Journalists are at risk of being replaced by artificial intelligence systems like ChatGPT, the CEO of German media group Axel Springer has said. The announcement was made as the publisher sought to boost revenue at German newspapers Bild and Die Welt and transition to becoming a “purely digital media company”.

The AI debate: Friend or Foe

Will artificial intelligence be the end of humanity? Or will it be the solution to all of our problems? @VikramChandra discusses the good, the bad and the ugly of AI.

This World | Will artificial intelligence be the end of humanity?

Vikram Chandra explains the good, bad, and ugly sides of AI, and how while AI has the potential to change our lives for good, it could also perhaps lead to human extinction within our lifetime.

The India Story | The good, bad, and ugly of AI

The World Health Organization&nbsp;(WHO) has&nbsp;released a list of more than a dozen fungus that are dangerous to the general public's health.

The global health organisation has identified 19 "priority pathogens" that include yeasts and moulds and are evolving and becoming resistant to treatments, as reported by The Daily Mail.&nbsp;

Over 150 million serious infections and over 1.7 million fatalities globally are annually attributed to fungus infections.

However, during the pandemic, the infections—which proliferated in hospitals and can be fatal for patients with compromised immune systems—became increasingly widespread.

The pathogens target individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those who are battling <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-flare-up-at-worlds-largest-iphone-factory-in-china-affects-operations-528785">COVID-19</a>. Steroids are one of the Covid treatments that can make the body's defences against fungus even weaker.

A comparable list of the most deadly bacteria is published by the WHO, which also created a list of dangerous fungus due to a general lack of funding for their research.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cities-in-china-tighten-measures-to-combat-growing-covid-19-outbreaks-528777">China: Wuhan, Guangzhou and other cities tighten measures to combat growing COVID-19 outbreaks</a>

According to the WHO, fungus-related infections continue to pose a serious threat to the public's health despite inadequate funding being allocated to their research.

There have historically been gaps in our understanding of diagnostics and effective therapies due to a lack of research on fungal pathogens.

Dr Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's assistant director-general, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) said: 'Emerging from the shadows of the bacterial antimicrobial resistance pandemic, fungal infections are growing, and are ever more resistant to treatments, becoming a public health concern worldwide.'

The health organisation encouraged nations to strengthen their mechanisms for detecting the 19 types of hazardous fungi and taking action.

According to Dr. Haileyesus Getahun, Director of the WHO's AMR Global Coordination Department, "Countries are encouraged to follow a step-by-step approach, starting with strengthening their fungal disease laboratory and surveillance capacities, and ensuring equitable access to existing quality therapeutics and diagnostics, globally."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/bees-order-numbers-in-increasing-size-from-left-to-right-study-reveals-528769">Bees 'count' numbers in increasing size from left to right, study reveals</a>

Because of the planet's ongoing warming, fungi have had to evolve in ways that make them better at spreading disease to humans.

The characteristics of the fungus, its habitat, and its host change as a result of global warming, increasing the possibility that new fungi varieties will appear.

The scientific community applauded the WHO report, describing it as a step in the right direction for developing new ways to treat fungal infections that are resistant to treatment.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a list of more than a dozen fungus that are dangerous to the general public's health. The global health organisation has identified 19 "priority pathogens" that include yeasts and moulds and are evolving and becoming resistant to treatments, as reported by The Daily Mail.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released a list of more than a dozen fungus that are dangerous to the general public's health. The global health organisation has identified 19 "priority pathogens" that include yeasts and moulds and are evolving and becoming resistant to treatments, as reported by The Daily Mail. Over 150 million serious infections and over 1.7 million fatalities globally are annually attributed to fungus infections. However, during the pandemic, the infections—which proliferated in hospitals and can be fatal for patients with compromised immune systems—became increasingly widespread. The pathogens target individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those who are battling COVID-19. Steroids are one of the Covid treatments that can make the body's defences against fungus even weaker. A comparable list of the most deadly bacteria is published by the WHO, which also created a list of dangerous fungus due to a general lack of funding for their research. Also read | China: Wuhan, Guangzhou and other cities tighten measures to combat growing COVID-19 outbreaks According to the WHO, fungus-related infections continue to pose a serious threat to the public's health despite inadequate funding being allocated to their research. There have historically been gaps in our understanding of diagnostics and effective therapies due to a lack of research on fungal pathogens. Dr Hanan Balkhy, the WHO's assistant director-general, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) said: 'Emerging from the shadows of the bacterial antimicrobial resistance pandemic, fungal infections are growing, and are ever more resistant to treatments, becoming a public health concern worldwide.' The health organisation encouraged nations to strengthen their mechanisms for detecting the 19 types of hazardous fungi and taking action. According to Dr. Haileyesus Getahun, Director of the WHO's AMR Global Coordination Department, "Countries are encouraged to follow a step-by-step approach, starting with strengthening their fungal disease laboratory and surveillance capacities, and ensuring equitable access to existing quality therapeutics and diagnostics, globally." Also read | Bees 'count' numbers in increasing size from left to right, study reveals Because of the planet's ongoing warming, fungi have had to evolve in ways that make them better at spreading disease to humans. The characteristics of the fungus, its habitat, and its host change as a result of global warming, increasing the possibility that new fungi varieties will appear. The scientific community applauded the WHO report, describing it as a step in the right direction for developing new ways to treat fungal infections that are resistant to treatment. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Fatal fungi: WHO publishes first ever list of fungal infections that are 'becoming a threat to humanity'

The United Nations released a major report into serious human rights abuses in China's Xinjiang, saying torture allegations were credible and citing possible crimes against humanity but stopping short of calling it genocide. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint | Xinjiang: United Nations slams China, Beijing retaliates

A UN human rights report hinted at possible crimes against humanity in China's Xinjiang province. China has rejected the report as politically motivated. Palki Sharma tells you why the report is a good start, but not enough.

