Okinawa assembly protests alleged sexual assaults by U.S. troops
Source: Xinhua
Editor: huaxia
2024-07-10
TOKYO, July 10 (Xinhua) -- The assembly of Japan's southernmost prefecture Okinawa on Wednesday unanimously passed a resolution and a statement protesting a series of recent sexual crime cases involving U.S. troops stationed in the prefecture.
In the resolution, addressed to the United States, including U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel, the assembly condemned the cases as "extremely malicious crimes that trample on human dignity" and expressed "anger from all our bodies."
The prefectural assembly said that behind the cases were "problems with the organizational awareness of human rights," and called on the U.S. side to present residents of Okinawa with concrete and effective measures to prevent a recurrence, such as a tightening of discipline.
The assembly also adopted a written statement, directed at the Japanese government, including Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, urging the central government to quickly share information about such crimes with the Okinawa prefectural government.
Both the resolution and statement call for fundamental revisions to the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, noting that it affords special treatment to U.S. military personnel in Japan.
A delegation of assembly members will go to Tokyo to visit the U.S. embassy, the Foreign Ministry and elsewhere to directly pass on the documents as early as this month.
The move by the prefectural parliament of Okinawa follows the recent revelation that a U.S. Marine member has been indicted on charges of nonconsensual sexual intercourse resulting in injury and a U.S. Air Force member for allegedly kidnapping a girl under the age of 16 and committing nonconsensual sexual intercourse. ■
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Montana Republicans appeal to state supreme court to overturn landmark climate ruling
Ruling in Montana case could impact climate change lawsuits across country
Josh Marcus
San Francisco
Ruling in Montana case could impact climate change lawsuits across country
Josh Marcus
San Francisco
July 10,2024
Republican officials in Montana urged the state supreme court on Wednesday to overturn a landmark 2023 climate ruling, which sided with a group of young plaintiffs who argued the state was violating their constitutional rights by allowing fossil fuel projects to move forward without considering climate impacts.
“This is a complex issue,” Dale Schowengerdt, representing Governor Greg Gianfort and a trio of state agencies, told the panel. “It is, for better or worse, a political question.”
The officials, along with supporters including natural resource companies, the state Chamber of Commerce, and Montana’s largest power utility, are seeking to overturn a state court decision from last year.
In a ruling last August, a judge found that a provision in the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) preventing state regulators from considering emissions and other climate impacts was infringing the state constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment.”
The decision was hailed as a major victory in climate legal activism, and was cited in lawsuits in Montana seeking to challenge permits for new fossil fuel projects, though these challenges haven’t been served on state officials, as appeals of the decision were pending, a state environmental official told The Associated Press.
Republican officials in Montana urged the state supreme court on Wednesday to overturn a landmark 2023 climate ruling, which sided with a group of young plaintiffs who argued the state was violating their constitutional rights by allowing fossil fuel projects to move forward without considering climate impacts.
“This is a complex issue,” Dale Schowengerdt, representing Governor Greg Gianfort and a trio of state agencies, told the panel. “It is, for better or worse, a political question.”
The officials, along with supporters including natural resource companies, the state Chamber of Commerce, and Montana’s largest power utility, are seeking to overturn a state court decision from last year.
In a ruling last August, a judge found that a provision in the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) preventing state regulators from considering emissions and other climate impacts was infringing the state constitutional right to a “clean and healthful environment.”
The decision was hailed as a major victory in climate legal activism, and was cited in lawsuits in Montana seeking to challenge permits for new fossil fuel projects, though these challenges haven’t been served on state officials, as appeals of the decision were pending, a state environmental official told The Associated Press.
The Montana Supreme Court is considering a challenge to a 2023 ruling that found the state had violated its constitutional environmental protections by failing to consider the climate crisis in proposed energy projects. (AP)
Wednesday’s hearing reportedly had hundreds of onlookers, among them plaintiff Grace Gibson-Snyder, 20.
She told the AP that Montana officials are seeking an “evasion of responsibility” on the climate.
“It’s an evasion of your constitutional obligation to protect our rights and our state,” she said. “Why would you not try?”
A ruling from the state supreme court could impact legal challenges in other states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York, which have similar state constitutional protections for the environment.
