New Delhi, Jan 27: Emissions from the global plastics system --greenhouse gases, air-polluting particles, and toxic chemicals released particularly from plastics production processes -- could double health risks by 2040, if no meaningful action is taken to change current practices, according to a study on Tuesday.  The research, published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal, identified health harms at every stage of the life-cycle of the plastics: from the extraction of fossil fuels, the feedstocks for more than 90 per cent of plastics, and material production to their eventual disposal or release to the environment. The modelling-based study compared the global human health impacts of several different future scenarios for plastics consumption and waste management between 2016 and 2040. Under a ‘business as usual’ scenario, by 2040, the negative health impacts from plastics could double, with greenhouse gas emissions and associated rising global temperatures accounting for 40 per cent of the health harms. Air pollution -- predominantly from plastics production processes -- would account for 32 per cent, and the impact of toxic chemicals released to the environment across plastics' life cycles would account for 27 per cent. The remaining health harms (less than 1 per cent) relate to reduced availability of water, impacts on the ozone layer, and increased ionising radiation, the researchers said. "We found that emissions throughout plastics lifecycles contributed to human health burdens of global warming, air pollution, toxicity-related cancers, and non-communicable diseases, with the greatest harms from primary plastics production and open burning," Megan Deeney, from the London School. The model found that if the plastics system continues with no change to policy, economics, infrastructure, materials, or consumer behaviours, annual health impacts could more than double from 2.1 million healthy years of life lost in 2016 to 4.5 million healthy years of life lost in 2040. Overall, the study estimates that the global plastics system could be responsible for cutting 83 million years of healthy population life between 2016 and 2040. The study also predicted little impact from improving plastic waste collection and recycling alone. But, together with improvements to waste collection and recycling, substituting or reusing materials, health impacts linked to plastic emissions showed a reduction. "To effectively reduce plastic emissions and their impact on health, policymakers must better regulate and significantly reduce the production of new plastics for non-essential uses," the team said. (IANS)

Washington, Jan 21: Sharpening his rhetoric on Greenland, US President Donald Trump raised questions about NATO's reliability, signalling that security commitments to Europe could increasingly be tied to economic and strategic leverage. At a White House news conference marking one year since his return to office, Trump declined to say how far Washington might go to secure US interests related to Greenland. Asked directly, he replied: “You’ll find out.” Pressed on whether force was an option, Trump avoided specifics. He pointed instead to economic tools. He said tariffs, licensing and “other alternatives” were available and described them as “the best, the strongest, the fastest.” Trump said he had meetings planned on Greenland during his trip to Davos. “We have a lot of meetings scheduled on Greenland,” he said. He added that he believed “things are going to work out pretty well.” The president paired those comments with renewed criticism of NATO. He repeated claims that he strengthened the alliance by pushing members to raise defence spending. He said allies agreed to lift spending to 5 per cent of GDP from the long-standing 2 per cent target. “Getting them to go up to five per cent of GDP was something that nobody thought was possible,” he said. At the same time, Trump questioned whether the alliance would stand with the United States in a crisis. "NATO is only as good as we are,” he said. Without the US, he added, the alliance would not be very strong. He said he had concerns about whether allies would come to Washington’s aid. Trump said he had improved NATO’s position but remained sceptical of its structure. He argued that the US bears a disproportionate share of the burden. He said his approach forced allies to pay more and buy more from the United States. He dismissed the idea of attending a proposed G-7 emergency meeting in Paris. Asked if he would go at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump said: “No, I wouldn’t do that.” He questioned Macron’s political longevity and said he preferred meetings with leaders “that are directly involved.” Trump said he got along personally with Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. He added that both countries faced serious problems. He pointed to immigration and energy as Europe’s main challenges. He urged leaders to rethink wind power and use domestic energy resources. The remarks fit Trump’s broader approach to foreign policy. He often links security guarantees to economic pressure. He argues that tariffs and trade leverage force allies and rivals to negotiate. Trump said the strategy made the United States richer and more secure. “We’re the richest we ever were,” he said, crediting pressure tactics for the gains. Greenland and NATO have taken on added importance as competition grows in the Arctic and Europe. Trump’s comments suggest US policy will continue to tie alliances, territory and trade more closely together. (IANS)

