Cop31: Forget climate pledges, countries like Nepal need actual cash
SCMP •

Cop31: Forget climate pledges, countries like Nepal need actual cash

Every climate summit now runs on the same illusion: the next pledge will be the one that finally saves us. It will not. The money the rich world has promised the poor world is not coming at anything like the scale advertised, and pretending otherwise has become the main business of climate diplomacy. Barely nine weeks before the UN climate summit Cop31 opens in Antalya, Turkey, the honest task is ...

Missouri volunteers place 93 cedar brush piles in Truman Lake; $75,000 grant backs 450 structures
Times of India •

Missouri volunteers place 93 cedar brush piles in Truman Lake; $75,000 grant backs 450 structures

Truman Lake in Missouri is undergoing remarkable enhancements for its underwater habitat. Recently, 93 cedar brush piles have been established to provide refuge and food for fish. The goal is to install a total of 450 habitat structures throughout the reservoir, backed by a $75,000 grant aimed at improving fishing experiences. Various organizations and community volunteers are joining forces for t...

Baltimore replaces invasive pear with tulip poplar as official tree after 52 years
Times of India •

Baltimore replaces invasive pear with tulip poplar as official tree after 52 years

Baltimore has replaced the Chanticleer pear, its official tree since 1974, with the native tulip poplar after Maryland banned sales of the invasive callery pear. Six native species competed for the title, with residents voting before the winner was announced through a costumed tree race at Cylburn Arboretum attended by hundreds.

Grace Tame apologises for comments labelling rape of Israeli women during Hamas attacks ‘propaganda’

Grace Tame apologises for comments labelling rape of Israeli women during Hamas attacks ‘propaganda’

The Guardian •

The former Australian of the Year said she stood with survivors of sexual violence ‘everywhere’ and ‘no matter who they are’Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastGrace Tame has apologised for her comments labelling the rape of Israeli women by Hamas during the 7 October attacks as “propaganda” and “debunked”, saying her words were “misinterpreted”.The former Australian of the ...

Tourists in England face nightly levy on hotel and Airbnb stays under new plans

Tourists in England face nightly levy on hotel and Airbnb stays under new plans

The Guardian •

Labelled a tourist tax, proposals would give mayors power to decide how revenue raised should be investedUK politics live – latest updatesHolidaymakers will face a nightly levy on hotel stays and Airbnb-style visits in England under plans ministers are due to outline to give mayors new powers.The idea, labelled a tourist tax, was first raised by Keir Starmer’s government in November and is similar...

James Cameron’s $4.4 million ranch became a $33 million estate 24 years later

James Cameron’s $4.4 million ranch became a $33 million estate 24 years later

Times of India •

James Cameron's 102-acre California ranch, bought in 1999, became a secluded retreat and working farm. Over two decades, the estate grew with gardens, energy systems, and specialized workspaces. The property, listed for $33 million, included a main house and extensive facilities. Its value reflected the unusual life built across the land and its coastal setting. The Camerons sold the ranch as ...

At least five dead, dozens missing after Philippine ferry fire

At least five dead, dozens missing after Philippine ferry fire

NBC News •

The Philippine coast guard searched for survivors after a ferry carrying 134 people caught fire in the western Palawan province while sailing from Manila. Authorities said at least five people died while dozens of others are missing, adding that 42 people had been rescued.

Hong Kong teams up with 50 partners to set standards for low-altitude aviation

Hong Kong teams up with 50 partners to set standards for low-altitude aviation

SCMP •

Hong Kong has secured support from more than 50 organisations to develop common standards for the low-altitude economy, as the city seeks closer integration with the national strategy for the sector. The announcement was made on Thursday at a low-altitude economy forum attended by Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan. The low-altitude economy covers commercial activities involving dron...

Hong Kong signs 2 MOUs with Greater Bay Area partners to commercialise aerial technology

Hong Kong signs 2 MOUs with Greater Bay Area partners to commercialise aerial technology

SCMP •

Hong Kong signed two milestone memorandums of understanding with partners in the Greater Bay Area to harmonise standards and commercialise advanced aerial technology as the city accelerated its integration into national development plans. Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong Wai-lun said on Thursday the cross-border pacts would combine the production and testing capabilities of the Guangdong-Ho...