Latest news with #stance
Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Business
- Straits Times
London climate week receives boost as Trump policies weigh on New York event
FILE PHOTO: Britain's Prince William, Prince of Wales walks with former Mayor of New York, Michael R. Bloomberg during the \"Leading with Impact\" event, as part of London Climate Action Week, at Bloomberg headquarters in London, Britain, June 24, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso/Pool/File Photo LONDON - London's climate week attracted record attendance, bolstered by the cloud hanging over its sister event in New York in September as the U.S. government turns its back on efforts to stop global warming and tightens entry requirements. The annual London Climate Action Week (LCAW), which ends on Sunday, more than doubled in size compared to the 2024 edition, hosting 700-plus events and more than 45,000 attendees. That was helped by the UK's more robust stance on climate action and support for visitors from developing countries, two dozen business, political and civil society sources told Reuters. "We have gone much bigger on LCAW this year - we are hosting several events and putting considerably more effort (in) than in the past. If we do send someone to New York, it will almost certainly just be an American citizen member of our team," said Alexis McGivern, Head of Stakeholder Engagement at Oxford Net Zero. Under President Donald Trump, the United States has left a global deal to lower climate-damaging carbon emissions, cut development aid, rowed back on environmental standards and moved to slash support for green technologies. By contrast, the British government was present across multiple events during LCAW, with energy secretary Ed Miliband saying he wanted Britain to be a "clean energy superpower" and to "get off the roller coaster of fossil fuel markets". 'YOU CAN TALK FRANKLY' Given the U.S. pushback, Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim, a U.N. Indigenous Peoples representative and climate change expert, said London offered more freedom to discuss climate change, diversity and human rights. "You can talk frankly with the government of the UK or any government here in London without being afraid of how you get treated, or targeted," she said. Philanthropists and private investors, too, are able to speak more openly without being targeted politically, or risking damaging business interests, she said. "This year the New York Climate Week is going to be very challenging," she said. "Not only to indigenous peoples, but even to governments. There are so many barriers that are making people say, let's act now in London." Among steps taken in London was a push by governments for indigenous peoples' land rights to be better protected and a plan to encourage companies to buy more carbon credits. Chief among the concerns about New York, particularly for civil society representatives, was whether they could even get in. TRAVEL BANS This month, the U.S. banned travellers from countries including Afghanistan, Congo Republic and Somalia - many exposed to rising extreme weather events and in need of the most help - and may yet add more. Ibrahim, whose home country Chad is also on the list, said she would travel using her diplomatic passport but was uncertain if she would be allowed in - a concern flagged by half a dozen other LCAW attendees. Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group, which runs New York Climate Week, said she understood it would be harder for participants from certain countries to attend but that many businesses, governments and civil society were planning to come and were "super up for New York." " is shaping up similar to other years," she said. "This is a critical moment before COP." COP30 will take place in Brazil in November. REUTERS Find out more about climate change and how it could affect you on the ST microsite here.
Al Etihad
2 days ago
- Health
- Al Etihad
NRC leads UAE-wide anti-drug efforts highlighting prevention, community engagement
26 June 2025 00:48 KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)Hailed worldwide for its progressive stance to drug-related issues, the UAE has long been committed to combating substance abuse through wide-reaching, community-focused initiatives alongside an advanced policing and security apparatus. Leading the country's efforts on addiction prevention and treatment is the National Rehabilitation Centre (NRC) in Abu Dhabi. For the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (World Drug Day), marked annually on June 26, the NRC has rolled out a series of awareness initiatives nationwide, aiming to drive home the idea of prevention as being the most impactful way to combat drug abuse. Yousef Altheeb Alketbi, CEO of NRC, emphasised the day's significance as both a symbolic reminder and a strategic call to action. 'World Drug Day serves as a powerful reminder of the complex challenges surrounding addiction and the shared responsibility to address them through compassion, education, and evidence-based action,' Alketbi told Aletihad ahead of the occasion. 'At the NRC, this day underscores our commitment to both individuals and communities impacted by substance use. While addiction is real, so is recovery and no one should have to face it alone.'Among the flagship initiatives this year is the Drug Prevention Forum at Galleria Mall, as well as a collaboration with ADNOC, which has facilitated the display of anti-drug messages at 100 fuel stations across the country. Moreover, digital billboards at major hubs like Al Qana are reinforcing these messages, reaching thousands of residents and visitors every day.'The UAE's approach is a model of unity and shared responsibility,' said Alketbi. 