Young people across the US have been leading the way in climate lawsuits seeking to hold various government entities and fossil fuel companies accountable for the impacts of the climate crisis.
Last month, Hawaii settled one such suit and committed to decarbonizing its transit system over the next two decades.
Wednesday’s hearing reportedly had hundreds of onlookers, among them plaintiff Grace Gibson-Snyder, 20.
She told the AP that Montana officials are seeking an “evasion of responsibility” on the climate.
“It’s an evasion of your constitutional obligation to protect our rights and our state,” she said. “Why would you not try?”
A ruling from the state supreme court could impact legal challenges in other states like Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and New York, which have similar state constitutional protections for the environment.
Young people across the US have been leading the way in climate lawsuits seeking to hold various government entities and fossil fuel companies accountable for the impacts of the climate crisis.
Last month, Hawaii settled one such suit and committed to decarbonizing its transit system over the next two decades.
A surprising litmus test for New Caledonia’s independence parties
The French election saw New Caledonia’s independence parties attain an overall majority in the first territory-wide poll since the 2018–21 referendums.
a polling station at the Ko We Kara cultural centre in Noumea, in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, during the second round of France’s legislative elections on 7 July 2024 (Delphine Mayeur/AFP via Getty Images)
The French election saw New Caledonia’s independence parties attain an overall majority in the first territory-wide poll since the 2018–21 referendums.
a polling station at the Ko We Kara cultural centre in Noumea, in the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia, during the second round of France’s legislative elections on 7 July 2024 (Delphine Mayeur/AFP via Getty Images)
DENISE FISHER
Published 11 Jul 2024
Published 11 Jul 2024
France
The voters in the second round of France’s national elections last week staved off an expected shift to the far-right. But the result in the Pacific territory New Caledonia was also in many ways historic. Of the two assembly representatives decided, a position fell on either side of the deep polarisation evident in the territory – one for loyalists, one for supporters of independence. But it is the independence side that will take the most from the result.
Turnout in the vote was remarkable, not only because of the violence in New Caledonia over recent months, which has curbed movement and public transport across the territory, but also because national elections have been seen particularly by independence parties as less relevant locally. Not this time.
The two rounds of the elections saw voters arrive in droves, with 60% and 71% turnout respectively, compared to typically low levels of 35-40% in New Caledonia. Images showed long queues with many young people.
Voting was generally peaceful, although a blockade prevented voting in one Kanak commune during the first round.
After winning the first round, a hardline loyalist and independence candidate faced off in each constituency. The second round therefore presented a binary choice, effectively becoming a barometer of views around independence.
While clearly not a referendum, it was the first chance to measure sentiment in this manner since the boycotted referendum in 2021, which had followed two independence votes narrowly favouring staying with France. The resulting impasse about the future of the territory had erupted into violent protests in May this year, when President Emmanuel Macron sought unilaterally to broaden voter eligibility to the detriment of indigenous representation. Only Macron then called snap national elections.
These are sobering results for loyalists.
So the contest, as it unfolded in New Caledonia, represented high stakes for both sides.
In the event, loyalist Nicolas Metzdorf won 52.4% in the first constituency (Noumea and islands) over the independence candidate’s 47.6%. Independence candidate Emmanuel Tjibaou won 57.4% to the loyalist’s 42.6% in the second (Northern Province and outer suburbs of Noumea).
The results, a surprise even to independence leaders, were significant.
It is notable that in these national elections, all citizens are eligible to vote. Only local assembly elections apply the controversial voter eligibility provisions which provoked the current violence, provisions that advantage longstanding residents and thus indigenous independence supporters. Yet without the benefit of this restriction, independence parties won, securing a majority 53% (83,123 votes) to the loyalists’ 47% (72,897) of valid votes cast across the territory. They had won 43% and 47% in the two non-boycotted referendums.
Even in the constituency won by the loyalist, the independence candidate, daughter-in-law of early independence fighter Naidesh Naisseline, won 47% of the vote.
These are sobering results for loyalists.
