White House Report Hints At Blocking Sunlight To Prevent Climate Change

New research published on the White House website says that the Biden administration is open to studying how to block sunlight to save the Earth from climate change.

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy released a federally mandated report on solar geoengineering. The report says that a designated team has been researching methods to stop the sun's rays from accelerating global warming.

"These unknowns, and the ever-evolving understanding of complex Earth systems, provide a compelling case for research to better understand both the potential benefits and risks," the report says.

The report was produced to fulfil a congressional mandate included in the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed in 2022, which asked the White House to develop a "research governance framework to provide guidance on transparency, engagement, and risk management for publicly funded work in solar geoengineering research," CNBC reported.

The report says that the Biden administration is looking into "stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) and marine cloud brightening." Additionally, the paper mentions there is research in "cirrus cloud thinning."

The report said that research into "space-based approaches" has not been occurring as "geoengineering" is easier to implement.

The document read, "The focus on atmospheric approaches also follows from their greater near-term feasibility relative to space-based approaches."

The report further said, "It reads, "This Research Plan focuses on improving understanding of the potential impacts of SRM, rather than on technologies needed for deployment. Much of this research would contribute to our ability to understand basic climate processes and effects of human greenhouse gas emissions, as well as outcomes of SRM."

The summary continues, "A program of research into the scientific and societal implications of solar radiation modification (SRM) would enable better-informed decisions about the potential risks and benefits of SRM as a component of climate policy."

The report stated that it could pave the way for future government and corporate projects in the field. "Such a research program would also help to prepare the United States for possible deployment of SRM by other public or private actors."

The report also says, "SRM offers the possibility of cooling the planet significantly on a timescale of a few years."
 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/9QfaKyD

Taylor Swift's Eras Tour May Become First Billion-Dollar Tour. Here's How

Singer Taylor Swift's concert tickets are among the most costly and in high demand on the concert market, especially after her most recent Eras tour broke all sales records. According to data from Pollstar, Swift has already made more than $300 million from the first 22 dates of her Eras tour.

According to Pollstar, the singer is making more than $13 million from each data on her "Eras" tour with an average of 54,000 fans attending each concert. There is a possibility that her tour will be the first to top the $1 billion mark when it concludes in London next year.

The Wall Street Journal report, the pop superstar has not been revealing her nightly earnings to Billboard Boxscore- a platform to track such data. She intends to provide them later.

If the data from Pollstar is correct, Eras could become the highest-grossing tour, beating Elton John's farewell tour.

For every ticket, the singer is charging an average of $254, according to Business Insider.

As per an analysis from Bloomberg, Taylor Swift is an exclusive group of acts charging more than $200 a ticket.

She doubled the price of her tickets after her "Reputation" tour in 2018. That's a much fast increase than the industry average increase of $37 in that time, per Bloomberg, not to mention far outpacing consumer price inflation generally.

A 31-year-old fan spent $5,500 on two resale tickets for an "Eras" show.

According to InvestorsObserver, a QuestionPro survey found that the average concertgoer spent $720 over their budget for a total spend of more than $1,300, including the costs of outfits, merchandise, food, drink and travel.

 

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/bz8BZLM

"It's A Hit Wicket": Eknath Shinde On Ajit Pawar's Mutiny

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Sunday said that some people were talking about googly and clean bowled but everyone saw who has been clean bowled and added that it's a hit wicket.

"This is not a new government, Shiv Sena and BJP government were functioning under PM Modi's leadership. Development work was going on and Ajit Pawar who believed in the development work, supported and joined the government," Eknath Shinde said.

"I welcome him and his MLAs wholeheartedly. He has a lot of MPs and MLAs which will definitely help in the development of Maharashtra. This double-engine government will now run at the speed of a bullet train. MVA government is broken... Some people were talking about googly and clean bowled, but everyone saw today who was clean bowled...it's a hit wicket", CM Shinde added.

In a dramatic turn of events, Nationalist Congress Party's (NCP) Ajit Pawar and eight party leaders joined the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in Maharashtra. Ajit Pawar took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister.

Ajit Pawar justified his party's decision to join the NDA government in Maharashtra and emphasized that the country has progressed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He explained that the decision was taken as they intend to contest the upcoming polls with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

"The country is progressing under the leadership of PM Modi. He is also popular in other countries. Everyone supports him and appreciates his leadership. We will fight the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections with them (BJP), which is why we have taken this decision," he said.

Ajit Pawar, Chhagan Bhujbal, Dilip Walse Patil, Aditi Tatkare, Dhananjay Munde, Hasan Mushrif, Ramraje Nimbalkar, Sanjay Bansode and Anil Bhaidas Patil took oath at Raj Bhawan today.