'Prevention becomes most effective when it is community-driven, relevant, and inclusive; transforming awareness into meaningful action.' Supporting Long-term Healing Beyond awareness, the UAE continues to evolve in its handling of addiction and rehabilitation. There is a notable shift in public perception, with more families actively seeking help and engaging in recovery processes, Alketbi said. 'The emphasis is increasingly on holistic, family-inclusive care that reduces stigma and supports long-term healing,' he noted.'There is growing public awareness, and more individuals and families are actively engaging in recovery processes.'The NRC's rehabilitation model remains firmly rooted in evidence-based international 2024 alone, the organisation conducted over 107 awareness activities, targeting both public and private sectors under the national campaign titled 'From Prevention to Recovery.'The centre has also developed specialised training programmes for educators, enabling early detection of substance use among students. More than 60 teachers have been trained so far in 2025, with a robust follow-up mechanism to ensure continued impact.A growing area of focus for the NRC is addressing co-occurring mental health issues, especially among young people. Through digital outreach, community workshops, and life-skills programmes, the centre is hoping to empower individuals to make healthier choices and resist substance use.'Addiction is not just a health issue; it's a societal challenge that requires coordinated and compassionate solutions,' said Alketbi. 'World Drug Day helps us recommit to that vision, not just for today, but every day.'
Politico
3 days ago
- Politics
- Politico
MAGA right attacks Zohran Mamdani's religion following his win
Prominent MAGA-aligned commentators launched xenophobic attacks on Zohran Mamdani over the 33-year-old state lawmaker's Muslim religion following his apparent Democratic primary win in the New York City mayoral race. In a series of posts, conservative social media personality Laura Loomer wrote 'New York City will be destroyed,' Muslims will start 'committing jihad all over New York' and that 'NYC is about to see 9/11 2.0.' If elected in November, Mamdani would become the first Muslim mayor in New York City's history. And while many conservatives have criticized Mamdani's progressive policies, others have taken aim at Mamdani for his religion. '24 years ago a group of Muslims killed 2,753 people on 9/11,' conservative activist Charlie Kirk posted on X, referencing the number of people killed in New York. 'Now a Muslim Socialist is on pace to run New York City.' 'New York City has fallen,' Donald Trump Jr. wrote, quoting a post by Michael Malice about when New Yorkers 'endured 9/11 instead of voting for it.' 'After 9/11 we said 'Never Forget.' I think we sadly have forgotten,' Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) posted on X Wednesday, accompanied by a photo of Mamdani. Mamdani's campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the statements. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, won 43.5 percent of first-place votes in New York's ranked-choice voting system. Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, the once-favorite to take the primary, conceded to Mamdani Tuesday night. However, the city board of elections is not expected to finalize results until early July, once ranked-choice votes are tabulated. During the primary some of Mamdani's critics, including a super PAC backing Cuomo, said he either emboldens antisemitism or has himself espoused antisemitic views, in particular over his stance on Israel. He has repeatedly criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, and in a June interview with The Bulwark, Mamdani said the phrase 'globalize the intifada' represented 'a desperate desire for equality and equal rights in standing up for Palestinian human rights.' Mamdani drew heavy criticism for the statement, marking a tension point in a primary election in a city with large populations of Muslim and Jewish residents. He has repeatedly pushed back against the antisemitism label, decrying violence against Jews in the country. 'I've said at every opportunity that there is no room for antisemitism in this city, in this country,' he said at an emotional press conference in the closing days of the race, adding the reason he does not have a more 'visceral reaction' to being labeled that is because it has 'been colored by the fact that when I speak, especially when I speak with emotion, I am then characterized by those same rivals as being a monster.' At the same press conference, he said he has faced significant attacks because of his religion. 'I get messages that say, 'The only good Muslim is a dead Muslim.' I get threats on my life, on the people that I love. And I try not to talk about it,' he said at that press conference.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Ram Kapoor breaks silence on being removed from Mistry promotions for inappropriate comments: Don't mean to be offensive