Gravitas: UN report confirms human rights violations in Xinjiang

The United Nations has released a much-anticipated report on China's treatment of the Uighur and other Muslim minorities in its North western Xinjiang region.

UN report on Uighur Muslims: Extent of China's mistreatment may constitute crimes against humanity

It is worrying. Humanity’s future is threatened more than ever.

A newly released report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, or UNDRR has found that in the last two decades, every year around 350 to 500 medium-to-large scale disasters took place around the globe.

What causes concern is that this is five times more than the average over the previous three decades.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tragic-three-critically-endangered-sumatran-tigers-killed-in-indonesia-473787" hreflang="en">Tragic! Three critically endangered Sumatran tigers killed in Indonesia</a>

The UN cautioned that humanity is suffering from a "broken perception of risk," which is driving us to engage in activities and behaviours that contribute to climate change and an increase in natural disasters around the world.

It doesn’t end there. As climate changes, disasters caused by drought, severe temperatures, and devastating flooding are projected to become more common in the future.

According to the report, by 2030, the world will experience 560 disasters every year, or 1.5 disasters per day on average.

Watch |&nbsp;It's not just the cars, many factors contribute to air pollution

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The reason behind this drastic rise, according to UNDRR can be attributed to a "broken perception of risk based on optimism, underestimation and invincibility".

Humanity, however, continues to ignore the towering risks, “setting humanity on a spiral of self-destruction," warned UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed.

This indifference comes at a heavy cost. Over the last decade, disasters have cost around $170 billion per year around the world, according to the report; borne primarily by low-income countries.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/european-union-needs-to-recyclye-more-to-fulfil-its-aim-of-becoming-carbon-neutral-by-2050-study-473741" hreflang="en">European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050: Study</a>

Each year, disasters cost them one per cent of their national GDP, compared to 0.1 to 0.2 per cent in wealthy countries.

And if the number of disasters rises, so will the costs.

The report estimates that, by 2030, 37.6 million more people will be living in severe poverty as a result of climate change and natural catastrophes.

Watch WION, Live:

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(With inputs from agencies)

It is worrying. Humanity’s future is threatened more than ever. A newly released report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, or UNDRR has found that in the last two decades, every year around 350 to 500 medium-to-large scale disasters took place around the globe.

It is worrying. Humanity’s future is threatened more than ever. A newly released report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, or UNDRR has found that in the last two decades, every year around 350 to 500 medium-to-large scale disasters took place around the globe. What causes concern is that this is five times more than the average over the previous three decades. Also read | Tragic! Three critically endangered Sumatran tigers killed in Indonesia The UN cautioned that humanity is suffering from a "broken perception of risk," which is driving us to engage in activities and behaviours that contribute to climate change and an increase in natural disasters around the world. It doesn’t end there. As climate changes, disasters caused by drought, severe temperatures, and devastating flooding are projected to become more common in the future. According to the report, by 2030, the world will experience 560 disasters every year, or 1.5 disasters per day on average. Watch | It's not just the cars, many factors contribute to air pollution The reason behind this drastic rise, according to UNDRR can be attributed to a "broken perception of risk based on optimism, underestimation and invincibility". Humanity, however, continues to ignore the towering risks, “setting humanity on a spiral of self-destruction," warned UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. This indifference comes at a heavy cost. Over the last decade, disasters have cost around $170 billion per year around the world, according to the report; borne primarily by low-income countries. Also read | European Union needs to recycle more to fulfil its aim of becoming carbon neutral by 2050: Study Each year, disasters cost them one per cent of their national GDP, compared to 0.1 to 0.2 per cent in wealthy countries. And if the number of disasters rises, so will the costs. The report estimates that, by 2030, 37.6 million more people will be living in severe poverty as a result of climate change and natural catastrophes. Watch WION, Live: (With inputs from agencies)

By 2030, Humanity’s ‘spiral of self-destruction’ will cause 1.5 disasters every day: UN

France has asked Britain to act quickly to resolve a visa blockade that is preventing some Ukrainian migrants from entering the UK through Calais, describing the situation as "inhumane" by France's interior minister, Gérald Darmanin.

According to Darmanin, 150 of the 400 Ukrainian refugees who arrived in the northern French port after the Russian invasion were unable to enter the United Kingdom. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-ukrainian-girl-sings-let-it-go-moves-hearts-from-kyivs-bomb-shelter-459765">Watch: Ukrainian girl sings 'Let It Go', moves hearts from Kyiv’s bomb shelter</a>

He stated that they had been directed to process visa applications in Paris or Brussels.

Darmanin said he had urged UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to establish a special consulate in Calais to handle their papers.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/an-ukrainian-boy-travelled-1000-km-alone-to-slovakia-to-get-to-safety-459734">Also read | An Ukrainian boy travelled 1,000 km alone to Slovakia to get to safety</a>

Darmanin wrote to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, urging her to establish a professional consular office in Calais, saying the British government's reaction thus far had been "completely unsuitable" and demonstrated a "lack of humanity" toward refugees who were often "in distress."

