The Independent has gathered some of the most eye-catching and thought-provoking images from culture, news, politics, sport, and lifestyle. The images include striking shots of the Popocatepetl Volcano in Mexico, and cattle grazing in front of the German Parliament building in Berlin, as well as photographs from events such as the closing ceremony of Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and the Brussels Pride parade. Some of the images in the collection are oddly bewildering, like a raven perching on the roof of a barn in the midst of smoke from a nearby wildfire in Canada.
Foreigners are buying abandoned houses in Japan, particularly old country homes, drawn to traditional Japanese culture and the weak yen. Renovating and restoring these homes could shift the perception of abandoned homes as decrepit eyesores. While the government has launched initiatives to tackle the issue of abandoned homes, including a tax hike on vacant properties, owners also need to take responsibility for the upkeep of these properties. The trend of foreigners buying these homes could lead to a revitalisation of rural areas and an increase in tourism, benefiting local economies. However, there are concerns that this trend could price out locals who cannot compete with foreign buyers in the property market. It is important for the government to monitor this trend and ensure that it does not have unintended consequences on the local housing market.
Bhutan's national holding company, Druk Holding & Investments (DHI), is seeking backing from investors for a cryptocurrency mining venture, following a partnership with Bitdeer. Together, the firms plan to raise $500m to create a 100 MW crypto-mining data centre that will utilise hydropower resources, and pitch to international institutional investors. DHI also launched a biometric digital identity system earlier this year and is piloting the use of drones to maintain infrastructure within Bhutan. The country has an annual average growth rate of 7.5% and is one of the world's few carbon-negative nations.
Burdock root, also known as gobō, is highly prized in Japan for its healing and culinary properties. Historically used as an herb with diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, gobō later became a food during the Edo Period (1603-1868) due to the development of more tender varieties. It is now a staple ingredient in the much-loved dish kinpira, which frequently features in bento boxes and in casual eateries. Burdock root is praised for its earthy aroma and attributed with building strong family ties. Considered a new year's food, gobō features in special dishes for family feasting.
Translators have spoken of ethical dilemmas that can arise as they work on books by authors whose views and attitudes are at odds with their own. American translator Charlotte Mandell is set to translate Louis-Ferdinand Céline’s controversial novel Guerre, a book by the revered novelist which he wrote while living in Germany during the Second World War. Céline is widely regarded as a vicious anti-Semite. Another translator, Frank Wynne, who is currently in contention for this year’s International Booker Prize, voiced the view that any book of interest deserves translation. Translators have to deal with decisions such as the Russian translation of Ernest Hemingway’s The Sun Also Rises, which doesn’t include the character of Robert Cohn, who is Jewish, as it allows Russian publishers to elide concerns about possible antisemitism.
The Chinese government has cancelled and postponed notable events in the past week, ranging from a folk festival to a convention for female tech entrepreneurs. Some individuals relate these sudden cancellations to a $2m fine and suspension of performances of production company Xiaoguo after a comedian made a joke about a military slogan. However, the cancellations are not solely based on assumed criticism of the government. Xiaoguo’s scandal and subsequent measures could be a reason for the heightened amount of event cancellations, but this has yet to be confirmed by the Chinese Government. Beijing musicians have also stated they believe cultural shows are given more focus during a crackdown and that international performers are typically the first to be targeted during such times of law enforcement. Event organisers issued apologies citing 'force majeure', however, this is perceived a euphemism for higher powers such as government agencies that can halt events.
The G7 summit in Hiroshima has ended with discussions focusing on the Ukrainian war and the dominance of China. They also focused on challenges facing developing economies, including Brazil, Vietnam, Comoros and India. Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy made headlines during his time the summit. He was present in the session on Ukraine where it was revealed he had spoken with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. His itinerary for the rest of the day included visiting the Peace Memorial Park and the museum in Hiroshima to remember the atomic bombing of the city. Zelenskyy continues to make the rounds of G-7 leaders. Earlier on the second day of the summit, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the president on the margins of the summit for the first time since Russia's invasion of the Ukraine and shared images of their encounter to his Twitter page.