Toronto, Jan 21: The Consulate General of India in Canada’s Toronto hosted the “India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026”, emphasising the significance of bilateral cooperation for shared economic and societal benefits.  The event underscored India’s significant role in inclusive, responsible, and impact-driven artificial intelligence (AI). The high-level dialogue was organised in partnership with the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada India Tech Council, and Zoho Inc. According to the Indian Consulate General in Toronto, this dialogue is one of the few pre-summit events organised globally as a precursor to one of the biggest AI Summits in the Global South — the ‘India AI Impact Summit 2026’ in New Delhi from February 19–20, designed to gather diverse perspectives and build momentum. The AI Dialogue was attended by over 600 senior leaders, including C-suite executives, policymakers, and researchers from government, industry, academia, and the innovation ecosystem across Canada, who gathered to advance bilateral collaboration in artificial intelligence. Speaking on the significance of the dialogue, Dinesh K. Patnaik, High Commissioner of India to Canada, said, “The India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026 reflects our shared vision for shaping the future of artificial intelligence responsibly," he said. "As we build momentum toward the India AI Impact Summit 2026 in New Delhi, this engagement highlights how trusted partners like Canada can collaborate with India to drive innovation that is inclusive, ethical, and globally relevant.” Addressing the “India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026”, Evan Solomon, Canadian Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation, said, “AI is no longer an abstract or future-facing conversation — it’s shaping how we work, govern, and relate to one another." He said what makes the India-Canada AI Dialogue so important was that it puts impact, accountability, and human outcomes at the center of the discussion. "India and Canada bring different strengths, but a shared responsibility: to make sure this technology serves people, strengthens societies, and delivers real economic value," he said. Additionally, Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, shared his views on the importance of India-Canada AI Dialogue 2026, stating, “India and Canada share a deep and long-standing partnership, one built on robust trade and investment, people-to-people ties, and research partnerships in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.” He also appreciated the Indian Consulate General in Toronto for convening the important gathering and for its continued leadership in fostering collaboration between the two nations. The event also underscored Toronto’s role as a global AI hub and its growing importance as a bridge between North American and Indian AI ecosystems. Highlighting the local ecosystem, Kapidhwaja Pratap Singh, Acting Consul General of India in Toronto, noted, “Toronto is one of the world’s most dynamic AI ecosystems." He said hosting this Dialogue here enabled meaningful connections between India’s rapidly expanding AI landscape and Canadian innovators, creating a strong foundation for continued engagement ahead of the India AI Impact Summit 2026. (IANS)

Washington, Jan 20: White House science adviser Michael Kratsios has warned that China is rapidly narrowing America’s lead in artificial intelligence, urging Congress to move swiftly on legislation, funding and infrastructure to preserve US dominance in a technology increasingly seen as central to economic power and national security.  Testifying last week before a House Science, Space and Technology subcommittee on the administration’s AI Action Plan, Kratsios said the United States has moved from a position of clear advantage to one of intensifying competition. “In 2020, the American innovation enterprise held a comfortable lead in AI,” Kratsios told lawmakers. “By 2024, that gap had begun to close significantly.” Kratsios said the Trump administration had shifted from strategy to execution since unveiling Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan last summer, focusing on three pillars — innovation, infrastructure and international partnerships — to maintain US leadership. Subcommittee chair Jay Obernolte said artificial intelligence was becoming a foundational driver of global innovation, warning that competitors such as the Chinese Communist Party were seeking to undermine US advantages through research espionage, AI-enabled cyberattacks and control of critical infrastructure. “AI-enabled cyberattacks are a growing threat that demands constant vigilance,” Obernolte said, adding that Congress must act to provide a unified federal framework for the technology. Kratsios told lawmakers that access to advanced computing power and reliable energy supplies would determine which countries lead in AI development. He highlighted the role of US national laboratories, which host some of the world’s fastest supercomputers, and the administration’s push to expand nuclear power and advanced reactor technologies to meet rising electricity demand from data centers. Lawmakers from both parties also stressed the importance of US-led standards for artificial intelligence, arguing that technical norms would shape global adoption as much as breakthroughs in chips or software. Kratsios said the administration plans to launch an AI export programme aimed at ensuring US companies supply trusted AI systems to partners and allies, preventing Chinese technology from becoming the default option in global markets. “We are at a critical moment,” he said. “If we act decisively, the American AI stack can become the dominant stack worldwide.” Committee chairman Brian Babin said US leadership in artificial intelligence was essential to economic competitiveness and national security, comparing the moment to earlier technological races in space and nuclear energy. He said Congress must support research and development, workforce training and access to federal computing resources, while avoiding regulatory fragmentation that could slow innovation. Several lawmakers raised concerns that a patchwork of state-level AI laws could disadvantage US startups, giving larger technology companies an edge due to their ability to absorb compliance costs. Kratsios echoed those concerns, warning that fragmented regulation would be “anti-innovation” and could accelerate consolidation in the technology sector. Despite broad bipartisan agreement on the stakes, lawmakers acknowledged that difficult debates lie ahead over export controls, standards-setting and how to balance innovation with security and oversight. (IANS)