Independence party candidate Emmanuel Tjibaou, 48, carried particular symbolism. The son of the assassinated founding father of the independence movement Jean-Marie Tjibaou, Emmanuel had eschewed politics to this point, instead taking on cultural roles including as head of the Kanak cultural development agency. He is a galvanising figure for independence supporters. Emmanuel Tjibaou is now the first independence assembly representative in 38 years. He won notwithstanding France redesigning the two constituencies in 1988 specifically to prevent an independence representative win by including part of mainly loyalist Noumea in each. A loyalist stronghold has been broken.
While both a loyalist and independence parliamentarian will now sit in Paris and represent their different perspectives, the result will further strain the two sides.
Pro-independence supporters will be energised by the strong performance and this will increase expectations, especially among the young. The responsibility on elders is heavy. Tjibaou described the vote as “a call for help, a cry of hope”. He has urged a return to the path of dialogue.
At the same time, loyalists will be concerned by independence party success. Insecurity and fear, already sharpened by recent violence, may intensify. While he referred to the need for dialogue, Nicolas Metzdorf is known for his tough uncompromising line.
Paradoxically the ongoing violence means an increased reliance on France for the reconstruction that will be a vital underpinning for talks. Estimates for rebuilding have exceeded 2 billion euros, with more than 800 businesses, countless schools and houses attacked, many destroyed.
Yet France itself is reeling after the snap elections returned no clear winner. Three blocs are vying for power, and are divided within their own ranks over how government should be formed. While French presidents have had to “cohabit” with an assembly majority of the opposite persuasion three times before, never has a president faced no clear majority. It will take time, perhaps months, for a workable solution to emerge, during which New Caledonia is hardly likely to take precedence.
As New Caledonia’s neighbours prepare to meet for the annual Pacific Islands Forum summit next month, all will be hoping that the main parties can soon overcome their deep differences and find a peaceful local way forward.
The voters in the second round of France’s national elections last week staved off an expected shift to the far-right. But the result in the Pacific territory New Caledonia was also in many ways historic. Of the two assembly representatives decided, a position fell on either side of the deep polarisation evident in the territory – one for loyalists, one for supporters of independence. But it is the independence side that will take the most from the result.
Turnout in the vote was remarkable, not only because of the violence in New Caledonia over recent months, which has curbed movement and public transport across the territory, but also because national elections have been seen particularly by independence parties as less relevant locally. Not this time.
The two rounds of the elections saw voters arrive in droves, with 60% and 71% turnout respectively, compared to typically low levels of 35-40% in New Caledonia. Images showed long queues with many young people.
Voting was generally peaceful, although a blockade prevented voting in one Kanak commune during the first round.
After winning the first round, a hardline loyalist and independence candidate faced off in each constituency. The second round therefore presented a binary choice, effectively becoming a barometer of views around independence.
While clearly not a referendum, it was the first chance to measure sentiment in this manner since the boycotted referendum in 2021, which had followed two independence votes narrowly favouring staying with France. The resulting impasse about the future of the territory had erupted into violent protests in May this year, when President Emmanuel Macron sought unilaterally to broaden voter eligibility to the detriment of indigenous representation. Only Macron then called snap national elections.
These are sobering results for loyalists.
So the contest, as it unfolded in New Caledonia, represented high stakes for both sides.
In the event, loyalist Nicolas Metzdorf won 52.4% in the first constituency (Noumea and islands) over the independence candidate’s 47.6%. Independence candidate Emmanuel Tjibaou won 57.4% to the loyalist’s 42.6% in the second (Northern Province and outer suburbs of Noumea).
The results, a surprise even to independence leaders, were significant.
It is notable that in these national elections, all citizens are eligible to vote. Only local assembly elections apply the controversial voter eligibility provisions which provoked the current violence, provisions that advantage longstanding residents and thus indigenous independence supporters. Yet without the benefit of this restriction, independence parties won, securing a majority 53% (83,123 votes) to the loyalists’ 47% (72,897) of valid votes cast across the territory. They had won 43% and 47% in the two non-boycotted referendums.
Even in the constituency won by the loyalist, the independence candidate, daughter-in-law of early independence fighter Naidesh Naisseline, won 47% of the vote.
These are sobering results for loyalists.
