The rolling blackouts in the country due to the South Africa’s power utility, Eskom's, failure to keep the lights on has angered the citizens. The government is now under pressure to find solutions.

South Africa's worsening power crisis

Torrential downpours and damaging winds left hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses without power in California. Watch this report to know more.

Thousands without power as storms continue to strike California

Thousands of exhausted passengers on Monday (January 2) remained stranded outside the ageing Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila, after a New Year power outage caused hundreds of flight cancellations.

Thousands stranded at the Philippines' main airport after power outage

Ukraine on Friday (November 18) said that almost half of its power grid needed repairs after weeks of battering caused due to Russian attacks. Electricity supply to millions has been disrupted just when temperatures have started dropping as winter approaches.&nbsp;Russia meanwhile accused Kyiv's forces of executing a group of its soldiers who were surrendering to Ukraine in what Moscow described as a "massacre" that amounted to a war crime.

Russia has carried out sustained attacks on Ukraine's power infrastructure. &nbsp;

"On November 15 alone, Russia fired about 100 missiles at Ukrainian cities. Nearly half of our energy system has been disabled," said Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmygal, appealing to European allies for support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the nation on Thursday that some 10 million people were suffering blackouts as a result.

Russia however, has denied attacking civilian power infrastructure and said that it has attacked only military-linked facilities. It further said that a series of long-range and precision strikes the day before had "hit exactly the designated objects".

And the Kremlin this week blamed the blackouts and their civilian impact on Kyiv's refusal to negotiate with Moscow, not on Russian missile attacks.

Ukraine's description of the damage to its power industry came after Russia said Friday it was strengthening positions in Crimea, which Kyiv's forces are battling towards.

(With inputs from agencies)

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Ukraine on Friday (November 18) said that almost half of its power grid needed repairs after weeks of battering caused due to Russian attacks. Electricity supply to millions has been disrupted just when temperatures have started dropping as winter approaches.

Ukraine on Friday (November 18) said that almost half of its power grid needed repairs after weeks of battering caused due to Russian attacks. Electricity supply to millions has been disrupted just when temperatures have started dropping as winter approaches. Russia meanwhile accused Kyiv's forces of executing a group of its soldiers who were surrendering to Ukraine in what Moscow described as a "massacre" that amounted to a war crime. Russia has carried out sustained attacks on Ukraine's power infrastructure. "On November 15 alone, Russia fired about 100 missiles at Ukrainian cities. Nearly half of our energy system has been disabled," said Ukraine Prime Minister Denys Shmygal, appealing to European allies for support. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told the nation on Thursday that some 10 million people were suffering blackouts as a result. Russia however, has denied attacking civilian power infrastructure and said that it has attacked only military-linked facilities. It further said that a series of long-range and precision strikes the day before had "hit exactly the designated objects". And the Kremlin this week blamed the blackouts and their civilian impact on Kyiv's refusal to negotiate with Moscow, not on Russian missile attacks. Ukraine's description of the damage to its power industry came after Russia said Friday it was strengthening positions in Crimea, which Kyiv's forces are battling towards. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nearly half of country's energy infrastructure hit and damaged, says Ukraine

A show of POWER v/s a show of PEOPLE. Pakistan's politics has been at crossroads since Imran Khan's ouster. But his power clout is putting the country's democracy under the lens. Mariam Wardak decodes.

South Asia Diary: Imran Khan's power clout

British PM Liz Truss has been forced to withdraw a proposal to cut the highest rate of income tax. This comes after several senior Conservative lawmakers opposed the move. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Truss faces a rebellion, one month into office

In pics: Japanese asked to save power as country's east sizzles

With summer rains ending 22 days early, an intense heat wave has engulfed Japan. Authorities warn of power shortages. According to met department, high temperatures are expected until early July.

Authorities warn of power shortages as Intense heat wave engulfs Japan

China is aiming to become a major space power. It has sent three astronauts to space. The crew will help build a space station for China.

China races to become a major space power as it sends three astronauts to space

Pakistan’s financial troubles seem to be far from over. The government of Pakistan has again hiked the prices of several petroleum products by another Rs 30. Not just this, the prices of electricity have also been raised by Rs 7.9 per unit. This comes as Chinese banks seems to have agreed to refinance Pakistan with $2.3 billion. The funds are expected to shore up foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan.&nbsp;After the hike in fuel prices, petrol will now cost Rs 209.86 per litre, diesel has reached Rs 204.15 per litre and kerosene oil is sold at Rs 181.94 per litre. On Thursday, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail announced the hike in a press conference in Islamabad. The new prices will come into effect from midnight, the minister said. The government had made a similar raise a week ago. &nbsp;&nbsp;

"The government is still facing a loss of around Rs 9 in petrol despite a hike of Rs 30 as we are not collecting any tax on the fuel," the minister added. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-will-break-into-pieces-ex-pm-khan-warns-of-civil-war-if-polls-not-announced-484372" hreflang="en">Pak could split into 3 parts &amp; also lose nuclear deterrent capabilities: Khan</a>

For next fiscal year 2022-23, Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has increased the basic power tariff by Rs 7.9078 per kWh. The basic power tariff currently in Pakistan is Rs 16.91 per unit. Now, it will be over Rs 24 per unit. &nbsp;

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The government will look to ensure stability in prices of sugar and wheat at Rs 70 per kg and Rs 40 per kg, respectively at stores in country, Ismail said.&nbsp;"Irrespective of what the IMF says, the government cannot sell petrol and diesel at a loss," he said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Pakistan’s financial troubles seem to be far from over. The government of Pakistan has again hiked the prices of several petroleum products by another Rs 30. Not just this, the prices of electricity have also been raised by Rs 7.

Pakistan’s financial troubles seem to be far from over. The government of Pakistan has again hiked the prices of several petroleum products by another Rs 30. Not just this, the prices of electricity have also been raised by Rs 7.9 per unit. This comes as Chinese banks seems to have agreed to refinance Pakistan with $2.3 billion. The funds are expected to shore up foreign exchange reserves of Pakistan. After the hike in fuel prices, petrol will now cost Rs 209.86 per litre, diesel has reached Rs 204.15 per litre and kerosene oil is sold at Rs 181.94 per litre. On Thursday, Finance Minister Miftah Ismail announced the hike in a press conference in Islamabad. The new prices will come into effect from midnight, the minister said. The government had made a similar raise a week ago. "The government is still facing a loss of around Rs 9 in petrol despite a hike of Rs 30 as we are not collecting any tax on the fuel," the minister added. Also Read: Pak could split into 3 parts & also lose nuclear deterrent capabilities: Khan For next fiscal year 2022-23, Pakistan’s National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has increased the basic power tariff by Rs 7.9078 per kWh. The basic power tariff currently in Pakistan is Rs 16.91 per unit. Now, it will be over Rs 24 per unit. WATCH WION LIVE HERE The government will look to ensure stability in prices of sugar and wheat at Rs 70 per kg and Rs 40 per kg, respectively at stores in country, Ismail said. "Irrespective of what the IMF says, the government cannot sell petrol and diesel at a loss," he said. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Pak hikes prices of petroleum products, power massively as Chinese banks agree to refinance with $2.3 bn

Strong winds, with gusts of more than 140 kilometers per hour, battered eastern Canada on Saturday, the national weather service said, adding that the storm was a rare phenomenon called "derecho". The death toll from the powerful thunderstorms rose to at least eight.

Storms kill at least 8 in Canada, leave 226,000 citizens without power

A large number of states across the US are reeling from a heatwave that has seen above-average temperatures in at least a dozen states. The mercury is breaking records and it is estimated that about 130 heat records will be broken for temperatures at this time of the year.

The heatwave which previously affected states in the south and west of the country is now moving east. Temperatures are 20 to 30F above average in mid-Atlantic and north-east.

More than 120 million Americans are facing the heatwave. This has raised the spectre of health risks for vulnerable people and those who work outdoors. Even those who do not have access to indoor cooling are said to be at risk.

USA's National Weather Service has issued a special statement in light of the heatwave. It has cautioned citizens to remain on guard to observe any signs of heat illnesses among family. The NWS has recommended that people take breaks inside when possible and stay hydrated.

The heatwave has resulted in increased demand for power in some states.

On Thursday, power consumption in the state of Texas hit a monthly record on Thursday as consumers keep air conditioners cranked up to escape a lingering spring heatwave. 
&nbsp; 
The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates the grid for most of the state, said conditions were normal early Friday.

At the start of the current heat, ERCOT was forced to ask customers to conserve energy on May 13 after several power plants shut unexpectedly, causing real-time prices to soar to over $4,000 per megawatt hour (MWh).

(With inputs from agencies)

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A large number of states across the US are reeling from a heatwave that has seen above-average temperatures in at least a dozen states. The mercury is breaking records and it is estimated that about 130 heat records will be broken for temperatures at this time of the year.

A large number of states across the US are reeling from a heatwave that has seen above-average temperatures in at least a dozen states. The mercury is breaking records and it is estimated that about 130 heat records will be broken for temperatures at this time of the year. The heatwave which previously affected states in the south and west of the country is now moving east. Temperatures are 20 to 30F above average in mid-Atlantic and north-east. More than 120 million Americans are facing the heatwave. This has raised the spectre of health risks for vulnerable people and those who work outdoors. Even those who do not have access to indoor cooling are said to be at risk. USA's National Weather Service has issued a special statement in light of the heatwave. It has cautioned citizens to remain on guard to observe any signs of heat illnesses among family. The NWS has recommended that people take breaks inside when possible and stay hydrated. The heatwave has resulted in increased demand for power in some states. On Thursday, power consumption in the state of Texas hit a monthly record on Thursday as consumers keep air conditioners cranked up to escape a lingering spring heatwave. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which operates the grid for most of the state, said conditions were normal early Friday. At the start of the current heat, ERCOT was forced to ask customers to conserve energy on May 13 after several power plants shut unexpectedly, causing real-time prices to soar to over $4,000 per megawatt hour (MWh). (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US heatwave moves east, power consumptions increase

In February 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government launched a new bovine-centric scheme aimed at fulfilling India’s twin objectives—increase the income of farmers and provide clean energy.

GOBAR-DHAN—an amalgamation of two words gobar (cow dung) and dhan (wealth)— was launched as an extension to India’s cleanliness campaign, Swachh Bharat Mission, focussing on keeping villages clean, providing a clear revenue stream for rural households, and generation of energy from cattle waste.

The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme seeks to augment the income of farmers by converting biodegradable waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and aims at attracting entrepreneurs for establishing community-based CBG plants in rural areas.

India’s Hindu community has long venerated the cows. Rural households have for years used sun-dried cow dungs as a fuel to heat stoves, despite government efforts to phase it out with subsidised gas cylinders.

But now, after four years since the launch, Indian farmers are finally reaping the benefits of continuing with their age-old practice.

According to AFP, villages on the outskirts of the central Indian city of Indore are being handsomely rewarded for handing over their mounds of cattle waste in a pilot project to help meet the city's power needs.

A 46-year-old farmer said that he has sold nearly a dozen truckloads of fresh manure at $235 per shipment —more than the monthly income of the average Indian farming household.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-prime-minister-narendra-modi-appeals-to-farmers-to-adopt-natural-farming-439330">&nbsp;Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeals to farmers to adopt natural farming</a>

"We have a very good quality dung, and we keep the dung clean to ensure it fetches the best price," AFP quoted Suresh Sisodia as saying.

