Later today, 29-year-old Jordan McSweeney will appear in custody at Thames Magistrates’ Court on charges of attempted rape and robbery.
A man has been charged with the murder of Zara Aleena in Ilford, east London, while her family releases a statement describing her as a “blessing to all.”
Ms. Aleena, 35, was discovered with “serious head injuries” at approximately 2:45 a.m. on Sunday in Cranbrook Road; she died later that morning in the hospital.
No weapons are believed to have been employed.
Metropolitan Police stated that Jordan McSweeney, 29, has also been charged with attempted rape and robbery.
Later today, he will appear in custody at the Thames Magistrates’ Court.
In a statement issued via the Metropolitan Police Ms. Aleena’s family described her as having a “pure heart,” “sparkling eyes,” and “glorious laughter.
It states: “Zara, age 35, was a beloved human, child, niece, cousin, and granddaughter, as well as a friend to all. She brought us all joy.
“She provided care for both her mother and grandmother. Caring for others was something that came so naturally to her.
“Zara was sociable and everyone’s friend. She was the daughter of everyone, the niece of everyone, the sister of everyone, and the cousin of everyone. She had a pure heart.”
Ms. Aleena had wanted to be a lawyer since the age of five, according to the statement, which also described her as “a carefree spirit with the kindest heart.”
“Zara was at a point in her life where her happiness was radiating and growing,” her family said.
They explain that she was the “rock” of their family and was eager to start her own.
It concludes by stating: “Our loss is irreparable and the void feels insurmountable, but the warmth and compassion shown by our community is evidence of Zara’s enduring spirit. Her existence has been robbed from us. She has been taken from all of us.”
According to her family, Ms. Aleena completed a two-year internship with the Crown Prosecution Service to become an attorney.
According to the University of Westminster, Ms. Aleena earned a postgraduate diploma in legal practice last year.
A spokeswoman said: “We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn that Zara Aleena, a former law school student, and graduate, passed away in such a tragic manner. During this tragic time, our thoughts are with Zara’s family and loved ones.”
A vigil is scheduled for Cranbrook Road on Saturday, 2 July, at 2:17 p.m. Attendees have been asked to wear white and to maintain a “quiet and somber” atmosphere.
Ms. Aleena’s family stated, “We want to return her safely to where she belongs.”
Lisa Hodgson, Ms. Aleena’s best friend, expressed shock and anger at her death on Tuesday and revealed the final messages she received from her.
Lisa had sent Ms. Aleena a screenshot of a sunset, to which she responded “beautiful” and added, “Miss your beautiful face this weekend xx can’t wait to see you next weekend xxx.”
The public and media praised the podcaster and cancer activist’s candid posts about her progress and diagnosis, including videos of her dancing her way through treatment.
The “inspirational” podcaster and cancer activist Deborah James, who died “peacefully” on Tuesday, is receiving numerous tributes.
The 40-year-old former deputy principal was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016 and fought vigorously to raise awareness of the disease via social media.
The podcaster’s family, as well as figures from the entertainment industry, politics, and beyond, have paid tribute to him.
Deborah James dies at the age of 40.
A family statement was posted to her Instagram account “We regret to inform you of the passing of Dame Deborah James, the most remarkable wife, daughter, sister, and mother. Today, Deborah passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.
It included a final message from Deborah stating: “Find a life worth appreciating, take risks, love deeply, have no regrets, and always, always maintain a rebellious hope. And finally, examine your feces; it could save your life.”
Heather, the mother of James, expressed that her heart is “broken” following the passing of her daughter and wrote: “My heart is broken. Love you forever.”
James disclosed at the beginning of May that she had ceased active treatment and was receiving end-of-life care at her parents’ home in Woking, with her husband and two children present.
Her candid posts about her progress and diagnosis, including videos of her dancing during treatment, were praised by both the public and the media.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson stated, “many, many lives will be saved because of James, while Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer described her charitable work as “truly inspiring.” “.
How she discussed and confronted her cancer moved the nation, inspired change, and unquestionably saved lives.”
James was a patron for Bowel Cancer UK, and the charity’s chief executive, Genevieve Edwards, stated that the former headteacher brought “warmth, energy, and honesty to everything she did” and was a “powerful patron for Bowel Cancer UK who leaves a stunning legacy through her BowelBabe fund.
