AHMEDABAD – An alleged gram panchayat notification bearing the name of the Sarpanch directing shopkeepers and residents not to buy anything from Muslim vendors is doing the rounds at a village in Gujarat’s Banaskantha district.

The notification says if anyone is seen buying goods from Muslim vendors, he or she would be fined Rs 5,100, and the fine amount would be used for ‘Gaushalas’.

The letter dated June 30 mentions that the rule has been introduced in the aftermath of the grusome killing of a tailor in Udaipur on June 18.

The letter has a stamp on it along with the Sarpanch’s ‘signature’. Five members have signed the letter including, one name written in Gujarati, Patel Jethabhai.

When the Sarpanch, Patel Mafiben Virabhai, was contacted, her husband Virabhai Patel received the call and told IANS: “My wife is not a Sarpanch anymore since last November.

“I am also a member of the village administration… none of us wrote that letter. We are trying to find out who has written it, signed and put a stamp. There is no one called Patel Jethabhai in our village. Someone is trying to spoil our image.”

Reacting to the notification, Congress MLA Gulabsinh Rajput from Tharad constituency in Banaskantha told IANS: “India is a democratic country and no one can issue such a ‘farman’. This is misuse of power and designation.” -IANS

The global push for cleaner modes of transportation had a great leap with electric vehicles becoming more popular in recent years. In Kuwait, one might be able to spot electric cars roaming around with said vehicles using electric charging spots, which started to pop-up in several locations throughout the country. Being environment friendly and aware is perhaps the main driving force behind electric vehicles with several car companies now providing this option for eager clients. – KUNA

The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) has picked Kuwaiti academic Dr Dalal Al-Taweel among 20 women pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacy educators as the first FIPWiSE Rising Stars, said Kuwait University. “The FIP Rising Stars list aims to promote, encourage and inspire women in the fields of pharmaceutical sciences and education,” Kuwait University said in a press statement on Saturday. It is a new feature of the Women in Science and Education (FIPWiSE) initiative established by FIP in 2000 to champion and enable women to achieve their fullest potential and to attract female students and young professionals into these fields.

Dr Dalal Al-Taweel is Assistant Dean for Student and Academic Affairs at Kuwait University’s College of Pharmacy. The FIP’s list comprises 20 women pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacy educators from 13 countries. The criteria for FIPWiSE Rising Star nominations include demonstrated achievements, innovations and significant impacts in pharmaceutical sciences or pharmacy education, being a “pathfinder” in the profession despite challenges, and going “above and beyond” for the pharmacy profession. – KUNA

The realities of migration and a tumultuous refugee crisis are not just on Turkey's agenda but the entire world. The number of people who leave their homes and countries for various reasons and flock to foreign countries is increasing rapidly. Some are on the road alone, others are with their families, their elderly parents and their children wrapped in swaddling clothes. The journey into the unknown becomes even more frightening with the difficulties they encounter in the countries they arrive in.

Recently, the issue of immigration – the extent and its result cannot be forecasted — was discussed recently at a two-day conference held in Istanbul. I was among the observers of the Global Parliamentary Migration conference held on June 20-21, hosted by the Turkish Parliament with the initiative of Parliament Speaker Mustafa Şentop. After the conference, where potential solutions to the migration and refugee problem and necessary steps to be taken were evaluated, I met Şentop to discuss what was on my mind.

The West and the burden

I first wanted to touch on Turkey's immigration burden, which is heavier than most countries. When I asked for Şentop's views regarding the necessity of easing this burden, he said: "It is necessary to alleviate the heavy migration burden on certain countries and ensure that it is shared fairly."

Everyone, from politicians and bureaucrats to citizens, shares the same idea on this issue. After all, Turkey has been hosting the highest number of refugees in the world for eight years. Our population is 85 million, and according to official statements, there are 4 million refugees in the country, 3.6 million of which are Syrian. That means that around 5% of the population consists of refugees. Yes, the number is high and this is a cause of concern. While the issue of migration and refugees is common, many Western countries continue to ignore it.