Under the project, cattle dung, along with household waste, is sent to the plant to produce flammable methane gas and an organic residue that can be used as fertiliser.

Even though the intake capacity of the plant is limited for the time being, officials are working to increase the plant’s capacity to make through 500 tonnes of waste, including at least 25 tonnes of bovine waste, each day —enough to power the city's public transit system, with plenty left over.

"One half will run Indore buses and the other half will be sold to industrial clients," plant boss Nitesh Kumar Tripathi told AFP.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Would you use a toothpaste made of cow dung &amp; urine?

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(With inputs from agencies)

In February 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government launched a new bovine-centric scheme aimed at fulfilling India’s twin objectives—increase the income of farmers and provide clean energy.

In February 2018, the Narendra Modi-led government launched a new bovine-centric scheme aimed at fulfilling India’s twin objectives—increase the income of farmers and provide clean energy. GOBAR-DHAN—an amalgamation of two words gobar (cow dung) and dhan (wealth)— was launched as an extension to India’s cleanliness campaign, Swachh Bharat Mission, focussing on keeping villages clean, providing a clear revenue stream for rural households, and generation of energy from cattle waste. The Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan (GOBAR-DHAN) scheme seeks to augment the income of farmers by converting biodegradable waste into compressed biogas (CBG) and aims at attracting entrepreneurs for establishing community-based CBG plants in rural areas. India’s Hindu community has long venerated the cows. Rural households have for years used sun-dried cow dungs as a fuel to heat stoves, despite government efforts to phase it out with subsidised gas cylinders. But now, after four years since the launch, Indian farmers are finally reaping the benefits of continuing with their age-old practice. According to AFP, villages on the outskirts of the central Indian city of Indore are being handsomely rewarded for handing over their mounds of cattle waste in a pilot project to help meet the city's power needs. A 46-year-old farmer said that he has sold nearly a dozen truckloads of fresh manure at $235 per shipment —more than the monthly income of the average Indian farming household. Also read | Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi appeals to farmers to adopt natural farming "We have a very good quality dung, and we keep the dung clean to ensure it fetches the best price," AFP quoted Suresh Sisodia as saying. Under the project, cattle dung, along with household waste, is sent to the plant to produce flammable methane gas and an organic residue that can be used as fertiliser. Even though the intake capacity of the plant is limited for the time being, officials are working to increase the plant’s capacity to make through 500 tonnes of waste, including at least 25 tonnes of bovine waste, each day —enough to power the city's public transit system, with plenty left over. "One half will run Indore buses and the other half will be sold to industrial clients," plant boss Nitesh Kumar Tripathi told AFP. Watch | Gravitas: Would you use a toothpaste made of cow dung & urine? (With inputs from agencies)

How Modi govt’s cow dung scheme is solving India’s energy crisis and doubling farmers’ income

Methane-consuming bacteria can generate power. Generating power while purifying the environment of greenhouse gases?. It should be possible using bacteria, says a study. Candidatus Methanoperedens use methane to grow. They naturally occur in freshwater.

Methane-consuming bacteria can generate power

An emergency plea has been issued by Japan on Tuesday for conservation of energy. It has been addressed to citizens, businesses and local authorities. &nbsp;&nbsp;

It has also warned of potential blackouts as a massive earthquake has idled several power plants and unseasonably cold weather has also boosted demand, said a Reuters report. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-chinese-aircraft-crash-no-sign-of-survivors-till-now-says-report-464468" hreflang="en">China Plane Crash: No sign of survivors till now, says report</a>

Tokyo is witnessing snowfall and a drop in the temperature to four degrees Celsius (39 Fahrenheit). Tokyo Electric Power Co said two to three million households could lose power after 8 pm (1100 GMT) with the current power usage rate. &nbsp;

Koichi Hagiuda, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), said, "At this rate, we are coming closer to a state where we will have to conduct power outages similar to those that took place after the quake (last week)." &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-admiral-says-china-fully-militarised-at-least-three-of-several-islands-it-built-in-disputed-south-china-sea-464265" hreflang="en">US admiral says China fully militarised at least three of several islands it built in disputed South China Sea</a>

At a news conference, the minister called for an additional 5% or so of power savings every hour from 3 to 8 pm, which is equivalent to about two million kilowatts per hour. &nbsp;

The electronics retailer Bic Camera has turned off about half of the TV sets at its over 30 stores in eastern Japan, the firm said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

An emergency plea has been issued by Japan on Tuesday for conservation of energy. It has been addressed to citizens, businesses and local authorities. It has also warned of potential blackouts as a massive earthquake has idled several power plants and unseasonably cold weather has also boosted demand, said a Reuters report.

An emergency plea has been issued by Japan on Tuesday for conservation of energy. It has been addressed to citizens, businesses and local authorities. It has also warned of potential blackouts as a massive earthquake has idled several power plants and unseasonably cold weather has also boosted demand, said a Reuters report. Also Read | China Plane Crash: No sign of survivors till now, says report Tokyo is witnessing snowfall and a drop in the temperature to four degrees Celsius (39 Fahrenheit). Tokyo Electric Power Co said two to three million households could lose power after 8 pm (1100 GMT) with the current power usage rate. Koichi Hagiuda, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), said, "At this rate, we are coming closer to a state where we will have to conduct power outages similar to those that took place after the quake (last week)." Also Read: US admiral says China fully militarised at least three of several islands it built in disputed South China Sea At a news conference, the minister called for an additional 5% or so of power savings every hour from 3 to 8 pm, which is equivalent to about two million kilowatts per hour. The electronics retailer Bic Camera has turned off about half of the TV sets at its over 30 stores in eastern Japan, the firm said. (With inputs from agencies)

As temperatures drop, Japan asks public to save power, warns of blackouts in plea

In a government’s proposal to keep a check on anonymous trolls, social media users, who would not&nbsp;have&nbsp;verified accounts on platforms like Twitter, may not be able to send&nbsp;messages to other users&nbsp;in the UK. &nbsp;

In it, services like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram will ask users to either opt in or opt out from receiving replies, messages and content from unverified or anonymous accounts. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/for-the-first-time-abortion-through-medication-takes-majority-share-in-us-in-2020-finds-study-456298" hreflang="en">For the first time, abortion through medication takes majority share in US in 2020, finds study</a>

The verified users may also be able to block unverified or anonymous accounts from seeing their content under the proposal. &nbsp;

What it means is that the people or organisations, who don’t have verified accounts, would be blocked from communicating with, or being seen by the accounts opting out from interactions with unverified sources. &nbsp;

The verified accounts are symbolised by a blue tick on Twitter and Instagram. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/rise-in-temperature-leads-to-more-mental-health-emergencies-claims-study-456151" hreflang="en">Rise in temperature leads to more mental health emergencies, claims study</a>

The new system may get introduced under the online safety bill. It requires tech firms to protect users from harmful content or face the threat of fines to be imposed by the communications regulator, Ofcom. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Nadine Dorries, culture secretary, UK, said, “Tech firms have a responsibility to stop anonymous trolls polluting their platforms. People will now have more control over, who can contact them and be able to stop the tidal wave of hate served up to them by rogue algorithms.” &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

In a government’s proposal to keep a check on anonymous trolls, social media users, who would not have verified accounts on platforms like Twitter, may not be able to send messages to other users in the UK.

In a government’s proposal to keep a check on anonymous trolls, social media users, who would not have verified accounts on platforms like Twitter, may not be able to send messages to other users in the UK. In it, services like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram will ask users to either opt in or opt out from receiving replies, messages and content from unverified or anonymous accounts. Also Read: For the first time, abortion through medication takes majority share in US in 2020, finds study The verified users may also be able to block unverified or anonymous accounts from seeing their content under the proposal. What it means is that the people or organisations, who don’t have verified accounts, would be blocked from communicating with, or being seen by the accounts opting out from interactions with unverified sources. The verified accounts are symbolised by a blue tick on Twitter and Instagram. Also Read: Rise in temperature leads to more mental health emergencies, claims study The new system may get introduced under the online safety bill. It requires tech firms to protect users from harmful content or face the threat of fines to be imposed by the communications regulator, Ofcom. Nadine Dorries, culture secretary, UK, said, “Tech firms have a responsibility to stop anonymous trolls polluting their platforms. People will now have more control over, who can contact them and be able to stop the tidal wave of hate served up to them by rogue algorithms.” (With inputs from agencies)

Checking trolls? Social media users may get power to block anonymous accounts in UK

A German retiree facing sky-high energy bills is turning to a wood-burning stove. The owner of a dry cleaning business in Spain adjusted her employees’ work shifts to cut electric bills and installed solar panels. A mayor in France said he ordered a hiring freeze because rising electrical bills threaten a financial “catastrophe.”

Europeans have long paid some of the world’s highest prices for energy, but no one can remember a winter like this one. Lives and livelihoods across the continent are being upended by a series of factors, including pandemic-induced supply shortages and now geopolitical tensions that are driving some energy prices up fivefold.

Matters could get worse if tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate further, potentially interrupting the flow of gas. Russia provides more than one-third of Europe’s natural gas, which heats homes, generates electricity and powers factories. Even as politicians and leaders in capitals across Europe are freezing prices, slashing taxes on energy and issuing checks to households hardest hit by the price increases, concerns are growing about what the persistently high prices could mean for peoples’ jobs and their ability to pay their bills.

“People are very upset and very distressed,” said Stefanie Siegert, who counsels consumers in the eastern German state of Saxony who find themselves struggling to pay their gas and power bills.

Germany has so far not seen protests over exorbitant energy bills like those that filled streets in Spain last year, or an explosive outcry over inequality on the level of the yellow vest movement that rocked France in 2018. But Siegert, whose agency counseled more than 300 customers in January — three times its monthly average — said she wouldn’t be surprised if the anger directed at the prospect of a vaccine mandate shifted its sights to energy prices.

“When you talk with people, you feel their anger,” she said. “It is very depressing.”

Charged in one month what he used to pay in a year

Henry Backhaus, 65, is among tens of thousands of Germans who were dropped by private energy companies that could not afford to buy wholesale electricity and gas at soaring rates. Under German law, the local utility was then required to step in, but it sent him a bill for 747 euros (nearly $850) a month — more than he had been paying for an entire year.

“I am a retiree,” he said, looking over the stack of paperwork spread out on his dining room table. “That is more than what I can afford.”

But Backhaus, who lives in a three-story house in Saxony, has an alternative that might make him the envy of the millions of other Germans stuck with high energy bills: He has a large wood stove in his living room and, in his basement next to his gas-fired furnace, a furnace that burns coal or wood.

The stove and furnace, installed before the house was connected to a gas main, allow him to turn down the dial on his radiators to just 18 degrees Celsius, or 64 Fahrenheit, essentially cutting his gas bill in half.

“I still have a reserve of coal briquettes and stacks of dried wood,” he said, poking another log into the stove. “But this is only temporary. It is not a long-term solution.”

Most people don’t have the option of burning wood or coal, relying instead on piling on layers of clothing. In Britain, the government’s price cap on energy bills was recently raised 54%, increasing annual charges to 1,971 pounds. That increase will affect 22 million households beginning in April, contributing to broadening worries in Britain about the rising cost of living.

Similar concerns can be found throughout the continent.