Macmillan Cancer Support stated, “We are so grateful for her years of generous support and her commitment to standing with people with cancer.”
“Considering your family and friends, as well as everyone going through a similar situation. Peace be with you, Debs x “.
While Katie Piper posted a green heart with the words “we will never forget you.”
James established a fund called the Bowelbabe fund to raise funds for personalized cancer treatment research.
In her final weeks, Dame Deborah raised over £6.7 million for research through her BowelBabe fund and was knighted for her “tireless” efforts to raise awareness of the disease.
According to scientists, the space tourism of Richard Branson, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos could reverse the work achieved to heal the ozone layer.
In the 1980s, the Montreal Protocol prohibited the use of chemicals that depleted the ozone layer, and since then, the protective barrier has begun to recover. However, the services promoted by Elon Musk, Richard Branson, and Jeff Bezos may undermine the advancement.
New research has investigated the effect of spacecraft departing and returning to Earth on the upper atmosphere.
According to a joint study by the University College London, the University of Cambridge, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the soot emitted by spacecraft damages the protective ozone layer surrounding the planet and holds heat 500 times faster than other soot sources.
Dr. Eloise Marais of UCL, who co-authored the study, stated that comparing spacecraft emissions to those of aircraft and terrestrial sources was “incorrect.”
Blue Origin, the space transportation company created by Mr. Bezos, argues that its New Shepard launch vehicle’s BE-3 PM engine is “fueled by extremely efficient and pure liquid oxygen and hydrogen.”
“The only byproduct of the New Shepard’s engine during flight is water vapor, with no carbon emissions”.
While the university researchers admitted that the current damage to the ozone layer is minimal, they recommended regulating the expanding sector of space tourism to prevent future issues.
Describe the ozone layer.
The ozone layer is a portion of the atmosphere composed of O3 oxygen molecules, as opposed to the more prevalent O2 oxygen molecules.
It shields the Earth’s surface from the massive quantities of ultraviolet light emitted by the Sun, which, if allowed to pass through, would cause temperatures to rise.
After observing the depletion of the layer in the 1970s, scientists began a push for rule modifications.
It was determined that particular chemicals were responsible for the damage, and in 1987 the Montreal Protocol was enacted to ban the compounds; it is the only United Nations convention that has been accepted by all 198 member states.
The ozone layer has since begun to be repaired, albeit primarily at greater altitudes.
The harm caused by space travel
The researchers of space travel analyzed data from 103 rocket launches in 2019, as well as spacecraft flights by Mr. Branson’s Virgin Galactic, Mr. Musk’s SpaceX, and Mr. Bezos’ Blue Origin.
They discovered that the warming caused by soot more than doubled after only three years of extra emissions from space tourism, which included the addition of rubber to the fuel.
The fact that the soot is ejected in the high atmosphere exacerbates the harm, as the particles are 500 times more effective than other soot at holding heat.
The success of the Montreal Protocol would be jeopardized by the implementation of weekly space tourism, according to the findings.
The principal author of the study, Dr. Robert Ryan of UCL, stated, “The top stratosphere is the only section of the atmosphere showing robust ozone recovery post-Montreal Protocol, and this is precisely where rocket emissions would have the greatest influence.
We did not anticipate ozone fluctuations of this scale, which jeopardize the recovery of ozone.
The results were published in the journal Earth’s Future.
The climate activist delivered her address on the day that the oldest solo headliner in Glastonbury’s history will hit the stage.
During her presence at Glastonbury, Greta Thunberg asked society to assume its “historic obligation” to address the global climate issue.
From the Pyramid Stage of the event, the environmental campaigner delivered a stern warning that the world is facing a “climate and ecological emergency.”
“The biosphere is not merely altering; it is destabilizing and disintegrating,” the 19-year-old explained, adding that “the implications might be catastrophic.”
“And sadly, this is not the new normal,” she continued.
She said, “This crisis will continue to worsen until we can halt the continual devastation of our life-supporting systems, and until we prioritize people and the planet over business and greed.
Global leaders have “consciously constructed loopholes” and society has come to “expect” them to deceive, according to Ms. Thunberg, who attributes blame to them.
She argued, “We should be fighting for people and nature, but instead we are fighting against those who are out to destroy it.”
