World - WTO at a crossroads: The geopolitical threat to 75 years of multilateral trade cooperation



The world, also called Earth, is the third planet from the sun and the only known planet that supports life. It has a dynamic and complex ecosystem that has evolved over millions of years. Home to over 7 billion human beings and countless species of animals and plants, it is a planet of incredible diversity.

Geography

The world has a total land area of about 148.9 million square kilometres, which is composed of 29% land and 71% water. It is divided into seven continents: North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia. These continents are further divided into numerous countries, each with its unique cultures, history, and geography.

Physically, the world is characterized by its diverse terrain, including mountains, valleys, deserts, forests, grasslands, and oceans. The highest point on Earth is Mount Everest, which reaches a height of 8,848 metres above sea level, while the deepest point on Earth is the Mariana Trench, which reaches a depth of 11,034 metres below sea level.

Climate

The world’s climate is determined by a combination of factors, including latitude, altitude, and proximity to the ocean. It varies from hot and humid in the tropics to cold and dry in the polar regions. The world’s climate is also influenced by natural phenomena such as El Nino and La Nina, which can cause extreme weather patterns such as droughts, floods, and hurricanes.

Biodiversity

The world is home to an incredible variety of living organisms, from tiny microbes and insects to large mammals and plants. Scientists estimate that there are between 8.7 and 30 million species currently living on Earth, with the majority of them still undiscovered.

Biodiversity is important for the stability of the world’s ecosystems and for human life. It provides us with food, medicines, and other resources while sustaining vital ecological processes such as the carbon cycle and water purification.

However, biodiversity is under threat from a range of human activities, including deforestation, pollution, and climate change. These impacts are causing the extinction of species at an unprecedented rate, which could have devastating consequences for the health of the planet and its inhabitants.

Human Population

The world’s population has grown significantly in recent centuries, from an estimated 500 million in 1600 AD to over 7.8 billion today. The majority of this growth has occurred in developing countries, where access to basic resources such as food and water can be challenging.

The world’s growing population has placed significant pressure on natural resources, leading to environmental degradation, climate change, and social unrest. This has spurred efforts to promote sustainable development and reduce our impact on the planet.

Culture

The world’s diverse human cultures are a testament to the creativity, adaptability, and resilience of humanity. Each culture has its unique customs, traditions, and beliefs, with some dating back thousands of years.

Cultural diversity is an essential part of our shared human heritage, and efforts to preserve and celebrate cultural traditions are critical for promoting mutual understanding and respect.

Conclusion

The world is a beautiful and complex planet that has evolved over millions of years. Its diverse landscapes, climates, and living organisms continue to inspire us, while also challenging us to protect and preserve our fragile environment. As we face the challenges of the modern era, it is critical that we work together to promote sustainable development, protect biodiversity, and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes us human.


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Sara Porter expresses her love of the ocean in absurdly funny ways in ‘L-E-A-K’

The Toronto Star

23-05-15 11:00


Toronto performer Sara Porter is set to present her ecosexuality-themed performance piece, "L-E-A-K," at the Theatres Centre this week. The work, which is described as "craziness," addresses a range of topics connected by the fluidity of the human condition, including raft theory, horizons, swimming safety and ecosexuality itself. The latter, Porter discovered through reading, describes an Earth-loving sensation first articulated by US sexologist Annie Sprinkle and her artist partner Beth Stephens. Porter believes that if people don't fall in love with the natural world with as much "passion as we feel for one another," we will not be able to save the world. The performance touches on feminism, queer issues and other aspects of Porter's life, including anecdotes and experiences connected to the ocean and the Bay of Fundy. An accompanying exhibition also runs alongside the play.

https://www.thestar.com/entertainment/stage/2023/05/15/sara-porter-expresses-her-love-of-the-ocean-in-absurdly-funny-ways-in-l-e-a-k.html
Morning Update: Hot weather and wildfires persist in Alberta; Turkey’s election runoff

The Globe and Mail

23-05-15 10:50


Doctors in British Columbia have warned that patients are facing a long wait for intrauterine device (IUD) insertions, following the Canadian province's launch of free prescription contraception in April. Willow Clinic in Victoria now has appointment slots booked up to three months in advance, up from a wait time of just one to two weeks prior to the scheme's introduction. Ana Nunes, the birth control co-ordinator at the clinic, highlighted the need for further training programmes to increase the number of qualified clinicians capable of performing the procedures. Nunes stated that the waiting times hadn't delayed services, rather had helped staff "streamline the process and make it more efficient". Alongside IUDs, British Columbia pays for a range of other contraceptive drugs, including birth control pills and patches, as well as emergency contraceptives.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-morning-update-hot-weather-and-wildfires-persist-in-alberta-turkeys/
Australian gold miner Newcrest backs Newmont’s US$17.8-billion offer

The Globe and Mail

23-05-15 10:49


Newcrest Mining will back a AUD26.2bn ($17.8bn) takeover offer for the company by Newmont, creating one of the world's largest buyouts of 2023. Subject to approval from both companies' shareholders and meeting other regulatory hurdles, the deal is expected to be completed by the end of Q4 2023, lifting Newmont's gold output far above that of its competitors, eventually producing 8 million ounces a year. This marks the third largest deal ever involving an Australian company and the third largest globally in 2023.

