by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | controversies, diplomacy and diplomats, news, politics, politics and government
The Iranian President, Masoud Pezeshkian, has removed his vice president for parliamentary affairs, Shahram Dabiri, after facing significant public criticism stemming from an extravagant Antarctic journey taken during the Nowruz festivities.
The presidential office characterized Dabiri’s trip accompanied by his spouse as “indefensible and inappropriate considering the prevailing economic difficulties” within the nation.
An image of the pair standing in front of the MV Plancius, a Dutch ship bound for Antarctica, went viral on social media, inciting anger among Iranians.
On Saturday, Pezeshkian affirmed in an announcement that Dabiri was dismissed from his position due to “unjustifiable” conduct, regardless of whether the journey had been personally financed.
“In a administration aiming to adhere to the principles set forth by the first Shia Imam (Imam Ali) and faced with considerable financial strain on our citizens, the extravagant trips made by governmental officials, even if they fund themselves, cannot be justified,” stated Pezeshkian.
Widespread protests erupt throughout the U.S. opposing Trump’s policies. In the UK, MP Dan Norris gets arrested for suspected involvement in child sex offenses and rape. Large demonstrations against both Trump and Elon Musk take place in key European urban centers.
The president, who took office last year with pledges to fix Iran’s struggling economy and enhance everyday living conditions, stressed that such behavior “severely contradicts the principle of simplicity that is crucial for individuals in leadership roles.”
Iran’s economy continues to face significant pressure primarily because of Western sanctions tied to its backing of organizations like Hamas and Hezbollah, which have been labeled as terrorist entities by the U.S., UK, and EU.
As reported by the International Monetary Fund, Iran had an unemployment rate of 8.4% in October 2024, accompanied by an annual inflation rate of 29.5%.
Reports suggest that the initial expense for an Antarctic journey aboard the MV Plancius stands at approximately $6,685 (£5,187). This price point has faced additional scrutiny considering Iran’s current financial situation. Although expeditions to Antarctica were once exclusive to researchers and experienced adventurers, cruise tours to this remote continent have become increasingly popular among tourists over the past few years.
The ship seen in the widely shared image was formerly utilized by the Royal Netherlands Navy for research activities between 1976 and 2004. The specifics of Dabiri’s travel arrangements remain uncertain, including both his chosen tour plan and mode of transportation from Iran to Antarctica. Certain cruise paths necessitate passengers departing from Ushuaia in southwestern Argentina, over 3,000 kilometers away from Buenos Aires.
As per the BBC, Iranian news outlets highlighted growing pressure on Pezeshkian from his backers to remove Dabiri, amid escalating public discontent over the festive trip.
FURTHER READING ON THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Get real-time news updates from Tribune Online! Follow us on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive stories and interviews, and much more. Join our WhatsApp Channel now
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | body weight, health & fitness, news, obesity, weight loss
City desk journalist Oscar Liu recounts his journey of challenges and successes as he managed to reduce his weight from 98kg last September to 78kg this January.
I recall the day in July from last year when the anticipation for my upcoming three-week adventure across Europe rose within me as I purchased a new pair of running shoes and slipped them on.
However, when I looked down, I couldn’t spot my new shoes. My stomach was obstructing my view.
A few weeks later in Spain, as I ascended a gradual slope in Toledo, it started feeling akin to climbing a mountain. My lungs were afire, my heartbeat thundered, and I had to pause for breath.
Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and global trends? Find your answers here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our updated platform features handpicked content including explanations, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our esteemed team.
I had to acknowledge that after making inconsistent efforts to stay fit for eight years, I ended up being overweight, consuming excessive food and neglecting my health.
I had reached 98 kg (216 lbs), which was my highest weight ever and 23 kg over the desirable weight of 75 kg for someone of my stature.
It provided little comfort knowing that I belonged to the majority in Hong Kong, where 54.6 percent of adults were classified as overweight or obese, based on the Department of Health’s 2020-2022 Population Health Survey.
Men seldom confess their insecurities about their physical appearance, yet this battle had defined my existence.
Sei fei jai
, which literally translates to “deadly fat boy” in Cantonese, was a label that dogged me practically from the day I was born a robust 4kg and through a childhood of hurtful comments and being teased and bullied about my size.
While in college and seeking a rapid solution, I discovered a physician who provided me with weight-loss medication that I used for about nine months.