Actor Ram Kapoor was recently removed from the promotions of his upcoming show Mistry after he made sexually inappropriate and offensive remarks towards the publicist and marketing team. Now, the actor has responded to the backlash, admitting that he made the remarks in question, but insisted that they were never intended to offend. (Also read: Ram Kapoor removed from Mistry promotions for making sexually coloured, offensive remarks: What really happened) Ram Kapoor in a still from his upcoming show, Mistry. The actor addressed the controversy in a recent interview with The Times of India and expressed regret. "Let me start by saying that everything I've been accused of saying, I have said it. So, the fact is that I am guilty as charged. But this is what I have to say in my defence. Whenever I am with people I am comfortable with, I tend to become my bindass self. Everyone who knows me and who has worked with me knows that is how I am and that I don't mean to be offensive. I didn't feel that even once throughout the day. We were laughing and joking. If I had gotten the whiff that they were offended, I would have dealt with it right away. Why would I make those comments openly if I felt they were offensive?," Ram said. Reflecting on the situation more deeply, Ram acknowledged the impact of his words, particularly on younger members of the team. 'The comments I made came from a harmless space, but the bottom line is that those team members, who are half my age, did get offended, and that's not acceptable. Not only my fans, I have my son who looks up to me and learns from me. I want to tell everyone that please don't doubt me. The OTT platform thought that certain things were wrong, and that is justified from their point of view. I do not blame them for taking this stance, because yes, it will teach me a lesson. I respect their decision, and I am going to find a way to apologise to each of those team members who were offended that day on a personal level," Ram said. Ram's comments during Mistry promotions During the media promotions for Mistry, held at a Mumbai hotel last Thursday, Ram participated in multiple interviews as part of the press interactions. The actor reportedly joked about kissing a male member of the show's marketing team and made a comment suggesting that his mother "should have gone to sleep" instead of conceiving him. In addition, Ram made a remark likening the interview experience to feeling "gang-raped" in front of a journalist and referenced sexual positions in his comments. The actor also commented on the clothes of some of the female crew members at the venue, saying, "If they are in my line of sight, how can I not look?".
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Diljit Dosanjh breaks his silence on working with Hania Aamir in Sardaarji 3 and skipping India release: 'When this film was made, everything was fine...'
Diljit Dosanjh addressed backlash for casting Hania Aamir in 'Sardaarji 3' after a renewed ban on Pakistani artists. The film, shot before recent India-Pakistan tensions, will release overseas only. Diljit defended his decision, citing the situation at the time of filming and respecting Hania's professionalism, while FWICE has condemned the collaboration and threatened a ban on future projects. Diljit Dosanjh has finally addressed the growing backlash over casting Pakistani actor Hania Aamir in Sardaarji 3, following a renewed ban on Pakistani artistes in India after the Pahalgam terror attack . With the film set for an overseas-only release, the actor opened up about the controversy and his stance on the matter. In conversation with BBC Asian Network, Diljit explained that Sardaarji 3 was filmed back in February, at a time when the situation between India and Pakistan was stable. However, due to recent developments beyond their control, including the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack, the producers decided against releasing the film in India. Instead, they opted for an international release to minimise losses, as significant investment had already gone into the project. Diljit added that when he signed the film, there were no tensions, and he supports the producers' decision given the current circumstances. Speaking about his experience working with Hania, Diljit said she was highly professional and that he respects both her work and privacy. Being a private person himself, he shared that their interactions on set were respectful and limited strictly to work-related conversations. After the release of the Sardaarji 3 trailer, the singer-actor faced criticism and boycott calls for working with Pakistani actor Hania Aamir. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) condemned the collaboration, with President BN Tiwari stating that Diljit's choice disrespects national sentiments and the sacrifices of Indian soldiers, raising questions about his loyalty. BN Tiwari further stated that while Sardaarji 3 is currently set for an overseas release, FWICE will impose a strict ban if any plans for an Indian release emerge. He emphasized that Diljit Dosanjh's collaboration with a Pakistani actor is unacceptable and announced a call for a complete boycott of all upcoming films, songs, and projects involving both Diljit and the film's producers. A formal letter regarding the ban is also being issued. Sardaar Ji 3 features Diljit Dosanjh alongside Hania Aamir and Neeru Bajwa, with Manav Vij, Gulshan Grover, Jasmin Bajwa, and Sapna Pabbi in pivotal roles. The film follows Diljit's character, a ghost hunter, who teams up with Hania's character to remove a spirit from a mansion in the UK. It is set to release internationally on 27 June.
