but also promotes the concept of inter-provincial emissions trading, thereby embedding climate justice within the national framework. Through such cooperative approaches, provinces with surplus emission reductions – like Balochistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa – could trade these credits to provinces that fall short of their targets, ensuring that collective national commitments remain intact. This mechanism, akin to Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs), could be adapted for domestic use, creating incentives for lower-emitting provinces to strengthen climate-friendly initiatives while preserving the flexibility needed for more industrialised regions to meet their commitments. By institutionalising provincial-level trading systems, Pakistan can reap the dual benefit of spurring localised investment in low-carbon projects and aligning overall NDC targets with equitable development, thus demonstrating a model for subnational integration that resonates with both national development priorities and global climate objectives. Pakistan’s integration of loss and damage considerations into its NDC can fortify the country’s standing in international forums, including the Warsaw International Mechanism and the Global Stocktake under Article 14. Such an approach would highlight the country’s climate vulnerabilities, attract targeted financial support, and catalyse regional partnerships with South Asian counterparts confronting similar climate hazards. By documenting the scale and frequency of climate-induced losses, Pakistan could make a compelling case for concessional financing and innovative insurance schemes designed to provide post-disaster relief and expedite recovery efforts. Climate prosperity envisions a future in which decarbonisation and socio-economic progress reinforce each other. Pakistan can fast-track this vision by establishing a Climate Prosperity Fund to underwrite integrated projects that combine emissions reductions, adaptation measures, and the generation of green jobs. These investments can also nurture a culture of innovation, encouraging homegrown enterprises to develop climate-compatible products and services. By proactively participating in global coalitions like the G20’s net-zero initiative and regional climate dialogues, Pakistan can access technical support, secure climate finance at competitive rates, and broaden the impact of domestic climate actions. In the age of NDCs 3.0, ambition without accountability is futile; every pledge must be backed by transparent implementation, reliable metrics, and clear legal scaffolding. From legislative mandates to corporate practices and grassroots engagement, a cohesive strategy hinges on synchronising public, private, and people-led efforts. Failure to seize the opportunities for climate prosperity could lock nations into unsustainable development paths, jeopardising global temperature goals and undermining collective resilience. But by aligning policy reforms with transparent governance, inclusive participation, and innovative financing, countries like Pakistan can carve out a resilient, low-carbon future. The evolution of NDCs, in essence, is a clarion call for nations to move from pledges to practice, ensuring that climate commitments spur an era of equitable growth that endures for generations to come. Twitter/X: @Khalidwaleed_ Email: khalidwaleed@sdpi.org The writer has a doctorate in energy economics and serves as a research fellow in the Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI).Despite Mary Lou McDonald’s confidence around shaping a coalition without Fine Gael and Fianna Fail – the two parties that have dominated the landscape of Irish politics for a century – the pathway to government for Sinn Fein still appears challenging. With counting following Friday’s election still in the relatively early stages – after an exit poll that showed the main three parties effectively neck-and-neck – there is some way to go before the final picture emerges and the options for government formation crystalise. Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader, Simon Harris, has dismissed talk of a Sinn Fein surge and said he was “cautiously optimistic” about where his party will stand after all the votes are counted. Meanwhile, Ireland’s deputy premier and Fianna Fail leader, Micheal Martin, insisted his party has a “very clear route back to government” as he predicted seat gains. The counting process could last days because of Ireland’s complex system of proportional representation with a single transferable vote (PR-STV), where candidates are ranked by preference. The early indications have turned the focus to the tricky arithmetic of government formation, as the country’s several smaller parties and many independents potentially jockey for a place in government. Ms McDonald told reporters at the RDS count centre in Dublin that she would be “very, very actively pursuing” the potential to form a government with other parties on the left of the political spectrum. The smaller, left-leaning parties in Ireland include the Social Democrats, the Irish Labour Party, the Green Party and People Before