Independence party candidate Emmanuel Tjibaou, 48, carried particular symbolism. The son of the assassinated founding father of the independence movement Jean-Marie Tjibaou, Emmanuel had eschewed politics to this point, instead taking on cultural roles including as head of the Kanak cultural development agency. He is a galvanising figure for independence supporters. Emmanuel Tjibaou is now the first independence assembly representative in 38 years. He won notwithstanding France redesigning the two constituencies in 1988 specifically to prevent an independence representative win by including part of mainly loyalist Noumea in each. A loyalist stronghold has been broken.
While both a loyalist and independence parliamentarian will now sit in Paris and represent their different perspectives, the result will further strain the two sides.
Pro-independence supporters will be energised by the strong performance and this will increase expectations, especially among the young. The responsibility on elders is heavy. Tjibaou described the vote as “a call for help, a cry of hope”. He has urged a return to the path of dialogue.
At the same time, loyalists will be concerned by independence party success. Insecurity and fear, already sharpened by recent violence, may intensify. While he referred to the need for dialogue, Nicolas Metzdorf is known for his tough uncompromising line.
Paradoxically the ongoing violence means an increased reliance on France for the reconstruction that will be a vital underpinning for talks. Estimates for rebuilding have exceeded 2 billion euros, with more than 800 businesses, countless schools and houses attacked, many destroyed.
Yet France itself is reeling after the snap elections returned no clear winner. Three blocs are vying for power, and are divided within their own ranks over how government should be formed. While French presidents have had to “cohabit” with an assembly majority of the opposite persuasion three times before, never has a president faced no clear majority. It will take time, perhaps months, for a workable solution to emerge, during which New Caledonia is hardly likely to take precedence.
As New Caledonia’s neighbours prepare to meet for the annual Pacific Islands Forum summit next month, all will be hoping that the main parties can soon overcome their deep differences and find a peaceful local way forward.
YODA?!
India has given 'Buddha' to the world, not 'Yuddha': PM Modi in AustriaAddressing the Indian diaspora in Vienna, Modi also said that India is working towards being the best, the brightest, achieving the biggest and reaching the highest milestones
PTI Vienna
Published 11.07.24,
PM Narendra Modi.File Photo
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India has given 'Buddha' to the world, not 'Yuddha' (war) which means it has always given peace and prosperity, and therefore the country is going to strengthen its role in the 21st century.
Addressing the Indian diaspora in Vienna, Modi also said that India is working towards being the best, the brightest, achieving the biggest and reaching the highest milestones.
"For thousands of years, we have been sharing our knowledge and expertise. We didn't give 'Yuddha' (war), we gave the world 'Buddha'. India always gave peace and prosperity, and therefore India is going to strengthen its role in the 21st century," Modi said, a day after he arrived here from Moscow where he highlighted the importance of finding a peaceful solution to the Ukraine war during talks with President Vladimir Putin.
Describing his first visit to Austria as "meaningful", Modi said that after 41 years, an Indian Prime Minister has visited the country.
"This long wait has come to an end on a historic occasion. India and Austria are celebrating 75 years of their friendship," he said.
"India and Austria are geographically on two different ends, but we have many similarities. Democracy connects both the countries. Our shared values are liberty, equality, pluralism, and respect for the rule of law. Our societies are multicultural and multilingual. Both countries celebrate diversity, and a big medium to reflect these values are elections," he said, amid chants of ‘Modi, Modi’.
Recalling the recently concluded general elections, Modi said 650 million people exercised their right to vote and despite such a big election, the results of the elections were declared within hours.
"It is the power of our electoral machinery and democracy," he said, highlighting that the people voted for continuity, giving him the mandate for a historic third term.
In his address, Prime Minister Modi talked about the transformative progress achieved by the country in the last 10 years and expressed confidence that India will become the third largest economy in the near future, on its way to becoming a developed country - Viksit Bharat - by 2047.
"Today, India is growing at the rate of 8%. Today, we are in the 5th position, and soon, we will be in the top 3. I promised the people of my country that I would make India one of the top three economies in the world. We aren't just working to reach the top position, our mission is 2047," he said, adding that India will celebrate 100 years of its independence in 2047 as a developed nation.
Modi also talked about how Austrian expertise in green growth and innovation could partner India, leveraging its high growth trajectory and globally reputed start-up ecosystem.