Hours after Ajit Pawar and some other Nationalist Congress Party leaders joined the Maharashtra government, party chief Sharad Pawar said, "this is not 'googly', it is a robbery" and that he was worried about the future of those who left the party.

He also hinted at action against party leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, saying they did not follow their responsibilities. Sharad Pawar said some of those who joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government were facing ED cases.

Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Eight other NCP leaders took oath as ministers.

"This is not 'googly', it is a robbery. It is not a small thing," Sharad Pawar said.

"Some of my colleagues have taken a different stand. I had called a meeting of all the leaders on July 6, where some important issue was to be discussed and some changes were to be made within the party but before that meeting, some of the leaders have taken a different stand."

Sharad Pawar said that in the next two-three days, they will sit with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray to access the situation. "Our main strength is the common people, they have elected us".

Apparently referring to Ajit Pawar who faced accusations related to the alleged irrigation scam, Pawar took a dig at BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi saying, "it is clear that all the charges have been cleared".

"Two days ago the PM had said about NCP... He had said two things in his statement that NCP is a finished party. He mentioned irrigation complaint and allegations of corruption. I am happy that some of my colleagues have taken oath. From this (joining the NDA government) it is clear that all the charges have been cleared. I am thankful to him," Pawar said.

Sharad Pawar said he had dealt with splits earlier and rejuvenated the party.

"This is not a new thing. The party I was leading in 1980 had 58 MLAs, later all left and only 6 MLAs left, but I strengthened the numbers and those who left me lost in their constituencies," he said.

The former Maharashtra Chief Minister said he has been receiving calls from other opposition leaders including Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee over developments in Maharashtra.

"I am receiving several calls from a lot of people, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, WB CM Mamata Banerjee and others have called me. I am not worried about whatever happened today. Tomorrow, I will take the blessings of YB Chavan."

He said senior leaders will sit to decide about any action against the rebel leaders.

"We will work to strengthen the party again. MLAs and all senior leaders will sit together to decide about any action against the rebel leaders. Being the president, I had appointed Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare but they did not follow their responsibilities. Therefore, I have to take some action against them," he said.

"I will never say that my home has split, this issue is not regarding my home, this is the issue of people. I am worried about the future of those who left. I want to give the credit for this to PM Modi. Two days ago, he had made statements and after that statement, some people started feeling uneasy, some of them were also facing ED actions," he added.

On Monday, the NCP supremo will address a public gathering in former Maharashtra Chief Minister YB Chavan's hometown Karad.

"We have all the numbers, all MLAs are with me. We are here as a party. We have informed all seniors also. The majority is given importance in a democracy. Our party is 24 years old and young leadership should come forward," Ajit Pawar said after taking oath as Deputy Chief Minister.

Newly appointed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar said, "Today, we have decided to support the Maharashtra government and took oath as ministers. There will be a discussion on the portfolios later. Considering all aspects at the national level, we thought that we should support development."

According to the party sources, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar has the backing of 40 NCP MLAs & 6 NCP MLCs.

MLAs accompanying Ajit Pawar to Raj Bhawan were upset with NCP supremo Sharad Pawar's 'unilateral' decision to share the stage and ally with Rahul Gandhi at the opposition unity meet in Bihar's Patna last month, as per the sources.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/EmO7RgU

"All You'll Ever Be Remembered For...": Broad Livid Over Bairstow Run-Out

Jonny Bairstow's controversial dismissal in the second Ashes Test sent the Lord's crowd into an unprecedented rage as Australia players were abused by spectators in the famous Pavilion Long Room. Bairstow was given out when Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey threw the ball at the stumps after the England batsman walked out of his crease after ducking under a Cameron Green bouncer. There was confusion in the middle, Bairstow seemingly believing the ball was dead at the end of the over but Australia were happy to proceed with a deeply divisive appeal. The umpires sent the decision upstairs for review by TV umpire Marais Erasmus, who had no option but to confirm Bairstow's stumping dismissal.

Bairstow was livid and the usually sedate Lord's crowd responded by chanting "Same old Aussies always cheating" while booing rang around the famous old arena for several minutes.

Lively morning for stump mic… pic.twitter.com/zge7v9p5gq

— England's Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) July 2, 2023

England's Stuart Broad, the batsman who came in after Bairstow's exit, immediately let his frustrations show as the stump microphone caught him telling Carey: "That's all you'll ever be remembered for that."

Broad also shouted at Australia captain Pat Cummins, ranting: "That's the worst thing I've ever seen in cricket".

