Category: World

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024: History, significance and theme

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Every year, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is celebrated on April 28 worldwide. The Safety Day aims to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of safe, healthy, and proper working environments.

The Safety Day was first celebrated by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) in 2003 and since then it has become a global celebration. The special occasion promotes the prevention of work-related accidents for both individuals and organisations.

In June 2022, the International Labour Conference (ILC) decided to include ‘a safe and healthy working environment’ in the ILO’s framework of fundamental principles and rights at work, according to ILO.

History

The World Day for Safety and Health at Work began in 2003. This was declared as an annual campaign to promote safety in the workplace. On this day, the International Commemoration Day of Dead and Injured Workers is also marked globally and celebrates the anniversary of the adoption of the Occupational Safety and Health Convention by the ILO in 1971.

Significance

The day promotes awareness about the importance of a healthy and safe workplace.

According to the UN, the World Day for Safety and Health at Work is a significant tool to raise awareness of how to make work safe and healthy and of the need to raise the political profile of occupational safety and health.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) observes this day to stress the prevention of accidents and diseases at work, capitalising on its traditional strengths of tri-partyism and social dialogue.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work 2024: Theme

The ILO announces a different theme or topic every year on this occasion. For 2024, the theme is to focus on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, which reveals new data on the impact of climate change on workers’ safety and health.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Japan’s Bonin Islands struck by 6.5 magnitude earthquake: USGS

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Japan’s Bonin Islands, on Saturday April 27, was struck by an earthquake of magnitude 6.5 , according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

The quake was at a depth of 503.2 km (312.7 miles), USGS said.

The US National Tsunami Warning Center said there was no tsunami warning from the quake, based on available data.

Earlier on April 17, the country was struck by a 6.3 magnitude earthquake near Kyushu and Shikoku islands.

With its reputation for high seismic activity, Japan is no stranger to earthquakes, contributing to around one-fifth of all earthquakes globally with a magnitude of 6 or above.

March 11, 2011, marked a significant disaster for Japan as the northeast coast was struck by a magnitude 9 earthquake, the strongest ever recorded in the country. This seismic event was followed by a colossal tsunami, resulting in the worst nuclear crisis since the Chernobyl incident twenty-five years prior.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Sundar Pichai reacts to completing 20 years at Google: ‘I’m still feeling lucky’

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Google CEO Sundar Pichai took to Instagram to share that on Friday April 25, he completed 20 years with the software giant and admitted that while a lot had changed over the years, what remained constant was the “thrill” that he got from working at the company, even after two decades.

“April 26, 2004 was my first day at Google. A lot has changed since then – technology, the number of people who use our products. my hair. What hasn’t changed – the thrill I get from working at this amazing company. 20 years in, I’m still feeling lucky,” Pichai wrote on the social media platform.

Pichai’s post saw a lot of user comments. While some congratulated him for completing 20 years with Google, others took a jibe at his hairline.

“Happy Anniversary! And congratulations to your hair the hard work is visible,” one user wrote.

Also Read: Google fires another 20 employees amid protest over cloud contract with Israel: Report

“I cannot decide on which achievement is greater, 20 years in all the technological improvements you’ve brought or the fact that you haven’t gone bald after 20 years in tech,” another user said.

At Google, Pichai led the product management and innovation aspects for several products such as Chrome and Chrome OS. He also had a key role to play in the development of Google Drive.

In August 2015, Pichai was appointed the CEO of Google. Interestingly, in 2014, Pichai was looked at as a contender to take over as the CEO of Microsoft- a position which eventually went to Satya Nadella.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

India-bound ship attacked by Houthis in Red Sea; details here

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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An oil tanker en route from Russia to India was hit by missiles in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis. On Saturday, Houthis claimed that their missiles hit the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red Sea, Reuters reported.

This comes as the Iran-backed Houthis of Yemen continue to attack commercial ships in the area to show their support for the Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza Strip.

The US Central Command has confirmed that Houthis launched three anti-ship ballistic missiles into the Red Sea from Yemen, which caused minor damage to the Andromeda Star.

British maritime security firm Ambrey said the ship’s master has reported damage to the vessel.