The final day of the Group of Seven (G7) summit has passed in Hiroshima, with delegates including Ukraine's President Volodomyr Zelenskyy discussing the war, China’s dominance and the issues faced by the Global South. Joining the leaders were a number of key Asia-Pacific figures such as the Indian, South Korean, Indonesian and Australian prime ministers. The triennial met throughout the summit, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took some time off to visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum. President Joe Biden met with Zelenskyy, Ukrainian Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and Japanese Prime Minister for talks. The G7 laid out a common de-risking path on China, while India's Narendra Modi commented that he would “amplify concerns of the Global South” at the summit.
Japan’s Prime Minister, Fumio Kishida and his South Korean counterpart, Yoon Suk-yeol, have visited a cenotaph in Hiroshima that honours Korean victims of the 1945 atomic bombing, in the first such joint visit by the two countries. The two leaders visited the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, laid white bouquets at the cenotaph, and bowed together at the site. Yoon later said that the “courageous” visit would “pave the way for a peaceful future” while expressing grief over the Korean victims of the atomic bomb. Kishida described the visit as “very meaningful for bilateral ties and also in praying for world peace.” The trip was immediately followed by a summit between the two countries. They agreed upon the joint visit to the memorial during their meeting in Seoul.
A Ukrainian government spokesperson has denied that Russian troops have captured the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut, following a statement by President Volodymyr Zelensky at the G7 summit in Japan. Zelensky had originally appeared to confirm Russian claims that the city had fallen, but a spokesman said the president's response had referred to whether Russia had taken the town, not whether Ukraine had lost it. Russian forces had claimed to have taken the city on 21 August. The battle for Bakhmut had been one of the longest and bloodiest of the conflict so far.
The United Nations has designated May 21 as International Tea Day to celebrate the cultural heritage, health benefits and economic importance of the drink. Tea is the most popular drink across the globe after water, and it is valued for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant qualities. Nearly all words for tea across the globe can be derived from the root words “cha” or “te,” with China producing nearly half of the world’s tea. Tea drinking is very common among many nations, from being a marker of hospitality to the idiosyncratic methods in which different teas are made.
Garlic mustard and spongy moths: invasive species threaten biodiversity in N.B.
CBC
23-05-21 10:00
Invasive species are increasingly becoming a problem in New Brunswick, Canada, according to Kristin Elton of the New Brunswick Invasive Species Council, who warned that these species can compete with native species for resources, change the biochemistry of water and soil and even damage infrastructure. Many invasives have an advantage in that they emerge earlier and remain longer than native species, providing more time to establish themselves. These plants can also alter the composition of soil or water. As for dealing with these species, traditional treatments such as cutting or pulling out invaders can disrupt roots, causing more growth and making the problem worse. With regard to Japanese knotweed, a plant that can grow through concrete and the foundations of buildings, it may take years to reduce the plant's energy.
Melbourne’s central business district is home to Ishizuka, a basement Japanese restaurant, which serves Kaiseki cuisine. The concealed entrance often confuses patrons, with the restaurant being hidden in an alleyway and only accessible via glass sliding doors and a lift. Akin to Ishizuka’s hidden nature, Melbourne is home to many other subterranean hospitality venues, including underground drinking dens and a cheese maturing cellar housed in a former underground car park.
The Ukraine conflict was at the forefront of G7 meetings in Hiroshima, Japan, over the weekend. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was among the invitees to the meetings, which discussed China's growing dominance and issues affecting the so-called "Global South." Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed the need for a "resilient and diversified" approach to supply chains, while UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak commented on the summit's significance for consolidating peace. Meanwhile, Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called for the issue of nuclear weapons to be discussed openly, and said it was "historically significant" for the G7 leaders visiting the Peace Memorial Museum to publish a focus on nuclear disarmament – known as the Hiroshima Vision. The G7 summit heralded a number of warm bilateral meetings, concluding with talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on the conflict on Sunday afternoon.