Athina Sirogianni, 46, a freelance translator in Athens, Greece, said she remembered fondly the day about a decade ago when her building switched from oil to natural gas. The move cut her utility bill in half.

Now, her heating bill is nearly triple last year’s.

“I keep trying to think of where I can cut spending so I can afford the bills,” she said, adding that she hasn’t visited the hairdresser in nearly a year, and has pared back her food shopping to the essentials.

‘The more we produce, the more we lose’

The price of energy is also forcing shutdowns or slowing production at manufacturers across Europe, even as they are eager to fill a backlog of orders and resume levels of business from before the pandemic.

The smelting industry has been especially hit hard. Nyrstar, the world’s second-largest zinc processor, produces nearly 500 tons of the metal each day at a sprawling factory in Auby, in northern France, a complex that consumes as much energy as the French city of Lyon.

When its electrical rates surged from 35 euros to 50 euros per megawatt-hour to 400 euros in December, it made no sense to keep the factory running, said Xavier Constant, Nyrstar France’s general manager. At that rate, he said, “the more we produce, the more we lose,” and so the plant shut down last month for three weeks.

Nyrstar temporarily halved production at its other European plants in October when the energy crisis set in, prompting a brief spike in the global price of zinc.

Last fall, fertilizer plants in Britain were forced to close because of gas prices. And several German companies that produce glass, steel and fertilizer have also scaled back production in recent months.

To ease the burden of the high prices, the government in Berlin reduced by half an energy surcharge on bills aimed at funding the country’s transition to renewable sources of power, and plans to phase it out by the end of next year.

But industry leaders say that is not soon enough. Almost two-thirds of the 28,000 companies surveyed by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry this month rated energy prices as one of their biggest business risks. For those in the industrial sector, the figure was as high as 85%.

Small businesses, too, are scrambling for ways to cut costs.

Pilar Ballesteros Parra, who co-owns Ronsel, a dry cleaning business in Madrid that employs 10 people, said that her company’s electricity rates had risen about 20% from the previous year. In reaction, she has reorganized her employees’ work schedule, starting the early shift earlier and pushing the late shift further into the evening so the dry-cleaning equipment can run when rates are lowest.

She is also installing solar panels on the company’s building, outside of the Spanish capital, so that Ronsel can generate at least 60% of its own energy. The government is helping her with a 35% subsidy of the $45,000 investment.

“Our building faces southwest and gets a lot of sun, so that means that we should be almost self-sustainable during the coming months of spring and summer, which will be a big relief,” she said.

Still, she said, the energy crunch and overall price inflation meant that she saw little chance of sparing her customers some of the burden.

“There’s clearly this electricity headache, but there’s also now wage inflation and much higher gas bills for our vans,” she said. “In a few months, it’s clear that some of these costs will have to be passed on to our clients if we want to keep going.”

For public budgets, ‘like riding a roller coaster’

A broad range of public institutions are facing strains from higher power bills. In Poland, hospitals that have already been financially stretched by the coronavirus pandemic now question if they can keep their doors open.

“Managing a hospital in Poland is more and more like riding a roller coaster,” Robert Suroweic, who manages the Provincial Hospital in Gorzow, said on Twitter. He said the facility’s electricity prices had increased 100%.

He and other hospital directors have appealed to the government in Warsaw to intervene, saying the recent cuts to taxes on energy and gasoline were not enough.

In Germany, there is rising tension in municipally owned utilities that must accept customers, like Backhaus in Saxony, whose relatively low-cost contracts have been dropped by private energy companies because the companies can’t pay ballooning energy rates.

The municipal utilities are forced to increase the rates for these new customers, often almost astronomically high, to cover the cost of buying extra energy on the spot market at record prices. That leads to tensions in communities, and can threaten municipal finances.

“Anyone who wants to will be supplied with energy by the municipal utilities,” said Markus Lewe, president of the German Association of Cities and Towns. “But it must not lead to the municipal utilities and their loyal customers being asked to pay for questionable business models of other providers and having to answer for their shortsighted financing.”

He called on the federal government to intervene, to protect cities from the price instability.

In France, local leaders are also looking to the federal government to help ease the sting of skyrocketing energy bills.

Boris Ravignon, the mayor of Charleville-Mézières, said his city is facing “a catastrophe” after its January energy bill more than tripled, wiping out the region’s budget surplus for infrastructure and public services in a single month. The city is trying to cut costs by switching streetlights to LED bulbs, which use less electricity, and has proposed a new hydroelectric project.

The mayor has already frozen planned hirings and said the city may have no choice but to raise the cost of public services like water, transportation, fees to use sports halls like the city’s public pool, and cultural events.

“We really want to protect citizens from these increases,” Ravignon said. “But when prices reach such crazy heights, it’s impossible.” 
&nbsp;

A German retiree facing sky-high energy bills is turning to a wood-burning stove. The owner of a dry cleaning business in Spain adjusted her employees’ work shifts to cut electric bills and installed solar panels.

A German retiree facing sky-high energy bills is turning to a wood-burning stove. The owner of a dry cleaning business in Spain adjusted her employees’ work shifts to cut electric bills and installed solar panels. A mayor in France said he ordered a hiring freeze because rising electrical bills threaten a financial “catastrophe.” Europeans have long paid some of the world’s highest prices for energy, but no one can remember a winter like this one. Lives and livelihoods across the continent are being upended by a series of factors, including pandemic-induced supply shortages and now geopolitical tensions that are driving some energy prices up fivefold. Matters could get worse if tensions between Russia and Ukraine escalate further, potentially interrupting the flow of gas. Russia provides more than one-third of Europe’s natural gas, which heats homes, generates electricity and powers factories. Even as politicians and leaders in capitals across Europe are freezing prices, slashing taxes on energy and issuing checks to households hardest hit by the price increases, concerns are growing about what the persistently high prices could mean for peoples’ jobs and their ability to pay their bills. “People are very upset and very distressed,” said Stefanie Siegert, who counsels consumers in the eastern German state of Saxony who find themselves struggling to pay their gas and power bills. Germany has so far not seen protests over exorbitant energy bills like those that filled streets in Spain last year, or an explosive outcry over inequality on the level of the yellow vest movement that rocked France in 2018. But Siegert, whose agency counseled more than 300 customers in January — three times its monthly average — said she wouldn’t be surprised if the anger directed at the prospect of a vaccine mandate shifted its sights to energy prices. “When you talk with people, you feel their anger,” she said. “It is very depressing.” Charged in one month what he used to pay in a year Henry Backhaus, 65, is among tens of thousands of Germans who were dropped by private energy companies that could not afford to buy wholesale electricity and gas at soaring rates. Under German law, the local utility was then required to step in, but it sent him a bill for 747 euros (nearly $850) a month — more than he had been paying for an entire year. “I am a retiree,” he said, looking over the stack of paperwork spread out on his dining room table. “That is more than what I can afford.” But Backhaus, who lives in a three-story house in Saxony, has an alternative that might make him the envy of the millions of other Germans stuck with high energy bills: He has a large wood stove in his living room and, in his basement next to his gas-fired furnace, a furnace that burns coal or wood. The stove and furnace, installed before the house was connected to a gas main, allow him to turn down the dial on his radiators to just 18 degrees Celsius, or 64 Fahrenheit, essentially cutting his gas bill in half. “I still have a reserve of coal briquettes and stacks of dried wood,” he said, poking another log into the stove. “But this is only temporary. It is not a long-term solution.” Most people don’t have the option of burning wood or coal, relying instead on piling on layers of clothing. In Britain, the government’s price cap on energy bills was recently raised 54%, increasing annual charges to 1,971 pounds. That increase will affect 22 million households beginning in April, contributing to broadening worries in Britain about the rising cost of living. Similar concerns can be found throughout the continent. Athina Sirogianni, 46, a freelance translator in Athens, Greece, said she remembered fondly the day about a decade ago when her building switched from oil to natural gas. The move cut her utility bill in half. Now, her heating bill is nearly triple last year’s. “I keep trying to think of where I can cut spending so I can afford the bills,” she said, adding that she hasn’t visited the hairdresser in nearly a year, and has pared back her food shopping to the essentials. ‘The more we produce, the more we lose’ The price of energy is also forcing shutdowns or slowing production at manufacturers across Europe, even as they are eager to fill a backlog of orders and resume levels of business from before the pandemic. The smelting industry has been especially hit hard. Nyrstar, the world’s second-largest zinc processor, produces nearly 500 tons of the metal each day at a sprawling factory in Auby, in northern France, a complex that consumes as much energy as the French city of Lyon. When its electrical rates surged from 35 euros to 50 euros per megawatt-hour to 400 euros in December, it made no sense to keep the factory running, said Xavier Constant, Nyrstar France’s general manager. At that rate, he said, “the more we produce, the more we lose,” and so the plant shut down last month for three weeks. Nyrstar temporarily halved production at its other European plants in October when the energy crisis set in, prompting a brief spike in the global price of zinc. Last fall, fertilizer plants in Britain were forced to close because of gas prices. And several German companies that produce glass, steel and fertilizer have also scaled back production in recent months. To ease the burden of the high prices, the government in Berlin reduced by half an energy surcharge on bills aimed at funding the country’s transition to renewable sources of power, and plans to phase it out by the end of next year. But industry leaders say that is not soon enough. Almost two-thirds of the 28,000 companies surveyed by the Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry this month rated energy prices as one of their biggest business risks. For those in the industrial sector, the figure was as high as 85%. Small businesses, too, are scrambling for ways to cut costs. Pilar Ballesteros Parra, who co-owns Ronsel, a dry cleaning business in Madrid that employs 10 people, said that her company’s electricity rates had risen about 20% from the previous year. In reaction, she has reorganized her employees’ work schedule, starting the early shift earlier and pushing the late shift further into the evening so the dry-cleaning equipment can run when rates are lowest. She is also installing solar panels on the company’s building, outside of the Spanish capital, so that Ronsel can generate at least 60% of its own energy. The government is helping her with a 35% subsidy of the $45,000 investment. “Our building faces southwest and gets a lot of sun, so that means that we should be almost self-sustainable during the coming months of spring and summer, which will be a big relief,” she said. Still, she said, the energy crunch and overall price inflation meant that she saw little chance of sparing her customers some of the burden. “There’s clearly this electricity headache, but there’s also now wage inflation and much higher gas bills for our vans,” she said. “In a few months, it’s clear that some of these costs will have to be passed on to our clients if we want to keep going.” For public budgets, ‘like riding a roller coaster’ A broad range of public institutions are facing strains from higher power bills. In Poland, hospitals that have already been financially stretched by the coronavirus pandemic now question if they can keep their doors open. “Managing a hospital in Poland is more and more like riding a roller coaster,” Robert Suroweic, who manages the Provincial Hospital in Gorzow, said on Twitter. He said the facility’s electricity prices had increased 100%. He and other hospital directors have appealed to the government in Warsaw to intervene, saying the recent cuts to taxes on energy and gasoline were not enough. In Germany, there is rising tension in municipally owned utilities that must accept customers, like Backhaus in Saxony, whose relatively low-cost contracts have been dropped by private energy companies because the companies can’t pay ballooning energy rates. The municipal utilities are forced to increase the rates for these new customers, often almost astronomically high, to cover the cost of buying extra energy on the spot market at record prices. That leads to tensions in communities, and can threaten municipal finances. “Anyone who wants to will be supplied with energy by the municipal utilities,” said Markus Lewe, president of the German Association of Cities and Towns. “But it must not lead to the municipal utilities and their loyal customers being asked to pay for questionable business models of other providers and having to answer for their shortsighted financing.” He called on the federal government to intervene, to protect cities from the price instability. In France, local leaders are also looking to the federal government to help ease the sting of skyrocketing energy bills. Boris Ravignon, the mayor of Charleville-Mézières, said his city is facing “a catastrophe” after its January energy bill more than tripled, wiping out the region’s budget surplus for infrastructure and public services in a single month. The city is trying to cut costs by switching streetlights to LED bulbs, which use less electricity, and has proposed a new hydroelectric project. The mayor has already frozen planned hirings and said the city may have no choice but to raise the cost of public services like water, transportation, fees to use sports halls like the city’s public pool, and cultural events. “We really want to protect citizens from these increases,” Ravignon said. “But when prices reach such crazy heights, it’s impossible.”