He dwelt on India being a "Vishwabandhu” and contributing to global progress and well-being. He urged the community to continue nurturing their cultural and emotional bonds with the motherland, even as they prosper in their new homeland.
"I have always believed that relations between two countries are not built just by governments; public participation is very important in strengthening relations. That is why I consider the role of all of you important for these relationships," he told the community members.
He also mentioned the deep intellectual interest in Indian philosophy, languages and thought that has existed in Austria for centuries.
"Around 200 years ago, Sanskrit was taught at Vienna's university. In 1880, with the establishment of an independent chair for Indology, it got more push. Today, I got the opportunity to meet some eminent Indologists, it was quite apparent from their discussions that they had great interest in India," Modi said.
Austrian Federal Minister of Labour and Economy Martin Kocher also attended the event, which saw participation of the Indian diaspora from across the country.
The request for federal aid after Beryl opens rift between White House and Texas
AP |
Jul 11, 2024
HOUSTON — The damage left by Hurricane Beryl in Texas and requests for federal help has opened a rift between the White House and the state's GOP leaders following the storm that pummeled the coast and knocked out power to millions of residents this week around Houston.The request for federal aid after Beryl opens rift between White House and Texas
President Joe Biden said he tried tracking down Republican Gov. Greg Abbott — who has been in Asia on a trade mission since last week — to get the state to formally request a major disaster declaration that unlocks federal aid. In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Biden also said he tried reaching Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has served as acting governor since Beryl made landfall Monday, before they eventually connected the next day.
Both Texas leaders have sharply pushed back on Biden's version of events in the middle of a hurricane recovery that has left some coastal residents facing the possibility of days or weeks without electricity.
“I’ve been trying to track down the governor to see — I don’t have any authority to do that without a specific request from the governor,” Biden told the newspaper on Tuesday.
Abbott, in an interview from Japan on Wednesday with Austin television station KTBC, said Biden has reached him him multiple times on the same number following previous disasters in Texas but that the president this time never called that phone during Beryl.
“I know for an absolute 100% certainty, the only person to drop the ball is Joe Biden by making up some bizarre lie,” Abbott told the station. “And why he would do that? I have no idea.”
Patrick said he spoke with Biden on the phone on Tuesday and that the president granted Texas' request for a disaster declaration. Patrick has said the state needed to first determine its needs before making a formal ask. Texas has previously requested federal help before hurricanes have made landfall, including before Hurricane Harvey struck in 2017.
Rafael Lemaitre, FEMA’s former national director of public affairs, told the newspaper that major disaster declarations do not need to wait for a thorough on-the-ground assessment. Governors are the lead requesters but can change their request as more information becomes available, Lemaitre said.
FEMA typically positions responders and aid before a hurricane makes landfall, said Beverly Cigler, a public policy professor at Penn State who specializes in intergovernmental relations and emergency management.
Once the disaster hits, an initial damage assessment is usually completed. If it reaches the threshold for an emergency declaration, the governor sends that assessment to the White House for review, she said.
“Everything is done well ahead of time,” Cigler said. “But a president has to wait to have a disaster request from the state to really get aid going in a big way.”
More than 1.4 million customers and business remained without power Wednesday evening in the Houston area, according to Poweroutage.us.
AP |
Jul 11, 2024
HOUSTON — The damage left by Hurricane Beryl in Texas and requests for federal help has opened a rift between the White House and the state's GOP leaders following the storm that pummeled the coast and knocked out power to millions of residents this week around Houston.The request for federal aid after Beryl opens rift between White House and Texas
President Joe Biden said he tried tracking down Republican Gov. Greg Abbott — who has been in Asia on a trade mission since last week — to get the state to formally request a major disaster declaration that unlocks federal aid. In an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Biden also said he tried reaching Texas Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who has served as acting governor since Beryl made landfall Monday, before they eventually connected the next day.
Both Texas leaders have sharply pushed back on Biden's version of events in the middle of a hurricane recovery that has left some coastal residents facing the possibility of days or weeks without electricity.
“I’ve been trying to track down the governor to see — I don’t have any authority to do that without a specific request from the governor,” Biden told the newspaper on Tuesday.