The England pace bowler kept up his barrage as he exchanged angry words with Australian fielders and mockingly tapped his bat in his crease after each delivery to ensure he didn't depart the same way as Bairstow.

A bitter row about the 'spirit of cricket' was underway, with furious fans chanting "cheats" and England's players clearly angry Australia did not withdraw their appeal on grounds of fair play.

Members in the Lord's Pavilion, the most prestigious stand in the stadium, confronted the Australia team as they walked through the historic Long Room to get to their dressing room at lunch.

Australia batsmen David Warner and Usman Khawaja were seen stopping to speak to members who were booing before stewards stepped in to usher the players away.

"Australian management has requested the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) investigate several incidents involving spectators in the members area during lunch on day five of the Lord's Test," a Cricket Australia spokesman said.

"It is alleged players and staff from the Australian team were verbally abused, with some being physically contacted, as they made their way to lunch through the members area."

Apologising for the incident, the MCC said: "After this morning's play, emotions were running high, and words were unfortunately exchanged with some of the Australian team, by a small number of Members.

"We have unreservedly apologised to the Australian Team and will deal with any Member who has not maintained the standard we expect through our disciplinary processes. 

"It was not necessary to eject anyone from the ground and I am pleased to say that there was no repeat of this as the players resumed the field for this afternoon's session."

Relations between the two sides were already fraught with the Australians left fuming on Saturday when Mitchell Starc thought he had caught opener Ben Duckett.

Starc held a low catch only to ground the ball while still sliding on the turf.

Under cricket's laws, a catch is only completed when the fielder has "complete control over the ball and his/her own movement" and cannot touch the ground before then if a dismissal is to be completed.

The on-field umpires referred the decision to Erasmus, with the TV official ruling in Duckett's favour.

The Australians may rue the manner of Bairstow's dismissal as it provoked England captain Ben Stokes.

He went on the rampage, moving to 150 in the second session, as England bid for a Lord's record run chase of 371 to win.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/6LUStq7

Sonia Gandhi Speaks To Sharad Pawar Over Nephew's Switch Extends Support

After the split in Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday spoke to NCP chief Sharad Pawar over the phone and discussed the current situation and extended support to him.

This comes after NCP's senior leader Ajit Pawar on Sunday joined Eknath Shinde-led government in Maharashtra and took oath as the state's Deputy Chief Minister.

Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal told ANI that, "CPP Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has spoken to Sharad Pawar over the phone and discussed the situation and extended support to him, earlier Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi spoke to Sharad Pawar."

On the other hand, hours after the reshuffle, NCP chief Sharad Pawar said, "This is not 'googly', it is a robbery" and that he was worried about the future of those who left the party.

Talking to reporters after his nephew and eight other party leaders rebelled and joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government in Maharashtra, Mr Pawar said he was not worried about what happened and will work to strengthen the party again.

He also hinted at action against party leaders Praful Patel and Sunil Tatkare, saying they did not follow their responsibilities.

Sharad Pawar said some of those who joined the Shiv Sena-BJP government were facing ED cases. Ajit Pawar took oath as Deputy Chief Minister. Eight other NCP leaders took oath as ministers.

"This is not 'googly', it is a robbery. It is not a small thing," Sharad Pawar said. "Some of my colleagues have taken a different stand. I had called a meeting of all the leaders on July 6, where some important issue was to be discussed and some changes were to be made within the party but before that meeting, some of the leaders have taken a different stand."

Sharad Pawar said that in the next two-three days, they will sit with Congress and Uddhav Thackeray to access the situation. "Our main strength is the common people; they have elected us."

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/8ouXlmL

"If Shoe Was On The Other Foot...": Stokes' Blunt Take On Bairstow Run-Out

England captain Ben Stokes insisted he would not have wanted to win a game of cricket with the kind of dismissal that led to Jonny Bairstow's controversial exit during Australia's victory in the second Ashes Test at Lord's. Shortly before lunch on Sunday's final day, Bairstow -- the last of England's recognised batsmen -- fell for 10 in bizarre fashion when he wandered out of his ground after ducking a Cameron Green bouncer and quick-thinking wicketkeeper Alex Carey under-armed the ball onto the stumps.

Bairstow thought he had secured his ground by tapping his bat behind the crease.

Australia captain Pat Cummins could have withdrawn the appeal but the decision was referred to third umpire Marais Erasmus, who ruled Bairstow had been stumped, with England now 193-6 chasing a target of 371.

As spectators jeered the decision and taunted Australia with chants of "Same old Aussies, always cheating", an angry Stokes then on 62, launched a blistering assault on the bowling.

The all-rounder made a stunning 155 but his brilliant innings could not prevent England falling to a 43-run defeat as Australia went 2-0 up in the five-match series.