The US Command, in a post on social media site X, informed that a missile had landed in the vicinity of a second vessel — MV Maisha — but it did not receive any damage.

Yahya Sarea, Houthi spokesperson, claimed that the Andromeda Star, which was flagged from Panama, is British-owned. However, shipping data shows that it was recently sold, as per reports.

Currently, its owner is registered in Seychelles. The tanker, which is engaged in Russia-linked trade, was en route from Primorsk in Russia to India’s Vadinar, Ambrey noted.

Since November last year, the Iran-aligned Houthi militants have launched multiple drone and missile strikes in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden and Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Due to this, the shippers are forced to re-route cargo to a longer and more expensive journey around southern Africa amid fears that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict could spread and destabilise the Middle East region.

The latest attack on the Andromeda Star comes after a brief pause in the Houthis’ campaign, which usually targets ships having ties to Israel, the United States and Britain.

An oil tanker in the #RedSea en route from #Russia to #India was hit by missiles launched by #Yemen‘s #Houthis, the Iran-aligned militant group said on Saturday

The Andromeda Star oil tanker’s master reported damages to the ship pic.twitter.com/4PNyCI9K9B

— CNBC-TV18 (@CNBCTV18Live) April 27, 2024

Earlier on Friday, Houthis claimed that they downed an American MQ-9 drone in the airspace of Yemen’s Saada province.

The Houthis are said to have been playing an escalating role in the Middle East conflict, attacking ships in the Red Sea and firing drones and missiles at Israel as part of their campaign which is aimed at supporting Palestinians in the Gaza conflict.

In recent months, their role has added to the conflict’s regional risks and threatened sea lanes through which much of the world’s oil is shipped.

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KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

US sanctions over a dozen companies, including three from India, for trade and ties with Iran

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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The United States has slapped sanctions on over a dozen companies, individuals and vessels — including three from India — for facilitating illicit trade and transfer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) on behalf of the Iranian military.

The sanctions were imposed on Thursday, April 25, the US Department of the Treasury said in a statement.

As per the US Department, they have played a central role in facilitating and financing the clandestine sale of Iranian UAVs for “Iran’s Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics (MODAFL), which itself is involved in supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and Russia’s war in Ukraine,” it said.

It has identified Sahara Thunder as the main front company that oversees the Middle East nation’s commercial activities in support of these efforts.

Among the three India-based companies that supported Sahara Thunder and now face US sanctions are Zen Shipping, Port India Private Limited, and Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited, PTI reported.

Sahara Thunder, an Iranian military entity, relies on a vast shipping network involved in the sale and shipment of Iranian commodities on behalf of MODAFL to multiple jurisdictions, including the People’s Republic of China (PRC), Russia, and Venezuela, the statement said.

Sahara Thunder has entered into “time-charter contracts with India-based Zen Shipping and Port India Private Limited for the Cook Islands-flagged vessel CHEM (IMO 9240914),” which has been operated and managed by the UAE-based Safe Seas Ship Management FZE.

Since 2022, it has used CHEM to conduct multiple shipments of commodities. “Iran-based Arsang Safe Trading Co. has provided ship management services in support of several Sahara Thunder-related shipments, including those by the CHEM,” the Treasury said.

Further, it claimed that Iran-based Asia Marine Crown Agency has served as the port agent in Iran’s Bandar Abbas supporting several shipments of Sahara Thunder.

“India-based Sea Art Ship Management (OPC) Private Limited and UAE-based company Trans Gulf Agency LLC have worked together to provide ship management services in support of Sahara Thunder,” it said, adding that the UAE and Iran-based Coral Trading EST. purchased Iranian commodities from the Sahara Thunder.

“Iran’s Ministry of Defence continues to destabilise the region and world with its support to Russia’s war in Ukraine, unprecedented attack on Israel, and proliferation of UAVs and other dangerous military hardware to terrorist proxies,” Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said.

The official added that the US, with close coordination with British and Canadian partners, will continue to use all possible means to “combat those who would finance Iran’s destabilising activities.”

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Hamas studying latest Israeli ceasefire counterproposal: Report

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Hamas said it’s looking over the latest counterproposal by Israel on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, the Agence France-Presse reported.