How Europeans are responding to exorbitant gas and power bills

A winter storm has wreaked havoc in the US. Over 150,000 homes have been reeling without power due to the storm.&nbsp;It was followed by freezing temperatures creating icy conditions. &nbsp;

More than 100,000 homes got power back on Saturday after outages on Friday. Some states are still experiencing service interruptions. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Most of the outages occurred in Tennessee.&nbsp;Over 93,000 homes were experiencing power failure, as per PowerOutage.us.

In New York, around 43,000 homes and in Ohio, 30,000 houses have been left without power. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republican-party-in-us-terms-capitol-attack-as-legitimate-political-discourse-450602" hreflang="en">Republican party in US terms Capitol attack as 'legitimate political discourse'</a>

Around 95% customers should have power restored by Thursday next week, said Memphis Light, Gas and Water, which is a major utility company in Tennessee. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Here’s a look at the icy conditions and debris <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MLGW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MLGW</a> crews are dealing with out in the field. This is work that was done in South Memphis yesterday. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ServingYouIsWhatWeDo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ServingYouIsWhatWeDo</a> <a href="https://t.co/60kuNtciP6">pic.twitter.com/60kuNtciP6</a>
— MLGW (@MLGW) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLGW/status/1489935614799753220?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2022</a></blockquote>
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On Twitter, the company said that crews are working hard despite icy conditions and debris. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Our patrols have been responding to numerous crashes and spin outs caused by the flash freeze conditions. Stay off the roads if possible, and take it slow if not. Here’s an update from the road from Troop H Patrol Supervisor Sgt. Michael Murphy. <a href="https://t.co/Z5sMXSXyq2">pic.twitter.com/Z5sMXSXyq2</a>
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/MassStatePolice/status/1489624908061675525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 4, 2022</a></blockquote>
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According to the National Weather Service, the storm spanned 2,000 miles and dumped up to 17-inch snow from Indiana to Vermont on Friday and early Saturday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-death-toll-crosses-900000-mark-in-us-450593" hreflang="en">COVID-19: Death toll crosses 9,00,000 mark in US</a>

States, such as Ohio, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Maine, witnessed over 10-inch snow. Arctic cold brought freezing temperatures in the Northeast. It caused slippery hazards on the road. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Saturday, roads remained icy in Texas as water on the roadways froze overnight. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A winter storm has wreaked havoc in the US. Over 150,000 homes have been reeling without power due to the storm. It was followed by freezing temperatures creating icy conditions.

A winter storm has wreaked havoc in the US. Over 150,000 homes have been reeling without power due to the storm. It was followed by freezing temperatures creating icy conditions. More than 100,000 homes got power back on Saturday after outages on Friday. Some states are still experiencing service interruptions. Most of the outages occurred in Tennessee. Over 93,000 homes were experiencing power failure, as per PowerOutage.us. In New York, around 43,000 homes and in Ohio, 30,000 houses have been left without power. Also Read: Republican party in US terms Capitol attack as 'legitimate political discourse' Around 95% customers should have power restored by Thursday next week, said Memphis Light, Gas and Water, which is a major utility company in Tennessee. Here’s a look at the icy conditions and debris #MLGW crews are dealing with out in the field. This is work that was done in South Memphis yesterday. #ServingYouIsWhatWeDo pic.twitter.com/60kuNtciP6 — MLGW (@MLGW) February 5, 2022 × On Twitter, the company said that crews are working hard despite icy conditions and debris. Our patrols have been responding to numerous crashes and spin outs caused by the flash freeze conditions. Stay off the roads if possible, and take it slow if not. Here’s an update from the road from Troop H Patrol Supervisor Sgt. Michael Murphy. pic.twitter.com/Z5sMXSXyq2 — Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) February 4, 2022 × According to the National Weather Service, the storm spanned 2,000 miles and dumped up to 17-inch snow from Indiana to Vermont on Friday and early Saturday. Also Read: COVID-19: Death toll crosses 9,00,000 mark in US States, such as Ohio, Michigan, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania and Maine, witnessed over 10-inch snow. Arctic cold brought freezing temperatures in the Northeast. It caused slippery hazards on the road. On Saturday, roads remained icy in Texas as water on the roadways froze overnight. (With inputs from agencies)

After winter storm, over 150,000 US homes witness chilly conditions sans power

Power began trickling back to the three central Asian countries which are Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. After one of the biggest blackouts in the region's history, millions of major cities of the three former soviet nations were left without power after an electricity grid accident.

Power began trickling back in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan after biggest ever blackout

Sri Lanka is staring at a massive power crisis, and time is running out. The country's Energy Minister has warned that if they fail to secure a large loan in US dollars by March, then the people are likely to face four-hour-long power cuts every day.

Sri Lanka power crisis: Energy Minister warns of four-hour-long power cuts every day

Over the past five years, people in Georgia witnessed a surreal spectacle: giant, even centuries-old trees floating upright on the Black Sea.

Imposing magnolias, tulip trees and other magnificent species glided by on the water’s surface, their mighty boughs spread wide in a procession that looked both poetic and delirious.

The trees, mounted on barges pushed along by tugboats, were on their way to replanting in a park being built by an eccentric billionaire and former prime minister, Bidzina Ivanishvili — a man many Georgians believe still wields substantial political power despite saying he retired to focus on philanthropy.

More than 200 trees arrived at the park in total, dug out of the soil in the impoverished villages and thick forests of Georgia, a small nation in the Caucasus. Ivanishvili personally vetted most of the choices.

About half were ferried to the park on the barges and another half transported by trucks. Riverbeds were widened, and trains had to stop to make way for them, which Georgians seized on as evidence of his continuing ability to move officials with the same impunity he does trees.

Opened to the public in the summer of 2020, Ivanishvili’s park is a rare public manifestation of his opaque but overwhelming presence in Georgia.

He has no official role in government, but his critics say Ivanishvili, 65, still has outsize sway behind the scenes.

“The power is concentrated in the hands of one man, and of course it is Bidzina,” said a former ally, Giorgi Gakharia, who resigned as prime minister in February, saying that the billionaire’s control had become too suffocating.

The Shekvetili Dendrological Park, on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, reflects Ivanishvili’s extravagant tastes, with its winding layout — centered around a pond filled with pink flamingoes, pelicans and other exotic birds — having been personally designed by him, according to Paata Sulaberidze, the project’s manager.

A chain-link fence separates the public park from Ivanishvili’s estate.

Entrance is free at the park, which cost him tens of millions of dollars to create, Ivanishvili said in a rare interview with a business magazine in Georgia.

But signs declaring this property private are everywhere. Closed-circuit TV cameras are installed throughout, and motion detectors stand in front of every tree. Look, but don’t dare touch. And that message goes for the lawn, too. Guards with loudspeakers are quick to scold the noncompliant.

Still, many visitors said they enjoy the park immensely.

“It might not be right, but if these trees feel good here, then why not?” said Nyusya Goman, 19, a manicurist. “Of course, he did it for himself first,” she said, referring to Ivanishvili. “People say that he comes in the mornings to get filled with energy emanated by the trees.”

Theories abound on why Ivanishvili is so infatuated with trees. Some Georgians ruminate that he is a druid who worships them.

Salomé Jashi, a Georgian film director, sees something beyond a love of nature in Ivanishvili’s obsession.

“For me, a floating tree was a symbol of power, of desire, of wanting something at any cost,” said Jashi, who made a documentary about the park project.

Sulaberidze, the project’s manager, dismisses such conjecture. His boss, he said, “just loves trees.”

Many Georgians say they admired Ivanishvili for the free access to his park, which has received more than 1.5 million visitors so far, and for his philanthropic work, including paying stipends to Georgia’s artists and poets.

“People don’t realize that he has helped so many in Georgia,” said Rostom Bolkvadze, an entrepreneur from Batumi, the resort city nearby, who has visited the park.

Ivanishvili’s political opponents, however, compare him to a feudal lord, who sprays little driblets of wealth on people to buy their goodwill.

And they insist his retirement is a fiction. “He is nowhere to be seen, but the truth is that he is present everywhere,” said Armaz Akhvlediani, a member of Georgia’s Parliament.

Ivanishvili made his fortune in Russia, where he assembled a metals and banking empire during the chaotic post-Soviet transition. His wealth is currently estimated at $6 billion, a sum that exceeds Georgia’s state budget for 2021.

Many Georgians speculate that the Kremlin never would have allowed such wealth to leave the country unless it was confident the money would be used to buy influence in Georgia, a strategically important country that is struggling to preserve its independence against the great power ambitions of neighboring Turkey and Russia.

One of Ivanishvili’s fiercest critics is a former president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili. After spending years abroad, Saakashvili made a dramatic and surprising return to the country in September and is currently being held on abuse of office and other charges that he denies.

Saakashvili, who tried to distance Georgia from its Soviet past during his presidency, calls himself “Putin’s prisoner” and claims Ivanishvili is the Kremlin’s lackey.

But Giorgi Khelashvili, a member of Parliament from the Georgian Dream party, founded by Ivanishvili, argued that the retirement was sincere.

“His idea was to leave the system, and he wanted to leave the government a system that would take care of it, and he would just step aside,” Khelashvili said.

Ivanishvili’s representatives denied multiple interview requests for this article.

If his role now is murky, Ivanishvili once played a very open and prominent part in Georgia’s emotionally fraught political scene, in which a candidate’s attitude toward Russia is scrutinized by voters.

As the leader of a coalition of political parties, he won the 2012 parliamentary elections and served as prime minister from October of 2012 through November of 2013, during which time he pursued Georgia’s NATO and European aspirations but also tried to be pragmatic with Moscow.

His coalition had campaigned in opposition to Saakashvili, then the president, whose party’s loss led him to step down and soon leave the country.

As seen this month in the deadly protests in Kazakhstan, the transfer of power in many of the former Soviet republics has often been chaotic and violent. Ivanishvili’s supporters point to his decision to voluntarily step down as prime minister after a year as evidence he is hardly power hungry.

For now, Ivanishvili appears most interested in his eccentric hobbies, which sometimes manifested themselves during his stint as prime minister.

Akhvlediani, the lawmaker, who in 2013 worked closely with Ivanishvili as the chairman of his political party but has since had a falling out, recalled how on an official foreign visit to Strasbourg, Ivanishvili was mostly interested in the city’s zoo, where he purchased stork eggs to bring home.