Abbott, in an interview from Japan on Wednesday with Austin television station KTBC, said Biden has reached him him multiple times on the same number following previous disasters in Texas but that the president this time never called that phone during Beryl.
“I know for an absolute 100% certainty, the only person to drop the ball is Joe Biden by making up some bizarre lie,” Abbott told the station. “And why he would do that? I have no idea.”
Patrick said he spoke with Biden on the phone on Tuesday and that the president granted Texas' request for a disaster declaration. Patrick has said the state needed to first determine its needs before making a formal ask. Texas has previously requested federal help before hurricanes have made landfall, including before Hurricane Harvey struck in 2017.
Rafael Lemaitre, FEMA’s former national director of public affairs, told the newspaper that major disaster declarations do not need to wait for a thorough on-the-ground assessment. Governors are the lead requesters but can change their request as more information becomes available, Lemaitre said.
FEMA typically positions responders and aid before a hurricane makes landfall, said Beverly Cigler, a public policy professor at Penn State who specializes in intergovernmental relations and emergency management.
Once the disaster hits, an initial damage assessment is usually completed. If it reaches the threshold for an emergency declaration, the governor sends that assessment to the White House for review, she said.
“Everything is done well ahead of time,” Cigler said. “But a president has to wait to have a disaster request from the state to really get aid going in a big way.”
More than 1.4 million customers and business remained without power Wednesday evening in the Houston area, according to Poweroutage.us.
Population crisis
PAKISTAN is the world’s fifth most populous nation, yet the resources and socioeconomic tools needed to provide for over 240m souls are severely lacking. The only logical measure is to bring down the fertility rate in order to provide a better standard of living to citizens, as well as the generations to come. Unfortunately, successive governments, beyond providing lip service, have failed to act to prevent the population bomb from coming close to detonation. If we continue on this trajectory, the UNFPA projects that Pakistan’s population may hit 263m by 2030, which is just around the corner. Does Pakistan have the resources to adequately feed, clothe, educate and house this massive number? The answer is worryingly self-evident.
Therefore, today, as World Population Day is being observed globally, both state and civil society must pledge to address the population issue in a progressive and sagacious manner. This can be done by declaring a ‘population emergency’, and committing funds and efforts to the cause of addressing the explosive population growth. While some states have taken invasive steps, such as limiting the number of children couples can have, there are better examples in the neighbourhood that do not infringe on personal rights, yet achieve the goal of planned families.
In this regard, UNFPA cites the Muslim-majority states of Turkiye, Iran and Bangladesh, which have managed to implement successful family planning programmes. As per the UN body’s research, these countries succeeded because the state was fully supporting policies aimed at reducing population growth, while information and family planning services were easily available to citizens. There is no reason why Pakistan — which in the 1960s had initiated similar plans — cannot learn from these Muslim states, with which we share many cultural similarities.
Perhaps the biggest factor that can give a boost to family planning campaigns is unwavering commitment from the state at the federal and provincial levels. There needs to be buy-in from political parties, as well as the clergy.
The fact is that due to the social structures in Pakistan, it is imperative to have ulema, tribal elders and other community leaders on board to successfully implement family planning programmes — from big cities to the furthest hamlets. Both men and women need to be counselled about the options available. Moreover, successful programmes, such as Lady Health Workers, can be utilised to provide information and reproductive health services to women.
At the policy level, the skewed weightage given to large populations in the NFC Award formula should be reconsidered, as provincial administrations will continue to ignore rampant population growth in order to secure more funds. For a balanced future where all Pakistanis have access to food, water and basic services, a successful family planning model is essential.
Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2024
DAWN
Editorial
Editorial
Published July 11, 2024
PAKISTAN is the world’s fifth most populous nation, yet the resources and socioeconomic tools needed to provide for over 240m souls are severely lacking. The only logical measure is to bring down the fertility rate in order to provide a better standard of living to citizens, as well as the generations to come. Unfortunately, successive governments, beyond providing lip service, have failed to act to prevent the population bomb from coming close to detonation. If we continue on this trajectory, the UNFPA projects that Pakistan’s population may hit 263m by 2030, which is just around the corner. Does Pakistan have the resources to adequately feed, clothe, educate and house this massive number? The answer is worryingly self-evident.