They were effective, yet they consistently made me feel restless and anxious. To steer clear of these side effects, I discontinued their use, and subsequently, all the weight I had shed came back.
Driven by desperation, I fell into a harmful pattern of binging and purging, which became a hidden source of deep embarrassment and erosion of my self-esteem over many years. It took me over ten years to confide in even my nearest companions about this struggle.
Until 2016, my parents didn’t appear worried about their youngest child’s weight. But once they were both diagnosed with diabetes that year, they started pressing me to make changes.
That year, I started a new fitness adventure by joining a CrossFit gym and diving into weightlifting, gymnastics, and intense metabolic conditioning workouts with great enthusiasm.
My trainers functioned more as life coaches, giving me a solid base in fitness for the very first time in my life.
I tried out more nutritious food options and various dietary approaches. As a result, the weight came off, my clothing became less snug, and I started feeling a sense of pride in these transformations. It was quite rewarding.
However, this situation also unraveled. The firm I was with shut down, which left me jobless for a year. Under stress, I reverted to my exercise routines, and previously abandoned habits resurfaced.
The weight came back. I was still stuck on that disheartening carousel, which served as an ongoing reminder of my failures.
I surrendered in the fight against weight gain and tried to wear a smile, yet deep down, I wasn’t truly content.
Next was the vacation last summer in Spain, struggling to see my feet as I huffed and puffed up that hill in Toledo.
It was time to attempt once more.
After coming back from Europe, I discovered a new fitness coach, began hitting the gym thrice weekly, focused on nutrition, and meticulously tracked and recorded everything I consumed.
The guiding principle of my trainer was that health is a way of life, which implied that beyond working out and monitoring my diet, I needed to focus on getting quality sleep and handling stress effectively.
Having empathetic coworkers who brought takeout lunches and stayed with me for these nutritious meals in the newsroom was quite beneficial.
It wasn’t simple, yet I successfully reduced my weight from 98kg last September to 78kg in January, and since then, I’ve kept myself under my targeted weight of 83kg.
Friends, family members, and coworkers have been giving me praise for the transformation they’ve observed. They mention that I seem more vibrant as well.
When I take time away from work, I prefer engaging in physical pursuits like jogging and trekking rather than lounging at home munching on potato chips and cheese while binging shows on Netflix.
On some days, I catch myself pondering whether this could be the authentic version of me, permanently in place.
Nevertheless, I remain acutely conscious that the allure of delicious cuisine and fine wines persists constantly. Additionally, nowadays, there’s considerable excitement surrounding novel diabetes medications like Ozempic, which can lead to significant weight reduction.
They are promoted as an easy solution for those dealing with excess weight. However, I still remember the episodes of anxiety I experienced from taking diet pills during my college days.
Should I admit that my life has been transformed? In the past, I looked for instant solutions, valuing an altered look more than making lasting changes to my way of living.
My current priority is achieving enduring wellness and a feeling of mastery over my life.
However, acquiring genuine confidence remains an ongoing endeavor. Acknowledging these uncertainties makes me feel exposed, particularly since societal norms demand that men should be resilient, even though this challenge isn’t exclusive to one gender.
Body image and eating problems impact numerous individuals, both women and men, yet perhaps discussing these matters candidly is an essential stride toward self-acceptance and collective assistance.
The difference this time around is that I am dedicated to constructing a healthier, more self-compassionate version of myself.
Fingers crossed as I attempt to avoid getting on the roller coaster.
More Articles from SCMP
The number of non-resident expectant mothers denied entry into Hong Kong has increased fivefold.
A woman was hit by a train in Hong Kong’s Tuen Mun area.
A leading Chinese arms manufacturer has developed an anti-drone barrier system designed to combat wartime swarming techniques.
Who is Lee Kwang-soo, a founding member of “Running Man” and an actor starring in numerous films and Korean dramas?
The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
by admin | Apr 14, 2025 | business, commerce, money, news, Travel
A legislation prohibiting false reviews and concealed charges, which deceive online buyers out of £2.2 billion annually, will take effect today.
Websites imposing additional ‘administrative fees’ or ‘ticket booking fees’ must now include these charges within the total cost of the purchase upfront instead of adding them secretly when customers are about to complete their payment.
The prohibition, part of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill enacted during the previous administration, falls under this legislation.