Bairstow had been dismissed off the last ball of the over, with Stokes suggesting the movement of the umpires may have led him to think the ball was dead.

"When is it justified that the umpires have called over?," Stokes told the BBC.

"Is the onfield umpires making movement, is that enough to call over? I'm not sure. Jonny was in his crease then out of his crease. I am not disputing the fact it is out because it is out."

However, he added: "If the shoe was on the other foot I would have put more pressure on the umpires and asked whether they had called over and had a deep think about the whole spirit of the game and would I want to do something like that.

"For Australia, it was the match-winning moment.

"Would I want to win a game in that manner? The answer for me is no."

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/JKqIFPm

"Will Write To PM Modi Regarding Defeat In Karnataka": BJP Leader

Karnataka BJP leader and former MLA M P Renukacharya, who has been served a notice by the party for "anti-party" remarks, on Saturday said he will not fear such things and will write a letter to the national leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the defeat in the Assembly polls and those responsible for it.

The former Minister who met veteran party leader and former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said abiding by the latter's instructions, he will not make public statements regarding party before the media.

His meeting with Yediyurappa came a day after he skipped the meeting called by the party's state leadership, with 11 leaders who had either indulged in anti-party activities or were making public statements, which had caused embarrassment to the BJP.

"They issued notice to Renukacharya, will I fear for notice? No....we got to know about the existence of the disciplinary committee after I was served the notice. The State President said eleven people have been served notice. You make public about serving notice to Renukacharya by releasing it to the media, but what about notice to the other ten," Renukacharya said.

Speaking to reporters, he said, "I will write letters to Delhi leaders like Prime Minister, Amit Shah (Home Minister)and J P Nadda (BJP national president) regarding the situation in Karnataka. If I get an opportunity I will meet the party national President and tell him the reasons for BJP's defeat in Karnataka and who are all responsible for it." The Karnataka BJP on Thursday had issued notice to Renukacharya for his "anti-party" remarks. He has been given one week's time to give a written reply to the show-cause notice issued by the state disciplinary committee of the party.

The party had officially released the notice served to Renukacharya, the former Honnali MLA.

Renukacharya had said on Thursday that the party's state president Nalin Kumar Kateel should have resigned from the post, taking moral responsibility for the Assembly poll debacle.

Targeting party leaders without taking any names, he had alleged that the BJP office has been turned into a "corporate office", and urged them to introspect and work towards strengthening the party and boosting the morale of the workers for the Lok Sabha elections and the zilla and taluk panchayat polls, among others.

Alleging that false news is being spread that he will be joining the Congress, Renukacharya said he will stay in the party and abide by Yediyurappa's directions.

"But, there is no change in my stand...several false decisions by the party and its governemnt, not putting efforts for developing a caste combination, not having senior leaders in preparing manifesto, neglecting seniors in the party like Yediyurappa -- led to defeat in the Assembly polls. I will continue to say it. But will not make public statements before the media respecting Yediyurappa's instructions," he added.

Noting that he cannot remain silent if Yediyurappa is "humiliated", the former Minister said they said as Yediyurappa is aged so he had to step down from the CM post, but they needed the same person to travel across the state to campaign and organise the party. 

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/TZnCWKQ

At Delhi Congress Meet A Resolution Against AAP For 2024 Polls

In the run-up to the 2024 general elections, Delhi Congress will focus on door-to-door interactions with the masses and re-energise its grass-roots level workers in the national capital, an official said on Saturday.

The decision was taken in a meeting of party workers, leaders and office-bearers called by newly-appointed AICC in-charge of Delhi Congress Deepak Babaria, who also passed two resolutions - political and organisational - after the meeting.

"Congress will spread Rahul Gandhi's message of love as his fight against the politics of hatred has resonated across the country. We will focus on door-to-door interaction with people and further energise the grass-roots level workers in the national capital," Mr Babaria said while addressing the party workers.

Mr Babaria, a Gujarat Congress leader, formally took charge as in-charge of Delhi Congress at Rajiv Bhawan in Delhi on Saturday.

Lashing out at the Aam Aadmi Party, Mr Babaria said despite AAP securing a 13 per cent vote share in the Gujarat assembly elections, Mr Kejriwal has not visited the state in the past six months.

He further alleged that AAP and BJP were "two sides of the same coin".