“Today, it is acceptable for our political leaders to say one thing and do the exact opposite. They can claim to be climate leaders while expanding their nation’s infrastructure for fossil fuels.”
Together, we can do the impossible.
Nonetheless, the activist continued, there is still time for the globe to pick a “sustainable” route that “leads to a future for everyone.”
Ms. Thunberg addressed the tens of thousands of festivalgoers, stating, “You and I have been given the historic responsibility to make things right.
“Together, we can do the impossible. But make no mistake, no one else will perform this action on our behalf. This is our responsibility right now. Both you and I”
Following her speech, 32-year-old Manchester native Erin Rudkin stated that you could “hear a pin drop” in the crowd, indicating that the Glastonbury audience was completely captivated.
Behind Ms. Thunberg’s speech, pop-rock band Haim performed, with Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds taking the stage after them.
Sir Paul McCartney will become the festival’s oldest solo headliner on Saturday evening, a day after Billie Eilish became the festival’s youngest solo performer.
The former Beatle’s headlining performance will take place exactly one week after his 80th birthday and more than 60 years of making music.
Monday’s social media posts depict a tornado circling the village of Zierikzee, around 77 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of Rotterdam.
A tornado has raced through a medieval town in the Netherlands, leaving at least one person dead and ten others injured.
Monday, the storm wreaked havoc in the seaside village of Zierikzee, around 77 kilometers (44 miles) southwest of Rotterdam, ripping off the roofs of houses and bringing down trees.
Social media images and videos depicted a “waterspout” near the town as the tornado circled the sky, leaving a path of damage in its wake.
A vehicle was photographed surrounded by rubble after a tree had fallen on it as a result of the tornado, which had sent tiles and furniture flying through the streets.
Numerous individuals converged on the scene to observe or assist the emergency services, which are currently assessing the full extent of the damage.
The area has been blocked off, and the public has been asked to remain away from the spot to allow crews to work in peace.
Veilig Zeeland, which organizes emergency response efforts in the region, stated in a statement, “There is regrettably one death to mourn as a result of the tornado.”
In addition, the initial examination indicates that there are approximately 10 injured.
The organization also put the following on its website: “Many people travel to the area to observe or assist; this hampers the emergency services and might be hazardous due to falling branches, roof tiles, etc.”
The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute recorded winds of approximately 75 kilometers per hour in a storm that passed through the country (KNMI).
The cleanup has begun in the beachside community of approximately 10,000 people.
Residents impacted by the tornado have been instructed to go to the town hall.
According to the KNMI, tornadoes are uncommon in the Netherlands but more frequent in the summer.
Monday afternoon, the town’s mayor, Jack van der Hoek, is expected to conduct a news conference.
On Friday, a £20 million experiment providing a basic income to young people leaving care will commence in Wales.
The Welsh government will offer approximately 500 18-year-olds £19,200 per year before taxes beginning on July 1.
One careleaver described the money as a “security blanket,” while others believe it will assist the 18-year-olds to get off to a good start.
However, the Welsh Conservatives felt that the proposal could cause more difficulties than it solves.
Officials intend to analyze the program to determine if the money – roughly equivalent to the living wage – can assist the youth in adjusting to independent living.
Research indicates that care leavers are more likely to experience homelessness and mental health issues.
It is the most recent attempt to test the concept of unconditional financial support offered by some as an alternative to current welfare systems.
According to the Welsh government, the quantity of money supplied is the highest in the history of basic income pilot programs.
The income will be counted against benefits, and the young people who receive the money will be required to pay the basic tax rate, despite the Welsh government’s hopes that UK ministers would dismiss the initiative for both of these purposes.
It amounts to £1,600 per month, or £1,280 after taxes are deducted.
‘Safety blanket’ Chloe and Chelsea, who were formerly in foster care, will be among the beneficiaries.
Chloe, who has been in foster care since she was seven, intends to attend college. She stated that the plan will be “very beneficial.”
“I intend to enroll in a youth employment program. I believe this program will benefit me financially and enable me to do things I otherwise wouldn’t be able to.”
She stated that she was “very fortunate” to have the support of her foster family, “but I am aware that other care leavers do not have the familial support that I enjoy.”
The money will be used to pay for essentials such as food, but she also hopes to save some. “If I’m in college, it can assist me purchase materials for my study.”
She described the money as a “security blanket” and felt “extremely fortunate” to be participating.