UK government
This will impact travel agencies, ticketing websites, and food delivery applications.
Nevertheless, this will not affect any required additional expenses like particular airline seat selections and luggage upgrades for your flights.
This alteration requires online retailers to block and eliminate counterfeit customer reviews on their platforms as part of an effort to halt companies from building misleading reputations.
As reported by the Department for Business and Trade, consumers spend £2.2 billion annually on concealed charges. This new initiative aims to provide individuals with greater ‘authority over their finances.’
Justin Madders, the Minister for Competition and Markets, stated: “As of today, consumers can confidently make their purchases assured that they have protection against counterfeit reviews and hidden price increases.”
These modifications will empower consumers to have greater authority and management over their earnings, along with assisting in creating fair competition by discouraging unethical players who undermine law-abiding companies.
Studies have shown that concealed fees can soar up to 25 percent of the initial cost, with nearly half of internet merchants incorporating obligatory additional charges into their prices in one way or another.
Out of the 45 percent who incorporate fees referred to as ‘dripped pricing,’ 21 percent originate from the travel and hospitality industries, whereas retail contributes approximately 3 percent.
The effort to crack down on hidden charges follows last year when numerous Oasis fans became enraged due to Ticketmaster’s ‘dynamic pricing,’ which thwarted their ticket-buying efforts.
purchase tickets for the rock group’s spectacular comeback this summer
.
Approximately 14 million enthusiasts devoted one Saturday in August of last year to this endeavor.
attempting to obtain tickets to watch
siblings Noel and Liam Gallagher come together again for an extensive tour across the UK and Ireland.
However, enthusiastic supporters were furious when the cost of standing tickets increased from a face value of £150 to £355 shortly after, owing to high demand.
Audiences labeled Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing strategy as ‘a complete outrage.’
expressed strong criticism towards the company’s leadership, which includes CEO Michael Rapino, UK Managing Director Andrew Parsons, President Mark Yovich, and COO Michael Wichser
.
The ‘dynamic pricing’ mechanism, launched by Ticketmaster in 2022, functions through
adjusting ticket prices according to demand – akin to how Uber calculates fares or airlines set seat prices
.
Once tickets at their original prices sell out, ticket vendors make additional ones available at increased costs, which were pre-negotiated with the artist’s management team and promoters, though these aren’t offered to the broader audience.
Importantly, Oasis – frequently celebrated as icons of the working class – had the option to reject dynamic pricing and maintain a more affordable price point for their fans.
In 2022, singer Tom Grennan stated that he had eliminated all VIP and platinum ticket choices because of the cost-of-living crisis.
Ticketmaster claims this undesirable practice stems from market dynamics and asserts that the additional funds generated from the increased ticket prices for Oasis shows will benefit the band directly.
The idea behind dynamic pricing is that by raising prices on official sites, scalpers will be deterred, allowing artists to retain additional profits.
The ‘In-Demand’ tickets are frequently referred to as ‘platinum tickets,’ however, they do not provide any additional perks for customers like VIP access.
Mr. Rapino, who leads Live Nation Entertainment—the company behind Ticketmaster—faced criticism when the Oasis tickets went on sale.
A user posted: “You represent all that is flawed within the live events sector.”
Someone else commented: ‘Michael Ticketmaster are a joke, and you’re a greedy scam artist.’
Demand-based pricing is Ticketmaster essentially becoming the scalpers itself.
Thousands of UK fans contacting their MPs. We’ll see you in court.”
Mr Rapino, who
resides in Los Angeles with his spouse and their three kids
is renowned for his ‘rock-star compensation packages’ and received $139 million in 2022, placing him among the top-earning executives in American corporations.
Other individuals requested Mr. Parsons to clarify himself during an interview, remarking, “Dynamic ticket pricing?? A complete scam perpetuated by his firm!”
Read more
by admin | Apr 11, 2025 | disasters, meteorology, news, severe weather, storms
Multiple storms sweeping through the United States resulted in significant flooding and led to 16 fatalities, with one of those being a young child aged nine. The National Weather Service issued warnings about additional storms anticipated on Sunday.
Severe storms have battered the central-Eastern part of the United States, resulting in at least 16 fatalities, according to local authorities. This includes several children among the victims.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a warning stating that
further “severe” flash flooding
as anticipated in the upcoming days.