"Congress workers pledge to fight unitedly, with all its might, against the corrupt BJP-ruled Central Government and AAP in the 2024 Parliamentary elections," read the resolution passed after the meeting.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/VkQuWY6

2nd Test Day 4: England 4 Down In 371-Run Chase Need 257 At Stumps

ENG vs AUS, 2nd Ashes Test, Day 4 Highlights: Mitchell Starc sparked an England collapse at Lord's on Sunday before Ben Duckett was given a controversial reprieve as the hosts maintained their bid for a remarkable win in the second Ashes Test. England were 114 for 4 at stumps on the fourth day, still needing a further 257 runs to reach a target of 371. Left-handed opener Duckett, who made 98 in the first innings, was 50 not out and captain Ben Stokes unbeaten on 29, with England looking to level the five-match series at 1-1. (Scorecard)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/pMhB0q7

"Was Hurt": Manipur's N Biren Singh To NDTV On Why He Offered To Quit

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Saturday said he had offered to resign before taking it back because he was "really hurt" by protests against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and felt he was losing the trust of the state's people amid the two-month-long ethnic clashes that have left over 100 dead and thousands displaced.

Speaking out for the first time on the subject, a day after protests outside his office led by women ended with him taking back his resignation, the 62-year-old NDTV, that he was surprised by the outpouring of support.

"I was really surprised that people gathered outside my house. I thought everyone had left me. But when I went out and saw the crowd, I thanked God and my people who love me so much. So, I changed my decision," Mr Singh said.

His initial resignation announcement followed escalating tensions in the state, marked by protests targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP offices.

"In such a crucial time, some started burning the effigies of our leaders. I wouldn't have minded if it was my effigy, they were burning PM Modi's effigy. What has he done? In some areas, they started attacking the BJP offices," Mr Singh said.

The Chief Minister expressed his disappointment and hurt by these actions, adding that he was unprepared for the backlash, particularly from the Kuki community, accusing him of targeting illegal refugees and smugglers.

"I was really hurt. I started to ask myself if I have done anything wrong. We were unprepared for this. Whatever we could, we are doing. Kuki brothers have been insulting me because I am flushing out illegal refugees, catching smugglers," Mr Singh said.

With these events shaking his confidence, Mr Singh had initially resolved to quietly step down, questioning his role and the respect he commanded as a political figure.

"I used to tell my colleagues that people abuse politicians because of their behaviour. So, politicians need to change their behaviour and change their working style so that people respect us the way they respect others. That was my principle. So, I was thinking if people don't respect me, what's the use?" Mr Singh said.

Violence between members of Manipur's Kuki ethnic group, who mostly live in the hills, and Meiteis, the dominant community in the lowlands, erupted on May 3 as a result of resentment over economic benefits and quotas in government jobs and education reserved for hill people.

Several rounds of peace talks between the groups have broken down and failed to end violent incidents in the state governed by the BJP.

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/AbxU1ls

'Once Took That Route...': Sharad Pawar Jabs D Fadnavis Over Bus Accident

Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday took a jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in connection with a bus accident on the Samruddhi Expressway that killed 25 by claiming people had told him such fatalities become "devendrawasis".

The 701-kilometre Nagpur-Mumbai Samruddhi Mahamarg, which is now operational on a 601 kilometre stretch from Vidarbha's largest city to Bharvir in Nashik, is considered the brainchild of Mr Fadnavis.

However, it has been plagued by accidents since it was opened for the public on December 12 last year, which have killed several score people.

A bus carrying 33 passengers from Nagpur to Pune on the Samruddhi Expressway overturned and caught fire in Sindkhedraja in Buldhana at 1.32 am, killing 25 occupants.

"A number of accidents have taken place on the Samruddhi Expressway. I have once travelled on the route. When people were asked about their experience, they told me the one who dies in an accident on the Samruddhi Expressway becomes a 'devendrawasi'," Mr Pawar told reporters.

"The work on the expressway has not been done scientifically and this may be the reason for so many accidents. Ex-gartia of Rs 5 lakh to the kin of the deceased is not the solution. A committee of experts must be appointed to avert such accidents," he added.

Mr Pawar said there are complaints of lack of signboards on the route and, therefore, there was need for a thorough inspection of the entire route so that it is made safe for commuting.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule said Mr Pawar had hit below the belt with the 'Devendrawasi' jibe.

Mr Bawankule claimed Mr Pawar, as chief minister, did not meet the family of those who died and were injured in the stampede in Nagpur on November 23, 1994, in which 114 members of the Gowari community were killed, and returned to Mumbai.

Citing the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack and the firing on farmers in Maval on August 9, 2011, Mr Bawankule said these were events which still cause pain to those involved and asked if "those who died in these incidents be called sharadwasis".

Mr Fadnavis worked hard to make Samruddhi Expressway a reality and the route was being used by lakhs of people who were saving time, Mr Bawankule said.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

from NDTV News- Special https://ift.tt/eAzTkJb