Darmanin wrote in the letter, which was viewed by the Agence France-Presse news agency: "It is imperative that your consular representation – exceptionally and for the duration of this crisis – is able to issue visas for family reunification on the spot in Calais."

(With inputs from agencies)

France has asked Britain to act quickly to resolve a visa blockade that is preventing some Ukrainian migrants from entering the UK through Calais, describing the situation as "inhumane" by France's interior minister, Gérald Darmanin.

France has asked Britain to act quickly to resolve a visa blockade that is preventing some Ukrainian migrants from entering the UK through Calais, describing the situation as "inhumane" by France's interior minister, Gérald Darmanin. According to Darmanin, 150 of the 400 Ukrainian refugees who arrived in the northern French port after the Russian invasion were unable to enter the United Kingdom. Watch: Ukrainian girl sings 'Let It Go', moves hearts from Kyiv’s bomb shelter He stated that they had been directed to process visa applications in Paris or Brussels. Darmanin said he had urged UK Home Secretary Priti Patel to establish a special consulate in Calais to handle their papers. Also read | An Ukrainian boy travelled 1,000 km alone to Slovakia to get to safety Darmanin wrote to UK Home Secretary Priti Patel, urging her to establish a professional consular office in Calais, saying the British government's reaction thus far had been "completely unsuitable" and demonstrated a "lack of humanity" toward refugees who were often "in distress." Darmanin wrote in the letter, which was viewed by the Agence France-Presse news agency: "It is imperative that your consular representation – exceptionally and for the duration of this crisis – is able to issue visas for family reunification on the spot in Calais." (With inputs from agencies)

UK gives visas to only 50 Ukrainian refugees, France calls it 'lack of humanity'

Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon has surged since Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro took office - and the losses amount to a crime against humanity as climate change strengthens, an environmental non-profit charged on Tuesday.

Austria-based AllRise filed a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing the far-right leader of “facilitating and accelerating” Amazon losses with policies that encourage deforestation, land grabbing and illegal mining.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/latin-americas-covid-19-death-toll-surpasses-15-million-with-600000-deaths-in-brazil-419306">Latin America's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1.5 million with 600,000 deaths in Brazil</a>

“Jair Bolsonaro is fuelling the mass destruction of the Amazon with his eyes wide open and in full knowledge of the consequences,” said the group’s founder Johannes Wesemann in a statement.

Bolsonaro’s office did not reply to a request for comment.

The filing is just the latest in a series of charges made against Bolsonaro at the ICC since he took power in 2019, though it is the first to link Amazon destruction to climate change and expected health impacts as a result of warming, AllRise said.

Other complaints criticized Bolsonaro for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil, where 600,000 have died, and his policies affecting indigenous peoples. 
The ICC could take years to decide if it will investigate the new complaint, legal experts said.

Marcio Astrini, executive secretary of the Brazilian Climate Observatory, which supported the filing, said the complaint is unlikely to change how Bolsonaro governs but might help push action by other key decision makers, from Brazil’s courts to companies investing in the country.

It could also weaken Bolsonaro’s international standing ahead of next month’s U.N. COP26 climate talks, where Brazil is expected to try to show it can fight climate change while remaining an expanding agricultural powerhouse, he said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pfizer-to-vaccinate-entire-city-in-brazil-as-part-of-study-419741">Pfizer to vaccinate entire city in Brazil as part of study</a>

“It’s one more brick in the wall of shame he has been building for Brazil,” Astrini said in a phone interview.

Precedent

Maud Sarlieve, a human rights and international criminal lawyer who helped compile the AllRise case, said the complaint could test a key ICC statute to “see if it can cover deaths linked to environmental destruction”.

The filing charges that planet-heating emissions caused by swifter deforestation under Bolsonaro’s administration could cause more than 180,000 extra heat-related deaths globally by the turn of the century.

If the ICC accepts the case, the move could help deter other heads of state from enacting similarly environmentally destructive policies, Sarlieve told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a phone interview.

If it rejects the complaint, “then we can use it to demonstrate that the law is not (fit for purpose),” said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protests-against-president-bolsonaro-spread-across-brazil-417784">Protests against President Bolsonaro spread across Brazil</a>

And if the law doesn’t work in “an extreme situation like the one in Brazil, then it needs to be changed,” she added.

During a speech at the United Nation’s General Assembly in September, Bolsonaro said his government was committed to protecting the environment.

But rates of deforestation are nearly double what they were in January to August 2018, according to government data.

Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon has surged since Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro took office - and the losses amount to a crime against humanity as climate change strengthens, an environmental non-profit charged on Tuesday.