What is a basic income for all? Under a program, young care leavers will receive £1,600 each month. Could this be the welfare system’s future? Since she was approximately four years old, Chelsea has received attention.
She told that the majority of her basic income will go toward rent, as she will shortly be moving out. She too hopes to save a portion of it.
Chelsea planned to find employment while participating in the program: “I’m applying for anything at the moment.”
She stated that she “can’t wait” to be an adult and noted that the money would make a “huge impact.”
Rhian, a former care leaver who will not receive the money herself, was among those who assisted officials in creating the pilot.
She stopped receiving care throughout the pandemic.
She said, “About a year ago, I was rendered homeless and then obtained a place, but I couldn’t afford the rent or anything else, so I had to move out again.”
Rhian stated that care leavers are often limited in the quantity of support they may receive: “It is a major transition for us as care leavers to move from receiving a great deal of support to receiving only the bare minimum.
The program will operate until 2025, will cost approximately £20 million, and will be available to youth leaving foster care and turning 18 between 1 July and 30 June.
Mark Drakeford, the first minister of Wales, stated that the pilot may be used to argue for a “larger scale” system if the “promises outlined for basic income have been fulfilled in practice.”
He stated that care leavers who get the money will be able to make investments in their future, such as employment and education.
Mr. Drakeford guaranteed that care leavers on the program will have access to “coaching and guidance” for up to two years and stated that the program might save taxpayers money.
“We ultimately spent a fortune dealing with the ramifications of our failures,” he remarked.
“This is an attempt to transfer that money out of that part of the spectrum and put it up front, where we invest in the futures of these young people so that they may maximize their abilities.”
What is a minimum wage? Around the world, basic income plans have been tested to determine whether they perform better than current welfare systems.
Supporters of the concept of “universal basic income” – in which everyone in a region receives a sum of money regardless of means – argue that it might help avoid “benefit traps” in which individuals lose money by working.
Some supporters believe that a basic income could give financial support if it becomes more difficult to obtain a job.
Kenya, Finland, and California have conducted modest experiments.
Welsh ministers announced plans to test the promise of a basic income in 2021, but they were criticized when it became clear that they will concentrate on care leavers rather than a larger population.
Officials want to determine if a basic income is effective for assisting young people exiting the foster care system, who frequently experience difficulties in securing a stable residence and a job.
When it unveiled its plans in February, the Welsh government ceased calling the program “universal.”
Beginning in the fall, researchers will be commissioned to examine the impact of the project by surveying and interviewing those participating.
Approximately 500 individuals are anticipated to be eligible, although participation will be optional, so participation may be lower.
Welfare is not devolved, and the Welsh Labour administration established the program without the backing of the United Kingdom government, which controls the majority of benefits in Wales.
Joel James, the spokesman for the Welsh Conservatives’ social partnership, stated, “It has been repeatedly demonstrated that so-called universal basic income does not work.
“We recognize that this is a vulnerable group that requires additional care, but this is the incorrect approach and could cause more problems than it solves.”
It’s typical of Labour, but handing out free money would not solve the problem quickly.
Luke Fletcher, the economics spokesman for Plaid Cymru, applauded the ideas.
“We anticipate the wonderful impact this will have on the lives of the participants, which I am confident it will,” he said.
“Before we begin this pilot, it is crucial that the Welsh government make clear how they will support the care leavers participating in this pilot, not only during the experiment but also after it concludes.”
Mr. Lazzaro possesses five acres of land and was previously a prosperous tomato farmer in northern Arusha. Now, though, he is fighting alongside many others to keep his business and crops alive amidst a global fertilizer crisis.
Under the scorching Tanzanian sun, Lossim Lazzaro examines his field with trepidation.
Slowly, he applies animal dung to his crops as a last-ditch effort to promote their growth.
Mr. Lazzaro explains, “it has been tough for me to obtain fertilizer on the market.”
Fertilizer, the essential component for crop growth, is in short supply worldwide. As a result of the Russia-Ukraine crisis, global prices have skyrocketed as well.
Mr. Lazzaro recalls purchasing 50 kg bags of fertilizer for approximately $25 (£20) in 2019.
“However, the identical bag now costs nearly twice as much. It is costly for me.”
