UK Farmers Protest Over Proposed Inheritance Tax Hike as Global Tensions Escalate
Farmers protest outside UK Parliament against proposed inheritance tax changes impacting family farms, while Delhi faces a severe air pollution crisis with a partial lockdown. Meanwhile, Middle East tensions escalate with intensified Israel-Hezbollah conflicts, and UNICEF reports rising child fatalities in Lebanon.
UK farmers are voicing their concerns outside Parliament in London, protesting a proposed inheritance tax hike that could significantly impact family farms. This change, aimed at boosting public service funding, eliminates an exemption on agricultural properties over £1 million, which many argue would worsen existing financial issues caused by economic uncertainties and climate challenges.
Meanwhile, over in Northern India, the capital, Delhi, is grappling with an air pollution crisis so severe it's led to a partial lockdown, with the Air Quality Index peaking at an alarming 491. This toxic smog not only ranks New Delhi as the world's most polluted city but also disrupts daily life for millions, obscuring iconic sights like the Taj Mahal under a blanket of haze.
Shifting our focus to the Middle East, US special envoy Amos Hochstein is in Lebanon, engaging in high-stakes ceasefire talks amidst a flare-up in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. With Israeli airstrikes and troop movements intensifying, the United States and France are advocating for adherence to UN resolutions to de-escalate tensions and promote peace.
Canadian officials are dealing with an international intrigue of a different kind, having foiled an alleged Iranian assassination attempt on ex-Justice Minister Irwin Cotler. This incident has sparked diplomatic strain, with Canada condemning the threats while Iran denies any involvement, as Cotler continues his human rights advocacy despite the foiled plot.
UNICEF is raising alarms over the rising child fatalities in Lebanon, reporting more than 200 deaths just in the past two months due to intensified conflicts involving Israel and Hezbollah. The situation is dire, as highlighted by UNICEF's spokesperson, who calls out the global community for inadequate actions to protect innocent lives amidst the growing violence.
Lastly, the conflict escalates further with Hezbollah launching around 40 rockets into Israel, causing injuries and raising tensions. This comes after a barrage of 100 projectiles the previous day, underscoring the deepening hostilities in the region, which trace back to Hezbollah's support for Hamas, perpetuating a cycle of retaliatory actions between Lebanon and Israel.
Meanwhile, over in Northern India, the capital, Delhi, is grappling with an air pollution crisis so severe it's led to a partial lockdown, with the Air Quality Index peaking at an alarming 491. This toxic smog not only ranks New Delhi as the world's most polluted city but also disrupts daily life for millions, obscuring iconic sights like the Taj Mahal under a blanket of haze.
Shifting our focus to the Middle East, US special envoy Amos Hochstein is in Lebanon, engaging in high-stakes ceasefire talks amidst a flare-up in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. With Israeli airstrikes and troop movements intensifying, the United States and France are advocating for adherence to UN resolutions to de-escalate tensions and promote peace.
Canadian officials are dealing with an international intrigue of a different kind, having foiled an alleged Iranian assassination attempt on ex-Justice Minister Irwin Cotler. This incident has sparked diplomatic strain, with Canada condemning the threats while Iran denies any involvement, as Cotler continues his human rights advocacy despite the foiled plot.
UNICEF is raising alarms over the rising child fatalities in Lebanon, reporting more than 200 deaths just in the past two months due to intensified conflicts involving Israel and Hezbollah. The situation is dire, as highlighted by UNICEF's spokesperson, who calls out the global community for inadequate actions to protect innocent lives amidst the growing violence.
Lastly, the conflict escalates further with Hezbollah launching around 40 rockets into Israel, causing injuries and raising tensions. This comes after a barrage of 100 projectiles the previous day, underscoring the deepening hostilities in the region, which trace back to Hezbollah's support for Hamas, perpetuating a cycle of retaliatory actions between Lebanon and Israel.
