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UN pushes for global plastics treaty amid pollution crisis in Geneva

UN pushes for global plastics treaty amid pollution crisis in Geneva

GENEVA : Negotiators from 180 countries convened in Geneva on Tuesday for a fresh round of UN-led talks aimed at finalising a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution, described as a “global crisis” by diplomats. The urgency of the issue was underscored as microplastics continue to infiltrate ecosystems, oceans, and even human bodies. Ecuadoran diplomat Luis Vayas Valdivieso, chairing the discussions, warned that plastic pollution is “damaging ecosystems, polluting our oceans and rivers, threatening biodiversity, harming human health, and unfairly impacting the most vulnerable.” He stressed that the responsibility to act lies with the international community. Previous negotiations in Busan, South Korea, collapsed in December after oil-producing nations blocked consensus on production limits. Despite the challenges, UN Environment Programme (UNEP) chief Inger Andersen expressed cautious optimism, stating, “Most countries have said: ‘We’re coming to Geneva to strike the deal’.” Plastic waste has reached alarming levels, with over 400 million tonnes produced annually—half for single-use items. Only 9% is recycled, while 46% ends up in landfills and 22% becomes litter. A Lancet report highlighted plastic pollution as a “grave, growing and under-recognised danger,“ costing $1.5 trillion yearly in health-related losses. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, demand a treaty that cuts production and bans toxic chemicals. Graham Forbes, Greenpeace’s delegation head, warned against letting “a few countries determine humanity’s future.” Meanwhile, industry representatives argue plastics are vital for healthcare and infrastructure. As talks proceed, an art installation outside the UN—a plastic-submerged replica of Rodin’s “The Thinker”—symbolises the growing burden of pollution. Canadian artist Benjamin Von Wong, behind the piece, urged action: “If you want to protect health, we need to think about toxic chemicals in our environment.” - AFP

Defence closes case in Zayn Rayyan neglect trial, verdict set for Oct 31

Defence closes case in Zayn Rayyan neglect trial, verdict set for Oct 31

PETALING JAYA : The defence team for Ismanira Abdul Manaf, the mother of Zayn Rayyan Abdul Matin, closed its case today after presenting five witnesses. The court has scheduled the verdict for October 31. Defence counsel Haresh Mahadevan informed the court that no further witnesses would be called following the testimony of child psychologist Dr Noor Aishah Rosli. Judge Dr Syahliza Warnoh set September 8 for written submissions, September 22 for oral replies, and October 31 for the final verdict. Ismanira was ordered to enter her defence on July 21 after the prosecution established a prima facie case. She testified over three days, maintaining her innocence. Dr Noor Aishah testified that WhatsApp messages exchanged between Ismanira and her husband were normal expressions of frustration from a mother caring for an autistic child. She stated, “From a psychological perspective, these should not be viewed as an intention to commit a crime. If you ask anyone, it’s common for messages to a spouse to contain harsh words, but without any intent behind them.” She described the messages as emotional venting rather than evidence of abuse, adding, “I find these kinds of conversations reflect a marital relationship. The language may appear harsh, but it’s just surface-level, idle talk meant only to release emotions.” The prosecution was led by deputy public prosecutors Raja Zaizul Faridah Raja Zaharudin, Aqharie Durranie Aziz, and Nur Sabrina Zubairi. Ismanira’s defence team included Haresh Mahadevan, Ramzani Idris, and Lavanesh Haresh. Zayn Rayyan was reported missing on December 5, 2023, and his body was found the next day near his home at Apartment Idaman, Damansara Damai. An autopsy revealed injuries consistent with self-defence. Ismanira and her husband, Zaim Ikhwan Zahari, had pleaded not guilty to neglecting their son under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a maximum penalty of RM50,000, 20 years’ imprisonment, or both. Zaim Ikhwan was earlier acquitted of the charge. - Bernama

'Dia tengok-tengok sekilas, Zara takut' - Sambungan rakaman suara Zara Qairina tular

'Dia tengok-tengok sekilas, Zara takut' - Sambungan rakaman suara Zara Qairina tular

KOTA KINABALU - Rakaman suara keempat melibatkan perbualan dipercayai antara Allahyarham Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, dan ibunya, Noraidah Lamat, 45, pula tular di media sosial.Rakaman suara berdurasi hampir dua minit itu dipercayai menjadi sambungan kepada rakaman yang tular pada Isnin.Dalam rakaman suara itu memperdengarkan luahan Zara Qairina mengenai rakannya, Yasmin, yang didakwanya turut menjadi mangsa gangguan oleh sekumpulan pelajar senior disebabkan fitnah yang diceritakan sebelum ini.Dalam audio berkenaan, Zara memberitahu ibunya bahawa rakan-rakan tidak mempunyai pilihan selain menurut arahan apabila dipanggil oleh senior."Mak, mak, masalahnya macam mana dia tidak pergi... Kakak tu sendiri yang cari dia di kelas, lepas tu kakak tu sendiri suruh, 'kau pegi naik atas sekarang'. Lepas tu kakak tu ikut dia dari belakang… Macam mana dia mahu lari?"Si Yasmin pun ikut… Masuk-masuk saja ke kelas, terus dia menangis mak."Lama mak (dipanggil)... Mahu dekat satu jam begitu," kata Zara.Zara turut meluahkan rasa takut untuk melawan atau mengelak kerana bimbang dimarahi oleh pelajar senior.Malah katanya, dia pernah diberi amaran secara halus hanya melalui renungan tajam yang cukup membuatkannya berasa terancam."Hari itu pun dia tengok-tengok Zara sekilas, sudah Zara takut… Apa lagi ini," katanya.Ibunya kemudian menasihati agar jika Zara Qairina dipanggil lagi, dia boleh memberi alasan untuk beredar.Namun, remaja itu menjelaskan, tindakan seperti itu hanya akan memburukkan keadaan."Mak, mak, makin dikata begitu, makinlah dia marah," balasnya.Melihat situasi yang semakin meresahkan, Noraidah menyarankan agar ibu kepada Yasmin tampil membuat laporan kepada pihak warden, yang dikenali sebagai Cikgu Zabidi, seperti yang disebut dalam rakaman tersebut."Menurutnya, kalau tentang asrama, boleh lapor dengan Ketua Warden," katanya.Rakaman suara perbualan dua beranak tersebut menarik perhatian warga maya yang sebelum ini melihat kematian Zara Qairina dikaitkan dengan dakwaan insiden buli di sekolah tersebut.Sementara itu, peguam mewakili Noraidah, Hamid Ismail ketika dihubungi Sinar Harian mengesahkan rakaman keempat tersebit adalah milik suara anak guamnya dan Zara Qairina.Pelajar Tingkatan Satu itu sebelum ini dilaporkan terjatuh dari tingkat tiga bangunan asrama sekolah agama di Papar pada 16 Julai lalu dan disahkan meninggal dunia keesokan harinya di Hospital Queen Elizabeth I (HQEI).