Madrid, Jan 19: At least 21 people were confirmed dead and more than 70 others injured after two high-speed trains collided near the city of Cordoba in southern Spain, authorities said.  Thirty of the injured were in serious condition and hospitalised, Spain's Transport Minister Oscar Puente said on Monday. Earlier media reports put the number at 25. The accident occurred at around 19:45 local time (1845 GMT) when a train carrying 317 passengers on the Malaga-Madrid route derailed for reasons still unknown near Amaduz, about 20 km from Cordoba, Spanish authorities said. The derailed train struck another high-speed train travelling on an adjacent track from Madrid to Huelva, causing the latter to derail. Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Monday voiced deep condolences over the tragedy. "Today is a night of deep pain for our country owing to the tragic rail accident in Adamuz," he wrote on X. Spain's royal family also extended condolences to the families of the victims, reports Xinhua news agency. Puente said the collision was "terrible," saying the last two wagons of the Malaga-Madrid train derailed and struck the first two carriages of the oncoming train, sending them off the tracks. Emergency services from the Andalusia region were deployed to the scene, and residents helped transfer passengers with minor injuries to a nearby sports centre for first aid. Spain's Military Emergency Unit was also mobilised to assist in rescue work. Rescue operations continued into Sunday night as officials warned that the death toll could rise. Rail services on the affected lines will be suspended until at least Tuesday, authorities said. Rail infrastructure operator Adif announced the opening of an area at Atocha Station in Madrid, Malaga and Huelva to provide information for relatives of affected passengers. A dedicated phone line has also been set up. Spain's deadliest train accident occurred in July 2013, when 79 people were killed after a high-speed train derailed while entering the city of Santiago de Compostela at excessive speed. (IANS)

Washington, Jan 17: President Donald Trump said that his administration reshaped global dynamics through assertive diplomacy and military action, laying out an expansive account of US foreign policy and economic gains during remarks at a Florida event.  Trump said US actions abroad had produced swift and decisive outcomes. “We have peace in the Middle East. Nobody thought that was going to be possible,” he said, pointing to what he described as multiple agreements reached within a year. He also claimed "US intervention" helped avert conflict between two nuclear nations -- India and Pakistan, and said the effort saved “many millions of people.” Trump said Iran’s nuclear ambitions had been dismantled, declaring that the United States had “obliterated Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity with Operation Midnight Hammer.” He also cited operations against militant leaders, including the founder of ISIS and Iranian General Qassem Soleimani, arguing that decisive military action had strengthened US security and deterrence. Trump said the United States had apprehended Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, describing him as an “outlaw” and asserting that “no other nation in the world could have done” what the United States achieved. He said the move was part of a broader effort to reset relations and relieve regional pressures. The president said the United States had attracted unprecedented levels of foreign investment. “We have $18 trillion being invested,” he said, adding that the total could rise further. He credited tax cuts, regulatory rollbacks and tariffs for driving growth and said manufacturing activity was expanding at historic levels. “We’re building more factories in the United States now than at any time in our history,” he said, citing both automotive and advanced technology sectors. Trump said tariffs played a central role in pushing companies to shift production to the United States. “They don’t want to pay the tariffs,” he said, calling it a “pretty simple formula.” He also pointed to stock market performance and retirement savings, saying 401(k) accounts were “doing better than they’ve ever done before.” On immigration, Trump said his administration had fully secured the southern border, describing illegal crossings as an “invasion” that had been halted. He said enforcement efforts focused on violent criminals and gangs, while legal immigration continued through established processes. (IANS)

