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[unable to retrieve full-text content] Joe Biden thinks that unless there's widespread government intervention in the economy, economic...

"No Warning": Indonesian Village Caught In Volcano Disaster That Killed 34

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<div class="ins_instory_dv_cont"><img alt="'No Warning': Indonesian Village Caught In Volcano Disaster That Killed 34" src="https://c.ndtvimg.com/2021-12/hpin06d8_indonesia_625x300_10_December_21.jpg" title="'No Warning': Indonesian Village Caught In Volcano Disaster That Killed 34" /></div>
Houses submerged following the eruption of Mount Semeru volcano in Indonesia.
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Indonesia:
In the wake of the deadly Semeru eruption on Indonesia's Java island, the entwined bodies of a mother and daughter encased in molten ash have come to symbolise what many living in the shadow of the volcano feel went wrong.
"There was no warning. If there had been, there wouldn't have been victims, right?" said Minah, of her cousin Rumini, who died clutching her elderly mother as their kitchen roof caved in. Like many Indonesians, they use only one name.
Nestled at the base of volcano, their village of Curah Kobokan was among the worst-hit when Semeru spectacularly erupted on Saturday, ejecting ash clouds and pyroclastic flows that <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/indonesia-news-indonesia-volcano-news-indonesia-volcano-eruption-indonesia-volcano-eruption-death-count-rises-to-34-resuce-ops-continue-2640508" target="_self">killed 43 people and left dozens missing.</a>
The eruption of Java's tallest mountain has raised questions about the effectiveness of Indonesia's disaster warning system, and the dangers of rebuilding on the volcano's fertile but precarious slopes.
Officials said some messages were sent to local administrators but acknowledged they did not result in an evacuation order, in part because the volcano's activity is hard to predict.
Warnings to evacuate are normally relayed by the national disaster mitigation agency, such as in 2017 when it ordered 100,000 people living near Bali's rumbling Mt Agung to immediately leave the danger zone.
The national disaster mitigation agency did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for a comment.
In Javanese, the village's name Curah Kobokan means "pouring bowl", a reference to the river that snakes by it. Once a source of life, the river would also become the community's downfall.
When Semeru erupted, the river carried thick flows of lava and ash directly into Curah Kobokan, now a field of gray ash piled as high as the powerlines, a few triangular roofs jutting out of the newly formed disaster landscape.
Residents say the air grew blazing hot and pitch black in seconds. People screamed and fled in panic, some taking refuge in a prayer house, others huddled in a concrete drain.
Of eight residents Reuters interviewed, not one said they received warning of an impending eruption.
"If there had been warning, people would have evacuated. Instead in a matter of minutes, lava streamed down and a lot of people died," said 41-year-old Irawati, whose husband was knocked unconscious as they tried to escape.
"No Time To Run"
An archipelago of 270 million sitting atop the Pacific Ring of Fire, Indonesia is one of the most disaster-prone nations on earth. The devastation wreaked by Semeru can be ascribed to a deadly confluence of factors, for which no one wants to take the blame.
The head of Indonesia's geological agency, Eko Budi Lelono, says messages were sent to local officials warning of hot ash clouds. The river near Curah Kobokan, he said, was marked red on the map.
"In the future, we can't blame one another, but we need to synergise more," Eko says.
Dino Adalananto of the East Java disaster mitigation agency says the warnings were passed on to local resilience officers but there were no specific orders to evacuate. The head of Curah Kobokan could not be reached.
Experts say the nature of the eruption, a cave-in of the lava dome possibly triggered by external factors such as heavy rain, was also difficult to catch ahead of time.
"Whatever the actual trigger was, it was the instability of this lava dome at the summit that collapsed and those things are very hard to predict," said Heather Handley, a volcano scientist at Australia's Monash University.
Eruptions triggered by lava dome collapses account for about 6% of all volcanic eruptions, says Handley, with more research needed to understand the characteristics and causes.
Another causal factor for the tragedy is the reality of life on Semeru's slopes, where over the decades communities have become inured to volcanic activity, including the summit letting off steam.
As disaster officials survey the devastation, some 100,000 homes damaged or destroyed, there is growing talk about the danger of living so close to the mountain, with Indonesian President Joko Widodo saying at least 2,000 homes will be moved.
With 142 volcanoes, Indonesia has the largest population globally living in close range to a volcano, including 8.6 million within 10km (6.2 miles).
"What needs to be explained to people is the areas where the lava flows, our recommendation is don't live there anymore," said the geological agency's Eko.
"When they're there, there's no time to run."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
 
 
source <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/no-warning-indonesian-village-caught-in-volcano-disaster-that-killed-34-2645379">https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/no-warning-indonesian-village-caught-in-volcano-disaster-that-killed-34-2645379</a>

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Houses submerged following the eruption of Mount Semeru volcano in Indonesia. Indonesia: In the wake of the deadly Semeru eruption on I...

