5jili
A look ahead to what might happen in 2025Syrian insurgents reach the suburbs of Damascus. Worried residents flee and stock up on supplies.DALLAS (AP) — Garrett Crochet was acquired by the Boston Red Sox from the White Sox on Wednesday for four prospects, giving Chicago a better deal for the All-Star left-hander than available at the trade deadline in July. For the Red Sox, who are still seeking more pitching, it was a quick pivot after losing out on free agent lefty Max Fried to the rival New York Yankees. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a week
Ace Green Recycling, a Global Leader in Battery Recycling Technology, to Become a Public Company
Former star receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson had his secret formula for staying healthy re-revealed during a podcast appearance last week. While hoping on the “7PM in Brooklyn,” which had been released on Thursday, the hosts played an old clip of Johnson discussing how he used to “collect warm urine from my teammates, heat it up and put my ankle in it for 30 minutes” to fend off ankle sprains. Upon hearing the comments, which had originally made back in 2016, Johnson reiterated how helpful that method had been. “Yeah, that worked,” he said during the recent podcast appearance. “There’s a reason I never been injured — home remedies. ... I’m sitting here living proof,” he said. Johnson only missed 10 games over the course of his 11-year career in the NFL, which included 10 seasons with the Bengals. The wide receiver, who recorded 766 catches, 11,059 yards and 67 touchdowns, said that his grandmother was the one who gave him the idea and that it wasn’t hard to get his teammates to help. “It’s a good thing,” he said. “This is how I was able to collect it all at one time, right? You got team meetings in the morning, right? Everybody. ‘Hey y’all, boy, do me a favor, boy. My ankle kind of f–ked up, I need you to all y’all to drink water at one time. “So, when we break meeting, if y’all pee it’s a bucket in the bathroom.’ Boom. Y’all all peeing that bucket for me.” Johnson has been eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His final season in the NFL came in 2011 when he played for the Patriots making 15 catches for 276 yards and one touchdown. Johnson made three starts and 15 appearances in his single season in New England.
Carson Beck injury: Georgia QB exits SEC Championship Game following wild final play to end first half
Experience The New Hindi Music Video Banarasi Mohabbat By Akash Seth & Bandana Datta Recommended Playlist Russell Brand's Legal Troubles Deepen: Charges Loom as Prosecutors Review Assault Claims Randeep-Lin’s power-packed Delhi reception Showbiz round up with Delhi Times Showbiz round up with Delhi Times Top Viral Videos Dua Lipa Casually Announces Engagement To Callum Turner With Low-Key Holiday Snaps | WATCH Singer Dua Lipa is engaged to 'Fantastic Beasts' actor Callum Turner after less than a year of dating. The couple 'couldn't be happier' as they take their relationship to the next level. Dua shared photos from her holiday at home, showcasing ring-clad hands. Watch- Manmohan Singh Dies At 92; Remembering The 'Accidental Prime Minister' With Controversial Biopic You Can't Miss This Hora - Inside Selena Gomez & Benny Blanco's First Hanukkah As Engaged Couple Vinod Kambli Thanks Sachin Tendulkar From Hospital Bed, Gives Update Amid Health Concern | WATCH Shyam Benegal, Renowned Filmmaker, Passes Away at 90: PM Modi and Bollywood Pay Tribute to the Icon Megan Fox-Gun Kelly, Sabrina Carpenter-Barry Keoghan; 2024's Most Heartbreaking Hollywood Splits This year has been a rollercoaster of emotions in Tinseltown, with some of the most shocking celebrity breakups making headlines. From Megan Fox and Machine Gun Kelly’s fiery fallout to Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan’s unexpected split, these stories have left fans heartbroken. In this video, we look at the ugliest and most heartbreaking celebrity splits of 2024, revealing the stories behind the breakup and the shocking twists that led to these high-profile splits. Taylor Swift Surprises Fan At Kansas Children's Hospital With Unexpected Christmas Gift AP Dhillon, Divine Set the Stage on Fire at Karan Aujla’s Mumbai Show | WATCH Sandhya Theatre Woman's Death Case: Cops Say Allu Arjun Ignored Their Warning AP Dhillon vs Diljit Dosanjh: Instagram Drama Heats Up as AP Drops Major Proof– Will Diljit Respond? Vicky Kaushal’s Emotional Tribute Moves Karan Aujla to Tears at Mumbai Concert | WATCH Karan Aujla's recent concert in Mumbai was filled with emotional moments, particularly when actor Vicky Kaushal praised Karan's talent, bringing him to tears. The night also included a surprise appearance by Parineeti Chopra, adding to the excitement. Watch the video to experience these unforgettable moments and witness the crowd's reaction to these star-studded performances! Shah Rukh Khan, Aishwarya & Abhishek Bachchan Turn Kids’ School Annual