Ahmedabad, Jan 12: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Monday participated in the International Kite Festival at the Sabarmati Riverfront in Gujarat's Ahmedabad, witnessing the colour, energy and cultural vibrancy of the annual event.  The International Kite Festival is held every year in Gujarat during January to mark Uttarayan, a significant period in the Hindu calendar that symbolises the sun's northward journey and the beginning of the summer season. The festival attracts participants and visitors from across India and around the world. PM Modi and Chancellor Merz were accorded a warm reception on their arrival at the venue and were presented with traditional Gujarati scarves as a mark of welcome. The atmosphere was festive as artists and performers from different parts of the state showcased traditional dance forms and folk music to greet the visiting German leader and celebrate the spirit of the occasion. Both leaders later joined the celebrations by flying kites, fully immersing themselves in the festivities. The Prime Minister was seen flying a specially designed kite bearing the message 'Bharat -- Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam', reflecting India's philosophy of the world as one family. Some kites also featured the tricolour, Hindu deities and motifs of both leaders. Large crowds gathered along the riverfront to catch a glimpse of the two leaders. Many were seen waving Indian and German national flags, underlining the long-standing friendship and growing partnership between the two countries. Several international participants who had travelled to Gujarat to take part in the festival were also present, and PM Modi and Chancellor Merz interacted with some of them during the event. The Prime Minister was also seen explaining to the German Chancellor the significance of the decorations, customs and traditions associated with the vibrant Uttarayan celebrations, highlighting the cultural importance of the festival in Gujarat. Chancellor Merz arrived in India early on Monday on a visit aimed at further strengthening bilateral relations between India and Germany. Earlier in the day, PM Modi and Chancellor Merz visited the Sabarmati Ashram to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi, where they viewed an exhibition showcasing Gandhi's life and legacy. The German Chancellor also recorded his remarks in the visitors' book. Later in the day, the two leaders are scheduled to hold bilateral talks at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in Gandhinagar, with discussions expected to focus on enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The India-Germany strategic partnership has recently completed 25 years. In a statement, the Prime Minister's Office said the two leaders will review the progress made in the India-Germany Strategic Partnership, which has recently completed 25 years. "Their discussion will also focus on further intensifying cooperation in trade and investment, technology, education, skilling and mobility, while also advancing collaboration in important domains of defence and security, science, innovation and research, green and sustainable development, and people-to-people ties," the statement reads. The two leaders will also exchange views on regional and global issues, as well as engage with business and industry leaders from India and Germany. (IANS)