Profit-Solidarity. Ms McDonald said her party had delivered an “incredible performance” in the election. “I think it’s fair to say that we have now confirmed that we have broken the political mould here in this state,” she said. “Two party politics is now gone. It’s consigned to the dustbin of history and that, in itself, is very significant.” She added: “I am looking to bring about a government of change, and I’m going to go and look at all formulations. “If you want my bottom line, the idea of Fianna Fail and Fine Gael for another five years, in our strong opinion, is not a good outcome for Irish society. “Obviously, I want to talk to other parties of the left and those that we share very significant policy objectives with. So I’m going to do that first and just hear their mind, hear their thinking. But be very clear, we will be very, very actively pursuing entrance into government.” In Friday night’s exit poll, Sinn Fein was predicted to take 21.1% of first-preference votes, narrowly ahead of outgoing coalition partners Fine Gael and Fianna Fail at 21% and 19.5% respectively. Prior to the election, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael both ruled out entering government with Sinn Fein. Fine Gael leader Mr Harris rejected suggestions Sinn Fein had broken new ground. He told reporters in his count centre in Greystones, Co Wicklow: “Certainly we haven’t seen a Sinn Fein surge or anything like it. “I mean, it looks likely, on the figures that we’ve seen now, fewer people, many fewer people would have voted Sinn Fein in this election than the last one. “In fact, I think they’re down by around 5% and actually the parties, particularly the two parties, the two larger parties in government, are likely to receive significant support from the electorate. So definitely, politics in Ireland has gotten much more fragmented.” He said it was too early to tell what the next government would look like. “I think anybody who makes any suggestion about who is going to be the largest party or the construct of the next government, they’re a braver person than I am,” he said. “Our electoral system dictates that there’ll be many, many transfers that will go on for hours, if not days, before we know the final computations at all. “But what I am very confident about is that my party will have a very significant role to play in the years ahead, and I’m cautiously optimistic and excited.” Fianna Fail’s Mr Martin told reporters at a count centre in Cork he was confident that the numbers exist to form a government with parties that shared his political viewpoint. Mr Martin said it “remains to be seen” whether he would return to the role of Taoiseach – a position he held between 2020 and 2022 – but he expressed confidence his party would outperform the exit poll prediction. “It’s a bit too early yet to call the exact type of government that will be formed or the composition of the next government,” he said. “But I think there are, there will be a sufficiency of seats, it seems to me, that aligns with the core principles that I articulated at the outset of this campaign and throughout the campaign, around the pro-enterprise economy, around a positively pro-European position, a government that will strongly push for home ownership and around parties that are transparently democratic in how they conduct their affairs.” Asked if it would be in a coalition with Fianna Fail, Fine Gael and the Social Democrats, he said that would be “racing a bit too far ahead”. The final result may dictate that if Fianna Fail and Fine Gael are to return to government, they may need more than one junior partner, or potentially the buy-in of several independent TDs. Mr Martin said it was unclear how quickly a government can be formed, as he predicted his party would gain new seats. “It will be challenging. This is not easy,” he added. The junior partner in the outgoing government – the Green Party – looks set for a bruising set of results. Green leader Roderic O’Gorman is in a fight to hold onto his seat, as are a number of party colleagues, including Media Minister Catherine Martin. “It’s clear the Green Party has not had a good day,” he said. The early counting also suggested potential trouble for Fianna Fail in Wicklow, where the party’s only candidate in the constituency, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, is considered to have a battle ahead, with the risk of losing his seat. Meanwhile, there is significant focus on independent candidate Gerard Hutch who, on Saturday evening, was sitting in fourth place in the four-seat constituency of Dublin Central. Last spring, Mr Hutch was found not guilty by the non-jury Special Criminal Court of the murder of David Byrne, in one of the first deadly attacks of the Hutch-Kinahan gangland feud. Mr Byrne, 33, died after being shot six times at a crowded boxing weigh-in event at the Regency Hotel in February 2016. A Special Criminal Court judge described Mr Hutch, 61, as the patriarchal figurehead of the Hutch criminal organisation and said he had engaged in “serious criminal conduct”. The constituency will be closely watched as other hopefuls wait to see if transfers from eliminated candidates may eventually rule him out of contention. In the constituency of Louth, the much-criticised selection of John McGahon appeared not to have paid off for Fine Gael. The party’s campaign was beset by questioning over footage entering the public domain of the candidate engaged in a fight outside a pub in 2018. The Social Democrats have a strong chance of emerging as the largest of the smaller parties. The party’s leader, Holly Cairns, was already celebrating before a single vote was counted however, having announced the birth of her baby girl on polling day.Mind the Gap: Six Tips to Assess Your Healthcare Coverage Before the New Year