The Israeli proposal is in response to the group’s position delivered to mediators on April 13, the report said, citing a statement by senior Hamas official Khalil Al-Hayya. Hamas will submit a response to the proposal once it has finished studying it, he said.

Earlier this week, the US and 17 other nations pressed Hamas to release their citizens who are missing or held hostage in Gaza, in a bid to revive cease-fire talks that have stalled out in recent weeks and unlock more humanitarian aid. Hamas is designated a terrorist organization by the US, the EU and others.

The US has been seeking a temporary cease-fire in Gaza that would see Hamas release female, wounded, elderly and sick hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a surge of humanitarian aid into the war-torn territory.

Ongoing talks between Israel and Hamas have been mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar.

Al-Hayya told the Associated Press on Wednesday that Hamas would lay down its arms if a Palestinian state is established along pre-1967 borders.

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Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

US chip bans not meant to hobble China’s growth, Antony Blinken says

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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US export controls on sending advanced computing chips to China are not meant to hold back China’s economy or technological development, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during an interview with National Public Radio on Friday.

Since 2022, US officials have imposed sweeping controls on which computing chips can be exported to China, cutting off some sales from Nvidia, Advanced Micro Devices and Intel, among others. Those controls followed earlier bans on shipping chips to Huawei Technologies.

But US officials have granted at least two US companies – Intel and Qualcomm – licenses to keep shipping chips to Huawei, which is using an Intel chip to power a new laptop model. Two Republican lawmakers earlier this week criticized the exemption for Intel, but in the interview with NPR, Blinken highlighted the device as a sign the US was not trying to hobble China.

“I saw that Huawei just put out a new laptop that it boasted was AI capable, that uses an Intel chip,” Blinken told NPR host Steve Inskeep while visiting Beijing. “I think it demonstrates that what we’re focused on is only the most sensitive technology that could pose a threat to our security. We’re not focused on cutting off trade, or for that matter containing or holding back China.”

Intel and Qualcomm’s licenses to sell to Huawei were granted during President Donald Trump’s administration and have remained in place under President Joe Biden. Those companies’ direct competitors, AMD and MediaTek, have not received similar exemptions, and neither the Trump nor Biden administrations have explained why.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

Columbia University drops deadline for pro-palestinian protest camp disbandment

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Columbia University has extended the deadline for dismantling a pro-Palestinian protest camp on its grounds, signaling a shift in the dynamics of campus activism across the United States.

Originally poised to clear the encampment by midnight, university authorities backed down late Thursday, citing ongoing negotiations with student demonstrators. The decision came amidst a wave of similar protests sweeping across college campuses, with authorities resorting to arrests and forceful dispersals to quell demonstrations.

Recently, top Republican lawmaker and US House Speaker Mike Johnson’s visit to Columbia University was marred by heckling from protesters, forcing an abrupt end to his visit.

Columbia University President Minouche Shafik’s office issued a statement at 9:07 PM (IST) on Friday, indicating progress in talks between the administration and student protesters, each with their own set of demands. Dismissing rumors of involving New York City police, the statement emphasised the commitment to dialogue.

“The talks have shown progress and are continuing as planned,” it said. “We have our demands; they have theirs.”

The protests, rooted in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, have reverberated nationwide, with over 200 arrests reported in Los Angeles, Boston, and Austin. Instances of police confrontation, including the use of chemical irritants and tasers, have raised concerns about the balance between free expression and campus safety.

While supporters of Israel have raised alarms over anti-Semitic incidents, protesters have distanced themselves from such sentiments. The protests, with participants from diverse backgrounds, reflect a broader challenge facing universities grappling with the complexities of Middle East politics and freedom of speech.

Expert views:

Offering insights into these unfolding developments, Ambassador K.P. Fabian, former Indian ambassador to Qatar, renowned for his expertise in Middle Eastern affairs, and Julia Sensen, managing editor at the Cornell Daily Sun, provided perspectives from their respective domains, in conversation with CNBC-TV18.

“At Cornell, there is a coalition of over 40 groups, including both on-campus and off-campus organisations, along with many affinity groups of different ethnicities,” Sensen remarked.