According to the United Nations, the amount of fertilizer accessible on a global scale has decreased by nearly half, while the price of certain types of fertilizer has nearly tripled in the previous year.
This is having repercussions in nations such as Tanzania, where farmers rely on imported fertilizer.
Mr. Lazzaro continues, “I ended up purchasing fertilizer from a local producer, but I still have to schedule my order months in advance owing to the lack.”
The crisis fuels fears of a food shortage.
Africa, which utilizes the least amount of fertilizer per hectare in the world, is in grave danger.
The shortage will undoubtedly affect agricultural yields, especially for wheat, which requires a great deal of fertilizer and is vital for feeding millions of people.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that the lack of fertilizer might cause an additional seven million people to experience food insecurity.
They predict that cereal production would decrease to approximately 38 million tonnes in 2022, from over 45 million tonnes in 2021.
Tanzania, like many other African nations, imports fertilizer from Russia and China, the world’s biggest producers.
Under Western sanctions, Russia generates enormous quantities of potash, ammonia, and urea.
These are the three essential components required to produce chemical fertilizer. They contributed to the 1960s Green Revolution, which increased world grain production and aided in feeding millions.
According to figures from Rabobank, Russia exports approximately 20% of the world’s nitrogen fertilizers and, in conjunction with its sanctioned ally Belarus, 40% of the world’s potassium.
Following the economic repercussions of the Covid-19 epidemic, the price of fertilizer was already high. Now, sanctions on Russia and Belarus, combined with export limits in China, have exacerbated an already difficult situation.
Many African nations, which are highly dependent on imports, are trying to find remedies as a result of the crisis.
The demand for locally manufactured fertilizer is increasing. Small-scale farmers in northern Tanzania are currently turning to Minjingu Mines and Fertilizer Ltd, one of the country’s largest fertilizer makers.
The company claims it is difficult to fulfill orders due to a sudden rise in demand. However, managers claim that they are unable to expand their capacity due to excessive taxation.
Director of Mining Mines and Fertilizer Tosky Hans stated, “We do not have a level playing field in comparison to importers.”
“Local manufacturers must pay high taxes, whereas importers do not,” he continued.
Tanzania, like many other nations, offers international businesses subsidies to encourage investment, while indigenous producers pay predetermined taxes.
Alliance for Green Revolution in Africa (Agra), a non-governmental organization that promotes green solutions on the African continent, asserts that this is a chance for farmers to become more self-sufficient.
The country manager of Agra Tanzania, Vianey Rweyendela, pushes farmers to unionize and join cooperatives. A move that, according to him, might give them influence over market prices.
Mr. Rweyendela says that this will increase their bargaining power and make fertilizer more affordable.
Aliko Dangote, the richest man in Africa, recently inaugurated a fertilizer facility in Nigeria that would generate three million tonnes of urea fertilizer annually.
He feels that guaranteed supplies will be the deciding factor.
“Ordering and receiving fertilizer has been a significant obstacle for African farmers, causing them to miss the planting season,” said Mr. Dangote.
“By launching this plant, we will ensure that farmers receive nutrients early on.”
After a pandemic rescue agreement resulted in the elimination of 1,300 jobs, Travelex has announced plans to hire more than 1,000 employees in the United Kingdom.
Following a bleak year in which it was subjected to a cyberattack and then infected with coronavirus, the corporation says it is optimistic about the future.
The company announced on Tuesday that it is employing across its retail, wholesale, and head office divisions as a result of new contract wins and a rebound in the UK travel market following the removal of COVID limitations.
It referenced the recent introduction of bureaux de change and ATMs at Stansted and East Midlands airports.
Travelex stated that it has also been awarded contracts for a total of eleven outlets and thirty-four automated teller machines (ATMs) at Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Belfast International airports, as well as renewing agreements with two major grocery chains.
The company stated it was also seeking approximately 200 new employees worldwide.
It voiced confidence in the planned hiring drive despite a tight labor market in the aviation industry, which has made it difficult for airlines and airports to find enough workers to fulfill customer demand.
The hiring binge, however, signifies a significant turnaround in Travelex’s fortunes following a bleak 2020 in which the company suffered a ransomware assault and subsequently succumbed to the pandemic.
As a result of its liquidity crisis, Travelex assets were sold to bondholders in August of that year in a so-called pre-packaged deal.
However, 1,300 of its more than 3,000 employees were laid off as a result of the bailout.