While a passion for trees may appear harmless, that’s not necessarily the case when a powerful billionaire is the one hooked.

When Toby Kiers, a professor of evolutionary biology at Vrije University in Amsterdam, learned about Ivanishvili’s undertaking to uproot ancient trees, she said she felt physical pain.

“For hundreds of years, these ancient trees have been cultivating their unique underground ecosystems, including vast fungal networks supporting the tree since it was a tiny sapling,” said Kiers, who has been researching how trees are connected. “When a tree is uprooted, that life support system gets ripped from the soil, leaving behind a barren wasteland.”

For Valentina Slobodenyuk, what was left behind was a view of the sea that had been blocked by the giant sequoia and ginkgo biloba that Ivanishvili took away for his park.

The trees had played a significant role in her life, she said, with the sequoia providing welcome shelter during thunderstorms. Slobodenyuk now visits the trees in their new home.

“I miss them very much,” she said.

Over the past five years, people in Georgia witnessed a surreal spectacle: giant, even centuries-old trees floating upright on the Black Sea. Imposing magnolias, tulip trees and other magnificent species glided by on the water’s surface, their mighty boughs spread wide in a procession that looked both poetic and delirious.

Over the past five years, people in Georgia witnessed a surreal spectacle: giant, even centuries-old trees floating upright on the Black Sea. Imposing magnolias, tulip trees and other magnificent species glided by on the water’s surface, their mighty boughs spread wide in a procession that looked both poetic and delirious. The trees, mounted on barges pushed along by tugboats, were on their way to replanting in a park being built by an eccentric billionaire and former prime minister, Bidzina Ivanishvili — a man many Georgians believe still wields substantial political power despite saying he retired to focus on philanthropy. More than 200 trees arrived at the park in total, dug out of the soil in the impoverished villages and thick forests of Georgia, a small nation in the Caucasus. Ivanishvili personally vetted most of the choices. About half were ferried to the park on the barges and another half transported by trucks. Riverbeds were widened, and trains had to stop to make way for them, which Georgians seized on as evidence of his continuing ability to move officials with the same impunity he does trees. Opened to the public in the summer of 2020, Ivanishvili’s park is a rare public manifestation of his opaque but overwhelming presence in Georgia. He has no official role in government, but his critics say Ivanishvili, 65, still has outsize sway behind the scenes. “The power is concentrated in the hands of one man, and of course it is Bidzina,” said a former ally, Giorgi Gakharia, who resigned as prime minister in February, saying that the billionaire’s control had become too suffocating. The Shekvetili Dendrological Park, on Georgia’s Black Sea coast, reflects Ivanishvili’s extravagant tastes, with its winding layout — centered around a pond filled with pink flamingoes, pelicans and other exotic birds — having been personally designed by him, according to Paata Sulaberidze, the project’s manager. A chain-link fence separates the public park from Ivanishvili’s estate. Entrance is free at the park, which cost him tens of millions of dollars to create, Ivanishvili said in a rare interview with a business magazine in Georgia. But signs declaring this property private are everywhere. Closed-circuit TV cameras are installed throughout, and motion detectors stand in front of every tree. Look, but don’t dare touch. And that message goes for the lawn, too. Guards with loudspeakers are quick to scold the noncompliant. Still, many visitors said they enjoy the park immensely. “It might not be right, but if these trees feel good here, then why not?” said Nyusya Goman, 19, a manicurist. “Of course, he did it for himself first,” she said, referring to Ivanishvili. “People say that he comes in the mornings to get filled with energy emanated by the trees.” Theories abound on why Ivanishvili is so infatuated with trees. Some Georgians ruminate that he is a druid who worships them. Salomé Jashi, a Georgian film director, sees something beyond a love of nature in Ivanishvili’s obsession. “For me, a floating tree was a symbol of power, of desire, of wanting something at any cost,” said Jashi, who made a documentary about the park project. Sulaberidze, the project’s manager, dismisses such conjecture. His boss, he said, “just loves trees.” Many Georgians say they admired Ivanishvili for the free access to his park, which has received more than 1.5 million visitors so far, and for his philanthropic work, including paying stipends to Georgia’s artists and poets. “People don’t realize that he has helped so many in Georgia,” said Rostom Bolkvadze, an entrepreneur from Batumi, the resort city nearby, who has visited the park. Ivanishvili’s political opponents, however, compare him to a feudal lord, who sprays little driblets of wealth on people to buy their goodwill. And they insist his retirement is a fiction. “He is nowhere to be seen, but the truth is that he is present everywhere,” said Armaz Akhvlediani, a member of Georgia’s Parliament. Ivanishvili made his fortune in Russia, where he assembled a metals and banking empire during the chaotic post-Soviet transition. His wealth is currently estimated at $6 billion, a sum that exceeds Georgia’s state budget for 2021. Many Georgians speculate that the Kremlin never would have allowed such wealth to leave the country unless it was confident the money would be used to buy influence in Georgia, a strategically important country that is struggling to preserve its independence against the great power ambitions of neighboring Turkey and Russia. One of Ivanishvili’s fiercest critics is a former president of Georgia, Mikheil Saakashvili. After spending years abroad, Saakashvili made a dramatic and surprising return to the country in September and is currently being held on abuse of office and other charges that he denies. Saakashvili, who tried to distance Georgia from its Soviet past during his presidency, calls himself “Putin’s prisoner” and claims Ivanishvili is the Kremlin’s lackey. But Giorgi Khelashvili, a member of Parliament from the Georgian Dream party, founded by Ivanishvili, argued that the retirement was sincere. “His idea was to leave the system, and he wanted to leave the government a system that would take care of it, and he would just step aside,” Khelashvili said. Ivanishvili’s representatives denied multiple interview requests for this article. If his role now is murky, Ivanishvili once played a very open and prominent part in Georgia’s emotionally fraught political scene, in which a candidate’s attitude toward Russia is scrutinized by voters. As the leader of a coalition of political parties, he won the 2012 parliamentary elections and served as prime minister from October of 2012 through November of 2013, during which time he pursued Georgia’s NATO and European aspirations but also tried to be pragmatic with Moscow. His coalition had campaigned in opposition to Saakashvili, then the president, whose party’s loss led him to step down and soon leave the country. As seen this month in the deadly protests in Kazakhstan, the transfer of power in many of the former Soviet republics has often been chaotic and violent. Ivanishvili’s supporters point to his decision to voluntarily step down as prime minister after a year as evidence he is hardly power hungry. For now, Ivanishvili appears most interested in his eccentric hobbies, which sometimes manifested themselves during his stint as prime minister. Akhvlediani, the lawmaker, who in 2013 worked closely with Ivanishvili as the chairman of his political party but has since had a falling out, recalled how on an official foreign visit to Strasbourg, Ivanishvili was mostly interested in the city’s zoo, where he purchased stork eggs to bring home. While a passion for trees may appear harmless, that’s not necessarily the case when a powerful billionaire is the one hooked. When Toby Kiers, a professor of evolutionary biology at Vrije University in Amsterdam, learned about Ivanishvili’s undertaking to uproot ancient trees, she said she felt physical pain. “For hundreds of years, these ancient trees have been cultivating their unique underground ecosystems, including vast fungal networks supporting the tree since it was a tiny sapling,” said Kiers, who has been researching how trees are connected. “When a tree is uprooted, that life support system gets ripped from the soil, leaving behind a barren wasteland.” For Valentina Slobodenyuk, what was left behind was a view of the sea that had been blocked by the giant sequoia and ginkgo biloba that Ivanishvili took away for his park. The trees had played a significant role in her life, she said, with the sequoia providing welcome shelter during thunderstorms. Slobodenyuk now visits the trees in their new home. “I miss them very much,” she said.

A love of trees or a display of power? The odd park of an oligarch. 

Hundreds of thousands of customers in the Southeast were without power Monday and federal government offices in the Washington, D.C., area were closed as a winter storm that was expected to bring heavy snow moved up the East Coast, the National Weather Service said.

“This will be the winter’s first accumulating snow for much of this area, so please use extra caution if traveling,” the weather service said Sunday night.

By early Monday, nearly 150,000 customers in North Carolina were without electricity, with an additional 140,000 outages in Georgia and more than 100,000 in South Carolina, according to PowerOutage.us, which aggregates data from utilities across the United States.

Ahead of the storm, Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington declared a snow emergency in the District of Columbia for much of Monday. Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland mobilised state resources, and Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey declared a state of emergency for five counties, warning residents to stay off the roads.

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A winter storm warning was in effect early Monday for portions of Tennessee and North Carolina, along with a large swath of Virginia up through Washington and parts of Maryland and New Jersey, the Weather Service said. Up to 8 inches of snow was expected through Monday evening with localized amounts of up to a foot.

The heaviest snow, at 2 inches per hour, was expected to occur right after the transition from rain, meteorologists said, adding that the phenomenon called thundersnow — when thunder and lighting occur during a snowstorm — was likely. The refreezing of melted snow in the evening and overnight hours could lead to additional travel concerns.

In Washington, where a winter storm warning was in effect until late Monday afternoon, the weather system was forecast to produce up to eight inches of snow, according to the Weather Service, which warned motorists to plan for slippery road conditions in the morning. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” meteorologists said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/covid-19-are-these-new-symptoms-of-omicron-variant-experts-weigh-in-441953">Also read |&nbsp;COVID-19: Are these new symptoms of Omicron variant? Experts weigh in</a>

Parts of Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey could see up to a foot of snow on Monday, with wind gusts as high as 40 mph. The tail end of the storm was expected to dump about 6 inches of snow across portions of Tennessee and just a few inches across parts of Georgia before moving north.

In response to the weather, D.C. Public Schools announced that classes would be canceled Monday, as did many other school systems across Maryland and Virginia, including several in the Richmond area. In New Jersey, some systems announced closures while others said they would operate with delayed openings.

Hundreds of thousands of customers in the Southeast were without power Monday and federal government offices in the Washington, D.C., area were closed as a winter storm that was expected to bring heavy snow moved up the East Coast, the National Weather Service said.

Hundreds of thousands of customers in the Southeast were without power Monday and federal government offices in the Washington, D.C., area were closed as a winter storm that was expected to bring heavy snow moved up the East Coast, the National Weather Service said. “This will be the winter’s first accumulating snow for much of this area, so please use extra caution if traveling,” the weather service said Sunday night. By early Monday, nearly 150,000 customers in North Carolina were without electricity, with an additional 140,000 outages in Georgia and more than 100,000 in South Carolina, according to PowerOutage.us, which aggregates data from utilities across the United States. Ahead of the storm, Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington declared a snow emergency in the District of Columbia for much of Monday. Gov. Larry Hogan of Maryland mobilised state resources, and Gov. Phil Murphy of New Jersey declared a state of emergency for five counties, warning residents to stay off the roads. Also read | US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin tests positive for Covid, experiences mild symptoms A winter storm warning was in effect early Monday for portions of Tennessee and North Carolina, along with a large swath of Virginia up through Washington and parts of Maryland and New Jersey, the Weather Service said. Up to 8 inches of snow was expected through Monday evening with localized amounts of up to a foot. The heaviest snow, at 2 inches per hour, was expected to occur right after the transition from rain, meteorologists said, adding that the phenomenon called thundersnow — when thunder and lighting occur during a snowstorm — was likely. The refreezing of melted snow in the evening and overnight hours could lead to additional travel concerns. In Washington, where a winter storm warning was in effect until late Monday afternoon, the weather system was forecast to produce up to eight inches of snow, according to the Weather Service, which warned motorists to plan for slippery road conditions in the morning. “If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency,” meteorologists said. Also read | COVID-19: Are these new symptoms of Omicron variant? Experts weigh in Parts of Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey could see up to a foot of snow on Monday, with wind gusts as high as 40 mph. The tail end of the storm was expected to dump about 6 inches of snow across portions of Tennessee and just a few inches across parts of Georgia before moving north. In response to the weather, D.C. Public Schools announced that classes would be canceled Monday, as did many other school systems across Maryland and Virginia, including several in the Richmond area. In New Jersey, some systems announced closures while others said they would operate with delayed openings.

