Entertainment
Here’s what’s really at stake
The Brazilian presidency of the COP30 climate summit has revealed the first draft of a crucial decision text.
Dubbed the “Mutirão” decision, the draft outlines a starkly different options on the key issues that have dominated talks in the humid Amazon city: transitioning away from fossil fuels, providing climate finance, and managing trade disputes.
On the critical issue of fossil fuels, the text reveals a deep rift.
One option encourages countries to develop “just, orderly and equitable transition roadmaps,” but stops short of endorsing a global phase-out plan backed by over 80 nations.
A weaker alternative merely invites countries to share “success stories” on moving toward low-carbon solutions. Tina Stege, climate envoy for the Marshall Islands, called the current language “weak” and insisted it “must be strengthened.”
The financial negotiations are equally divisive.
The draft includes a proposal to triple adaptation finance for developing nations to $120 billion a year by 2030, a key demand from vulnerable countries.
However, developed nations are pushing back, with alternative options that only acknowledge the need to “dramatically scale up” funding without binding targets.
In a historic first for a UN climate text, trade also features prominently, reflecting pushback from China and India against carbon border taxes.
Proposals range from establishing new dialogues to an annual UN summit on trade and climate.
As ministers arrive for the final high-level negotiations, the choices are clear. “Countries can get behind the stronger elements… or move in a weaker direction and water down what they come away with from Belém,” said David Waskow of the World Resources Institute.
The success of the entire “Belém political package” now hinges on bridging these deep divides before the conference concludes.
Al Jazeera English’s live broadcast was interrupted by an emergency missile alert following Iran’s retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases in the Middle East.
The media outlet shared the video of the incident on TikTok, which quickly went viral, amassing over 12 million views in just a few hours.
The 42-second video clip shows a guest speaking with anchor Folly Bah Thibault when their conversation suddenly gets interrupted by buzzer alarm sounds.
Folly explained that it was the emergency alert residents in Doha receive on their phones during urgent situations.
She added, “The national emergency alert system has gone off here in Qatar,” and quoted the Qatar Defence Ministry, stating that an Iranian missile had been intercepted.
This comes after Iran retaliated against the U.S.-Israel strikes dubbed Operation Epic Fury by the U.S. and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel.
Iran launched barrages of missiles at the U.S. bases across the Middle East, including in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, and Jordan.
Netizens praised the anchor for keeping her composure in an emergency situation. One user commented, “The interviewer lady is so professional, she’s the best.” Another said, “How is she so calm?”
A third user expressed disbelief, writing, “I cannot believe this is happening. It is terrifying.”
- Petroleum Division notifies new prices.
- Petrol price set at Rs266.17 per litre.
- Diesel raised by Rs5.16 to Rs280.86 per litre.
The federal government increased the price of petrol by Rs8 per litre for the next fortnight, starting from March 1.
In a notification, the Petroleum Division announced that the price of petrol has been increased to Rs266.17 per litre, up from Rs258.17.
Similarly, the price of diesel has been raised by Rs5.16 to Rs280.86 per litre, compared with the previous rate of Rs275.7.
Petrol is mainly used by commuters in small vehicles, rickshaws and two-wheelers. Higher fuel prices significantly impact the budgets of middle and lower-middle class households, who rely on petrol for daily travel.
On the other hand, a significant portion of the transport sector relies on high-speed diesel.
Its price is considered inflationary since it is predominantly used in heavy goods transport vehicles, trucks, buses, trains, and agricultural machinery such as tractors, tube wells, and threshers.
The consumption of high-speed diesel particularly contributes to the increased prices of vegetables and other food items.
The Duke of Edinburgh hosted an elegant luncheon at Lancaster House on February 25, bringing together the foreign ministers of Central Asia in a rare gathering.
The event saw ministers from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan convene under one roof, with HRH at the centre of discussions highlighting the UK’s ongoing engagement with the region.
The luncheon wasn’t also served as an inspiring platform for young Central Asian students, who were given the opportunity to meet the Duke and hear firsthand about the UK’s initiatives in education, cultural exchange, and international collaboration.
Programs such as Chevening, El‑Yurt Umidi, and the Oxford Hub were spotlighted as pillars supporting talent, leadership, and global connections in the region.
Duchess Sophie’s husband engaged warmly with attendees, fielding questions from both ministers and students alike.
Joining HRH were the five Central Asian foreign ministers alongside Lord Alderdice, adding an extra layer of gravitas to a luncheon that blended diplomacy, education, and international friendship.
Al Jazeera broadcast interrupted by emergency missile alert in Qatar
Govt increases petrol price by Rs8 per litre for next fortnight
King Charles’ ‘trusted’ hand hosts Central Asian leaders in London
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