Deforestation of the Brazilian Amazon has surged since Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro took office - and the losses amount to a crime against humanity as climate change strengthens, an environmental non-profit charged on Tuesday. Austria-based AllRise filed a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) accusing the far-right leader of “facilitating and accelerating” Amazon losses with policies that encourage deforestation, land grabbing and illegal mining. Also Read | Latin America's COVID-19 death toll surpasses 1.5 million with 600,000 deaths in Brazil “Jair Bolsonaro is fuelling the mass destruction of the Amazon with his eyes wide open and in full knowledge of the consequences,” said the group’s founder Johannes Wesemann in a statement. Bolsonaro’s office did not reply to a request for comment. The filing is just the latest in a series of charges made against Bolsonaro at the ICC since he took power in 2019, though it is the first to link Amazon destruction to climate change and expected health impacts as a result of warming, AllRise said. Other complaints criticized Bolsonaro for his handling of the coronavirus pandemic in Brazil, where 600,000 have died, and his policies affecting indigenous peoples. The ICC could take years to decide if it will investigate the new complaint, legal experts said. Marcio Astrini, executive secretary of the Brazilian Climate Observatory, which supported the filing, said the complaint is unlikely to change how Bolsonaro governs but might help push action by other key decision makers, from Brazil’s courts to companies investing in the country. It could also weaken Bolsonaro’s international standing ahead of next month’s U.N. COP26 climate talks, where Brazil is expected to try to show it can fight climate change while remaining an expanding agricultural powerhouse, he said. Also Read | Pfizer to vaccinate entire city in Brazil as part of study “It’s one more brick in the wall of shame he has been building for Brazil,” Astrini said in a phone interview. Precedent Maud Sarlieve, a human rights and international criminal lawyer who helped compile the AllRise case, said the complaint could test a key ICC statute to “see if it can cover deaths linked to environmental destruction”. The filing charges that planet-heating emissions caused by swifter deforestation under Bolsonaro’s administration could cause more than 180,000 extra heat-related deaths globally by the turn of the century. If the ICC accepts the case, the move could help deter other heads of state from enacting similarly environmentally destructive policies, Sarlieve told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a phone interview. If it rejects the complaint, “then we can use it to demonstrate that the law is not (fit for purpose),” said. Also Read | Protests against President Bolsonaro spread across Brazil And if the law doesn’t work in “an extreme situation like the one in Brazil, then it needs to be changed,” she added. During a speech at the United Nation’s General Assembly in September, Bolsonaro said his government was committed to protecting the environment. But rates of deforestation are nearly double what they were in January to August 2018, according to government data.

Brazil's Bolsonaro accused of crimes against humanity as Amazon felled

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks to tell world leaders that humanity has to 'grow up' and tackle climate change.

Watch:&nbsp;

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The UK leader wants to say that humans need to stop trashing the planet like a teenager on a bender. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In six weeks, Johnson will host a major UN climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. Johnson is looking to use the UNGA forum to press governments for tougher emissions-cutting targets.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/one-third-kids-under-two-years-of-age-in-developing-countries-are-nourished-says-unicef-415019" hreflang="en">One third kids under two years of age in developing countries are nourished, says UNICEF</a>

He also wants to help poor countries clean up their economies by providing more money. &nbsp;&nbsp;

In the advance extracts of the speech, which has been released by the British government, Johnson looks to say it's now or never if the world is to meet its goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/put-uk-on-covid-high-alert-as-over-100000-kids-go-absent-from-school-warn-headteachers-415010" hreflang="en">Put UK on Covid 'high alert' as over 100,000 kids go absent from school, warn headteachers</a>

"I'll be saying to the UN General assembly tonight: This is it, folks. This is the moment when humanity comes to an inflection point, and we either take the steps necessary to avert a catastrophic increase in temperatures over the next hundred years, or we fail,” Johnson said in Washington on Wednesday. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;&nbsp;

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks to tell world leaders that humanity has to 'grow up' and tackle climate change.

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), British Prime Minister Boris Johnson looks to tell world leaders that humanity has to 'grow up' and tackle climate change. Watch: × The UK leader wants to say that humans need to stop trashing the planet like a teenager on a bender. In six weeks, Johnson will host a major UN climate summit in Glasgow, Scotland. Johnson is looking to use the UNGA forum to press governments for tougher emissions-cutting targets. Also Read: One third kids under two years of age in developing countries are nourished, says UNICEF He also wants to help poor countries clean up their economies by providing more money. In the advance extracts of the speech, which has been released by the British government, Johnson looks to say it's now or never if the world is to meet its goal of limiting the global temperature rise to 1.5C above pre-industrial levels. Also Read: Put UK on Covid 'high alert' as over 100,000 kids go absent from school, warn headteachers "I'll be saying to the UN General assembly tonight: This is it, folks. This is the moment when humanity comes to an inflection point, and we either take the steps necessary to avert a catastrophic increase in temperatures over the next hundred years, or we fail,” Johnson said in Washington on Wednesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Humanity has to 'grow up', tackle climate change, UK PM wants to tell leaders at UNGA 2021

European Union policymakers on Wednesday unveiled their most ambitious&nbsp;plan&nbsp;yet to tackle&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, aiming to turn green goals into concrete action this decade, and in doing so lead the way for the world's other big economies.

The&nbsp;European Commission, the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;executive body, set out in painstaking detail how the bloc's 27 countries can meet their collective goal to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030 - a step towards "net-zero" emissions by 2050.

This will mean raising the cost of emitting carbon for heating, transport and manufacturing, taxing high-carbon aviation fuel and shipping fuel that has not been taxed before, and charging importers at the border for the carbon emitted in making products such as cement, steel and aluminium abroad. It will consign the internal combustion engine to history.

"We're going to ask a lot of our citizens. We're also going to ask a lot of our industries, but we do it for good cause,"&nbsp;EU&nbsp;climate&nbsp;policy chief Frans Timmermans said.

"We do it to&nbsp;give humanity a fighting chance."

The "Fit for 55" measures will require approval by member states and the&nbsp;European parliament, a process that could take two years.