A number of fierce storms stretching from the states of Arkansas to Ohio damaged buildings, flooded roadways and produced dozens of tornadoes over the past week.
Tennessee suffered the most from severe weather conditions, with officials reporting on Saturday that 10 fatalities occurred throughout the western region of the state.
Two people were killed due to floods in Kentucky, according to state Governor Andy Beshear, including a nine-year-old child who was “swept away by floodwaters,” as he walked to a bus stop.
Images revealed extensive destruction caused by the storm throughout multiple states, featuring houses ripped apart, fallen trees, disrupted electrical wires, and flipped vehicles.
The NWS reported that severe and extensive flash flooding will continue through Sunday in portions of the central-eastern area, cautioning that “both lives and properties face significant peril.”
Two additional fatalities related to the storms were reported in Missouri and one in Indiana, as stated by local media outlets and officials.
A 5-year-old child was discovered deceased inside a residence in Little Rock, Arkansas, reportedly due to the continuing severe weather conditions, according to a statement from the state’s emergency management agency.
G flooding has hit unprecedented levels in numerous communities,” Governor Beshear of Kentucky posted on social media on Saturday, advising residents in the state to “stay off the roads and never attempt to drive through floodwater.
As of early Sunday, more than 100,000 individuals remained without electricity in Arkansas and Tennessee, reported the monitoring site PowerOutage US.
The National Weather Service cautioned that moderate to intense tornadoes might develop over areas of the Tennessee Valley and Lower Mississippi Valley on Sunday, alongside “severe thunderstorms.”
Edited by Jenipher Camino Gonzalez
Author: Kalika Mehta (with Reuters, AP)
by admin | Apr 10, 2025 | foreign policy, news, politics, politics and government, politics and law
The
The federal government is evaluating prospective candidates for positions within its various diplomatic offices across 109 missions, including 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 global consulates.
Sunday PUNCH
reports.
Sources well-informed about the situation disclosed that Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, who previously served as the Minister of Aviation during the Obasanjo administration, along with Femi Pedro, a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, have been included in the list of nominees.
Sunday PUNCH
It was also noted that the screening process does not take place at a central location; instead, nominees are instructed to go to the closest DSS office.
Presidential staffers verified for our reporter that multiple contenders were reached out to for submitting their individual educational background and professional experience details.
They are currently conducting security checks with DSS. Once these checks are completed and clearance is granted, we will publish the list.
Those who have been cleared will be disclosed,” stated an official anonymously due to lack of authorization for media communication. They added, “The procedure is still underway. By the end of April, we aim to have a comprehensive list.
A different informant stated, “The screening process doesn’t happen at a central point. Instead, it depends on the nominees’ locations. The candidates have been contacted to submit their personal background details along with specifics such as the schools they graduated from and positions they’ve occupied. Hence, this procedure follows geographical distribution.”
Tinubu’s Four Ds and financial challenges
Starting from September 2023, President Bola Tinubu has implemented his foreign policy based on four key concepts: Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora, all while functioning without ambassadors.
During that period, he completed an extensive review of Nigeria’s foreign policy across all sectors, resulting in more than 83 both career and non-career ambassadors being called back from their respective posts.
Last December, reliable sources close to the President confirmed that Tinubu spent part of his holiday reviewing the names of nominees with plans to transmit a consolidated list to the National Assembly before the end of the month.
Nevertheless, updates in January indicated that the President had altered his position.
Our reporter learned that the project faced delays because of insufficient funds—amounting to approximately $1 billion—that were needed to clear back payments for overseas staff, address accumulated expenses, upgrade old vehicles, and refurbish embassy structures.
A representative, speaking under conditions of confidentiality, stated, “The primary concern revolves around finances. It’s not about funding for the ambassadors themselves; we must consider their compensation packages and allowances. Instead, the critical financial aspect pertains to CAPEX [Capital Expenditure]. When all costs associated with resolving these problems are tallied up, they approach nearly $1 billion.”
Out of all these embassies, nearly 90 percent appear dilapidated. They might suffer from poor living conditions for residents, non-functional offices, or overdue rents. As far as functioning well-maintained ones go, they probably do not exceed 10.
I realize that many lack functional transportation options; their most recent vehicle purchases date back ten years. These cars often break down, which makes them unsuitable for diplomats since these officials represent their nation’s prestige. Additionally, basic amenities like electricity and running water may be absent in those areas. Therefore, assigning ambassadors to such locations would place them in difficult circumstances.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, similarly pointed out that the delays were due to financial limitations.