Paris Seine swimming draws 35,000 despite rainy July

Paris Seine swimming draws 35,000 despite rainy July

THREE Seine swimming sites in Paris have attracted more than 35,000 visitors since opening in early July, despite frequent summer rainfall, city officials confirmed. The historic return of public swimming to the river marks the first time in over a century that Parisians and tourists have been able to bathe in the Seine following a massive cleanup effort. Wet weather forced temporary closures for 13 days in July, including one site near the Eiffel Tower. “We knew that the weather would be a variable factor,“ said city official Pierre Rabadan. “But we are extremely satisfied.” The 19th-century sewage system often overflows during heavy rain, sending wastewater into the Seine. However, a new retention basin has successfully prevented overflow this summer. Despite initial delays, enthusiasm remains high, with a record 5,700 swimmers on July 13. The initiative stems from Paris’ Olympic legacy, where triathletes and open-water swimmers competed in the cleaned-up river. Authorities invested €1.4 billion ($1.6 billion) to improve water quality ahead of the Games. The free swimming spots will remain open until August 31. - AFP

Lelaki lintas jalan tak guna jejantas maut dilanggar kereta

Lelaki lintas jalan tak guna jejantas maut dilanggar kereta

JOHOR BAHRU - Tindakan seorang lelaki melintas jalan tanpa menggunakan jejantas mengundang padah apabila dia maut dilanggar kereta di Kilometer (KM), 12 Jalan Johor Bahru-Air Hitam di sini pada Selasa.Menurut Ketua Polis Daerah Johor Bahru Utara, Asisten Komisioner Balveer Singh Mahindar Singh, kejadian dipercayai berlaku pada jam 4 pagi melibatkan sebuah kereta jenis Toyota Vios 1.5S (AT)."Siasatan mendapati kereta berkenaan yang dipandu seorang lelaki tempatan berusia 58 tahun datang dari arah Taman Ungku Tun Aminah, Skudai dalam perjalanan menuju ke Iskandar Puteri."Bagaimanapun, seorang lelaki tempatan berusia 44 tahun melintas tanpa menggunakan jejantas untuk ke perhentian bas."Akibat kemalangan tersebut, mangsa cedera parah di bahagian kepala dan meninggal dunia di tempat kejadian sementara pemandu tidak mengalami kecederaan," katanya.Tambah Balveer Singh, kes disiasat bawah Seksyen 41 (1) Kanun Keseksaan 1987 kerana menyebabkan kematian akibat memandu secara melulu atau berbahaya.Justeru, katanya orang ramai yang mempunyai maklumat berkaitan kes tersebut agar menghubungi dan menyalurkan maklumat kepada Pegawai Penyiasat Inspektor Ong Jin Siong di talian, 011-16490168.

Taikun Malaysia bawa F1 ke Singapura mengaku salah

Taikun Malaysia bawa F1 ke Singapura mengaku salah

SINGAPURA: Hartawan hotel kelahiran Malaysia, Ong Beng Seng yang bertanggungjawab membawa perlumbaan Formula Satu (F1) ke Singapura, mengaku bersalah atas pertuduhan bersubahat menghalang keadilan. Bilionair berusia 79 tahun itu didakwa membantu bekas Menteri Pengangkutan Singapura, S. Iswaran menyembunyikan bukti semasa siasatan oleh Biro Siasatan Amalan Rasuah (CPIB). Beng Seng yang juga pemegang hak penganjuran Grand ... Read more The post Taikun Malaysia bawa F1 ke Singapura mengaku salah appeared first on Utusan Malaysia .

Jarak usia 46 tahun, kahwin bukan kerana harta

Jarak usia 46 tahun, kahwin bukan kerana harta

JAKARTA – Sepasang suami isteri di Bengkulu Tengah, wilayah Bengkulu menjadi perhatian pengguna media sosial kerana mempunyai jarak usia 46 tahun, lapor laman berita Tribunnews semalam. Bunga Fitri, 27 dan Sai’un, 73, mendirikan rumah tangga selepas cuma dua minggu berkenalan.  Jarak usia mereka yang jauh membuatkan pasangan itu menjadi perhatian pengguna media sosial yang rata-rata ... Read more The post Jarak usia 46 tahun, kahwin bukan kerana harta appeared first on Kosmo Digital .