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How are Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea affecting global trade?

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

LONDON (AP) — Yemen’s Houthi rebels have escalated attacks on ships passing through the Red Sea during the Israel-Hamas war, raising concerns about the impact on the flow of oil, grain and consumer goods through a major global trade artery. Israeli-linked vessels have been targeted, but the threat to trade has grown this week as a Norwegian-flagged oil tanker was struck and missiles were fired at a vessel carrying jet fuel toward the Suez Canal, where about 10% of the world’s trade passes through.Here are things to know about the recent attacks and the impact on global shipping:WHO IS ATTACKING SHIPS IN THE RED SEA AND WHY?The Houthis are Iranian-backed rebels who swept down from their northern stronghold in Yemen and seized the capital, Sanaa, in 2014, launching a grinding war against a Saudi-led coalition seeking to restore the government. The Houthis have sporadically targeted ships in the region over time, but the attacks have increased since the start of the war bet...

In the news today: Liberal caucus divided after UN vote for ceasefire in Gaza

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

Here is a roundup of stories from The Canadian Press designed to bring you up to speed on what you need to know today…UN vote for Gaza ceasefire disappoints Israel’s ambassador, divides Liberal caucusA United Nations vote for a ceasefire in Gaza has left Canada’s Israeli ambassador frustrated in Ottawa.Iddo Moed called it “very disappointing” to see Canada vote in favour of a U-N resolution calling for a ceasefire in the latest Israel-Gaza conflict.Several Liberal MPs publicly lamented the resolution’s failure to condemn Hamas.The non-binding vote signalled a dramatic shift in Canada’s long-standing position of siding with Israel on major resolutions. Guilbeault hails ‘monumental’ COP28 deal, others warn of ‘dangerous distractions’Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault hailed a “monumental” deal Wednesday to close out COP28, the first time the United Nations climate summit of nearly 200 countries agreed to...

Hierarchical police, military and CSIS in need of harassment reckoning: professor

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

VANCOUVER — Bonnie Robichaud’s ordeal started in the late 1970s when she got a unionized job as a cleaner on a military base in Ontario, and a Department of National Defence employee began sexually harassing her.Her complaint eventually reached the Supreme Court of Canada, and in 1987 it set a precedent requiring employers to provide workplaces free of harassment and discrimination.She says things are different now. But it’s women, and “not so much the military,” that have changed.“Women have become more aware, so the culture has become more aware. Women up to that point didn’t even talk to each other very much about it,” she said. “Since that victory, they have now sought support from others, other women, other groups, legal advice. So, women have become more proactive since the Supreme Court decision.”Victims of sexual harassment in Canadian police forces, the military, and its spy agency point not just to individual offenders,...

‘Damaging’: Saskatchewan high school rejects author’s talk on son coming out as gay

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

REGINA — Ruby Remenda Swanson says she never thought her hometown high school would be the only place to bar her from sharing her family’s story. Remenda Swanson says she’s been to dozens of places in Canada, including two schools, to share her book “A Family Outing,” about what it was like when her teen son came out as gay.In September, Humboldt Collegiate Institute in central Saskatchewan told her that due to a provincial government directive, it had to reject her from presenting at a student inclusion club later in the year. “I got this email back, and it said, ‘As you’re probably aware, there’s been a lot going on in Saskatchewan over the past few months and we’ve been waiting for a directive,'” Remenda Swanson told The Canadian Press in an interview this week. She graduated from the high school in 1972 and now lives in Edmonton.“It said, ‘We wish to thank you for your gracious offer. However, at this time, ...

CSIS to hire impartial reviewer as part of human rights settlement with Black officer

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

OTTAWA — Canada’s spy service has agreed to hire an independent human rights specialist to review its diversity strategy as part of the settlement of a complaint from a Black woman who worked as an intelligence officer.The Canadian Human Rights Commission and the Canadian Security Intelligence Service say the intelligence agency will also publish an executive summary of the specialist’s findings and recommendations.In addition, CSIS has committed to sharing its responses to the recommendations with the human rights commission, a federal watchdog with a broad mandate to protect people from discrimination.In a joint statement this week announcing the settlement, the commission and CSIS said the spy agency affirms its ongoing commitment to address systemic discrimination and racism, and increase diversity and inclusion in its workplace.A CSIS spokesman said the agency is determined to identify and resolve potential barriers to a safe, healthy and respectful workplace. Word of the...