Day Into A Glamour Fest RIP Zakir Hussain: Celebrities Pay Tribute to the Tabla Maestro's Timeless Legacy | WATCH Zakir Hussain Passes Away At 73, Takes Last Breath In US Hospital After Battling Heart Issues Liam Payne Case: Waiter Reveals New Details; Claims Declining Rolex Watch Offer Raj Kapoor's 100th Birth Anniversary Celebrated In Pakistan, Fans Cut Cake At Kapoor Haveli Pakistan's film lovers celebrated 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor as they gathered at the iconic 'Kapoor Haveli' in Peshawar. Fans remembered legendary Bollywood filmmaker and marked the occasion with a cake cutting ceremony. Watch- 'Pushpa 2' Fan Death Case: Allu Arjun Sent To 14 Days Judicial Custody Varun Dhawan Calls Out 'Unfair Blame' on Allu Arjun Over 'Pushpa 2' Tragedy 'Pushpa 2' Stampede Case: Allu Arjun in Custody for Woman’s Death Jennifer Lopez Sparks Rumours With 'Extra' Closeness To Staff Short Videos Priyanka Chopra's Hand Gestures Spark Curiosity SRK Avoids Fall During Wild Airport Scene Sonu Nigam Always Leaves Us In Awe With His Presence Hina Khan Stuns In A Pink Kashmiri Salwar Suit Kareena Kapoor's Birthday Bash: A Glimpse of Her Fabulous Gift and Cake Aditya Roy Kapur’s Drool-Worthy Transformation Wamiqa Gabbi's Bold Look Steals All the Spotlight Neil Nitin Mukesh’s Emotional Goodbye to Bappa with Final Aarti Jackie’s Ganpati Aarti Moment; You Won’t Believe What He Brings Along Siddhant & Raghav’s Bromance Related Articles Mahesh Babu starrer 'Guntur Kaaram' to re-release on New Year's eve in limited screens IVE announces comeback with new album 'IVE EMPATHY' American Idol finalist Emmy Russell is expecting her first child with singer Tyler Ward After Kangana Ranaut, Honey Singh supports Diljit Dosanjh, slams states' hypocrisy over liquor advisories: 'Alcohol is in the culture, not just in Punjab' Politics heats up over 'Raghupati Raghav' bhajan at BJP event in Bihar, singer apologises NFL and Roc Nation 2024 Songs of the Season: From Lil Wayne to DJ Clue Hotel, resort rooms sold out for last week of Dec New stills released for upcoming movie 'Dark Nuns' featuring Song Hye Kyo, Jeon Yeo Been, and Lee Jin Uk MORE FROM E TIMES
X’s Yaccarino praises child safety bill and urges House backing49ers look to maintain 'urgency' against rival Rams
UniCredit says ready to sit down with Credit Agricole over Banco BPM
Published 4:19 pm Friday, November 22, 2024 By Data Skrive Saturday’s college basketball schedule includes top teams in play. Among the 10 games our computer model recommends, in terms of picks against the spread, is the Saint Francis (PA) Red Flash playing the Georgetown Hoyas. Watch men’s college basketball, other live sports and more on Fubo. What is Fubo? Fubo is a streaming service that gives you access to your favorite live sports and shows on demand. Use our link to sign up for a free trial. Bet on this or any men’s college basketball matchup at BetMGM. Not all offers available in all states, please visit BetMGM for the latest promotions for your area. Must be 21+ to gamble, please wager responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, contact 1-800-GAMBLER .People with ADHD are being warned not to share medication, as the country is affected by a worldwide shortage. ADHD New Zealand spokesman Darrin Bull said some people have had to pick which days they take their medicine, to try to make their prescription last longer. While some had been asking others to lend them some of their medicine, which needs to stop, he said. A worldwide shortage of methylphenidate, prescribed under the brand names Ritalin, Concerta or Teva, has lasted more than a year. And Bull said some New Zealanders who could not get their medication had expressed panic. "The ADHD medication is there for a purpose, and without it people can struggle - and really struggle," Bull said. "Some of the issues has been if they might try alternatives. We certainly on our social media site have got some of our community asking: 'can someone please lend me some medication?'." ADHD is estimated to affect more than 250,000 New Zealanders, and while a recent study found the amount of ADHD medication dispensed between 2006 and 2022 had increased tenfold, only about 20 percent of those with ADHD are thought to be receiving treatment. Medsafe warns that supplying prescription medicine over the internet and via social media - for sale or for free - is illegal, and so is purchasing or possessing it. Bull recommended that people affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder talk to a GP and a pharmacist, or find a non-medical alternative such as an ADHD coach, instead. ADHD New Zealand said alternatives to medication include support group discussions and advice, acupuncture, brain gym, counselling, diet, therapy and occupational therapy. The shortage is expected to last until mid-2025. Read more: New medication now funded Funding has been extended to now include an additional ADHD medication. Lisdexamfetamine (known