They are also likely to face intense lobbying from some industrial sectors, from poorer&nbsp;European member states that want to protect their citizens from price rises, and from more polluting countries facing a costly transition.

A diplomat from one&nbsp;EU&nbsp;country said the success of the package would rest on its ability to be realistic and socially fair, while not destabilising the economy.

"The aim is to put the economy on a new level, not to stop it," the diplomat said.

EYES ON GLASGOW

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;produces only 8% of global emissions but hopes its example will elicit ambitious action from the world's other major economies when they meet in November in Glasgow for the next milestone U.N.&nbsp;climate&nbsp;conference.

"Europe was the first continent to declare to be&nbsp;climate&nbsp;neutral in 2050, and now we are the very first ones to put a concrete roadmap on the table,"&nbsp;European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

The package arrives days after California suffered one of the highest temperatures recorded on earth, the latest of a series of brutal heatwaves that have hit Russia, Northern&nbsp;Europe and Canada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reaches-out-to-eu-member-countries-for-exemption-on-india-made-vaccines-395049">Also read |&nbsp;India reaches out to EU member countries for exemption on India-made vaccines</a>

As&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change makes itself felt from the typhoon-swept tropics to the blowtorched bushlands of Australia, Brussels proposed a dozen policies to target most big sources of the fossil fuel emissions that trigger it, including power&nbsp;plants, factories, cars,&nbsp;planes and heating systems in buildings.

The&nbsp;EU&nbsp;has so far cut emissions by 24 per cent from 1990 levels, but many of the most obvious steps, such as reducing reliance on coal to generate power, have been taken already.

The next decade will require bigger adjustments, with a long-term eye on 2050, by which date scientists say the world must have reached net-zero carbon emissions to prevent&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change from becoming catastrophic.

The measures follow a core principle: to make polluting more expensive and green options more attractive to the&nbsp;EU's 25 million businesses and nearly half a billion people.

PLANES, SHIPS AND AUTOMOBILES

Tighter emission limits for cars will in effect end new petrol and diesel car sales in the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;by 2035 - the earliest of the possible dates that had been touted.

An overhaul of the&nbsp;EU&nbsp;Emissions Trading System, the biggest carbon market in the world, will force factories, power&nbsp;plants and airlines to pay more when they emit CO2. Ships will also be added to the ETS, requiring shipowners to pay for their pollution for the first time.

A new&nbsp;EU&nbsp;carbon market will impose CO2 costs on the transport and construction sectors - with some of the revenues put in a fund to curb low-income households' fuel bills.

The commission also unveiled its&nbsp;plan&nbsp;for the world's first carbon border tariff, requiring manufacturers abroad to pay for the CO2 they have produced when they sell goods such as steel and cement into the&nbsp;EU.

Meanwhile, a tax overhaul will impose an&nbsp;EU-wide tax on polluting aviation fuels, which currently dodge such levies.

EU&nbsp;member states will also be required to build up forests and grasslands - the carbon sinks that keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

For some&nbsp;EU&nbsp;countries, the package is a chance to cement the&nbsp;EU's global leadership in fighting&nbsp;climate&nbsp;change, and to be at the forefront of those developing the technologies needed.

Danish&nbsp;climate&nbsp;and energy minister Dan Jorgensen said it would signal to the rest of the world that "it is possible to both set ambitious goals and introduce the concrete necessary measures to reach them".

But the&nbsp;plans have exposed familiar rifts. Poorer member states are wary of policies that will raise costs for the consumer, while regions that depend on coal-fired power&nbsp;plants and mines want guarantees of more support for a transformation that will cause dislocation and require mass retraining.

European Union policymakers on Wednesday unveiled their most ambitious plan yet to tackle climate change, aiming to turn green goals into concrete action this decade, and in doing so lead the way for the world's other big economies.

