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Bold action – Russia suspended from UN human rights body
The United Nations General Assembly has officially voted to suspend Russia from the Human Rights Council.
The vote on Thursday local time saw 93 countries in favour, 24 against and 58 abstentions.
The draft resolution says the General Assembly will “suspend the rights of membership in the Human Rights Council of a member of the Council that commits gross and systematic violations of human rights.”
Russia has responded to the move, with the country’s deputy ambassador to the UN labelling it “an illegitimate and politically motivated step.”
This comes as NATO foreign ministers continue their high-stakes talks in Brussels, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg confirming the West has agreed to further “strengthen and sustain” its support for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s foreign minister has also addressed the media following the NATO agreement.
He says Ukraine is not only fighting to protect itself, but “also the security of NATO members”, adding it’s only fair the alliance provides his country with what they need to win this bloody war.
The increasing support of the West for Ukraine comes at a time when China is refusing to condemn Russian aggression.
At the UN meeting, China’s ambassador says removing Russia from the Human Rights Council “in such a way” will “set new dangerous precedent” and “produce serious consequences”.
Meanwhile, NATO and its Asia-Pacific partners are step[ping up their “practical and political cooperation”.
As China refuses to condemn Russia, Stoltenberg says now more than ever the West needs to stick together.
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Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing immediately
Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, raising concerns over arms race and global safety
Trump orders Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, raising concerns over arms race and global safety
– Trump ordered the Pentagon to resume nuclear testing, risking global tensions and retaliation from other nations.
– Proliferation concerns are rising as nuclear states modernise arsenals and the New START Treaty nears expiration.
The potential for worldwide radioactive fallout remains high, even for underground tests. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, signed by 187 states, prohibits such testing, yet the US remains a signatory without ratification, bound not to violate the treaty’s intent.
Nuclear weapon testing, once crucial for understanding weapon effects and military planning, has diminished. Since World War II, nuclear tests have largely focused on developing new designs. Significant environmental and health concerns led to a moratorium on atmospheric testing in the early 1960s and the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 1963.
Many countries, including the US, stopped explosive testing in the 1990s. Technological advancements allowed nations to develop nuclear weapons without the need for actual explosions.
Proliferation Risks
Nuclear proliferation continues, with all nine nuclear-armed states investing heavily in modernising their arsenals. This raises concerns about lowered thresholds for using such weapons.
Recent conflicts involving nuclear threats have escalated, and the number of nuclear weapons operationally available has begun to rise again. Russia has tested advanced nuclear weapons, while China is rapidly expanding its military capabilities.
The New START Treaty, which confines the nuclear capabilities of the US and Russia, is set to expire soon, with no successor treaty negotiations underway.
The Doomsday Clock has moved closer to midnight this year, highlighting the heightened dangers facing the world today.
News
US–China trade talks are a handshake, not a deal
Trump and Xi unofficially extend tariff truce, with US concessions and Chinese commitments on soybeans, fentanyl, and rare earths.
Trump and Xi unofficially extend tariff truce, with US concessions and Chinese commitments on soybeans, fentanyl, and rare earths.
Presidents Trump and Xi extend their tariff truce in an informal meeting, with US cuts and Chinese promises on soybeans, fentanyl, and rare earths.
Steve Gopalan from SkandaFX cautions this is unofficial and deeper issues between the two super powers remain.
#USChina #TradeTruce #Tariffs #GlobalMarkets #Soybeans #RareEarths #UnofficialDeal #TickerNews
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Markets cautious as rate cut hopes fade
Central banks ease rate cut hopes amid inflation and wobbling tech stocks; markets adjust to Fed’s new stance.
Central banks ease rate cut hopes amid inflation and wobbling tech stocks; markets adjust to Fed’s new stance.
Central banks pull back on rate cut expectations as tech stocks wobble and inflation pressures persist. Markets adjust cautiously to the Fed’s new tone.
#Markets #Fed #InterestRates #Inflation #TechStocks #CapitalMarkets #TickerNews #Economy #FinancialUpdate
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