Winter storm knocks out power across Southeast

Germany is all set to phase out three of its six Nuclear power plants as it plans to shift to renewable sources for power.

Germany is all set to phase out three Nuclear power plants & will shift to renewable energy

China is now home to the world's first small modular nuclear reactor. The Huaneng Group Co.’s 200-megawatt unit 1 reactor at Shidao Bay provides power to the grid in Shandong province.

China is now home to the world's first small modular nuclear reactor. The Huaneng Group Co.’s 200-megawatt unit 1 reactor at Shidao Bay provides power to the grid in Shandong province. The reactor can use nuclear energy for various functions including power generation. It can also be used in the mining sector, industrial parks and for high-end consumption industries. The plant uses helium instead of water to produce power. Its fourth-generation reactor shuts down passively in case of any problem. The small module reactors or SMRs, at 200 megawatts are nearly one-fifth the size of Hualong One, which happens to be China’s first homegrown reactor design. "SMRs should be less costly to build and operate, faster to implement and have shorter shutdown times during refuelling than traditional nuclear plants,” Jefferies analyst Bolor Enkhbaatar said. Also read | ‘Boycott Intel’ grows louder in China for raising concerns over Xinjiang forced labour The application of SMRs has the ability to drastically cut down the consumption of fossil fuel energy in China. This can further help in promoting energy conservation and carbon emission reduction. A report by Bloomberg reveals that no country in the world is spending on a nuclear plant as much as China. The country is expected to invest $440 billion into new plants in the coming 10 years. China has reportedly built 51 nuclear power units with 19 under construction. It currently has the world's third-largest park of nuclear reactors after the US and France and has invested in developing the nuclear energy sector. (With inputs from agencies)

China advances in nuclear power with world's first small modular nuclear reactor

Spain's youngest bishop, Xavier Novell Goma, has been stripped of his church powers after he married a woman who has authored satanic erotica. Novell has been prohibited "from exercising all the rights and responsibilities inherent in the episcopal function", said the country's Episcopal Conference.&nbsp;

It all started in autumn when the bishop's relationship with Silvia Caballol, became known publicly. Some of her works include "The Hell of Gabriel's Lust."&nbsp;

She is described as "a dynamic and transgressive author who made her mark in the challenging world of literature upsetting our moral and ethical mores".

Issuing an official statement, the conference said, "As is publicly known, Bishop Xavier Novell Goma, Bishop Emeritus of Solsona, has contracted a civil marriage with Ms Silvia Caballol, on November 22, 2021, in the town of Suria, in the province of Barcelona."

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The statement further highlighted that the churchman will retain his title as a bishop. However, he will not be permitted to carry out any roles associated with the post including "the administration of the sacraments".

"Any teaching activity, both in public and private, is prohibited," it added.

This is not the first time that he has attracted controversy. Earlier, he garnered lots of attention for endorsing gay conversion therapy and supporting Catalan independence.

He stepped down in August this year citing personal reasons. However, it was much later when people came to know about the reason.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Spain's youngest bishop, Xavier Novell Goma, has been stripped of his church powers after he married a woman who has authored satanic erotica. Novell has been prohibited "from exercising all the rights and responsibilities inherent in the episcopal function", said the country's Episcopal Conference.

Spain's youngest bishop, Xavier Novell Goma, has been stripped of his church powers after he married a woman who has authored satanic erotica. Novell has been prohibited "from exercising all the rights and responsibilities inherent in the episcopal function", said the country's Episcopal Conference. It all started in autumn when the bishop's relationship with Silvia Caballol, became known publicly. Some of her works include "The Hell of Gabriel's Lust." She is described as "a dynamic and transgressive author who made her mark in the challenging world of literature upsetting our moral and ethical mores". Issuing an official statement, the conference said, "As is publicly known, Bishop Xavier Novell Goma, Bishop Emeritus of Solsona, has contracted a civil marriage with Ms Silvia Caballol, on November 22, 2021, in the town of Suria, in the province of Barcelona." Also read | Collapse at Amazon warehouse sparks debate on phone ban; employees say they will quit The statement further highlighted that the churchman will retain his title as a bishop. However, he will not be permitted to carry out any roles associated with the post including "the administration of the sacraments". "Any teaching activity, both in public and private, is prohibited," it added. This is not the first time that he has attracted controversy. Earlier, he garnered lots of attention for endorsing gay conversion therapy and supporting Catalan independence. He stepped down in August this year citing personal reasons. However, it was much later when people came to know about the reason. (With inputs from agencies)

Spain's youngest bishop, Xavier Novell Goma, stripped of powers for marrying erotica author

With rubbish piling up in the desert, the United Arab Emirates has found a new way to get rid of its trash -- incinerators that will turn it into electricity.

The&nbsp;UAE, one of the world's top oil exporters, is building the Gulf region's first&nbsp;waste-to-power&nbsp;plants to ease its chronic trash problem and, at the same time, its reliance on gas-fuelled electricity stations.

Green groups are unconvinced. They say advanced recycling, composting and changing habits amid grossly wasteful rates of consumption would be better for the environment, warning of pollution risks from the greenhouse gas-intensive incinerators too.

But engineer Nouf Wazir, from&nbsp;waste&nbsp;management&nbsp;company Bee'ah, argues they are a way to&nbsp;make&nbsp;use of refuse that cannot be recycled.

"Not everyone knows that&nbsp;waste&nbsp;has value," said Wazir, a senior engineer on the project. The Sharjah facility is expected to launch this year, burning more than 300,000 tonnes of&nbsp;waste&nbsp;per year to&nbsp;power&nbsp;up to 28,000 homes.

In the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, another plant is being developed at a cost of $1.2 billion, according to Hitachi Zosen Inova, one of the partner companies.

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When it is completed in 2024, the Dubai plant will be one of the largest in the world, capable of gobbling up 1.9 million tonnes of&nbsp;waste&nbsp;per year&nbsp;about 45 percent of the household&nbsp;waste&nbsp;currently produced in the emirate.

'People consume a lot'

As the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;has mushroomed from a desert outpost to a thriving business hub,&nbsp;waste&nbsp;has multiplied.

So has&nbsp;power&nbsp;use, which has soared 750 percent since 1990 according to the International Energy Agency.

Now with about 10 million people, five times the population of 30 years ago, the wealthy&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;uses more electricity and creates more&nbsp;waste&nbsp;per head than almost any other country.

Authorities put&nbsp;waste&nbsp;production at 1.8 kilos (four pounds) per person per day.

In the&nbsp;UAE, "people consume a lot, and they throw away a lot", said Riad Bestani, founder of ECOsquare, a Dubai-based consultancy specialising in eco-friendly&nbsp;waste&nbsp;management.

Landfills are strewn across the country. In Dubai alone, six cover an area of about 1.6 million square meters (395 acres), according to the municipality.

In the absence of other solutions, it estimates that landfills will occupy 5.8 million square meters of the emirate by 2041, an area the size of more than 800 football pitches.

Fees for landfills are "pretty much nonexistent, so it's quite cheap and easy to dump all materials into the desert", said Emma Barber, director of Dubai-based DGrade, which designs clothes and accessories from recycled plastic bottles.

The&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;has set about diversifying its electricity generation, more than 90 percent of which comes from gas-powered plants.

Last year, the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;inaugurated the Arab world's first nuclear plant and, making use of its location in one of the world's hottest regions, it has significant solar&nbsp;power&nbsp;resources.&nbsp;

In the run-up to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, which started on Sunday, the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;said it was targeting carbon neutrality by 2050.

'Separate, sort, recycle'

While supporters of the plants say the incinerators carry minimal pollution risks, activists say other approaches would be better for the environment.

According to Janek Vahk of Zero&nbsp;Waste&nbsp;Europe, incinerating rubbish may be "easier" than having space-consuming landfills, but it is far from green.

"The most beneficial for the climate (and) the environment would be recoverage" and composting, Vahk told AFP.

"But this is not really happening because... it's easier to simply&nbsp;burn&nbsp;it than to separate, sort and recycle."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-boris-johnson-accused-of-hypocrisy-for-using-private-jet-after-cop26-summit-426684">Also read |&nbsp;UK PM Boris Johnson accused of 'hypocrisy' for using private jet after COP26 summit</a>

The Brussels-based NGO has called for a moratorium on new&nbsp;waste&nbsp;incinerators and the phasing-out of old ones by 2040, warning the electricity they produce is greenhouse-gas intensive -- even compared to fossil fuels.

Vahk argues that incineration is "more efficient" in colder Nordic countries when the heat produced is also harnessed, but not in hot deserts.

"If you only produce electricity, the greenhouse gases' intensity of this energy is very high," Vahk said, adding that incinerators are also "very expensive to build&nbsp;and they need to have continuous input to run."

Rami Shaar, co-founder of Washmen, a Dubai-based start-up that collects customers' laundry and recycling at the same time, said&nbsp;waste-to-electricity is not "necessarily&nbsp;green energy".

"It's a bit of a solution towards not extracting more oil but it doesn't solve the full problem," he said.&nbsp;

With rubbish piling up in the desert, the United Arab Emirates has found a new way to get rid of its trash -- incinerators that will turn it into electricity. The UAE, one of the world's top oil exporters, is building the Gulf region's first waste-to-power plants to ease its chronic trash problem and, at the same time, its reliance on gas-fuelled electricity stations.