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Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi (MS) New Delhi, Nov 30: The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has cleared the air regarding widespread confusion over One-Time Passwords (OTPs) and the new regulations set to trace their source. In recent days, there were media reports suggesting that if telecom companies failed to comply with TRAI's new rules regarding OTP traceability, the service would be withdrawn starting December 1. The report caused widespread panic among consumers, as OTPs are essential for online transactions, banking, and various business activities. Many feared that this would lead to disruptions in essential services, especially in sectors like e-commerce, banking, and digital payments. However, TRAI has now clarified that the media reports were inaccurate. In a post on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the telecom regulator stated that the rule requiring telecom companies to disclose the source of OTPs is mandatory, but it assured the public that there will be no delays in OTP delivery. The clarification aims to ease concerns, emphasising that the regulatory changes are meant to enhance security, not disrupt services. The new rule was introduced to curb fraudulent activities associated with OTPs. With the increasing prevalence of scams and cybercrimes that use fake OTPs to steal personal and financial information, TRAI has mandated that telecom companies must reveal the origin of OTP messages to help track and prevent misuse. By ensuring that the source of OTPs is identifiable, TRAI aims to reduce cheating and fraud that typically occurs through fake or misleading OTPs sent to unsuspecting users. While the regulation is seen as a step forward in improving security, major telecom companies, including Jio, Airtel, and Vodafone, initially opposed the rule. Their concerns centered around the technological and operational challenges of implementing the new traceability system. As a result, the original deadline for compliance, set for October 31, was extended to November 30 to allow telecom operators more time to adjust their systems. TRAI, in its statement, reassured users that while telecom companies are required to adhere to the new regulation, no disruptions in OTP services will occur. The deadline extension has been granted to accommodate the telecom industry's preparations, but the move is seen as crucial to addressing the rising threat of OTP-related fraud and to ensure greater accountability in the digital space. The clarification by TRAI now puts an end to the confusion and assures consumers that their ability to conduct online business transactions securely will not be affected.(BPT) - The new year is a good time to reset. From a fresh start on lifestyle choices, hobbies or pursuits, to the less exciting — but no less important — aspects of life, like memberships, contracts and even health insurance. Health insurance deductibles reset in the new year, so it's a good idea to keep that in mind as you plan for healthcare expenses. Any changes made to your health insurance plan during open enrollment go into effect as well. "Even if you spent hours researching your health plan before making a selection, there's always a possibility for the occasional surprise once coverage kicks in, which is why it's important to assess your healthcare coverage and address any gaps before January 1," said Doug Armstrong, Vice President of Health Products and Services at AARP Services, Inc. "AARP members can take advantage of benefits available to them to help find the coverage and savings information they seek." 1. Examine your vision coverage Eye health is important to quality of life, both in terms of moving around safely and appreciating your surroundings. Regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist or optometrist can help make sure your vision is sharp while also monitoring for any issues. However, many health insurance plans don't include vision coverage. If you do see a gap in your coverage, AARP members have access to information on vision insurance options that offer individual and family plans, featuring a large doctor network, savings on frames, lens enhancements, progressives and more. 2. Plan for prescriptions While several health plans offer coverage for prescription drugs, discounts can vary, especially when it comes to different types of medication. AARP ® Prescription Discounts Provided by Optum RX ® can help with savings. This program offers a free prescription