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-australian-gold-miner-newcrest-backs-newmonts-178-billion-offer/
Ukraine says no more talks planned on Black Sea grain deal this week

Reuters

23-05-15 10:30


Ukraine is unsure whether a deal allowing the safe Black Sea export of its grain will end when it is due to expire on 18 May. Access to the country’s Black Sea ports was blocked last year, following the Russian invasion. However, with the clearance in July last year of three of these ports, a grain deal between Moscow and Kyiv was brokered. Russia has said that it will leave the agreement unless a list of demands is met to remove obstacles to its own grain and fertiliser exports.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/ukraine-says-no-more-talks-planned-black-sea-grain-deal-this-week-2023-05-15/
Zhu eyes doubles medal at Table Tennis Worlds in Durban

South China Morning Post

23-05-15 10:22


Table tennis player Zhu Chengzhu is setting her sights on a World Championships medal, following formative success with Doo Hoi-kem in the women’s doubles. The Hong Kong athletes travel to Durban on Tuesday to compete against the world’s top athletes. Zhu said, “I really look forward to the opportunity of rubbing shoulders against the best players in the world… every player wants to perform at the World Championships and we cannot bring home honours without putting up a strong fight.”

https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3220621/zhu-chengzhu-eyes-womens-doubles-medal-world-table-tennis-championships-durban
Dollar on back foot as U.S. default risk weighs

Reuters

23-05-16 01:49


Investors are concerned about the US dollar's potential default risk amidst a standoff between Democrats and Republicans. The dollar index, which measures the currency against a basket of six major peers, remained unchanged at 102.39 after sliding 0.26%, falling from its five-month high. The US borrowing limit has been brought to the forefront of investor worries, with a potential deadline of 1 June. The dollar had been boosted by safe-haven demand during a sluggish COVID-19 recovery in China and US consumer inflation expectations, which suggested a Federal Reserve rate hike in June.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/dollar-back-foot-us-default-risk-weighs-2023-05-16/
Only old-fashioned gardeners kill weeds, says BBC presenter

Telegraph

23-05-16 06:00


A third of the show gardens at this year's RHS Chelsea Flower Show will feature plants typically regarded as weeds as part of an attempt to rebrand them as "resilient plants", according to a report by Radio Times. Gardeners should think twice before using pesticides, said presenter Rachel de Thame, arguing that "maintaining a healthy garden diversity would help the environment in so many ways."

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2023/05/16/killing-weeds-old-fashioned-gardener-rachel-de-thame/
Kenya's Equity Group Q1 2023 pretax profit up 10%

Reuters

23-05-16 05:44


Equity Group Holdings reported pretax profits of KES16.9bn ($124m) for the first quarter of 2023, up 10% from the previous year. The firm’s loan book increased, with net loans up 21.2% to KES756.3bn from KES623.6bn. With operations in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, Equity is one of the largest banks on the continent. It confirmed on Monday that it was setting up a new business, Equity Insurance Agency, after receiving regulatory approval.

https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/kenyas-equity-group-q1-2023-pretax-profit-up-10-2023-05-16/
Indian rupee poised to halt three-day losing run on soft dollar

Reuters

23-05-16 05:36


The Indian rupee has risen amid improved external data, set for its first gain in four sessions on a slightly down USD. The rupee was quoted at 82.19 against the US dollar, helped by India's improving external position, with its April services surplus at $13.9bn and its merchandise trade deficit dropping from $19.7bn in the previous month to $15.2bn. According to Capital Economics, if supported by lower import values on the back of softer domestic demand and relatively low commodity prices, it‘s expected this data will help to narrow India's current account deficit this year.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/currencies/indian-rupee-poised-halt-three-day-losing-run-soft-dollar-2023-05-16/
Abu Dhabi's ADNOC looks to raise up to $607 mln from IPO of logistics unit

Reuters

23-05-16 05:23


Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) has set a price range for its planned initial public offering of its logistics unit, ADNOC Logistics & Services (ADNOC L&S), which could total $607m and value the unit at $4.05bn. The cornerstone investors Al Seer Marine Supplies & Equipment, National Marine Dredging, Alpha Oryx Limited and the Abu Dhabi Pension Fund have pledged around $180m. ADNOC L&S delivers a range of products from Abu Dhabi to international customers and was created by merging three state-owned carriers. The company plans to float a 15% stake in the firm.