Donald Muir, CEO of Travelex, stated: “This is an extremely exciting time for Travelex, with the creation of more than 1,200 worldwide positions, more than twenty new contract wins and renewals (with more to come), and the imminent arrival of a new CEO with extensive digital expertise.
“I would like to congratulate every member of the Travelex team, who have all worked to stabilize the company and subsequently propel it ahead in the face of unprecedented market conditions over the past few years.
“Since the pandemic has lowered obstacles to international travel, we are now optimistic that the company will continue its excellent growth trajectory”.
ISLAMABAD: The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) noted on Monday, while finalizing an unprecedented Rs7.90 per unit additional fuel cost adjustment (FCA) for distribution companies (Discos) for next month, that Pakistan had no choice but to endure load shedding or generate electricity using expensive fuel oil.
Chairman Nepra Tauseef H Farooqui, who presided over a public hearing on a petition for an Rs7.96 per unit increase in FCA for electricity consumed in May, stated that although a formal notification would be issued after verification of evidence, the minimum increase in FCA would be approximately Rs7.90 per unit for ex-Wapda Discos, with a financial impact of Rs113bn during the upcoming billing month (July).
The Central Power Purchasing Agency (CPPA), on behalf of all ex-Wapda Discos, requested a 134 percent increase in their fuel price adjustment of Rs7.9647 per unit (kwh) for electricity sold in the month of May. In May, users were charged a reference fuel cost of Rs5.932 per unit, but the actual cost was Rs13.90 per unit, resulting in an extra charge of approximately Rs7.96.
After minor disallowances, the regulator finalized Rs7.90 per unit of additional FCA. In response to inquiries about the high cost of power generation, CPPA representatives indicated that fuel costs had nearly tripled. According to them, the LNG was unavailable on the market because it was being purchased by European nations with deep pockets, and even if an LNG cargo could be located, it would cost close to $42 per mmBtu, which was not in the consumers’ best interest.
Mr. Farooqui stated that under the current circumstances, Pakistanis must either import costly fuel oil or endure power outages. Rather than relying on foreign fuels, power plants should rely on cheaper local resources in the future, he said.
Officials from the CPPA stated that imported fuel, particularly coal, furnace oil, and LNG, was not only expensive but also increasingly unreliable in terms of availability, which led to the price increase.
In the upcoming billing month (July), all consumers would be charged the higher electricity rates, save those who use fewer than 50 units per month. This tariff is not directly applicable to KE users, but a portion of it is afterward incorporated into KE’s tariff adjustments due to its import from the national grid.
At the hearing, it was stated that nearly 54 percent of power generation came from domestic resources with lower costs and stable rates. In comparison to 50.58pc in April and 45pc in March, domestic fuel sources increased to a solid 54pc in May, compared to 50.58pc in April and 45pc in March. In May, the hydropower supply percentage increased to 24.5 percent from 18.55 percent in April and 16.35 percent in March. Hydropower has no fuel cost.
In May, the share of nuclear electricity declined dramatically from April’s 17.4 percent to approximately 13 percent, primarily due to maintenance at one of its large units. Nonetheless, nuclear energy maintained its second-place position among domestic fuels.
Imported RLNG contributed approximately 23 percent to the overall electricity supply in May, up from 19.4 percent in April and March. In May, the percentage of domestic gas used in power generation grew to 10 percent from 9.85 percent in April.
In May, the proportion of coal-based power plants decreased to 13.8% from 16.74% in April and 25% in March due to limited coal stockpiles, financial constraints of power producers, and higher global pricing. In January and February, coal-fired generation accounted for 33 and 32 percent of total power generation, respectively.
In May, the cost of generating electricity from domestic gas rose to Rs10.12 per unit, up from Rs8.4 per unit in April and Rs7.75 per unit in March.
Three renewable energy sources — wind, bagasse, and the sun — provided 6.5% of the total energy supply. Wind and solar energy have no fuel cost, whereas bagasse has a fuel cost of Rs5.98 per unit.
Amid its greatest economic crisis in decades, Sri Lanka has ceased selling fuel for non-essential automobiles.
For the next two weeks, only buses, trains, and vehicles bringing medical services and food will be permitted to refuel.
Officials have ordered the country’s 22 million citizens to work from home and have closed urban schools.