Based on what I witnessed, I can say that the prohibition of discrimination in the West generally remains on paper. Prejudices, xenophobia and double standards prevail throughout that part of the world. Instead of taking responsibility for a tragedy, they shift the burden of migration and the responsibilities entirely on the shoulders of the surrounding countries. Is this state of ignorance sustainable? By looking at the influx and reasoning, I would say absolutely not. At this point, all countries must act with a humanitarian and conscious approach. To take action, governments must not lose time.

Europe is not multicultural

So what is the reason behind this state of ignorance regarding the issue of migration? Is Islamophobia the reason they want to close their doors on refugees, or the resulting economic burden that the refugees would bring to their countries?

If you ask me, it's the lack of empathy. I would fully endorse this statement from Şentop: "Actually, there is no multiculturalism in Europe. From time immemorial, Europe showed no tolerance for those who were different and expressed no desire to live together. Even among themselves. Catholics, Protestants and Jews lived separately. Europe does not have an inclusive, comprehensive culture that can transform into high culture."

As someone born and raised abroad, I agree with him 100%. Turkey, unlike Europe, comes from a multicultural world. Turkish people live in a land where people with different languages and religions have lived together for over 1,000 years. That is why integration is much easier for Turkey.

In my opinion, it is incorrect to say that the West maintains considerable distance from migrants coming from the Middle East and Africa because of religion. Even if they behave with more tolerance toward immigrants from within Europe compared to those from the Middle East, they are closed to immigration among themselves. Ultimately they do not want to include people from other countries. This is the main problem. But it is an inevitable situation. In the new world order, whether they like it or not, all countries will experience this, and they will continue to receive immigrants, legally or illegally.

The three main problems

I believe that migration will continue because war is not the only reason people sail into the unknown. There are even more important reasons for migration beyond war and safety. Of course, people are unsafe because of conflicts and wars. They are trying to escape their homeland. But this problem can be solved. In my opinion, economic difficulties and the lack of humane living conditions are among the reasons that should be considered more seriously. After all, when people facing hunger cannot find a job in their own country and their hopes are exhausted, it becomes inevitable to embark on a deadly journey.

Furthermore, another more permanent and long-term reason for migration has emerged in recent years: Climate change. Many regions are becoming uninhabitable even though there are job opportunities. Famine, drought and abnormal meteorological circumstances compel people to leave their homeland.

Demographics are changing

Although there are distinct reasons behind this inevitable migration, there is a general concern that the demographic of society has deteriorated, regardless of how much we try to empathize. Ignoring this reality is objectionable, as it will set the stage for social outrage. It must be explained that this situation is not unique to Turkey. There is an unstoppable movement everywhere, from Europe to Africa. Noticeable demographic changes are happening in the world.

When immigration is mentioned, countries like Syria, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Sudan first come to mind. But the Russia-Ukraine war has changed this perception. The war caused Europe to confront the issue of migration more closely. Western countries had to experience the events they once watched from afar right under their noses. According to official figures, approximately 7 million people moved to nearby countries within a month and a half.

I remember the speaker of the Polish parliament saying at the meeting of the European Union Parliament Speakers in Slovenia that 2 million people came to his country in 15 days. This statement did not create the desired effect in the room, and no one found this figure interesting. Then he said "the population of Slovenia is 2 million. Imagine, a Slovenia came to us in 15 days." Finally, the audience came to their senses with this concrete example. At that moment, it made me think that it was time to understand that these numbers are not just mathematical equations but that each number represents a helpless person. It is time to show empathy and be a humanist rather than a racist.

Most Syrians will return home

There is the reality I mentioned before: The number of people in Turkey disturbed by the rate and intensity of migration to the country is not low at all. Some are worried that this situation will become permanent. I wanted to get some information from Şentop regarding what authorities think about this and what they are doing.