by the brand name Vyvanse) has been available in New Zealand as a private non-funded alternative option to methylphenidate since 2023 , and the country's drug-buying agency Pharmac began subsidising it on 1 December. It has hopes the alternative drug will ease the pressure on the supply of other ADHD medicines. Pharmac noted that some lisdexamfetamine users who had already been buying it privately had previously reported supply problems, but said now that it is publicly funded, suppliers are required "to hold set amounts of stock in New Zealand to minimise risk of a supply issue". However Bull said ADHD New Zealand did not believe funding lisdexamfetamine would immediately help with the current medication shortage. Lisdexamfetamine needs to be prescribed by a psychiatrist, and: "The waiting lists to see a psychiatrist if you're an adult are quite long, and you might also find [there's] a substantial fee if you go private," he said. Pharmac said it expects the new medication will benefit more than 6000 people with ADHD in its first year of being funded, and about 13,000 people after five years. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
OTTAWA, ON, Dec. 3, 2024 /CNW/ - China's recent decision to ban exports of gallium, germanium, antimony, and other high-tech materials with potential military applications in retaliation for U.S. restrictions on semiconductor-related exports, underscores the precariousness of global supply chains. This development highlights the vital role of the Canada-U.S. trade relationship in addressing supply chain vulnerabilities. China's actions serve as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by geopolitical tensions, particularly on the reliable supply of critical minerals. These materials are essential not only for technological innovation and economic growth but also for defense applications critical to national security. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. Get the latest need-to-know information delivered to your inbox as it happens. Our flagship newsletter. Get our front page stories each morning as well as the latest updates each afternoon during the week + more in-depth weekend editions on Saturdays & Sundays.Israeli airstrikes killed a hospital director at his home in northeastern Lebanon and six others, while at least five paramedics were killed by Israeli strikes in the country's south on Friday, Lebanon's Health Ministry said. The United Nations reported heavy clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon. Four Italian peacekeepers were lightly wounded when a rocket, likely fired by Hezbollah, hit their base, the U.N. said. A full-blown war between Israel and Hezbollah erupted in September after nearly a year of lower-intensity conflict. More than 3,640 people have been killed in Lebanon and 15,350 wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation and ground invasion, the Health Ministry said Friday. In Gaza, Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of the territory, wounding six medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, the hospital director said Friday. More than 44,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, the Health Ministry said. It does not distinguish between civilians and combatants in its count, but it has said that more than half of the fatalities are women and children. Israel launched the war in Gaza after Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducting another 250 . Around 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead. Here’s the Latest: BEIRUT — An Israeli airstrike killed the director of a university hospital and six others at his home in northeastern Lebanon, state media said. The strike targeted Dr. Ali Allam’s house near Dar Al-Amal Hospital, the largest health center in Baalbek-Hermel province, which has provided vital health services amid Israel's campaign of airstrikes, the Health Ministry said. State-run media reported that the strike came without warning. The ministry described his death as a “great loss,” and provincial governor Bachir Khodr said in a post on X that, “Mr. Allam was one of the best citizens of Baalbek.” In two separate episodes on Friday, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed five paramedics with Hezbollah's medical arm, the Health Ministry said, describing it as “war crime.” The militant group provides extensive social services, including running schools and health clinics. In a report published Friday, the World Health Organization said nearly half of all attacks on health care in Lebanon since Oct. 7, 2023, have resulted in fatalities. “This is a higher percentage than in any active conflict today across the globe,” WHO said. In Lebanon, 226 health workers and patients were killed and 199 were injured between Oct. 7, 2023, and Nov. 18, 2024, the report said. The Health Ministry said Friday that 3,645 people have been killed in nearly 14 months of war between Hezbollah and Israel, while 15,356 were wounded, the majority following Israel’s escalation in late September. The death count includes 692 women and 231 children. