Nepal: repurposing discarded rubbish
01 Mar 2024
A group led by Sunita Chaudhary are repurposing discarded mountain climbing ropes into handcrafted items like jewellery boxes and table mats. These ropes, once vital for climbers but later discarded, are now collected as part of an initiative to clean up mountain waste. Chaudhary, a skilled craftswoman from the Tharu community, transforms these materials using traditional techniques. The Himalayas accumulate vast amounts of waste from mountaineering activities, estimated at nearly 140,000 tons on Mount Everest alone. Government-led campaigns dispose of biodegradable waste securely and recycle non-biodegradable materials. However, recycling mountain climbing ropes proved challenging until Shilshila Acharya, an advocate for sustainable waste management, connected with a local waste-processing business and Chaudhary's team. This initiative aims to integrate local expertise, mountain waste, and the local economy, ensuring that waste collected from mountains like Everest avoids landfills in the future.
72-year-old Christian Younis Bhatti has been discharged from a blasphemy case after the accuser, Sosan Fatima, admitted to falsely accusing him. Fatima had alleged that Bhatti desecrated the Quran, but confessed to a conspiracy to prevent him from dividing property. Bhatti has been reunited with his family, but it was not thought safe for him to return home immediately. The incident had led to protests, prompting many Christians to flee. Bhatti's discharge, facilitated by a Christian rights organisation, was hailed as a miracle. Blasphemy accusations in Pakistan,often used to settle personal scores, can result in death sentences. Fatima's husband escaped police custody, leading to the suspension of the policemen who were with him, but was later recaptured. This case highlights the misuse of blasphemy laws and the risks faced by religious minorities in Pakistan.
A pastor attending the Kansas City Chiefs' Super Bowl parade claims the Holy Spirit urged him and his family to leave minutes before a shooting broke out, resulting in one death and 22 injuries. Timmy Hensel, pastor of River Church Family, recounted feeling prompted to depart despite the festive atmosphere. He credits divine intervention for their safety, emphasising the importance of recognising God's guidance. Hensel expresses gratitude for being spared and prays for the victims of the incident. Two men have been charged in connection with the shooting, which erupted from a verbal altercation. The pastor's testimony highlights the role of faith amidst tragedy, underscoring the community's grief and the need for spiritual discernment in challenging times.
Strangers save each other's lives
22 Feb 2024
Marius Werner, a young German, anonymously donated stem cells that saved the life of British doctor Dr Nick Embleton, who was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer. Unable to find a match in the UK, the search extended globally, leading to Marius. Two years after the transplant, BBC News facilitated their meeting. Nick, a veteran neonatal doctor, feared for his life upon diagnosis but now cherishes family time. Bone marrow transplants require matching donors,and both donor and patient remain anonymous initially. After a successful transplant, Nick expressed a desire to meet Marius. They met in Newcastle. Marius, overwhelmed, shared how he had been suicidal, but this opportunity to save someone brought new purpose to his life. Their meeting saw the fostering of a bond between these two ‘blood brothers’, who were brought together by a life-saving act of kindness.
A global study on Covid vaccines has identified small increases in heart, blood, and neurological disorders among recipients. Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca shots were linked to higher risks of certain conditions, including nerve-wasting and brain-swelling disorders. Despite this, the absolute risk remains low, with only 2,000 cases among 13 billion doses administered. Notable findings include a threefold increase in myocarditis and a higher risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome. Concerns over neurological events following vaccination were outweighed by the significantly higher risk associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Additionally, AstraZeneca shots were associated with an increased risk of two types of thrombosis. While the study shows potential risks, it underlines the benefits of vaccinations in preventing Covid-related deaths.
SIgns of upturn for UK economy
22 Feb 2024
Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey, addressing MPs, has expressed optimism about the UK economy despite a recent shallow recession. He noted 'distinct signs of an upturn’, foreseeing one of the mildest recessions in modern history. The Bank's measures, including fourteen consecutive interest rate hikes, aimed to bring inflation back to 2% to help allow for sustainable growth. The bank’s reluctance to cut interest rates reflects worries over the outlook for inflation later in the year. Bailey cautioned against complacency, citing uncertainties such as energy costs and shipping disruptions. Asked about the timing of cuts in the interest rate, he refused to say when or by how much this might happen: his deputy said this would be based on ‘data not dates’.
UK lawmakers oppose conversion therapy ban
22 Feb 2024
When the House of Lords debated a bill which aims to ban conversion therapy in the UK, 29 members opposed it, while 15 supported it.Christian Concern (CC) expressed gratitude for the opposition, citing concerns over religious freedom and free speech, and criticised the bill's potential impact on private conversations and parental rights. The bill defines conversion therapy broadly and threatens violators with fines. Its sponsor, Baroness Burt, argued for a nuanced approach, distinguishing between therapy and genuine counselling. However, CC disputed this, claiming that potential police involvement was not clearly addressed. The bill now heads to the House of Commons for further consideration; CC and others continue to advocate against its passage.
The body of a man found in the River Thames is believed to be that of Abdul Ezedi, a suspect in a chemical attack on a woman and two girls in Clapham. While formal identification is pending, Commander Jon Savell expressed confidence in the identification. The attacked woman remains hospitalised, with critical injuries including loss of sight in one eye. Her friends are fundraising for her recovery and reuniting with her daughters. The manhunt for Ezedi prompted a substantial public response, with 500 calls providing information. Ezedi, believed to have travelled from Afghanistan to the UK in 2016, had a prior relationship with the victim. The attack with a corrosive substance was possibly motivated by a breakdown in their relationship.