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/abu-dhabis-adnoc-looks-raise-up-607-mln-ipo-logistics-unit-2023-05-16/
India's Kajaria Ceramics beats Q4 profit view on stronger demand

Reuters

23-05-16 09:43


Kajaria Ceramics reported a 13% rise in consolidated net profit to INR1.08bn ($13.21m) in the quarter ended 31 March, beating analysts’ expectations, due to strong demand for the company's products. The New Delhi-based ceramic tile maker also reported a 9% rise in consolidated revenue from operations to INR12.05bn, but said consolidated core profit margins fell to 14.60% from 15.06% a year earlier due to increased expenses as rising natural gas prices took their toll.

https://www.reuters.com/business/indias-kajaria-ceramics-beats-q4-profit-view-stronger-demand-2023-05-16/
Vodafone CEO says Three UK deal to 'take as long as it takes'

Reuters

23-05-16 09:35


A long-awaited £15bn ($19bn) plan to combine Three UK and Vodafone’s UK business is still “progressing” but is not yet close to finalisation, according to Vodafone’s CEO, Margherita Della Valle. Co-managing director of CK Hutchison, Canning Fok, was similarly cautious last week, rowing back from previous claims that talks were in their final stages. The companies have been in discussion since at least October of last year. The deal is seen as crucial for the companies’ to be able to afford the installation of 5G networks.

https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/vodafone-ceo-says-three-uk-deal-take-long-it-takes-2023-05-16/
EU's Borrell calls on Turkey to fix shortcomings in election process

Reuters

23-05-16 09:34


The European Union's top diplomat, Josep Borrell, has urged Turkey to address election shortcomings identified by European observers. In a statement, he called for 'transparent, inclusive and credible elections' in a level playing field, and referred to the International Election Observation Mission of the OSCE and the Council of Europe's preliminary findings and conclusions.

https://www.reuters.com/world/eus-borrell-calls-turkey-fix-shortcomings-election-process-2023-05-16/
China's Baidu beats quarterly revenue estimates on ad strength

Reuters

23-05-16 09:30


Baidu, the Chinese search engine, saw a 10% increase in revenue in Q1 2021 to ¥31.14bn ($4.54bn), helped by the end of Covid-19 restrictions in China, according to Refinitiv data. Revenue from Baidu Core, which includes search-based ad sales, cloud offerings and autonomous driving initiatives, rose 8% to ¥23bn in the quarter, while revenue at its streaming service iQIYI rose 15% to ¥8.3bn.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/chinas-baidu-beats-quarterly-revenue-estimates-ad-strength-2023-05-16/
EU Council adopts first legal framework to regulate crypto sector

Reuters

23-05-16 09:17


The European Council has approved the world's first comprehensive set of rules for regulating cryptoassets called MiCA. The new regulations require crypto firms to be authorised by the EU to serve customers in the bloc, and comply with safeguards against money laundering and terrorism financing.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/eu-council-adopts-first-legal-framework-regulate-crypto-sector-2023-05-16/
World Bank suspends $1 bln worth of project funding in Congo

Reuters

23-05-16 13:49


The World Bank has suspended more than $1bn of funding for development and humanitarian projects in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the government dissolved a project fund. The suspension will affect over 600,000 people and includes victims of sexual violence. The World Bank confirmed that it was still awaiting information on the status of $91m that it had already advanced for the projects. The change to the funding structure came when Congolese President Felix Tshisekedi dissolved the "Social Fund of the Democratic Republic of Congo" by presidential order and created another public fund.

https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/world-bank-suspends-1-bln-worth-project-funding-congo-2023-05-16/
Draft new EU sanctions update more cautious on hitting China - document

Reuters

23-05-16 13:45


A new draft proposal of EU sanctions against Russia regarding its war in Ukraine suggest that "alternative measures" should be examined before placing restrictions on trade with third-party countries who have bypassed key sanctions, according to a document. This is the 11th round of sanctions since Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. There is concern over potential threats to trade agreements with China. The proposal is to be further discussed by 27 EU member states' envoys in Brussels on Tuesday. The list itself includes dozens of both Russian and Chinese companies and individuals.

https://www.reuters.com/world/draft-new-eu-sanctions-update-more-cautious-hitting-china-document-2023-05-16/
USDOJ to announce first 'disruptive technology' strike force cases

Reuters

23-05-16 13:39


The US Justice Department will announce the first enforcement actions undertaken by its innovative technology task force on Tuesday, according to the US Attorney's Office. The group was set up as a joint venture between the Justice Department and the Commerce Department to protect US technology from foreign hacking and other threats to national security.

https://www.reuters.com/technology/usdoj-announce-first-disruptive-technology-strike-force-cases-2023-05-16/
CSIS Launches Hess Center for New Frontiers

CSIS

23-05-16 13:30


The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) has created the Hess Center for New Frontiers, designed to inform and connect decision-makers with the CSIS researchers looking at the major trends driving global change. It will offer workshops and the flagship New Frontiers presentation, which will present findings on demographics, water and food security, energy and climate change, technology, and geopolitics and world order. The center was established with a gift from John Hess and the Hess Foundation. Eric Palomaa, an experienced strategist and long-range analyst, has been named to lead the center.

https://www.csis.org/news/csis-launches-hess-center-new-frontiers