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Israeli strikes hit Kamal Adwan Hospital, one of the few hospitals still partially operating in the northernmost part of Gaza, wounding six medical staff and damaging its generator and oxygen systems, its director said Friday. Hossam Abu Safiya said the strikes before dawn Friday hit the entrance of the emergency unit as well as in the hospital courtyard. He said two members of the nursing staff suffered critical injuries. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Abu Safiya said the strikes caused damage to the functioning of the generator and disrupted oxygen supplies. The hospital is currently treating 85 wounded, 14 children in the pediatric ward and four newborns in the neonatal unit, he said. During the past month, Kamal Adwan Hospital has been hit several times, was put under siege and was raided by Israeli troops, who are waging a heavy offensive in the nearby Jabaliya refugee camp and towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya. The Israeli military says it detained Hamas fighters hiding in the hospital, a claim its staff denies. UNITED NATIONS – Two rockets hit a headquarters of the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon, injuring four Italian peacekeepers, the United Nations says. U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the rockets were likely launched by Hezbollah militants or by affiliated groups Friday, impacting a bunker and a logistics area in the southwest headquarters at Chamaa. One of the structures that was hit caught fire, and the blaze was swiftly put out by U.N. staff, he said. According to Italy’s Defense Ministry, some glass shattered due to the explosion, hitting the four soldiers. Dujarric said the four injured peacekeepers were receiving treatment at the medical facility of the mission, known as UNIFIL. “Thankfully, none of the injuries are life-threatening,” he said. Italy’s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto called the attack on the UNIFIL base “intolerable.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace, and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Dujarric said Friday’s attack was the third on Chamaa in a week and came amid heavy shelling and ground skirmishes in the Chamaa and Naqoura areas in recent days. UNIFIL’s main headquarters is in Naqoura. Friday’s attack follows a rocket attack on a UNIFIL base east of the village of Ramyah on Tuesday that injured four peacekeepers from Ghana. Dujarric said UNIFIL strongly urges Hezbollah and its affiliates and Israel to avoid fighting near its positions, which are supposed to be protected. “We remind all parties that any attack against peacekeepers constitutes a serious violation of international law” and the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war, he said. BEIRUT — Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs and the southern port city of Tyre on Friday, after the Israeli army issued several evacuation warnings saying it is targeting Hezbollah sites. The strikes in Beirut came dangerously close to central Beirut and Christian neighborhoods. One strike hit a building housing a gym and medical and beauty clinics, located just meters (yards) from a Lebanese army base. “What is there in the building to target? This attack they carried out on us in this building is a criminal and vile act,” resident Hassan Najdi told The Associated Press. “Because if their intention is targeting Hezbollah, this building has nothing to do with Hezbollah.” Najdi said he purchased an apartment in the building last year but had not yet moved in. He allowed a displaced family to move in and urgently asked them to evacuate after receiving the Israeli warning. The blasts sent plumes of smoke into the air and shattered glass in the vicinity. No casualties have been reported, but the strikes caused damage to nearby infrastructure and a key road connecting central Beirut to its southern suburbs. “We remain steadfast,” said Ali Daher, an employee at a mall facing the targeted building. “Everything that is lost can be replaced, and whatever is destroyed can be rebuilt in (no time).” In Tyre city, the Israeli military conducted multiple airstrikes after a series of warnings, claiming the targets belonged to Hezbollah’s Aziz unit, accusing it of firing projectiles into Israel. The Israeli military carried out other airstrikes across Lebanon, many without warnings, as heavy fighting between Israeli troops and Hezbollah in villages along the Lebanon-Israel border intensified. ROME — Italy said Friday it plans to discuss the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court over the Israel-Hamas war when it hosts Group of Seven foreign ministers next week. Premier Giorgia Meloni insisted that one point remained clear for Italy: “There can be no equivalence between the responsibilities of the state of Israel and the terrorist organization of Hamas.” Italy is a founding member of the court and hosted the 1998 Rome conference that gave birth to it. But Meloni’s right-wing government has been a strong supporter of Israel after the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, while also providing humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. In a statement Friday, Meloni said Italy would study the reasonings behind the decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former defense minister and Hamas’ military chief. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy respects the ICC and supports it. “But at the same time we are also convinced that the court must have a judicial role, and should not take up a political role.” Tajani will host G7 foreign ministers Monday and Tuesday outside Rome for the final meeting of the Italian G7 presidency. “As far as decisions are concerned, we will take them together with our allies,” Tajani said. During the G7 meetings, “we will talk about this with my allies there, and we will see what to do next.” Another member of the governing coalition, the outspoken Transport Minister Matteo Salvini was more defiant in supporting Israel. “If Netanyahu comes to Italy he will be welcomed,” Salvini was quoted by Italian media as saying. This item has been updated to correct that Salvini spoke of a potential Netanyahu visit to Italy, not Israel. ROME — Four Italian soldiers were slightly injured after two exploding rockets hit the United Nations' peacekeeping mission base on Friday in Chamaa in southern Lebanon, Italy's defense ministry said. Initial information suggested that two rockets hit a bunker and a room of the mission base, damaging the surrounding infrastructure, the ministry said. Shattered glass hit the four soldiers. The incident was the latest in which UN peacekeeping posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded. Defence Minister Guido Crosetto called Friday's attack “intolerable.” He said he will try to speak to the new Israeli Defense Minister to ask him “to avoid using the UNIFIL bases as a shield.” Crosetto said the conditions of the four Italian soldiers “did not cause concern.” He reiterated that the Italian contingent remains in southern Lebanon “to offer a window of opportunity for peace and cannot become hostage to militia attacks.” Italy’s Premier Giorgia Meloni on Friday said she learned about the new attack with “deep indignation and concern.” Meloni reiterated that “such attacks are unacceptable,” renewing her appeal for the parties on the ground “to guarantee, at all times, the safety of UNIFIL soldiers and to collaborate to quickly identify those responsible.” GENEVA — The World Health Organization says nearly half of the attacks on health care in Lebanon have been deadly since the Middle East conflict erupted in October last year, the highest such rate anywhere in the world. The U.N. health agency says 65 out of 137, or 47%, of recorded “attacks on health care” in Lebanon over that time period have proven fatal to at least one person, and often many more. WHO’s running global tally counts attacks, whether deliberate or not, that affect places like hospitals, clinics, medical transport, and warehouses for medical supplies, as well as medics, doctors, nurses and the patients they treat. Nearly half of attacks on health care in Lebanon since last October and the majority of deaths occurred since an intensified Israeli military campaign began against Hezbollah militants in the country two months ago. The health agency said 226 health workers and patients have been killed and 199 injured in Lebanon between Oct. 7, 2023 and this Monday. JERUSALEM — Israel’s new defense minister said Friday that he would stop issuing warrants to arrest West Bank settlers or hold them without charge or trial — a largely symbolic move that rights groups said risks emboldening settler violence in the Israeli-occupied territory. Israel Katz called the arrest warrants “severe” and said issuing them was “inappropriate” as Palestinian militant attacks on settlers in the territory grow more frequent. He said settlers could be “brought to justice” in other ways. The move protects Israeli settlers from being held in “administrative detention,” a shadowy form of incarceration where people are held without charge or trial. Settlers are rarely arrested in the West Bank, where settler violence against Palestinians has spiraled since the outbreak of the war Oct. 7. Katz’s decision was celebrated by far-right coalition allies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. National Security Minister and settler firebrand Itamar Ben-Gvir applauded Katz and called the move a “correction of many years of mistreatment” and “justice for those who love the land.” Since Oct. 7, 2023, violence toward Palestinians by Israeli settlers has soared to new heights, displacing at least 19 entire Palestinian communities, according to