“While it has brought together various campus groups, there are also other campus groups in disagreement with the protest behavior, namely, some of the Jewish groups at Cornell, such as Cornellians for Israel, and Cornell Hello.”

“In essence, it’s crucial to recognise that this protest isn’t against Jews or Israel per se; it’s against Israel’s policies,” Ambassador Fabien added.

“Students are demanding that the university divest from companies benefiting from the conflict, particularly those within the military-industrial complex. This aligns with President Eisenhower’s warnings back in 1961 regarding the dangers of this complex. We must understand this context and observe how it progresses, especially given President Biden‘s position.”

“Till now, Western powers have advised Israel on humanitarian aid and civilian protections,” Ambassador Fabien continued. “However, President Biden hasn’t explicitly told Prime Minister Netanyahu that if Israel crosses certain red lines, there will be consequences regarding weapon supplies. This lack of firmness from President Biden may embolden Netanyahu, undermining the efficacy of both public and private warnings.”

Sensen added a perspective from Cornell: “While I usually refrain from public commentary on the Middle East or Cornell’s administration, it’s noteworthy that at Cornell, students voted in favor of calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and for divesting from weapons suppliers to Israel. This indicates student support for Cornell taking a public stance on promoting a ceasefire and divesting from companies involved in supplying weapons.”

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

King Charles to resume public duties as cancer treatment progresses

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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Britain’s King Charles will return to public duties next week for the first time since being diagnosed with cancer as he makes good progress following treatment and a period of recuperation, Buckingham Palace said on Friday.

In February, the palace revealed that the 75-year-old king had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer detected in tests after a corrective procedure for an enlarged prostate.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow

US-China Relations: Biden doesn’t want a third war, says strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney

KV Prasad Jun 13, 2022, 06:35 AM IST (Published)

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US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent visit to Beijing has sparked speculation and analysis, particularly in the context of escalating global tensions. In the backdrop of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the West Asia, Blinken’s trip symbolises President Biden’s strategic diplomatic outreach to China, aiming to stabilise the complex relations between the two superpowers.

Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney emphasised the significance of Biden’s approach, citing America’s current engagements in multiple theatres of conflict. “The fact is that Biden, because of America’s preoccupation with two wars—the war in Ukraine, and also America’s growing involvement in the conflict in the Middle East—looks overextended,” Chellaney remarked. “It doesn’t want a third war to erupt. If China were to attack Taiwan, that would result in America’s direct involvement in a war with China. So to dissuade Xi Jinping from attacking Taiwan, Biden is relying more on diplomacy than on deterrence.”

Blinken’s arrival in China, his second visit within a year, was met with a lukewarm reception by Chinese authorities. This visit comes at a critical juncture as both nations endeavour to enhance communication channels and navigate contentious issues, including China’s support for Russia, its activities in the South China Sea, and its stance towards Taiwan.

Chellaney highlighted the evolving dynamics between China and Russia, characterising their alliance as a significant challenge for Washington. “The China-Russia alliance is the worst strategic nightmare for Washington,” Chellaney asserted. “This war in Ukraine is bringing China and Russia closer together.” He further pointed out Secretary Blinken’s recent remarks attributing China as the primary contributor to Russia’s defense industrial base, indicating a concerning collaboration between the two powers.

Chellaney, further highlighted that it’s evident that China’s support for Russia’s military endeavours, particularly in Ukraine, aims to constrain US involvement in global conflicts and potentially pave the way for assertive actions, such as the absorption of Taiwan. “Xi Jinping has been saying quite openly… that China will absorb Taiwan,” Chellaney revealed, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

Blinken’s visit coincided with significant legislative action in the United States, as the Senate passed a $95 billion emergency aid package for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. The package was signed into law by President Biden on Wednesday. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions that could lead to the ban of the popular Chinese-owned app TikTok unless it separates from its parent company ByteDance Ltd.

Elon Musk forms several ‘X Holdings’ companies to fund potential Twitter buyout

3 Mins Read

Thursday’s filing dispelled some doubts, though Musk still has work to do. He and his advisers will spend the coming days vetting potential investors for the equity portion of his offer, according to people familiar with the matter

KV Prasad Journo follow politics, process in Parliament and US Congress. Former Congressional APSA-Fulbright Fellow