“It’s an issue with finances,” Tuggar stated at a ministerial briefing in Abuja last May.
He contended that assigning ambassadors lacking the necessary funds for travel and efficient operation of embassies overseas served no purpose.
We encountered a scenario where foreign affairs were underfunded as they should have been. Certain loopholes are taken advantage of by entities similar to Binance. This issue stems from financial constraints.
“There is no point sending out ambassadors if you do not have the funds for them to even travel to their designated countries and to run the missions effectively, one needs funding. Mr President is working on it, and it will be done in due course,” Tuggar said.
A representative from the foreign service mentioned that although the 2025 budget included allocations to address part of this expense, the amount was insufficient.
Nominees on the list
Senior officials from the presidency and foreign services have stated that even though the full list of candidates remains strictly confidential, several well-known and contentious individuals are currently under consideration.
An official stated, “The announcements regarding these appointments will be made shortly. These selections are currently under review. For the moment, the identities of those nominated remain strictly confidential since some of the individuals initially considered may not ultimately be approved.”
FFK [Femi Fani-Kayode] is included in the list. Among these, several contentious names have also been proposed. Additionally, Fola Adeola [the founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc] and Femi Pedro are part of it as well. This time around, they’re advancing the process at a faster pace.
Offering explanations for the sluggish procedure, an additional official clarified that the scrutiny was essential to prevent potential issues that could tarnish the nation’s reputation internationally.
“The nominees are currently undergoing scrutiny, with background investigations being carried out. This process ensures that the nominees do not present any security concerns and guarantees their appointment won’t adversely affect the nation,” explained the official.
It was also alleged that Reno Omokri, who previously served as an aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, appeared on this list.
However, a reliable source from the Presidency refuted this claim.
“Reno doesn’t appear on the list, but FFK does,” the source stated.
The President’s Special Advisor on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who previously addressed the delays, stated that nominations for ambassadorial positions require comprehensive scrutiny before being submitted to the National Assembly as a finalized list.
“Don’t overlook the fact that the ambassadorial list consists of two parts: career ambassadors and political ambassadors. Both the foreign affairs list and the consolidated list will undergo specific procedures before being made public,” he clarified.
When two of the nominees were reached out to by
Sunday PUNCH
, declined comment.
They neither confirmed nor denied the report.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc.
Syndigate.info
).
by admin | Apr 10, 2025 | disasters, news, safety, thailand, tourists
The Thai authorities have told visitors they can still come without worry as last week’s fatal quake in nearby Myanmar, which led to extensive destruction throughout portions of Southeast Asia including Bangkok, does not pose a threat.
“Travel, accommodations, and events continue as usual. Safety inspections are being conducted continuously to ensure security. Key locations are monitored by tourist police,” stated Thailand’s Tourism Minister Sorawong Thienthong in a government update posted on X, previously called Twitter.
Authorities have stated that no tourists sustained injuries and no popular tourist locations in Thailand were impacted by the earthquake.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand promptly addressed the worries by releasing a statement on Saturday asserting that the conditions in Bangkok were back to normal.
“Enterprises have restarted their activities, and tourist sites along with multiple convention centers are operating normally. Nevertheless, ongoing evaluations will be conducted to guarantee optimal safety measures,” stated TAT via social media platforms.
“Accommodation facilities, dining establishments, and leisure spots continue their regular operations without disruption, and transportation services are running normally. Therefore, there’s no cause for travelers to cancel their trip arrangements,” stated Anil Punjabi, who serves as a member of the national executive committee at the Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI), according to reports.
The Times of India
.
Thai officials also mentioned that well-known locations like Phuket, Pattaya, and other tourist spots were unaffected by the earthquake.
The number of fatalities in Bangkok increased to 17 following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that hit central Myanmar on Friday.
significant tremors were clearly experienced in Bangkok, the capital city.
and
other parts of Vietnam
and China.
A number of international visitors in Bangkok experienced unsettling moments when seismic activity made tall buildings sway, created cracks in walls, and even led to water spilling out of rooftop pools.
From January through mid-March, Thailand saw an influx of 8.3 million international tourists, marking a rise of 3.9% compared to the same period last year. By the close of this year, the nation aims for between 39 to 40 million overseas visitors.