With rubbish piling up in the desert, the United Arab Emirates has found a new way to get rid of its trash -- incinerators that will turn it into electricity. The UAE, one of the world's top oil exporters, is building the Gulf region's first waste-to-power plants to ease its chronic trash problem and, at the same time, its reliance on gas-fuelled electricity stations. Green groups are unconvinced. They say advanced recycling, composting and changing habits amid grossly wasteful rates of consumption would be better for the environment, warning of pollution risks from the greenhouse gas-intensive incinerators too. But engineer Nouf Wazir, from waste management company Bee'ah, argues they are a way to make use of refuse that cannot be recycled. "Not everyone knows that waste has value," said Wazir, a senior engineer on the project. The Sharjah facility is expected to launch this year, burning more than 300,000 tonnes of waste per year to power up to 28,000 homes. In the neighbouring emirate of Dubai, another plant is being developed at a cost of $1.2 billion, according to Hitachi Zosen Inova, one of the partner companies. Also read | Europe once again at epicentre of coronavirus pandemic: WHO When it is completed in 2024, the Dubai plant will be one of the largest in the world, capable of gobbling up 1.9 million tonnes of waste per year about 45 percent of the household waste currently produced in the emirate. 'People consume a lot' As the UAE has mushroomed from a desert outpost to a thriving business hub, waste has multiplied. So has power use, which has soared 750 percent since 1990 according to the International Energy Agency. Now with about 10 million people, five times the population of 30 years ago, the wealthy UAE uses more electricity and creates more waste per head than almost any other country. Authorities put waste production at 1.8 kilos (four pounds) per person per day. In the UAE, "people consume a lot, and they throw away a lot", said Riad Bestani, founder of ECOsquare, a Dubai-based consultancy specialising in eco-friendly waste management. Landfills are strewn across the country. In Dubai alone, six cover an area of about 1.6 million square meters (395 acres), according to the municipality. In the absence of other solutions, it estimates that landfills will occupy 5.8 million square meters of the emirate by 2041, an area the size of more than 800 football pitches. Fees for landfills are "pretty much nonexistent, so it's quite cheap and easy to dump all materials into the desert", said Emma Barber, director of Dubai-based DGrade, which designs clothes and accessories from recycled plastic bottles. The UAE has set about diversifying its electricity generation, more than 90 percent of which comes from gas-powered plants. Last year, the UAE inaugurated the Arab world's first nuclear plant and, making use of its location in one of the world's hottest regions, it has significant solar power resources. In the run-up to the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, which started on Sunday, the UAE said it was targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. 'Separate, sort, recycle' While supporters of the plants say the incinerators carry minimal pollution risks, activists say other approaches would be better for the environment. According to Janek Vahk of Zero Waste Europe, incinerating rubbish may be "easier" than having space-consuming landfills, but it is far from green. "The most beneficial for the climate (and) the environment would be recoverage" and composting, Vahk told AFP. "But this is not really happening because... it's easier to simply burn it than to separate, sort and recycle." Also read | UK PM Boris Johnson accused of 'hypocrisy' for using private jet after COP26 summit The Brussels-based NGO has called for a moratorium on new waste incinerators and the phasing-out of old ones by 2040, warning the electricity they produce is greenhouse-gas intensive -- even compared to fossil fuels. Vahk argues that incineration is "more efficient" in colder Nordic countries when the heat produced is also harnessed, but not in hot deserts. "If you only produce electricity, the greenhouse gases' intensity of this energy is very high," Vahk said, adding that incinerators are also "very expensive to build and they need to have continuous input to run." Rami Shaar, co-founder of Washmen, a Dubai-based start-up that collects customers' laundry and recycling at the same time, said waste-to-electricity is not "necessarily green energy". "It's a bit of a solution towards not extracting more oil but it doesn't solve the full problem," he said.

Oil-rich UAE to burn waste to make power

Japan's ruling coalition is on track to retain power but lose seats in parliament, media predictions said after polls closed in Sunday's general election, the first major test for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

The 64-year-old, who took office a month ago, said the forecasts based on exit polls showed the public has "trust" in his long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner Komeito.

But as the votes were counted, analysts warned that a poor showing could raise questions within the LDP over the prime minister's popularity and leadership ability.

Public broadcaster NHK predicted the coalition would win 239-288 of the 465 seats in parliament's lower house.

TV Asahi said the coalition was expected to win 280 seats, down from its previous total of 305, weakening the dominance of the LDP, which has held power almost continuously since the 1950s.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-election-looks-closer-than-usual-but-party-in-power-has-hit-snooze-425565">Also read |&nbsp;Japan’s election looks closer than usual, but party in power has hit snooze</a>

"If the ruling coalition is given a majority, the government is given trust. It is a big deal," Kishida said in televised comments.

He added that he hoped to issue a fresh stimulus package by the end of the year to counter the impact of the pandemic on the world's third-largest economy.

"As far as economic measures, upon receiving the results of this election, I would like to draft them as soon as possible." He had previously said the package would be worth tens of trillions of yen.

'Economy is suffering'

Kishida was voted LDP leader after Yoshihide Suga resigned just a year into the job, partly due to public discontent over his response to the Covid-19 crisis.

He has not enjoyed a political honeymoon, however, with approval ratings around 50 percent, the lowest in two decades for a new administration in&nbsp;Japan.

Cases have dropped precipitously since a record wave this summer that pushed the Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors, and voters in the capital said the pandemic was a major factor in their decision.

"The economy is suffering because of the coronavirus, so I compared the politicians' responses," said Chihiro Sato, 38, a housewife and mother of a toddler.

But engineer Hiroyasu Onishi, 79, said he was more concerned by "the military threat from China".

Kishida has outlined plans to tackle inequality heightened by the pro-business policies of Suga and his predecessor Shinzo Abe.

He has vowed to distribute wealth more fairly under a so-called new capitalism, although the details remain vague.

Kishida had set a comfortable target of winning 233 lower-house seats, a simple majority including LDP and Komeito lawmakers.

The LDP previously boasted a commanding majority of 276 seats on its own.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-votes-in-test-for-new-pm-kishida-political-stability-425504">Also read |&nbsp;Japan votes in test for new PM Kishida, political stability</a>

NHK predicted the party would hang on to between 212-253 seats on Sunday, while TV Asahi said it would win 243, still a simple majority without Komeito.

'Key test' to come&nbsp;

In recent decades, votes against the LDP have been split between multiple major opposition parties, but this time five rival parties boosted cooperation in a bid to dent its stranglehold.

"It's a defeat for Kishida as his party loses seats, but he is still able to secure his premiership for now," Shinichi Nishikawa, a professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP.

"He avoided the worst scenario in the election but he may lose his influence," Nishikawa said, adding that an upper house vote next summer will be a "key test" of Kishida's longevity as leader.

Tobias Harris, senior fellow for Asia at the Center for American Progress, said that at the lower end of the exit poll predictions, "there will be debates within the LDP about the vision for the party going forward".

"There are going to be questions about his leadership ability, his popularity", he told AFP.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pumice-pebbles-from-undersea-volcano-are-causing-damage-in-japan-425054">Also read |&nbsp;Pumice pebbles from undersea volcano are causing damage in Japan</a>

As well as vowing to tackle the pandemic and working to boost the middle class, the LDP has said it will aim to increase defence spending to counter threats from China and North Korea.

But Kishida has so far distanced himself from social causes such as same-sex marriage and allowing married couples to have different surnames.

Kishida said that if his win was confirmed, he wanted to attend the COP26 summit in Glasgow as his first overseas engagement after the election.

Japan's ruling coalition is on track to retain power but lose seats in parliament, media predictions said after polls closed in Sunday's general election, the first major test for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.

Japan's ruling coalition is on track to retain power but lose seats in parliament, media predictions said after polls closed in Sunday's general election, the first major test for Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The 64-year-old, who took office a month ago, said the forecasts based on exit polls showed the public has "trust" in his long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner Komeito. But as the votes were counted, analysts warned that a poor showing could raise questions within the LDP over the prime minister's popularity and leadership ability. Public broadcaster NHK predicted the coalition would win 239-288 of the 465 seats in parliament's lower house. TV Asahi said the coalition was expected to win 280 seats, down from its previous total of 305, weakening the dominance of the LDP, which has held power almost continuously since the 1950s. Also read | Japan’s election looks closer than usual, but party in power has hit snooze "If the ruling coalition is given a majority, the government is given trust. It is a big deal," Kishida said in televised comments. He added that he hoped to issue a fresh stimulus package by the end of the year to counter the impact of the pandemic on the world's third-largest economy. "As far as economic measures, upon receiving the results of this election, I would like to draft them as soon as possible." He had previously said the package would be worth tens of trillions of yen. 'Economy is suffering' Kishida was voted LDP leader after Yoshihide Suga resigned just a year into the job, partly due to public discontent over his response to the Covid-19 crisis. He has not enjoyed a political honeymoon, however, with approval ratings around 50 percent, the lowest in two decades for a new administration in Japan. Cases have dropped precipitously since a record wave this summer that pushed the Tokyo Olympics behind closed doors, and voters in the capital said the pandemic was a major factor in their decision. "The economy is suffering because of the coronavirus, so I compared the politicians' responses," said Chihiro Sato, 38, a housewife and mother of a toddler. But engineer Hiroyasu Onishi, 79, said he was more concerned by "the military threat from China". Kishida has outlined plans to tackle inequality heightened by the pro-business policies of Suga and his predecessor Shinzo Abe. He has vowed to distribute wealth more fairly under a so-called new capitalism, although the details remain vague. Kishida had set a comfortable target of winning 233 lower-house seats, a simple majority including LDP and Komeito lawmakers. The LDP previously boasted a commanding majority of 276 seats on its own. Also read | Japan votes in test for new PM Kishida, political stability NHK predicted the party would hang on to between 212-253 seats on Sunday, while TV Asahi said it would win 243, still a simple majority without Komeito. 'Key test' to come In recent decades, votes against the LDP have been split between multiple major opposition parties, but this time five rival parties boosted cooperation in a bid to dent its stranglehold. "It's a defeat for Kishida as his party loses seats, but he is still able to secure his premiership for now," Shinichi Nishikawa, a professor of political science at Meiji University in Tokyo, told AFP. "He avoided the worst scenario in the election but he may lose his influence," Nishikawa said, adding that an upper house vote next summer will be a "key test" of Kishida's longevity as leader. Tobias Harris, senior fellow for Asia at the Center for American Progress, said that at the lower end of the exit poll predictions, "there will be debates within the LDP about the vision for the party going forward". "There are going to be questions about his leadership ability, his popularity", he told AFP. Also read | Pumice pebbles from undersea volcano are causing damage in Japan As well as vowing to tackle the pandemic and working to boost the middle class, the LDP has said it will aim to increase defence spending to counter threats from China and North Korea. But Kishida has so far distanced himself from social causes such as same-sex marriage and allowing married couples to have different surnames. Kishida said that if his win was confirmed, he wanted to attend the COP26 summit in Glasgow as his first overseas engagement after the election.

Exit polls show Japan ruling coalition to retain power, lose seats

The city of Kabul, home to 4.5 million people is currently in dark after an explosion on Thursday brought down electricity lines and cut off power in the capital, the cause of the blast remains unclear. WION's Anas Mallick brings you more details.

Blast cuts power to Afghanistan's capital Kabul, restoration work underway

Flooding in northern China has severely damaged a key coal production hub, sending coal prices skyrocketing and hampering Beijing's efforts to address persistent power shortages.

According to a statement published Saturday by the provincial government's Emergency Management Bureau, heavy rains have forced the closure of 60 coal mines in Shanxi province, China's largest coal mining centre.

The province produces one-quarter of the country's coal.&nbsp;

The floods hamper China's efforts to expand fuel supply in order to alleviate the country's increasing energy crisis.&nbsp;

Torrential rains this week caused home collapses and landslides in more than 70 districts and towns across the northern province.

Even before the disaster, China was experiencing an energy crisis, resulting in power outages in vast sections of the nation.&nbsp;

A succession of power outages has prompted industries to reduce production or shut down altogether since last month.

Northeast China's manufacturing hubs have been particularly badly impacted.

The latest increase in thermal coal prices comes on top of a 12% increase on Monday.

Energy prices have been rising globally as the global economy begins to recover from the epidemic.

On Monday, the price of Brent crude reached its highest level since October 2018, while the price of US-traded oil reached a new seven-year high.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Flooding in northern China has severely damaged a key coal production hub, sending coal prices skyrocketing and hampering Beijing's efforts to address persistent power shortages.