UN General Assembly Grants Observer Status To International Solar Alliance

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UN General Assembly has conferred Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance
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United Nations:
The UN General Assembly has conferred Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance (ISA), a historic decision which India said would help provide for a well-defined cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations that would benefit global energy growth and development.
The ISA was conceived as a joint effort by India and France to mobilise efforts against climate change through the deployment of solar energy solutions. It was presented by the leaders of the two countries at the 21st Conference of Parties (COP21) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) held in Paris in 2015.
"I am taking the floor on behalf of India and France. I take this opportunity to thank the entire UN membership for adopting the resolution conferring Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance (ISA). I am particularly happy that such a historic decision has been taken by the UN General Assembly under your (UNGA President Abdulla Shahid) leadership, under the Presidency of Hope," Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations Ambassador TS Tirumurti said in a statement on Thursday.
"Congratulations!!! Today, the General Assembly, based on the Sixth Committee report, adopted resolution 76/123 & unanimously decided to invite the International Solar Alliance to participate in the sessions & work of the General Assembly in the capacity of an "Observer"," UNGA president Abdulla Shahid tweeted.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Congratulations!!! Today, the General Assembly, based on the Sixth Committee report, adopted resolution 76/123 & unanimously decided to invite the International Solar Alliance to participate in the sessions & work of the General Assembly in the capacity of an "Observer". <a href="https://t.co/2Si4Tk6zQy">pic.twitter.com/2Si4Tk6zQy</a>
— UN GA President (@UN_PGA) <a href="https://twitter.com/UN_PGA/status/1469109154111533058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
"The International Solar Alliance @isolaralliance has been unanimously granted observer status by the @UN General Assembly. Thank you all the member states for their support to this important initiative," Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations tweeted.
In a short span of six years, the ISA has become an example of how positive global climate action can be taken forward through partnerships. ISA provides a dedicated platform for cooperation among governments, multilateral organisations, industry, and other stakeholders to help achieve a common goal, Mr Tirumurti said.
"Increasing the use and quality of solar energy to meet energy needs in a safe, convenient, affordable, equitable and sustainable manner enhances energy security and sustainable development, and improves access to energy in developing member countries," he said.
The granting of Observer Status to ISA in the General Assembly would help provide for regular and well-defined cooperation between the Alliance and the United Nations that would benefit global energy growth and development.
Mr Tirumurti thanked all member states, including co-signatories and co-sponsors, for this historic moment.
Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, on Friday tweeted,"Resounding acknowledgement of PM @NarendraModi ji's vision on climate action. In just 6 years, @iSolarAlliance has been granted Observer Status by UN General Assembly. A sign of overwhelming global support for India's efforts for a sustainable world."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Resounding acknowledgement of PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NarendraModi</a> ji's vision on climate action.
In just 6 years, <a href="https://twitter.com/isolaralliance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iSolarAlliance</a> has been granted Observer Status by UN General Assembly.
A sign of overwhelming global support for India's efforts for a sustainable world. <a href="https://t.co/4cppP8ZAMX">https://t.co/4cppP8ZAMX</a>
— Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/PiyushGoyal/status/1469166311288623104?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
A total of 80 countries have signed and ratified the ISA Framework Agreement and 101 countries have only signed the agreement, according to the ISA website. 
 
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
 
 
source <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/un-general-assembly-grants-observer-status-to-international-solar-alliance-2645318">https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/un-general-assembly-grants-observer-status-to-international-solar-alliance-2645318</a>

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UN General Assembly has conferred Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance United Nations: The UN General Assembly has confe...

Here's Why December 10 Is Observed As Human Rights Day Globally

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Human Rights Day 2021: Human rights are protected by international and national laws.
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New Delhi:
The world celebrates Human Rights Day to raise awareness about the inalienable rights that everyone is entitled to as a human being. This day is also a celebration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) by the United Nations in 1948. Various programmes are organised across the world to encourage governments, social organisations to further the cause of equality and protection of the rights of all individuals – irrespective of race, colour, religion or sex.
Date
Human Rights Day is celebrated across the world on December 10 to mark the adoption of the UDHR, which is seen as a milestone document.
Theme for Human Rights Day 2021
The United Nations has announced that the theme of Human Rights Day this year will be “equality”. It has taken the theme from Article 1 of the UDHR, which says: “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”
History And Significance
Human rights are protected by international and national laws and treaties globally. The mission to protect human rights around the world has been tasked to a 47-member grouping known as the Human Rights Council. These UN member-states are empowered to prevent inequality, abuses and discrimination, protect the most vulnerable, and punish the perpetrators of human rights violations.
The need to protect the human rights of individuals has attained a greater meaning in the aftermath of the pandemic, which has led to more poverty.
 
 
source <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/human-rights-day-2021-when-did-the-un-adopt-a-universal-declaration-for-human-rights-2645129">https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/human-rights-day-2021-when-did-the-un-adopt-a-universal-declaration-for-human-rights-2645129</a>

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Human Rights Day 2021: Human rights are protected by international and national laws. New Delhi: The world celebrates Human Rights Day ...