discount card that can be used at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide for savings on FDA-approved medications. Additional benefits for AARP members include home delivery, deeper discounts on medications, coverage for dependents and more. 3. Confirm your primary care With a new health insurance plan, you might find that your primary care physician is no longer in-network or that they no longer accept your insurance. Perhaps you have relocated and are in the market for a new doctor. Whatever the case, there's no time like the present to search for a new primary care physician who meets your needs. If you're on Medicare, Oak Street Health can be a great resource. The only primary care provider to carry the AARP name, Oak Street Health provides primary care for adults on Medicare and focuses on prevention with personalized care to help keep you healthy — physically, mentally and socially. Benefits include same-day/next-day appointments where available, convenient locations, a dedicated care team and a 24/7 patient support line. AARP membership is not required to visit an Oak Street Health location. 4. Protect your smile Optimal dental care includes daily brushing and flossing and a visit to the dentist every six months. During your visit, the dentist can monitor for and treat any issues, such as cavities or gum disease. However, not all plans include dental insurance, which means you might end up paying out of pocket for your cleaning and other procedures. To avoid that, take a look at your coverage. If needed, explore information on dental insurance options that offer individual or family coverage for the most common dental procedures. Dental insurance generally pays for regular check-ups, so many people who purchase protection will benefit from it immediately. 5. Clarify your hearing coverage Hearing loss is a common age-related ailment. According to the National Institute on Aging , one-third of older adults have hearing loss, and the chance of developing hearing loss increases with age. Hearing aids can be an enormous help, improving socialization, boosting confidence and even helping to increase balance. However, many insurance plans do not include coverage for hearing aids. AARP ® Hearing SolutionsTM provided by UnitedHealthcare ® Hearing provides savings on hearing aids and hearing care . Members can save an average of $2,000 per pair on prescription hearing aids and 15% on accessories — no insurance needed. Plus receive a hearing exam and consultation at no cost and personalized support through a large nationwide network of hearing providers. 6. Consider physical therapy Often, the only times that people consider whether their health insurance covers physical therapy is if they already participate in it or after the doctor has prescribed it. As we age, though, physical therapy can be a useful tool in improving balance or recovering from an injury or procedure to help you remain active. Fortunately, the question of coverage or finding an in-network location doesn't have to derail you. AARP ® Physical Therapy At HomeTM by Luna accepts most insurances and Medicare and is available to members and non-members alike. Plus, Luna's experts come to you, so you can receive quality care from the comfort of your home. If you're creating an end-of-year to-do list, consider adding an assessment of your healthcare coverage. After all, the best time to realize you have a gap in coverage is before you need it. To learn more about AARP member benefits, visit aarp.org/benefits . AARP and its affiliates are not insurers, agents, brokers or producers. AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.New buildingswill be opened at Karabakh University, Azerbaijani Minister ofScience and Education Emin Amrullayev told journalists, reports. The Minister announced that work on renovating the building ofthe educational and medical research center will begin in the nearfuture. "Preliminary work on the construction of two new buildings hasalready been completed. The buildings of the School of Economicsand Business and the Faculty of Social Sciences will be ready inthe near future," the minister noted.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed to record a podcast with American scholar and interviewer Lex Fridman. Source : Zelenskyy and Fridman on social network X Details : On Saturday, Fridman wrote that he would like to record a 3-hour podcast with Zelenskyy and was ready to come to Kyiv for this purpose. "Agreed. See you in Ukraine," Zelenskyy tweeted in response. For reference : Lex Fridman (Alexey Alexandrovich Fridman) is an American scholar and interviewer of Ukrainian-Jewish descent, born in Tajikistan and raised in Moscow. Fridman started his podcast in 2018. It was originally called The Artificial Intelligence Podcast but was changed to The Lex Fridman Podcast in 2020. Episodes of the podcast have featured, among others, US President-elect Donald Trump, businessman Elon Musk, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Fridman visited Ukraine during the full-scale war in the summer of 2022. Support UP or become our patron !Trump Names Kushner Family Patriarch as Ambassador to France