Israeli rights group Peace Now. In that time, attacks by Palestinian militants on settlers and within Israel have also grown more common. An increasing number of Palestinians have been placed in administrative detention. Israel holds 3,443 administrative detainees in prison, according to data from the Israeli Prison Service, reported by rights group Hamoked. That figure stood around 1,200 just before the start of the war. The vast majority of them are Palestinian, with only a handful at any given time Israeli Jews, said Jessica Montell, the director of Hamoked. “All of these detentions without charge or trial are illegitimate, but to declare that this measure will only be used against Palestinians...is to explicitly entrench another form of ethnic discrimination,” said Montell. BERLIN — A German official has suggested that his country would be reluctant to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a warrant issued by the International Criminal Court. The ICC’s warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant put Germany, a staunch ally of Israel, in an awkward position. The government said in a statement Friday that it is one of the ICC’s biggest supporters, but “at the same time, it is a consequence of German history that unique relations and a great responsibility connect us with Israel.” The government said it takes note of the arrest warrants and that “we will examine conscientiously the domestic steps.” It said that any further steps would only be an issue if a visit by Netanyahu or Gallant were “foreseeable.” Government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit was pressed repeatedly at a regular news conference on whether it would be conceivable to arrest an Israeli prime minister. He replied: "It’s hard for me to imagine that we would carry out arrests in Germany on this basis.” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov on Friday refused to comment on the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and others, saying that the court's rulings are “insignificant” for Russia, which doesn’t recognizes the court’s jurisdiction. The ICC last year issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin and a number of other top Russian officials, accusing them of war crimes in Ukraine. The Kremlin has brushed off the warrants, saying that in Moscow’s eyes they’re “null and void.” Asked if the ICC warrants for Netanyahu and others can help resolve the tensions in the Middle East, Peskov said: “Well, in general, the actions of the ICC are unlikely to help anything. That’s the first thing. And secondly, we don’t see any point in commenting on this in any way, because for us these rulings are insignificant.” DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Large crowds of displaced people crammed themselves in front of a bakery in the Gaza Strip for the second day in a row, desperate to get their share of bread after bakeries closed for five days due to a flour shortage and the lack of aid. “I am a 61-year-old man. This is the third day that I have come to Zadna Bakery and I still cannot get bread ... I have children to feed,” said Majdi Yaghi, a displaced man from Gaza City. The price of a small bag of pita bread increased to $16 by Friday, a stark increase from about 80 cents last month. A bag of pasta now costs $4 and a small bag of sugar costs nearly $14. That has left many Palestinian families surviving on one meal a day and reliant on charitable kitchens to survive. In Khan Younis, women and children lined up at the al-Dalu charitable kitchen for bulgur, the only food available at the makeshift charity. One of the workers there, Anas al-Dalu, told the AP that they cook ten pots every day of either rice, beans, or bulgur. But that hardly fills the need for the thousands of people displaced in the area. “The charity here is in a difficult situation. It is a drop in the ocean, and there is no aid or charities. There is nothing," said Nour Kanani, a displaced man from Khan Younis. “It is a crisis in every sense of the word. There is no flour, no charities, and no food.” BEIRUT — Israeli troops fought fierce battles with Hezbollah fighters on Friday in different areas in south Lebanon, including a coastal town that is home to the headquarters of U.N. peacekeepers. A spokesperson for the U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL told The Associated Press that they are monitoring “heavy clashes” in the coastal town of Naqoura and the village of Chamaa to the northeast. UNIFIL’s headquarters are located in Naqoura in Lebanon’s southern edge close to the border with Israel. “We are aware of heavy shelling in the vicinity of our bases,” UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said. Asked if the peacekeepers and staff at the headquarters are safe, Tenenti said: “Yes for the moment.” Several UNIFIL posts have been hit since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon on Oct. 1, leaving a number of peacekeepers wounded.