Putin says some 244,000 Russian troops are fighting in Ukraine, offering a rare detail

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

MOSCOW (AP) — President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that some 244,000 Russian troops are currently fighting in Ukraine, a rare detail on Moscow’s military operation there. Putin said during his year-end press conference that the Kremlin doesn’t need a second wave of mobilization of reservists, with 1,500 men recruited into the army every day across the country. As of Wednesday evening, a total of 486,000 soldiers have signed a contract with the Russian military, Putin said. “Why mobilization? There is no need,” he said.THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin began his end-of-year news conference Thursday with a question about Ukraine, vowing that his goals remain the same and there would be no peace until they’re achieved. Putin was greeted with applause as he arrived in the hall in central Moscow, a short distance from the Kremlin. This year, ordinary citizens have the chance to phone in questions along ...

Daily horoscope for December 14, 2023

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

Moon Alert: There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions today. The Moon is in Capricorn.Happy Birthday for Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023:Your flamboyance can call attention to you. You are a philosophical truth-seeker. You have given to others this year. In 2024, you will take time to renew your spiritual or religious beliefs. You will explore philosophies that get you closer to the true meaning of your life.ARIES(March 21-April 19) ★★★★Today you will make a great impression on parents, bosses, VIPs and the police — all authority figures in your life. In fact, this could lead to a sudden boost in your income. Gifts and favors might come your way. It’s a good day to seek a loan or ask for help from others. Tonight: You’re noticed!TAURUS(April 20-May 20) ★★★★Unexpected opportunities to travel might fall in your lap today. Likewise, a surprise chance to take a course or learn something new might be an exciting opportunity for you. Meanwhile, relations with ...

The National Interdisciplinary Centre for Circular Chemical Economy receives the IChemE 2023 Global Award in Sustainability

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

IChemE has announced the winners of its 2023 Global Awards at a ceremony held on 30 November at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham, UK. The IChemE Global Awards are esteemed as the world's most prestigious accolades in the field of chemical engineering. The event, hosted by television presenter Dallas Campbell, served as a platform to highlight and celebrate organizations and teams worldwide that showcase excellence in chemical, biochemical, and process engineering. A distinguished panel of 30 judges, representing diverse industries worldwide, meticulously selected winners from over 100 outstanding finalists spanning 19 award categories including Pharmaceuticals, Energy, Industry Project, Innovative Product, Nuclear Engineering, Oil and Gas, Process Automation and Digitalization, Sustainability, Water Resources, Young Researcher, Young Industrialist and so on. The international representation of winners and finalists from various countries including Trinidad and Tobago, the United S...

COP28: Let us listen to the countries that lead on deforestation

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

The COP28 conference this year has been organized around four cross-cutting themes aimed at tackling the causes of climate change and managing the impacts of a warming planet: Technology and Innovation; Inclusion; Frontline Communities, and Finance, writes Jan Zahradil, MEP and vice chairman of the European Parliament’s international trade committee.Brazil is a new convert, but nonetheless a pivotal player in the global climate change dialogue due to its vast Amazon rainforest. During a panel session at the COP28 climate summit  in Dubai, Brazil’s Environment Minister introduced "Tropical Forests Forever”, an initiative aiming to secure $250 billion for the protection and restoration of the world's tropical forests.The proposal outlines a global fund to finance forest conservation, with the ambitious goal of raising funds from sovereign wealth funds, investors, even the oil industry. Under the proposal, a fund would be created to offer compensation to residents and landowners w...

The UAE private investor, with ties to the Dubai Ruling Family, at the heart of the battle for Fortenova

Published Wed, 19 Feb 2025 21:01:54 GMT

When Saif Alketbi purchased a stake in Fortenova, the Croatian food giant and the country’s biggest private employer, many welcomed this significant foreign direct investment from the Gulf.But, since making the acquisition, it has not at all been plain sailing for Mr. Alketbi. After acquiring the 43 per cent stake in Fortenova, purchasing SBK ART LLC from the Russian bank, Sberbank, for €400 million, SBK ART (though not Mr. Alketbi himself) found itself targeted by EU sanctions, at the request of the Croatian government.Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the Croatian state had previously attempted to sell Fortenova to Croatia’s pension fund. When the deal collapsed at the last moment, and in the absence of any other bidders, the respected Emirati businessman stepped in to acquire Sberbank’s stake. Since then, the Croatian government has been desperately trying to keep Fortenova in Croatian ownership, which has created the conditions for local tycoon, Pavao Vujnovac, to capitali...