Therefore, today, as World Population Day is being observed globally, both state and civil society must pledge to address the population issue in a progressive and sagacious manner. This can be done by declaring a ‘population emergency’, and committing funds and efforts to the cause of addressing the explosive population growth. While some states have taken invasive steps, such as limiting the number of children couples can have, there are better examples in the neighbourhood that do not infringe on personal rights, yet achieve the goal of planned families.
In this regard, UNFPA cites the Muslim-majority states of Turkiye, Iran and Bangladesh, which have managed to implement successful family planning programmes. As per the UN body’s research, these countries succeeded because the state was fully supporting policies aimed at reducing population growth, while information and family planning services were easily available to citizens. There is no reason why Pakistan — which in the 1960s had initiated similar plans — cannot learn from these Muslim states, with which we share many cultural similarities.
Perhaps the biggest factor that can give a boost to family planning campaigns is unwavering commitment from the state at the federal and provincial levels. There needs to be buy-in from political parties, as well as the clergy.
The fact is that due to the social structures in Pakistan, it is imperative to have ulema, tribal elders and other community leaders on board to successfully implement family planning programmes — from big cities to the furthest hamlets. Both men and women need to be counselled about the options available. Moreover, successful programmes, such as Lady Health Workers, can be utilised to provide information and reproductive health services to women.
At the policy level, the skewed weightage given to large populations in the NFC Award formula should be reconsidered, as provincial administrations will continue to ignore rampant population growth in order to secure more funds. For a balanced future where all Pakistanis have access to food, water and basic services, a successful family planning model is essential.
Published in Dawn, July 11th, 2024
Tokyo residents seek to block building of massive data centre by Singapore developer
PHOTO: Unsplash
PHOTO: Unsplash
PUBLISHED ONJULY 10, 2024
TOKYO — A group of residents in Tokyo said on Wednesday (July 10) they were aiming to block construction of a massive logistics and data centre planned by Singaporean developer GLP, in a worrying sign for businesses looking to Japan to meet growing demand.
The petition by more than 220 residents of Akishima city in western Tokyo follows a successful bid in December in Nagareyama city to quash a similar data-centre plan.
The Akishima residents were concerned the centre would threaten wildlife, cause pollution and a spike in electricity usage, and drain its water supply which comes solely from groundwater.
They filed a petition to audit the urban planning procedure that approved GLP's 3.63-million-megawatt data centre, which GLP estimated would likely emit about 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide a year.
"One company will be responsible for ruining Akishima. That's what this development is," Yuji Ohtake, a representative of the residents' group, told a press conference.
Global tech firms such as Microsoft, Amazon and Oracle also have plans to build data centres in Japan.
The residents estimated that 3,000 of 4,800 trees on the site would have to be cut down, threatening the area's Eurasian goshawk birds and badgers.
"It's an unbelievably negligent plan," said representative Hiroyuki Hasegawa.
The group was considering filing for arbitration to steer GLP towards reconsidering its plan, in which it is set to commence building in February, with completion by early 2029.
GLP declined to comment on the residents' action.
Japan's data centre market is expected to grow 10.8 per cent in 2027 and 7.6 per cent in 2028 amid demand from digital transformation and cloud services, according to real estate services firm Jones Lang Lasalle.
In 2023, Japan saw a record 112 billion yen (S$933 million) direct investment into data centre real estate, JLL's data showed.
Local opposition has also been growing over the construction of a data centre in Kashiwa city near Tokyo.
TOKYO — A group of residents in Tokyo said on Wednesday (July 10) they were aiming to block construction of a massive logistics and data centre planned by Singaporean developer GLP, in a worrying sign for businesses looking to Japan to meet growing demand.
The petition by more than 220 residents of Akishima city in western Tokyo follows a successful bid in December in Nagareyama city to quash a similar data-centre plan.
The Akishima residents were concerned the centre would threaten wildlife, cause pollution and a spike in electricity usage, and drain its water supply which comes solely from groundwater.
They filed a petition to audit the urban planning procedure that approved GLP's 3.63-million-megawatt data centre, which GLP estimated would likely emit about 1.8 million tons of carbon dioxide a year.