As it struggles to pay for imports such as petroleum and food, the South Asian nation is negotiating a bailout package.
Sri Lanka is the first country “since the 1970s oil crisis when petrol was rationed in the U.S. and Europe and speed limits were enforced to curb consumption,” said Nathan Piper, head of oil and gas research at Investec.
He stated that the embargo highlighted the sharp surge in oil prices and Sri Lanka’s inadequate foreign exchange reserves.
Many residents of the island do not know how they will survive without fuel. In recent months, there have been lengthy lines at gas stations across Sri Lanka.
Colombo taxi driver Chinthaka Kumara, age 29, believed the prohibition would “cause additional complications for people.”
“I am an hourly pay earner. I’ve waited in this line for three days, and I have no idea when we will receive gasoline”.
Drivers have been ordered to return home, and tokens have been handed to ration scarce fuel supplies. Some continued to wait in line, while others could not.
“I waited in line for two days. I have a token, number 11, but I am unsure when I will receive fuel “S Wijetunga, a 52-year-old executive in the private sector.
“I must go to the workplace immediately, therefore I am compelled to leave my car here and use a three-wheeler.”
Extreme economic turmoil Due to the pandemic, growing energy costs, and populist tax cuts, Sri Lanka lacks sufficient foreign currency to pay for imports of vital products.
Acute shortages of fuel, food, and medications have contributed to record-breaking increases in the cost of living in a nation where many people rely on motor vehicles for their livelihoods.
The government said on Monday that it will prohibit private automobiles from purchasing gasoline and fuel until July 10th.
Bandula Gunewardena, a spokesperson for the Cabinet, stated that Sri Lanka has “never encountered such a serious economic crisis in its history.”
The cash-strapped nation has also dispatched representatives to the main energy-producing nations of Russia and Qatar to secure inexpensive oil supplies.
Officials reported over the weekend that the nation possessed only 9,000 tonnes of diesel and 6,000 tonnes of gasoline to fuel key services in the coming days.
According to estimates, the inventories would last less than a week under normal demand.
Sunday, electricity and energy minister Kanchana Wijesekera told reporters, “We are trying everything we can to get additional supplies, but we do not know when that will be.”
Alex Holmes, a senior economist at Oxford Economics, told that the gasoline limitations were “yet another minor indication of a deteriorating problem.”
“The fact that people were waiting in [large] lines for fuel suggests that mobility was already severely restricted. But a total ban on private vehicles goes a step further and will exacerbate economic distress “he continued.
In May, the nation defaulted for the first time on its obligations to international creditors. This followed weeks of protests against the government of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. His brother, Mahinda, resigned as prime minister, but the president continues to face resignation pressure.
A team from the International Monetary Fund arrived in Sri Lanka last week to discuss a $3 billion (£2.4 billion) bailout package.
The administration also seeks aid from India and China to import necessary goods. Earlier this month, the new prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, stated that the country will need at least $5 billion over the next six months to pay for necessities such as food, fuel, and fertilizer.
Amid fears of a food crisis, ministers have urged farmers to cultivate more rice and offered government officials an additional day off every week to cultivate food.
The administration attributes the situation to the Covid outbreak, which negatively impacted Sri Lanka’s tourism industry – one of the country’s largest foreign exchange-earners.
However, many experts say that mismanagement is the primary reason for the economic downfall.
Sri Lanka’s foreign currency reserves plummeted to nearly nothing as a result of years in which it imported significantly more than it exported and piled up enormous debts with China on contentious development projects.
When foreign money shortages became a severe issue for Sri Lanka in early 2021, the government banned imports of chemical fertilizer and instructed farmers to utilize locally obtained organic fertilizer instead.
This resulted in extensive crop failure. Sri Lanka had to import additional food supplies from outside, which exacerbated its foreign money shortfall.
The United Kingdom is set to abandon its campaign pledge to increase the defense budget by 0.5% over inflation, despite pleas from the defense secretary for a 20% rise.
A senior government official acknowledged that if inflation reaches 11 percent this year, the United Kingdom may be compelled to forsake its commitment.
“The manifesto was created before £400 billion had to be spent on incarcerating individuals for their safety due to the global epidemic,” claimed a top government source.
The only realistic expectation is that goods that were promised in a different era will undergo a reality check.