European Union policymakers on Wednesday unveiled their most ambitious plan yet to tackle climate change, aiming to turn green goals into concrete action this decade, and in doing so lead the way for the world's other big economies. The European Commission, the EU executive body, set out in painstaking detail how the bloc's 27 countries can meet their collective goal to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions by 55% from 1990 levels by 2030 - a step towards "net-zero" emissions by 2050. This will mean raising the cost of emitting carbon for heating, transport and manufacturing, taxing high-carbon aviation fuel and shipping fuel that has not been taxed before, and charging importers at the border for the carbon emitted in making products such as cement, steel and aluminium abroad. It will consign the internal combustion engine to history. "We're going to ask a lot of our citizens. We're also going to ask a lot of our industries, but we do it for good cause," EU climate policy chief Frans Timmermans said. "We do it to give humanity a fighting chance." The "Fit for 55" measures will require approval by member states and the European parliament, a process that could take two years. They are also likely to face intense lobbying from some industrial sectors, from poorer European member states that want to protect their citizens from price rises, and from more polluting countries facing a costly transition. A diplomat from one EU country said the success of the package would rest on its ability to be realistic and socially fair, while not destabilising the economy. "The aim is to put the economy on a new level, not to stop it," the diplomat said. EYES ON GLASGOW The EU produces only 8% of global emissions but hopes its example will elicit ambitious action from the world's other major economies when they meet in November in Glasgow for the next milestone U.N. climate conference. "Europe was the first continent to declare to be climate neutral in 2050, and now we are the very first ones to put a concrete roadmap on the table," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said. The package arrives days after California suffered one of the highest temperatures recorded on earth, the latest of a series of brutal heatwaves that have hit Russia, Northern Europe and Canada. Also read | India reaches out to EU member countries for exemption on India-made vaccines As climate change makes itself felt from the typhoon-swept tropics to the blowtorched bushlands of Australia, Brussels proposed a dozen policies to target most big sources of the fossil fuel emissions that trigger it, including power plants, factories, cars, planes and heating systems in buildings. The EU has so far cut emissions by 24 per cent from 1990 levels, but many of the most obvious steps, such as reducing reliance on coal to generate power, have been taken already. The next decade will require bigger adjustments, with a long-term eye on 2050, by which date scientists say the world must have reached net-zero carbon emissions to prevent climate change from becoming catastrophic. The measures follow a core principle: to make polluting more expensive and green options more attractive to the EU's 25 million businesses and nearly half a billion people. PLANES, SHIPS AND AUTOMOBILES Tighter emission limits for cars will in effect end new petrol and diesel car sales in the EU by 2035 - the earliest of the possible dates that had been touted. An overhaul of the EU Emissions Trading System, the biggest carbon market in the world, will force factories, power plants and airlines to pay more when they emit CO2. Ships will also be added to the ETS, requiring shipowners to pay for their pollution for the first time. A new EU carbon market will impose CO2 costs on the transport and construction sectors - with some of the revenues put in a fund to curb low-income households' fuel bills. The commission also unveiled its plan for the world's first carbon border tariff, requiring manufacturers abroad to pay for the CO2 they have produced when they sell goods such as steel and cement into the EU. Meanwhile, a tax overhaul will impose an EU-wide tax on polluting aviation fuels, which currently dodge such levies. EU member states will also be required to build up forests and grasslands - the carbon sinks that keep carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. For some EU countries, the package is a chance to cement the EU's global leadership in fighting climate change, and to be at the forefront of those developing the technologies needed. Danish climate and energy minister Dan Jorgensen said it would signal to the rest of the world that "it is possible to both set ambitious goals and introduce the concrete necessary measures to reach them". But the plans have exposed familiar rifts. Poorer member states are wary of policies that will raise costs for the consumer, while regions that depend on coal-fired power plants and mines want guarantees of more support for a transformation that will cause dislocation and require mass retraining.

EU aims to "give humanity a fighting chance" with catch-all climate plan

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Wednesday paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150 birth anniversary and called him an "inspiration for all humanity".

"He was such a great leader and a great father of the nation. He is an inspiration for all humanity. His commitment towards non-violence, his belief in the oneness of mankind and his simplicity are great. I have immense respect for him and I am honoured to be here on this very special occasion," Keat said.

Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, adopted a non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against the colonial British rule with utmost patience.

This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in 'swaraj' (self-governance) and 'ahimsa' (violence) won him accolades across the world.

Various leaders including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Raj Ghat to pay tribute to the father of the nation earlier today.

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Wednesday paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150 birth anniversary and called him an "inspiration for all humanity".

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat on Wednesday paid floral tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150 birth anniversary and called him an "inspiration for all humanity". "He was such a great leader and a great father of the nation. He is an inspiration for all humanity. His commitment towards non-violence, his belief in the oneness of mankind and his simplicity are great. I have immense respect for him and I am honoured to be here on this very special occasion," Keat said. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, popularly known as Mahatma Gandhi, adopted a non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against the colonial British rule with utmost patience. This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Fondly known as Bapu, his unwavering belief in 'swaraj' (self-governance) and 'ahimsa' (violence) won him accolades across the world. Various leaders including President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Raj Ghat to pay tribute to the father of the nation earlier today.

Mahatma Gandhi is an inspiration for humanity: Singapore deputy PM

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns,” this harrowing truth about our existence was pronounced by former US President Jimmy Carter in one of his public addresses almost four decades ago.

Humans are wired to get dissatisfied -- especially in a world fraught with distractions and things that offer speedier, quicker, faster results -- one tends to get bored easily. With so many options available, our hunger to own more expands exponentially. Unfortunately, at the core of this saddening reality, an ugly truth stares right back – more of us are intrinsically unhappy even while working in fancy multinationals, clad in couture and commuting by fanciest of cars.

This ever-growing sense of dissatisfaction seems to have an answer in a growing school of thought which, according to me, makes total sense. Now is the time to adopt ‘minimalism’ like never before.

Look around and all that the eye can meet is clutter. Our mind, on an average, produces as many as 70,000 thoughts in a day – most of it just fans unnecessary anxiety and stress. We have enough food but we want more, we have a comfortable house but we want a bigger one, another car and of course, the latest iPhone.

Matt D’Avella’s documentary on minimalism&nbsp;becomes a must watch for all of us as it introduces to the virtue of having less and why having less is more. The short film features a young duo, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who quit their six-figure, fancy jobs in the United States and packed their lives in just about two suitcases to live with as little as possible. The duo calls itself 'The Minimalists' and goes around the country talking about their book and the importance of embracing the movement that emphasises de-cluttering lives and embracing simplicity.

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<h5>When our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough?</h5>
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The documentary, 'Minimalism: A documentary about the important things,' raises a valid point – when our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? All the flashy things that are out there, we don’t really need those things for survival; they have been marketed to us for years, to trick us into believing that we need those things.

