Studies by the University of Peradeniya show that atmospheric nitrogen can be fixed into the soil and rapidly improve it thanks to sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea), reducing the need for chemical fertilisers, which are in short supply following the Strait of Hormuz blockade. Experts are urging the various stakeholders, including farmers, to leverage its potential to boost the country's food security.
Talks between the United States and Iran to firm up a still shaky ceasefire began in the Pakistani capital today. However, the United Arab Emirates is withdrawing US$ 3.5 billion (over a fifth of Pakistan's reserves) to put political pressure on the South Asian country. For Archbishop Joseph Arshad of Islamabad-Rawalpindi, “war and conflict cause immense suffering” and this needs “solutions to problems through wisdom, tolerance and dialogue.”
Justice Minister Jung Sung-ho spoke in harsh terms to describe adoptions from South Korea in the 1970s and 1980s that were marked by serious irregularities. The government announced steps to facilitate compensation, stating that it will waive appeals in proceedings initiated by victims, although delays remain.
Today's news: Talks between Lebanon and Israel to end the conflict between the two countries will be held in Washington on Tuesday. Yesterday, North Korea’s strongman Kim Jong-un met with the Chinese Foreign Minister. In the Philippines, the cost of Chinese-made solar panels has “skyrocketed”. Indonesia wants to boost palm oil production using insects from Africa.
Russians were promised a high-tech future. What they got instead is a form of total control, not authoritarian, but totalitarian, reflecting the Kremlin's definition of “the sum of technologies”, namely missiles and drones, as well as surveillance and monitoring equipment.
The government gave its green light recently, without much fanfare, just as settler violence was escalating. Since the start of the current legislative session, 103 settlements were approved, on top of 127 already existing settlements. Settlement procedures have also changed, showing a desire to accelerate the process of seizing land. Polls show Likud decline, but the country's majority opposes the ceasefire with Iran.