The source continued, “It is always the goal to honor manifesto pledges, but they were made before £400 billion was spent combating a global pandemic that no one could have ever predicted.”
Boris Johnson is currently on his route to a NATO summit in Madrid, where he will address a variety of issues with other world leaders and determine how to further assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia.
Before the meeting, the prime minister defended the government’s performance on defense spending, stating that it had made “huge pledges” to the armed forces.
Before departing for Spain, Mr. Johnson made the following statement in Germany: “Clearly, we must respond to the evolving nature of threats, but don’t forget that our defense budget has been increased by £24 billion under the spending review – the largest increase since the end of the Cold War.”
Last year, the United Kingdom was the world’s third-largest spender on defense. We are committing tremendous resources.
“As a result of what we’ve already pledged, we’ve put in place the largest increase since the end of the Cold War, with more pledges above the 2% minimum.”
To address the mounting threat posed by Russia, Defense Secretary Wallace urges him to dramatically increase defense spending in the coming years.
According to reports, he has written to Prime Minister Johnson requesting a 20 percent boost in the defense budget to address deficiencies in military capability.
When asked about the defense chief’s request, a No. 10 spokeswoman stated, “In 2022, the prime minister announced the highest increase in defense budget since the end of the Cold War.” This strengthened our status as Europe’s largest defense spender.
“The increase was $16.5 billion over four years. This allowed us to continue providing vital military support to Ukraine and to invest in a variety of capabilities, including vehicles, drones, and other areas of defense capability.
“Departmental expenditures on such topics are the responsibility of the chancellor and comprise fiscal occurrences. We announced the additional budget for the Ministry of Defence because the prime minister has consistently stated that we will respond to any changes in threat level.
Today, it is anticipated that NATO leaders will approve the most significant reorganization of the Western military alliance since the end of the Cold War.
General Sir Patrick Sanders, the Army’s chief of general staff, has warned that the United Kingdom is facing its “1937 moment” – a reference to the lead-up to World War II when Britain was compelled to decide whether or not to confront Nazi Germany.
However, the prime minister told broadcasters that he does not believe the United Kingdom would need to engage in direct combat with Russia.
“I do not believe that will occur. We are exerting significant effort to limit this to Ukraine.
Putin and the Kremlin will want to escalate the confrontation by claiming that it involves NATO and Russia, which is not the case.
“This involves an invasion of a sovereign, independent nation. It is about the West and Ukraine’s allies providing them with the protection they require.”
Minister Chris Philp told that the United Kingdom would be prepared to battle Vladimir Putin’s forces if required, after the commander of the Army stated that troops must be prepared to “fight and win” to prevent the spread of war in Europe.
“We will always be prepared to face any potential challenge. I do not anticipate that we will be battling Russia.
The minister stated, “It would be utterly foolish for Russia to engage in a direct battle with NATO, but we are always prepared.”
After a G7 conference, where he met with world leaders such as US President Joe Biden and France’s Emmanuel Macron, the PM made his remarks in Germany.
His journey of Europe follows two crushing by-election losses last week in Wakefield, Tiverton, and Honiton, where the Conservatives were defeated by the Labour Party and the Liberal Democrats, respectively.
Former minister Oliver Dowden resigned as party chairman in protest of the poor results, but the Prime Minister was able to win a vote in parliament on Monday that would allow the government to overrule a key Brexit accord, despite rumblings of another Tory rebellion.
Senior backbenchers, including former prime minister Theresa May, opposed the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill because it would be illegal to rip up portions of an international accord, but not a single Conservative voted against it.
Nicola Sturgeon has scheduled a “consultative referendum” on Scottish independence for next year.
To cheer and acclaim in Holyrood’s devolved parliament, the first minister announced that legislation will outline arrangements for a vote on 19 October 2023.
The question will be: “Should Scotland be an independent nation?”
After independence was defeated in a 2014 referendum, the first minister of Scotland stated that the devolved government had a “clear mandate” to seek another vote.
She acknowledged the possibility of legal challenges and stated that documents were being submitted to the Supreme Court to establish the legality of her proposals.
Ms. Sturgeon stated that she was “ready and willing” to talk with the government of Westminster about the referendum’s conditions.
She continued, “What I am not willing to do, and will never do, is allow Boris Johnson or any other prime minister to enslave Scottish democracy.”