What is the true meaning of being successful? Experts suggest that over decades the idea of the ‘Big American Dream’ has come around to have completely different connotations. America was once seen as a land of enormous opportunities for one and all. A nation where one starts at rock-bottom, work hard and do well. With time, the idea became more materialistic in nature – increasingly about getting a six-figure job, that is how success is measured today across the globe, sadly.&nbsp;

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<h5>The concept of 'minimalism'&nbsp;rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life.</h5>
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The concept of minimalism&nbsp;rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life. Ask yourself, does this item, commodity or even a relationship add any value to life? If the answer is in negative then, “I should be willing enough to part with it, to let it go,” Joshua notes in the documentary.

It is interesting to see how an art movement, essentially an American visual arts movement of the mid-twentieth century, gained prominence to actually inspire a movement with a potential to make our lives better and instil meaning and substance.

Minimalism&nbsp;can be applied to every aspect of life, think out loud to yourself – is your closet too cluttered, do you really need all those pairs of shoes or the latest version of that pricey smartphone? Do you have quality and meaningful relationships with anyone in the crowd that you call ‘friends’? Is your daily routine meaningful and adds value to your existence?

Always remember, we cannot be happy with having too little, having too much is never going to bring contentment, you and I seek that fine balance of having just about enough and maintaining that equilibrium for life -- that is minimalism, your key to happiness.&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns,” this harrowing truth about our existence was pronounced by former US President Jimmy Carter in one of his public addresses almost four decades ago.

“Human identity is no longer defined by what one does but what one owns,” this harrowing truth about our existence was pronounced by former US President Jimmy Carter in one of his public addresses almost four decades ago. Humans are wired to get dissatisfied -- especially in a world fraught with distractions and things that offer speedier, quicker, faster results -- one tends to get bored easily. With so many options available, our hunger to own more expands exponentially. Unfortunately, at the core of this saddening reality, an ugly truth stares right back – more of us are intrinsically unhappy even while working in fancy multinationals, clad in couture and commuting by fanciest of cars. This ever-growing sense of dissatisfaction seems to have an answer in a growing school of thought which, according to me, makes total sense. Now is the time to adopt ‘minimalism’ like never before. Look around and all that the eye can meet is clutter. Our mind, on an average, produces as many as 70,000 thoughts in a day – most of it just fans unnecessary anxiety and stress. We have enough food but we want more, we have a comfortable house but we want a bigger one, another car and of course, the latest iPhone. Matt D’Avella’s documentary on minimalism becomes a must watch for all of us as it introduces to the virtue of having less and why having less is more. The short film features a young duo, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus, who quit their six-figure, fancy jobs in the United States and packed their lives in just about two suitcases to live with as little as possible. The duo calls itself 'The Minimalists' and goes around the country talking about their book and the importance of embracing the movement that emphasises de-cluttering lives and embracing simplicity. When our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? × The documentary, 'Minimalism: A documentary about the important things,' raises a valid point – when our standard of living is improving by the day, why is that we still want more? Why are we so restless and why do we feel like not getting enough? All the flashy things that are out there, we don’t really need those things for survival; they have been marketed to us for years, to trick us into believing that we need those things. What is the true meaning of being successful? Experts suggest that over decades the idea of the ‘Big American Dream’ has come around to have completely different connotations. America was once seen as a land of enormous opportunities for one and all. A nation where one starts at rock-bottom, work hard and do well. With time, the idea became more materialistic in nature – increasingly about getting a six-figure job, that is how success is measured today across the globe, sadly. The concept of 'minimalism' rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life. × The concept of minimalism rests in the fact that one should be able to justify the existence of things in life. Ask yourself, does this item, commodity or even a relationship add any value to life? If the answer is in negative then, “I should be willing enough to part with it, to let it go,” Joshua notes in the documentary. It is interesting to see how an art movement, essentially an American visual arts movement of the mid-twentieth century, gained prominence to actually inspire a movement with a potential to make our lives better and instil meaning and substance. Minimalism can be applied to every aspect of life, think out loud to yourself – is your closet too cluttered, do you really need all those pairs of shoes or the latest version of that pricey smartphone? Do you have quality and meaningful relationships with anyone in the crowd that you call ‘friends’? Is your daily routine meaningful and adds value to your existence? Always remember, we cannot be happy with having too little, having too much is never going to bring contentment, you and I seek that fine balance of having just about enough and maintaining that equilibrium for life -- that is minimalism, your key to happiness. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Now is the time to embrace 'minimalism'; why having less is actually more

NASA's Parker Solar Probe - Humanity's first mission to the Sun - is expected to launch&nbspon July 31 this year. The mission is in its final leg of preparations.

The spacecraft will undergo a final assembly procedure and will be attached to the third stage of the Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle.

Post-launch, it will orbit directly through the solar atmosphere, closer to the surface than any human-made object has ever gone.

The mission is expected to reveal the fundamentals of the solar wind which is characterised by the constant outpouring of material from the Sun that shapes planetary atmospheres and affects space weather near Earth.

Throughout its seven-year mission, Parker Solar Probe will explore Sun's outer atmosphere and make critical observations to answer decades-old questions about the physics of stars.

The spacecraft will undergo comprehensive testing in the months to come before its final launch. A thermal protection system (TPS), or heat shield, will be installed prior to its launch to enable the spacecraft to survive the extreme temperature near Sun's corona.

"There are many milestones to come for Parker Solar Probe and the amazing team of men and women who have worked so diligently to make this mission a reality," said Andy Driesman, Parker Solar Probe project manager from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in the US.