Islamabad, Jan 11: The United Doctors Forum (UDF) — an umbrella organisation of the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) and the Young Doctors Association (YDA) in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK)  -- has warned the authorities of launching a protest from January 26 if their "long-pending and legitimate" demands were not agreed to, local media reported. UDF Chairman Dr Wajid Khan and General Secretary Dr Arshad Raja, who are the heads of the PMA and YDA, respectively, made the announcement during a press conference, where they were joined by other office-bearers, including Dr Waqar Butt, Dr Basharat Hayat, Dr Aamir Ikram, Dr Raja Imtiaz and Dr Bilal Ahmed. The doctors criticised the years of delays that had impacted the health system and demoralised medical professionals and said they had shown patience and used all constitutional, legal and democratic ways for their problems, Pakistani daily Dawn reported. However, the authorities were not resolving their issues, they said. "Unfortunately, instead of being resolved, our issues are being further complicated, and decisions are repeatedly deferred," Khan said, adding that such delays had pushed the healthcare system into uncertainty. The UDF leaders said that the promotion process in the Health Department had stopped, with promotion cases remaining pending since 2019, leading to several doctors retiring without being promoted. They called the absence of a permanent Director General of Health a major issue, stressing that the department could not be run on an additional-charge basis. The UDF leaders voiced serious concern over the non-payment of financial benefits and allowances to doctors since June 2022, despite a verdict issued by the Supreme Court, Dawn reported. They mentioned that government hospitals were facing an acute shortage of medical facilities and modern equipment, and termed the presence of only one MRI machine in the entire region "deeply alarming". They even expressed concerns over security threats being issued to women doctors and paramedical staff, physical violence incidents in hospitals, one-sided probe, and police action. They claimed, "In every such incident, doctors are made scapegoats, which is grossly unfair." The UDF leaders announced that a two-hour open strike would start in PoJK from January 26, and it would continue for two weeks, adding that more than 1,200 doctors from the entire region were expected to observe the strike. During the strike, OPDs would remain shut while emergency services would continue, but failure to act by February 2 would lead to the launch of complete hospital shutdowns. (IANS)

Caracas, Jan 11: Venezuelan lawmaker Nicolas Maduro Guerra has said that his father, President Nicolas Maduro, sent a message through his lawyers saying he is in good condition and remains resolute while being held in the United States.  "The lawyers told us they are strong and that we should not be sad," Guerra said while addressing leaders of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela on Saturday (local time). He quoted his father as saying: "We are well. I am a fighter." President Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are currently held in the United States after US forces carried out military strikes in Caracas and three other Venezuelan cities on January 3, an operation that resulted in their capture. The strikes have drawn worldwide condemnation and concern, reports Xinhua news agency. Maduro Guerra said his father remains unbroken, adding that the government and its supporters "are united and standing firm." "The strength of Chavismo lies in unity. Whatever happens, we must remain united," he said. Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Saturday pledged to secure the return of Maduro and his wife. Speaking at a community event in Miranda state, Rodriguez said there was no uncertainty about Venezuela's leadership or governing program. "There is no uncertainty here. The Venezuelan people are in charge, and there is a government, that of President Nicolas Maduro," she said, calling for unity to guarantee peace, stability and the country's future. Rodriguez vowed not to rest "for a single minute" until Maduro and Flores return to Venezuela. She noted that a year ago, she was sworn in alongside Maduro at the start of his third term, adding that "today, one year later, we are swearing for his freedom." Rodriguez said national unity would be decisive in what she described as the effort to "rescue" Maduro, reaffirming that her government continues to implement the seven lines of action set by Maduro. (IANS)

New Delhi, Jan 11: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s January 4–9 visit to France and Luxembourg highlighted India’s expanding engagement with Europe, the Ministry of External Affairs said. In France, Jaishankar met President Emmanuel Macron and held talks with Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, reviewing progress in bilateral ties and upcoming high-level engagements. Discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in defence, security, space, civil nuclear energy, maritime security and the economy, besides global and regional issues. Marking the India–France Year of Innovation, both sides explored expanding collaboration in innovation, technology, startups, health, education and mobility. Jaishankar also addressed the 31st Conference of Ambassadors of France as Guest of Honour—the first non-European foreign minister to do so—where he spoke on global shifts and the importance of strategic autonomy. The External Affairs Minister participated in the first India-Weimar Foreign Ministers’ Meeting with counterparts from France, Germany and Poland, stressing closer India–Europe and India–EU ties. He also interacted with French parliamentarians and held meetings with the heads of the International Energy Agency and UNESCO. In Luxembourg, Jaishankar called on Grand Duke Guillaume, met Prime Minister Luc Frieden, and held talks with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. The discussions covered political cooperation, trade, investment, financial services, innovation, digital technologies, space cooperation and people-to-people ties. He also addressed the Indian community, acknowledging its role in strengthening bilateral relations. The MEA said the visit reaffirmed India’s strong partnerships with France and Luxembourg and its growing convergence of interests with Europe. (IANS)