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A new study published in *Science* reveals that chimpanzees are enhancing their tool-using skills over millennia, driven by the exchange of ideas through population migrations. Lead author Cassandra Gunasekaram from the University of Zurich highlights that this finding mirrors early human technological advancements, suggesting our ape ancestors also relied on social connections to improve their tools. The research analyzed genetic data and observed 15 foraging behaviors across various chimp populations, categorizing them into three levels of complexity. Notably, populations with greater genetic exchanges exhibited advanced tool use, such as creating tools for termite fishing in Congo. While simpler behaviors evolved independently, the study underscores the importance of interaction in cultural knowledge transfer. Despite their progress, chimps lack the opportunities for innovation seen in humans, but they may become more efficient foragers over time, as evidenced by some groups already using sophisticated nut-cracking techniques.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 1 pmeznews.inLONDON: Gatwick Airport has evacuated a significant portion of its South Terminal due to a security threat, with authorities stating that passengers will not be permitted to enter the affected area until the situation is resolved. The airport management emphasized that the safety and security of passengers and staff are their top priorities and urged cooperation and calm during the investigation. Meanwhile, London remains on high alert following a suspicious package discovered outside the US Embassy. The Metropolitan Police conducted a controlled explosion in response, successfully neutralizing the threat. They confirmed the explosion was intentional and ongoing investigations are underway, with cordons still in place around the embassy. The US Embassy also reported that the area will remain closed until further notice as a precautionary measure.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 5 pmeznews.inThe COP29 summit in Baku is struggling to finalize a draft text on climate finance and emission reduction goals, with a key focus on how much developed nations should provide to developing countries for climate adaptation and clean energy transitions. An existing pledge of $100 billion annually is set to expire in 2025, with proposals for a tenfold increase to $1 trillion from 2026. Developing nations, including India and China, argue that they should not face stringent emission reduction targets without adequate financial support, demanding $1.3 trillion based on UN estimates. Disagreements persist over funding sources, with developing countries advocating for public finance over private loans, which often come with high interest. Complicating negotiations, developed nations seek to include emerging economies like China as contributors, while concerns grow over the potential impact of Donald Trump's anticipated withdrawal from the Paris Agreement on future funding.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 6 pmeznews.inIn a recent televised address, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the combat use of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile, named Oreshnik, during a strike on Ukraine's Dnipro. The missile, which is nuclear-capable but was deployed in a non-nuclear hypersonic configuration, reportedly travels at Mach 10, making it nearly impossible for current air defenses to intercept. Experts suggest Oreshnik could carry multiple independently guided warheads, potentially including nuclear ones, and has a range of 3,000 to 5,000 kilometers, threatening much of Europe. This missile is described as an experimental variant of the RS-26 Rubezh ICBM, with its development previously stalled under Russia's state weapons program. The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following the collapse of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2019, with Putin indicating Russia may consider further missile deployments in response to U.S. actions.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 6 pmeznews.inDonald Trump has appointed Pam Bondi as his choice for Attorney General, a move that has drawn significant attention. Bondi, a former Florida Attorney General, is known for her strong stance on various legal issues, including her opposition to the Affordable Care Act and her involvement in high-profile cases against opioid manufacturers. A member of the Republican Party, she has been a vocal supporter of Trump and his policies, particularly during his presidency. Bondi's selection is seen as a strategic move to bolster the administration's legal team, especially in light of ongoing investigations and legal challenges. Critics have raised concerns about her past actions and decisions while in office, suggesting potential conflicts of interest. Nonetheless, Bondi's experience in state politics and her close ties to Trump could play a pivotal role in shaping the administration's legal agenda moving forward.