"The installation of the TPS will be our final major step before encapsulation and integration onto the launch vehicle," said Driesman.

Parker Solar Probe will be launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp

Parker Solar Probe will be launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida

NASA's Parker Solar Probe - Humanity's first mission to the Sun - is expected to launch&nbspon July 31 this year. The mission is in its final leg of preparations. The spacecraft will undergo a final assembly procedure and will be attached to the third stage of the Delta IV Heavy launch vehicle. Post-launch, it will orbit directly through the solar atmosphere, closer to the surface than any human-made object has ever gone. The mission is expected to reveal the fundamentals of the solar wind which is characterised by the constant outpouring of material from the Sun that shapes planetary atmospheres and affects space weather near Earth. Throughout its seven-year mission, Parker Solar Probe will explore Sun's outer atmosphere and make critical observations to answer decades-old questions about the physics of stars. The spacecraft will undergo comprehensive testing in the months to come before its final launch. A thermal protection system (TPS), or heat shield, will be installed prior to its launch to enable the spacecraft to survive the extreme temperature near Sun's corona. "There are many milestones to come for Parker Solar Probe and the amazing team of men and women who have worked so diligently to make this mission a reality," said Andy Driesman, Parker Solar Probe project manager from the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in the US. "The installation of the TPS will be our final major step before encapsulation and integration onto the launch vehicle," said Driesman. Parker Solar Probe will be launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's first mission to Sun to launch in July

Renowned Pakistani television actor-host Hamza Ali Abbasi praised designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed calling him a person who promotes religious tolerance and humanity.

On the New Yera&#39;s eve, Abbassi took to his Twitter handle to call JuD chief &quot;one of the most polite person he has ever met.&quot;

He went on to say that Saeed is, &quot;unfortunately, the most misunderstood man&quot;&nbsp;in Pakistan right now.

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One of the nicest most polite ppl i have met who promotes religious tolerance &amp; humanity. He is also, unfortunately, the most misunderstood man in Pakistan right now. Had the pleasure of interviewing him again to clarify the propaganda abt him. Watch it on Monday at 8pm on BOL. <a href="https://t.co/rLqEF1Naxq">pic.twitter.com/rLqEF1Naxq</a>
&mdash; Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamhamzaabbasi/status/947482923925729281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Abbasi had reportedly met Saeed to conduct&nbsp;an interview with him which is set to be aired on a private TV channel in Pakistan.

This is not the first time when Abbasi has praised Saeed who India claims is the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

In September 2017, Abbasi had commented on Saeed-led Milli Muslim League&rsquo;s (MML) victory in the elections held in the NA-120 constituency of Lahore.&nbsp;

MML had come&nbsp;third in the polls after defeating Pakistan People&rsquo;s Party&rsquo;s candidate Faisal Mir&nbsp;by a wide margin.

In a series of tweets, he said, &ldquo;US/IND say he is a terrorist, I know Hafiz Saeed as a righteous man. Huge respect for Milli Muslim League for getting 4k+ votes.&rdquo;

&ldquo;Hafiz Saeed has done great work against takfeer &amp; sectarianism, social work for non-Muslims of Pakistan and is a mentor to Kashmiris,&rdquo; he added.

Hafiz Saeed was released from house arrest in November 2017 after the Lahore High Court (LHC) rejected the Punjab government&rsquo;s request to extend his detention.

The United States had announced a bounty of $10 million on Saeed for his alleged role in the Mumbai attacks in which six American citizens were also killed.

Abbassi took to his Twitter to call JuD chief one of the most polite person he has ever met.

Renowned Pakistani television actor-host Hamza Ali Abbasi praised designated global terrorist Hafiz Saeed calling him a person who promotes religious tolerance and humanity. On the New Yera's eve, Abbassi took to his Twitter handle to call JuD chief "one of the most polite person he has ever met." He went on to say that Saeed is, "unfortunately, the most misunderstood man" in Pakistan right now. One of the nicest most polite ppl i have met who promotes religious tolerance & humanity. He is also, unfortunately, the most misunderstood man in Pakistan right now. Had the pleasure of interviewing him again to clarify the propaganda abt him. Watch it on Monday at 8pm on BOL. pic.twitter.com/rLqEF1Naxq — Hamza Ali Abbasi (@iamhamzaabbasi) December 31, 2017 × Abbasi had reportedly met Saeed to conduct an interview with him which is set to be aired on a private TV channel in Pakistan. This is not the first time when Abbasi has praised Saeed who India claims is the mastermind behind the 2008 Mumbai attacks. In September 2017, Abbasi had commented on Saeed-led Milli Muslim League’s (MML) victory in the elections held in the NA-120 constituency of Lahore. MML had come third in the polls after defeating Pakistan People’s Party’s candidate Faisal Mir by a wide margin. In a series of tweets, he said, “US/IND say he is a terrorist, I know Hafiz Saeed as a righteous man. Huge respect for Milli Muslim League for getting 4k+ votes.” “Hafiz Saeed has done great work against takfeer & sectarianism, social work for non-Muslims of Pakistan and is a mentor to Kashmiris,” he added. Hafiz Saeed was released from house arrest in November 2017 after the Lahore High Court (LHC) rejected the Punjab government’s request to extend his detention. The United States had announced a bounty of $10 million on Saeed for his alleged role in the Mumbai attacks in which six American citizens were also killed.

Watch: Now, Pak actor praises Hafiz Saeed

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