Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine, atomic scientists on Tuesday moved the Doomsday Clock to its closest ever position to midnight.
The Bulletin of Atomic Scientists moved the clock forward to 90 seconds to midnight “largely, not exclusively, because of the mounting dangers in the war in Ukraine”, the scientists said during Tuesday's announcement.
"We are living in a time of unprecedented danger and the Doomsday Clock time reflects that reality," said Bulletin of Atomic Scientists president Rachel Bronson.
The clock had remained unchanged at 100 seconds to midnight for the past three years.
"Ninety seconds to midnight is the closest the clock has ever been set to midnight, and it’s a decision our experts do not take lightly," Ms Bronson said.
Scientists last year said the decision to keep the clock level did not indicate “the international security situation has stabilised”.
Many of the existential threats to humanity listed by the atomic scientists last year remain today.
Russia's February 24 invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent war have heightened the risks to global stability. President Vladimir Putin has deepened fears of potential nuclear war by issuing threats that he would be willing to use such weapons.
With the war dragging on past its 11th month with no end in sight, the Bulletin said the US, Nato and Ukraine have "multiple channels for dialogue".
"We urge leaders to explore all of them to their fullest ability to turn back the Clock," Ms Bronson said.
Relations between the US and China have grown more tense in the past year after former House speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan. Washington's relationship with Moscow also remains fraught.
Meanwhile, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un announced plans to “exponentially” increase his country's nuclear weapons. Pakistan and Iran also continue to expand their own nuclear arsenals, the of Bulletin Atomic Scientists said.
“Nuclear weapons remind the world that escalation of the conflict by accident intention or miscalculation is a terrible risk,” Ms Bronson said.
During the past 12 months, many destructive climate events have occurred around the world.
Europe and the Middle East experienced record-breaking heat, the US was plagued by deadly hurricanes and fires, more than 1,000 people in Afghanistan were killed in an earthquake, and India and Pakistan were ravaged by flooding.
World leaders offered some hope in the fight against climate change by reaching a historic agreement at Cop27 in Egypt.
A “loss and damage fund” was created to provide nations most vulnerable to climate change with financial assistance.
The Doomsday Clock was designed in 1947 to document how close humanity was to its own destruction.
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What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Not Dark Yet
Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer
Four stars
AGUERO'S PREMIER LEAGUE RECORD
Apps: 186
Goals: 127
Assists: 31
Wins: 117
Losses: 33
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
Favourite Movie: Mona Lisa Smile
Favourite Author: Kahlil Gibran
Favourite Artist: Meryl Streep
Sri Lanka squad
Dinesh Chandimal, Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Lahiru Thirimanne, Niroshan Dickwella, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Rangana Herath, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep, Lakshan Sandakan, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Jeffrey Vandersay, Milinda Siriwardana, Roshen Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Charith Asalanka, Shaminda Eranga and Dhammika Prasad.
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