Flooding in northern China has severely damaged a key coal production hub, sending coal prices skyrocketing and hampering Beijing's efforts to address persistent power shortages. According to a statement published Saturday by the provincial government's Emergency Management Bureau, heavy rains have forced the closure of 60 coal mines in Shanxi province, China's largest coal mining centre. The province produces one-quarter of the country's coal. The floods hamper China's efforts to expand fuel supply in order to alleviate the country's increasing energy crisis. Torrential rains this week caused home collapses and landslides in more than 70 districts and towns across the northern province. Even before the disaster, China was experiencing an energy crisis, resulting in power outages in vast sections of the nation. A succession of power outages has prompted industries to reduce production or shut down altogether since last month. Northeast China's manufacturing hubs have been particularly badly impacted. The latest increase in thermal coal prices comes on top of a 12% increase on Monday. Energy prices have been rising globally as the global economy begins to recover from the epidemic. On Monday, the price of Brent crude reached its highest level since October 2018, while the price of US-traded oil reached a new seven-year high. (With inputs from agencies)

Chinese coal prices reach an all-time high, power outages persist 

Tunisia's President Kais Saied issued a decree appointing a new government on Monday, 11 weeks after he fired the last one in a controversial power grab amid acute economic and political crises.

State television broadcast a swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet headed by Najla Bouden, the North African country's first ever female prime minister.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-tunisia-leader-with-government-awaited-419650">Thousands protest against Tunisia leader with government awaited</a>

In her first public speech since her nomination, Bouden said Monday that "the fight against corruption will be the most important aim" of the new government.

She also vowed to "raise living standards" of Tunisians and "restore their faith in the state".

But Saied has significantly pared back the powers of her office and will technically head the administration himself.

The president on July 25 sacked the previous prime minister, suspended parliament and granted himself judicial powers in moves that opponents have termed a coup.&nbsp;

Saied, a former legal academic, has repeatedly criticised the constitution Tunisia adopted in 2014 which brought in a mixed parliamentary-presidential system, three years after a revolution that overthrew veteran dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The president named Bouden, a geologist, as premier on September 29, more than two months after sacking the administration of Hichem Mechichi and removing lawmakers' immunity.

In a speech following Monday's ceremony, Saied reiterated that his moves were constitutional in light of "imminent peril" facing Tunisia.

He said he had acted to "save the Tunisian state from the clutches of those who lurk at home and abroad, and from those who see their office as booty or as a means to loot public funds".

He also vowed to "cleanse the judiciary".

'Drift from democracy'&nbsp;

Saied, elected on an anti-system ticket in late 2019, seized an array of powers amid a socio-economic crisis aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although his July measures enjoyed significant support from a public tired of political parties seen as self-serving and incompetent, civil society groups have warned of a drift away from democracy.

The new cabinet was announced a day after at least 6,000 people demonstrated in central Tunis against Saied's power grab.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraqis-to-elect-new-parliament-amid-deep-crisis-apathy-417813">&nbsp;Iraqis to elect new parliament amid deep crisis, apathy</a>

Many have seen Saied's moves as a blow to the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party that has dominated Tunisia's post-revolution politics, but some demonstrators in Tunis on Sunday also voiced support for Moncef Marzouki, who served as president between 2011 and 2014 and now lives in Paris.

Feminist groups have hailed Bouden's nomination as a step forward for women in Tunisia, seen as a pioneer for women's rights in the Arab world.

But many have questioned how much power she will have given that Saied -- who has long opposed gender equality in inheritance laws -- will have the final say in government decisions.

The 63-year-old premier has little political experience and is not known to have economic expertise.

Tunisia is facing a long-running economic crisis, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, with debt running at over 90 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, runaway inflation and an unemployment rate of over 18 per cent.

Tunisia's President Kais Saied issued a decree appointing a new government on Monday, 11 weeks after he fired the last one in a controversial power grab amid acute economic and political crises.

Tunisia's President Kais Saied issued a decree appointing a new government on Monday, 11 weeks after he fired the last one in a controversial power grab amid acute economic and political crises. State television broadcast a swearing-in ceremony of the cabinet headed by Najla Bouden, the North African country's first ever female prime minister. Also Read | Thousands protest against Tunisia leader with government awaited In her first public speech since her nomination, Bouden said Monday that "the fight against corruption will be the most important aim" of the new government. She also vowed to "raise living standards" of Tunisians and "restore their faith in the state". But Saied has significantly pared back the powers of her office and will technically head the administration himself. The president on July 25 sacked the previous prime minister, suspended parliament and granted himself judicial powers in moves that opponents have termed a coup. Saied, a former legal academic, has repeatedly criticised the constitution Tunisia adopted in 2014 which brought in a mixed parliamentary-presidential system, three years after a revolution that overthrew veteran dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali. The president named Bouden, a geologist, as premier on September 29, more than two months after sacking the administration of Hichem Mechichi and removing lawmakers' immunity. In a speech following Monday's ceremony, Saied reiterated that his moves were constitutional in light of "imminent peril" facing Tunisia. He said he had acted to "save the Tunisian state from the clutches of those who lurk at home and abroad, and from those who see their office as booty or as a means to loot public funds". He also vowed to "cleanse the judiciary". 'Drift from democracy' Saied, elected on an anti-system ticket in late 2019, seized an array of powers amid a socio-economic crisis aggravated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although his July measures enjoyed significant support from a public tired of political parties seen as self-serving and incompetent, civil society groups have warned of a drift away from democracy. The new cabinet was announced a day after at least 6,000 people demonstrated in central Tunis against Saied's power grab. Also Read | Iraqis to elect new parliament amid deep crisis, apathy Many have seen Saied's moves as a blow to the Islamist-inspired Ennahdha party that has dominated Tunisia's post-revolution politics, but some demonstrators in Tunis on Sunday also voiced support for Moncef Marzouki, who served as president between 2011 and 2014 and now lives in Paris. Feminist groups have hailed Bouden's nomination as a step forward for women in Tunisia, seen as a pioneer for women's rights in the Arab world. But many have questioned how much power she will have given that Saied -- who has long opposed gender equality in inheritance laws -- will have the final say in government decisions. The 63-year-old premier has little political experience and is not known to have economic expertise. Tunisia is facing a long-running economic crisis, exacerbated by the coronavirus pandemic, with debt running at over 90 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, runaway inflation and an unemployment rate of over 18 per cent.

Tunisia president appoints new government nearly 3 months after power grab

China, the biggest manufacturing country in the world, is facing an electricity crisis, forcing factories to reduce operations, power consumption, and leading to outright blackouts in some provinces, media reports said.

Millions of people are getting affected by what is being considered as one of the worst power crises in the country.

The Hong Kong Post reported that 20 of the total 31 provinces are implementing energy-rationing, putting the industry sector of the world's second-largest economy in a fix.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/china-made-electric-vehicles-should-not-be-sold-in-india-modi-govt-to-elon-musk-419293">China-made electric vehicles should not be sold in India: Modi govt to Elon Musk</a>

Experts believe that the problem has emerged due to the expected rebound in demand in power from Chinese factories after a COVID-19-led slump.

The immediate cause is that China is still highly dependent on coal, which provides 70 per cent of the country's power generation, the Foreign Policy magazine reported.

However, the Foreign Policy report noted that the reasons for the crisis can also be traced back to a string of policy missteps and poorly thought-out market interventions after the beginning of the pandemic.

The energy crisis in China led to an industrial output decline in September for the first time since China started recovering from the COVID-19 lockdowns.

At the end of September, the country's manufacturing powerhouse Guangdong Province said it will widen the "peak-to-valley" price difference and hike peak electricity prices by 25 per cent for industrial users.

Chinese state media Global Times reported that this power shortage threatens to weigh down industrial production in the coming months.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-navy-nuclear-submarine-hits-underwater-object-in-south-china-sea-report-419007">US Navy nuclear submarine hits underwater 'object' in South China Sea: Report</a>

The hike in peak electricity prices is for industrial users and will not apply to residential power use, said China South Grid.

This comes as the change in prices in the southern economic powerhouse happened as a shortage of electricity struck China.

China's power grid operator had denied there was an energy crisis and promised to upgrade the national power grid and guarantee a normal power supply.

The cuts and restrictions have been implemented piecemeal by local governments, often with scant warning and little explanation, sparking public anger, Radio Free Asia reported."Chin's energy supply capacity is currently sufficient to meet demand," State Grid Corp. said in comments reported by the Global Times.

"China has no energy crisis," it said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cia-reorganisation-to-place-new-focus-on-china-419146">CIA reorganisation to place new focus on China</a>

Despite China's denial, major international suppliers are bracing for impact on businesses already confronting delays caused by shortages and global shipping delays.

According to media reports, the shock is even leading experts to cut growth expectations for China.

Meanwhile, some sections of the Chinese media have also called for a balance to be struck between climate targets and allowing the power crisis to get out of control.

China, the biggest manufacturing country in the world, is facing an electricity crisis, forcing factories to reduce operations, power consumption, and leading to outright blackouts in some provinces, media reports said.

China, the biggest manufacturing country in the world, is facing an electricity crisis, forcing factories to reduce operations, power consumption, and leading to outright blackouts in some provinces, media reports said. Millions of people are getting affected by what is being considered as one of the worst power crises in the country. The Hong Kong Post reported that 20 of the total 31 provinces are implementing energy-rationing, putting the industry sector of the world's second-largest economy in a fix. Also Read | China-made electric vehicles should not be sold in India: Modi govt to Elon Musk Experts believe that the problem has emerged due to the expected rebound in demand in power from Chinese factories after a COVID-19-led slump. The immediate cause is that China is still highly dependent on coal, which provides 70 per cent of the country's power generation, the Foreign Policy magazine reported. However, the Foreign Policy report noted that the reasons for the crisis can also be traced back to a string of policy missteps and poorly thought-out market interventions after the beginning of the pandemic. The energy crisis in China led to an industrial output decline in September for the first time since China started recovering from the COVID-19 lockdowns. At the end of September, the country's manufacturing powerhouse Guangdong Province said it will widen the "peak-to-valley" price difference and hike peak electricity prices by 25 per cent for industrial users. Chinese state media Global Times reported that this power shortage threatens to weigh down industrial production in the coming months. Also Read | US Navy nuclear submarine hits underwater 'object' in South China Sea: Report The hike in peak electricity prices is for industrial users and will not apply to residential power use, said China South Grid. This comes as the change in prices in the southern economic powerhouse happened as a shortage of electricity struck China. China's power grid operator had denied there was an energy crisis and promised to upgrade the national power grid and guarantee a normal power supply. The cuts and restrictions have been implemented piecemeal by local governments, often with scant warning and little explanation, sparking public anger, Radio Free Asia reported."Chin's energy supply capacity is currently sufficient to meet demand," State Grid Corp. said in comments reported by the Global Times. "China has no energy crisis," it said. Also Read | CIA reorganisation to place new focus on China Despite China's denial, major international suppliers are bracing for impact on businesses already confronting delays caused by shortages and global shipping delays. According to media reports, the shock is even leading experts to cut growth expectations for China. Meanwhile, some sections of the Chinese media have also called for a balance to be struck between climate targets and allowing the power crisis to get out of control.

China's power crisis hampers its economic growth

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