Alberta's refusal to share pension survey data being investigated by privacy commissioner
X’s Yaccarino praises child safety bill and urges House backing49ers look to maintain 'urgency' against rival Rams
Parents of Melbourne teenagers who died in Laos methanol poisoning raise money to repatriate bodies
In India, where elephants are revered as sacred symbols of wisdom and strength, privately-held captive elephants live a stark contradiction. Reflecting on this grim reality, the Kerala High Court recently likened the lives of these captive animals to an “eternal Treblinka”, drawing a poignant comparison to the infamous Nazi extermination camps. Elephants used for religious purposes, entertainment and tourism are subjected to much cruelty and forced to behave in unnatural ways. These social animals are subjected to isolation and abusive training methods to break their spirit. Although elephants have the highest protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, they have been at the forefront of practices that seek to capture them from the wild for a life in captivity. New rules and loopholes In its intent to regulate potential misuse of captive elephants in private custody and curb illegal captures from the wild, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEFCC) published the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules in March 2024. These rules facilitate the transport and the transfer of elephants and also specify the procedure of transfer of ownership. However, the ambiguity in procedures and rationale for transport and/or transfer of wild elephants could pave the way for further commercial exploitation. For instance, it states that when an owner is no longer able to maintain an elephant, the ownership of that elephant may be transferred. However, there is no obligation for this exchange to be non-commercial. Elephants can, therefore, be traded as movable property. The rules also provide for transport of the elephants temporarily. Again, there is no explicit requirement to justify the transportation of a privately owned elephant across or within State borders on an interim basis. States with a high number of privately owned elephants could potentially lease their elephants to serve as props, from religious ceremonies to weddings to political rallies. These are activities that compromise the welfare of elephants even as they objectify and commodify them. This regularisation of the transfer of elephants for religious activities, tourism, or any other commercial ventures effectively contributes to the economic valuation of elephants, treating them as tools for generating income. Thus, the legislation could be misused by private elephant owners to essentially “rent out” their animals, which risks incentivising the capture of wild elephants and directly undermines elephant conservation. Microchip misuse, births in captivity As of January 2019, there were 2,675 documented captive elephants in the country, with a deeply disturbing implication. It has been reported that when these animals die, they are replaced by elephants captured from the wild. Most captive elephants were microchipped as part of a 2002 initiative that Project Elephant launched to track all captive elephants in India that have valid certificates of ownership. Anecdotes suggest that these microchips are retrieved from an elephant posthumously and then inserted into an elephant caught in the wild to legalise an illicit capture. Despite this popular modus operandi, the Rules do not require the removal and the destruction of microchips implanted in captive elephants, which should be done in presence of forest officials. Moreover, the Rules do not require the submission of a post-mortem report in cases where an elephant dies during transfer or transportation, leaving a critical gap in monitoring and accountability. Worse, this fuels the never-ending cycle of elephants in captivity. This cycle is perpetuated by a provision in the Rules that recognises the birth of calves in captivity, allowing them to be legally classified as owned captive elephants. What is required instead, is a mandate to implement humane, non-invasive birth control measures for elephants in private custody, to break the cycle of commercial exploitation and prevent more elephants entering captivity through birth. Additionally, a shift from using live elephants in temples, processions, and tourism to alternatives such as electronic elephants is crucial. Civil society, temple committees and the government should lead this change to protect wild elephants. The trade between States Further, there are numerous reports of elephants being transported from the northeastern States to the southern and western States. One such instance involved an elephant being “gifted” to a Delhi temple by a private owner in Assam. Unfortunately, in all these transfers, the new rules have served as an enabling agent for trade in an endangered species. In August, following reports and objections submitted by this writer and others, the Elephant Project, under the aegis of MoEFCC, took action. It issued an office memorandum that flagged the illegal transfers of captive elephants. The memorandum reiterated the need for the strict adherence to Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024 and emphasised the mandatory digitisation of the genetic profiles of captive elephants. The Ministry’s efforts to address captive elephant transfers are commendable. Yet, they fail to adequately remedy these key issues in the Rules. Regrettably, the legislation lacks the teeth to ensure the meaningful protection of captive elephants. Without language that speaks the welfare of elephants and safeguards them from any form of commercial exploitation, the paradox of the elephant being venerated as a sacred animal while also being the most exploited wild animal will persist. Shubhra Sotie is an environmental lawyer and Specialist, Wildlife Policy and Research at Humane Society International (HSI) India Published - December 28, 2024 12:08 am IST Copy link Email Facebook Twitter Telegram LinkedIn WhatsApp Reddit judiciary (system of justice) / wildlife / animal / religion and belief / entertainment (general) / tourism / laws / India / technology (general) / government / Delhi / Assam / welfare / Kerala / electronicsShould the U.S. increase immigration levels for highly skilled workers?Disney Influencer Dominique Brown Dies at 34 After Reportedly Experiencing Allergic Reaction at Holiday Food Event
Winter Plumbing Checklist: Top Tips to Prevent Frozen Pipes in Chicagoland HomesChargers activate RB J.K. Dobbins from IR
Trump's top pick for NASA: A billionaire who wants to privatize spaceNoneUruguay's voters choose their next president in a close runoff with low stakes but much suspense