Mouse With Covid Bit Scientist At Lab. What Happened Next

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Taiwan has reported just over 14,500 domestic cases of Covid-19.
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A mouse bite is at the center of an investigation into a possible new Covid-19 outbreak in Taiwan, after a worker at a high-security laboratory was confirmed as the island's first local case in more than a month.
The lab worker, a woman in her 20s, tested positive for Covid this week after coming into contact with the virus during her work at Academia Sinica, Taiwan's top research institute, in mid-November, Health Minister Chen Shih-chung said at a quickly organized briefing Thursday evening. She had not traveled abroad recently and had received two doses of Moderna Inc.'s vaccine.
At the same briefing, another senior virus official confirmed local media reports that she had been bitten by a laboratory mouse infected with Covid, but said further investigation was need to determine whether the bite had been the source of the virus's transmission. Taiwanese authorities believe she is likely infected with the delta variant.
The lab leak threatens to undo Taiwan's hard-won success in stamping out Covid outbreaks, and underscores the difficulty of eliminating the pathogen, a goal some places -- including mainland China and Hong Kong -- are still aiming for.
Do We Know How Well Booster Shots Work vs. Omicron? Not Really
Before Thursday's infection, Taiwan's last confirmed local case was on Nov. 5. While maintaining tough entry and quarantine measures at the border, the government has gradually eased restrictions on businesses and entertainment over the past few months, and domestic activity has largely normalized.
Taiwan has reported just over 14,500 domestic cases of Covid-19 and 848 deaths since the beginning of the pandemic.
Health authorities have identified 94 people who came into contact with the lab worker since she was infected -- mainly colleagues and close friends -- and placed them in quarantine. Eighty of them have since tested negative, and she resigned from her job earlier this month.
Animal Transmission
The woman worked at Academica Sinica's Genomic Research Center, which has one of 18 Biosafety Level-3 laboratories in Taiwan, the second-highest security rating. Research conducted at the lab included collecting and propagating pathogens, cell-based microbiological and immunological tests, and evaluating the efficacy of vaccines and adjuvants in small animal models, according to its website.
The risk of animals spreading Covid to people is considered low based on available information, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has said further studies are needed to understand if and how different animals could be impacted by the virus. Though rare, some coronaviruses that infect animals can spread to people before transmitting via human-to-human contact, the CDC said -- like what happened with SARS-CoV-2, it added, which likely originated in bats.
Since the pandemic started, there is no evidence that animals have played a significant role in spreading Covid, said the CDC.
A scientist at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was bitten by a mouse last year, causing potential exposure to a strain of the virus that causes Covid-19 that had been adapted for growth in mice, according to reporting from media outlet ProPublica. While the bite didn't break the skin, the scientist underwent 14 days of home quarantine and no further information about their health was included in incident reports, ProPublica said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
 
 
source <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mouse-with-covid-bit-scientist-at-lab-what-happened-next-2645126">https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/mouse-with-covid-bit-scientist-at-lab-what-happened-next-2645126</a>

news world Mouse With Covid Bit Scientist At Lab. What Happened Next

Taiwan has reported just over 14,500 domestic cases of Covid-19. A mouse bite is at the center of an investigation into a possible new C...

India Airlifts 110 People Including Afghans Nationals From Kabul

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New Delhi:
A special repatriation flight from Kabul with around 110 people including Afghan citizens belonging to the Hindu and Sikh communities arrived on Friday.
The flight chartered by the Government of India is being operated from Kabul.
The flight is repatriating the stranded Indian citizens there and distressed Afghan citizens belonging to the Hindu and Sikh Community along with spouses of Indian citizens, according to a statement by India World Forum.
The three Sri Guru Granth Sahib from historical Gurdwaras in Afghanistan and Hindu religious scriptures including Ramanaya, Mahabharat and Bhagavad Gita from the ancient 5th Century Asamai Mandir, Kabul are also being flown to India.
The India World Forum said that after their arrival, the Afghan nationals will be rehabilitated by Sobti Foundation.
"It is pertinent to mention that the family of Mahram Ali, a local security guard who was killed during the terror attack in Gurdwara Guru Har Rai, Shor Bazar, Kabul is also being facilitated and being airlifted and will be rehabilitated by Sobti Foundation," the statement read.
The Sri Guru Granth Sahib will proceed towards Gurdwara Guru Arjan Dev Ji, Mahavir Nagar and the Hindu religious scriptures will proceed towards Asamai Mandir in Faridabad.
India has evacuated 565 stranded persons from Afghanistan since August when Kabul fell to the Taliban fighters, the Government stated last week in the Lok Sabha.
Answering a question from Congress MP Hibi Eden, Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan said officials of the Ministry of External Affairs were in contact with the Indians left behind. The statement, however, did not elaborate if the airlifted individuals also included some Afghans.
 
 
source <a href="https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/india-airlifts-around-110-people-including-afghans-nationals-from-kabul-2645061">https://www.ndtv.com/world-news/india-airlifts-around-110-people-including-afghans-nationals-from-kabul-2645061</a>

news world India Airlifts 110 People Including Afghans Nationals From Kabul

New Delhi: A special repatriation flight from Kabul with around 110 people including Afghan citizens belonging to the Hindu and Sikh com...