The Export-Import Bank of China and “several other Chinese banks” will fund the $3bn debt to build the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline. The announcement ended speculation that the project would stall after dozens of lenders and insurance companies refused to take part in financing. Uganda and Tanzania plan to build the 1,445 km conduit to transport crude oil from two oilfields at Lake Albert in northwestern Uganda to the port of Tanga in Tanzania on the Indian Ocean. The pipeline is expected to transport 216,000 bpd of oil to international markets. Financing for the pipeline is set at a 60:40 debt-to-equity ratio; the US$3bn will be secured as debt, and the remaining $2bn will be financed by shareholders through equity contributions. French oil major TotalEnergies owns the biggest stake in the project at 62%, and China National Offshore Oil Corporation owns the remaining 8% of the project.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy received positive feedback after his speech and calls for support at the three-day G7 summit last week. US President Joe Biden revealed an additional $375m military aid package for Ukraine, as other G7 leaders committed to further support for Ukraine as it rises above its war-torn past. Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also joined to express support by referencing the symbolic importance of hosting the summit in Hiroshima, where the dropping of atomic bombs nearly erased the city and its inhabitants. Japan’s unwavering support for Ukraine — in contrast with other Asian countries who have refrained from condemning Russia’s 2020 invasion — has increased its profile as mediator and gained Kishida domestic popularity. The summit also marked a rare occasion for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to engage with Zelenskyy and address the conflict. Experts highlight the importance of united action against the common challenges posed by China and Russia as member states work to translate their collective policy consensus into action.
Japanese youths tuning in to G-7 summit coverage on video-sharing site Niconico have been commenting on Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's similarities to Tom Cruise and President Joe Biden being a grandpa. They have also been discussing more serious topics, including the war in Ukraine and China's economic influence, but Niconico offers a more immersive experience in which the text comments scroll over the footage itself rather than being positioned to the side. The website's coverage of the summit reflects its development from a niche platform for anime fans and gamers to a broader political and sports site.
The G7 aims to protect critical advanced technologies and diversify supply chains away from China whilst also taking steps to resist economic coercion, US President Joe Biden said. However, he made clear that the world’s seven wealthiest nations were not looking to decouple from China, which is the second-largest economy in the world. Beijing accused the US of unfair practices and real coercion. Biden expressed hope that there will be a thaw in frosty relations with China "shortly". Some G7 leaders sought to strike a more amiable tone; German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said big investments and exports to China will continue as no one had an interest in curbing growth in China.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's surprise attendance at the G7 summit in Hiroshima sparked a media frenzy, with reporters scrambling to get as close to him as possible during his brief visit. Though some journalists lamented not being able to ask the president a question, one reporter praised the opportunity as a career boost. “It’s so great you got to ask him a question!” a reporter from Taiwan said after she randomly grabbed my shoulder to get my attention. “That’s a huge advantage for your career.” Zelenskiy visited Hiroshima to lay flowers at the Atomic Bomb Memorial and focused on talks about nuclear disarmament, which dominated discussions during the G7 summit.
Carbon removal, the process of transferring carbon dioxide from the Earth's atmosphere and storing it indefinitely in a safe location, is an emerging industry gaining interest from investors, buyers and policymakers. Unlike carbon stored in biological plants, which can be released when they are burned or cut down, CO2 that is artificially sequestered may stay sequestered indefinitely. This has led to the establishment of carbon removal projects such as Carbon Engineering and ClimeWorks which are attracting private capital. Carbon Engineering's direct air capture system can capture CO2 for between $94 and $232 per tonne when operating at scale, a significantly lower rate than previous estimates of $600 per tonne.
The boom in carbon removal practices is driven by technological advancements and government actions to reduce carbon emissions. A reasonable carbon price may make carbon capture and storage viable, though, for DAC to be profitable, the tax would need to be higher. As hydrocarbon-dependent economies still exist, government support is needed to bridge the gap between current and required carbon prices. Several billion dollars of America’s recently approved climate handouts fund the establishment of carbon capture programs, while an enhanced tax credit provides up to $85 per tonne of CO2 that is permanently stored.
Big tech companies, with deep pockets and a progressive image, are some of the early buyers of carbon removal, like Microsoft’s recent purchase of more than 2.7m tonnes of carbon captured from combustion and stored underground for 10 years with Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies. Carbon middlemen are also emerging, who act as a connector between projects and the buyers. Carbon removal projects are emerging as a necessary expenditure that requires public support to become a more profitable industry.