"One company will be responsible for ruining Akishima. That's what this development is," Yuji Ohtake, a representative of the residents' group, told a press conference.
Global tech firms such as Microsoft, Amazon and Oracle also have plans to build data centres in Japan.
The residents estimated that 3,000 of 4,800 trees on the site would have to be cut down, threatening the area's Eurasian goshawk birds and badgers.
"It's an unbelievably negligent plan," said representative Hiroyuki Hasegawa.
The group was considering filing for arbitration to steer GLP towards reconsidering its plan, in which it is set to commence building in February, with completion by early 2029.
GLP declined to comment on the residents' action.
Japan's data centre market is expected to grow 10.8 per cent in 2027 and 7.6 per cent in 2028 amid demand from digital transformation and cloud services, according to real estate services firm Jones Lang Lasalle.
In 2023, Japan saw a record 112 billion yen (S$933 million) direct investment into data centre real estate, JLL's data showed.
Local opposition has also been growing over the construction of a data centre in Kashiwa city near Tokyo.
Takata terror continues: BMW recalls nearly 400,000 vehicles in US over potentially deadly airbag issue
BMW said it is recalling 394,000 vehicles in the United States due to faulty airbag inflators. — Reuters pic
Thursday, 11 Jul 2024
WASHINGTON, July 10 – German carmaker BMW said on Wednesday it was recalling 394,000 vehicles in the United States due to faulty airbag inflators that could potentially cause serious or fatal injuries, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Wednesday.
An air bag inflator could explode, sending potentially deadly sharp metal fragments flying and striking the driver or others in the vehicle, NHTSA said.
BMW said the issue covers air bag inflators that had been previously recalled but the vehicles could have had a replacement steering wheel installed with a defective air bag.
Owners will take vehicles to dealers for inspections, and if a steering wheel with a recalled airbag is found it will be replaced. BMW said it was unaware of any crashes or injuries tied to the new recall.
The faulty airbag inflators manufactured by Japanese automotive parts company Takata Corp are at the centre of the largest, most complex recall process in auto history.
More than 30 deaths — including at least 26 in the United States — and hundreds of injuries since 2009 have been attributed to Takata airbags fitted to vehicles of various automakers.
In 2020, NHTSA said it had identified a U.S. death tied to a Takata air bag inflator rupture in a BMW crash in Arizona.
Over the past decade, more than 100 million vehicles fitted with Takata airbag inflators have been recalled worldwide.
Once the world's leading supplier of airbags, Takata filed for bankruptcy in 2017 after the scandal.
The latest recall includes certain BMW 3 Series Sedans and Sportswagon models from the 2006 to 2012 model years.
BMW said it is recalling 394,000 vehicles in the United States due to faulty airbag inflators. — Reuters pic
Thursday, 11 Jul 2024
WASHINGTON, July 10 – German carmaker BMW said on Wednesday it was recalling 394,000 vehicles in the United States due to faulty airbag inflators that could potentially cause serious or fatal injuries, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said on Wednesday.
An air bag inflator could explode, sending potentially deadly sharp metal fragments flying and striking the driver or others in the vehicle, NHTSA said.
BMW said the issue covers air bag inflators that had been previously recalled but the vehicles could have had a replacement steering wheel installed with a defective air bag.
Owners will take vehicles to dealers for inspections, and if a steering wheel with a recalled airbag is found it will be replaced. BMW said it was unaware of any crashes or injuries tied to the new recall.
The faulty airbag inflators manufactured by Japanese automotive parts company Takata Corp are at the centre of the largest, most complex recall process in auto history.
More than 30 deaths — including at least 26 in the United States — and hundreds of injuries since 2009 have been attributed to Takata airbags fitted to vehicles of various automakers.
In 2020, NHTSA said it had identified a U.S. death tied to a Takata air bag inflator rupture in a BMW crash in Arizona.
Over the past decade, more than 100 million vehicles fitted with Takata airbag inflators have been recalled worldwide.
Once the world's leading supplier of airbags, Takata filed for bankruptcy in 2017 after the scandal.
The latest recall includes certain BMW 3 Series Sedans and Sportswagon models from the 2006 to 2012 model years.
– Reuters
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