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 6 pmeznews.inFive years after a devastating fire severely damaged Notre-Dame de Paris, the historic cathedral is set to reopen on December 7, 2024, following extensive restoration efforts. The blaze, which erupted on April 15, 2019, resulted in the collapse of its iconic spire and extensive damage to the roof and upper walls. With the support of hundreds of artisans and approximately 500 million euros in funding, the renovation has revitalized the building's frescoes, cleaned its bells, and introduced a new lighting system. Elon Musk shared a preview of the restored cathedral on social media, highlighting the significance of the project. Philippe Jost, overseeing the restoration, noted that a surplus of 140 million euros will be allocated for future preservation. Notre-Dame, once a major tourist attraction with up to 15 million visitors annually, aims to reclaim its place in the heart of Paris amidst grand celebrations.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 6 pmeznews.inLondon's Metropolitan Police conducted a controlled explosion outside the United States embassy on Friday after discovering a suspicious package in the area. The incident occurred in Nine Elms, just south of the River Thames, where police established cordons as a precaution while they investigated the package. The force confirmed the "loud bang" heard nearby was part of their operation, and they are continuing their inquiries. The US embassy acknowledged the situation on social media, stating that local authorities were actively investigating the matter and that a nearby road had been closed for safety. Police have indicated that cordons will remain in place until further notice as they ensure the area is secure. Updates from the Metropolitan Police are expected as the investigation progresses.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 5 pmeznews.inA rare deep-sea creature known as the ‘doomsday fish’ has washed ashore at Grandview Beach in Encinitas, California, spotted by Scripps Institution of Oceanography doctoral student Alison Laferriere while walking her dog. Initially mistaken for debris, the creature was identified as an oarfish, measuring approximately 9 to 10 feet long. This marks the second oarfish to appear on California shores this year, prompting researchers to investigate potential links to changing ocean conditions, including the recent weak El Niño and red tide. Ben Frable, manager of the Scripps Marine Vertebrate Collection, noted that samples from the specimen will enhance understanding of oarfish biology and life history. Oarfish, with their distinctive long bodies and bright fins, are steeped in folklore, particularly in Japan, where their sightings are believed to predict earthquakes, a superstition that gained traction after multiple oarfish were found ahead of the 2011 earthquake.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 3 pmeznews.inIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue defending Israel despite an arrest warrant issued against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over alleged war crimes related to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. In a video statement, Netanyahu dismissed the ICC's decision as a "dark day in the history of nations," claiming it has become an "enemy of humanity" by making "utterly baseless" accusations against him and former defence minister Yoav Gallant. The ICC cited "reasonable grounds" for believing they bear criminal responsibility for war crimes, including starvation as a method of warfare, amid a humanitarian crisis in Gaza that has resulted in over 44,000 deaths, predominantly civilians. Netanyahu criticized the court for ignoring what he termed "real war crimes" committed against Israel while mocking the warrant issued for Hamas military chief Mohammed Deif, whom Israel claims was killed in an airstrike last year.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 3 pmeznews.inWomen’s rights are facing alarming erosion globally, with significant setbacks observed in Afghanistan, Iraq, and the United States. In Afghanistan, the Taliban has enforced stringent laws limiting women's freedoms, including a ban on public speaking and education for girls, leading to a situation described as “gender apartheid.” Meanwhile, Iraq's parliament is considering an amendment that could lower the age of consent for marriage to nine, further entrenching child marriage and stripping women of legal rights. In the US, the overturning of Roe v. Wade has resulted in widespread abortion restrictions, reflecting a broader trend of diminishing women's rights. These developments underscore the precarious status of gender equality worldwide, with UN Women estimating it could take 286 years to close existing legal gender gaps. As women continue to resist these oppressive measures, the fragility of their rights remains starkly evident.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 3 pmeznews.inThe UK is preparing for severe weather as Storm Bert approaches this weekend, bringing heavy snow, rain, and strong winds. The Met Office has issued a yellow alert for snow and ice until Friday, November 22, prompting the closure of over 100 schools in Scotland and nearly 200 in Devon and Cornwall. Wind gusts could reach up to 70 mph, with some areas in Wales and Southwest England expected to receive as much as 100 mm of rain, raising concerns of flooding and travel disruptions. Local authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, with reports of collisions already emerging in Devon and Cornwall. The storm, named by Ireland's Met Eireann, is expected to deliver continued snow showers to Scotland, particularly affecting regions like Angus and Perth and Kinross, alongside dropping temperatures that may lead to icy conditions.
Published: Nov 22 2024, 2 pm
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