I found his response hopeful: "Of course, we all know the magnitude of Turkey's burden. But one should not think that it is completely permanent. Turkey is a destination country on the one hand and a transit country on the other. Since it is located at the intersection of Asia, Africa and Europe, there may be transfers via Turkey. After all, there will be a voluntary return when conditions improve in Syria. I think most of them will go," Şentop said.

I do not believe this return has anything to do with worsening conditions in Turkey, as some claim. Because I know this: Life is difficult for refugees everywhere. They are not citizens, the jobs they can do are limited, and they are trying hard to hold on in a country where they do not even know the language.

In terms of Syrians specifically, most of those in Turkey are living under difficult conditions. Therefore, I think they will prefer to return to their country over time. Also, if Western countries support Turkey's investment in the safe zone as they have promised, the return process will accelerate. But the West's approach of "this is your problem and their problem" paints an embarrassing picture for humanity and seeks to intensify the problem.

But there is still hope that the promises made will be fulfilled and everyone can return to their motherlands and loved ones as soon as possible./Daily Sabah

(Reuters) - Tesla Inc delivered 17.9% fewer electric vehicles in the second quarter from the previous quarter, as China's COVID 19-related shutdown disrupted its production and supply chain.

The world's biggest electric car maker said on Saturday that it delivered 254,695 vehicles in the April to June period, compared with 310,048 vehicles in the preceding quarter, ending a nearly two-year-long run of record quarterly deliveries.

A resurgence in COVID-19 cases in China had forced Tesla to temporarily suspend production at its Shanghai factory and also affected suppliers' facilities in the country.

Tesla is ramping up production at the Shanghai factory with the easing of the COVID-19 lockdown, which will help boost deliveries in the second half.

Early in June, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk told executives that he had a "super bad feeling" about the economy and needed to cut about 10% of staff at the electric car maker.

Musk has said demand for Tesla vehicles remains strong, but supply-chain challenges still remain.

In June, Tesla again hiked prices for some of its models in the United States and China after Musk had warned of significant inflationary pressure in raw materials and logistics.

June 2022 was the highest vehicle production month in the company's history, Tesla said in a news release.

Analysts had expected Tesla to report deliveries of 295,078 vehicles for the April to June period, according to Refinitiv data. Several analysts had slashed their estimates further to about 250,000 due to China's prolonged lockdown.

The world's most valuable automaker has posted record deliveries every quarter since the third quarter of 2020, weathering pandemic and supply-chain disruptions better than most automakers.

China has been instrumental in Tesla's rapid increase of vehicle production, with the low-cost, lucrative Shanghai factory producing roughly half of the company's total cars delivered last year.

Musk said in April that Tesla's overall vehicle production in the second quarter would be "roughly on par" with the first quarter, driven by a China rebound.

But he recently said Tesla had a "very tough quarter," citing production and supply-chain challenges in China. Musk also said Tesla's new factories in Texas and Berlin are "gigantic money furnaces" losing billions of dollars as they struggle to increase production quickly.

Tesla shares have fallen 35% so far this year, hit by Musk's $44 billion proposed acquisition of Twitter Inc, the China lockdown and macroeconomic uncertainties.

Coffee-growing farmers in Tanzania’s northern Kilimanjaro region are bearing the brunt of climate change, which is affecting their incomes and livelihoods.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Damian Mtega, a coffee improvement manager at the Tanzania Coffee Research Institute, said rising temperatures around Mt Kilimanjaro and insect outbreaks have reduced coffee production by up to 75%.

“The rising temperatures have brought drought, increased diseases, and killed insects that pollinate coffee plants,” he said.

Tanzania is the third-largest coffee producer in Africa, producing on an average 40,000 metric tons of coffee annually, so generating a revenue of $162 million a year, according to government statistics.

According to Mtega, Arabica -- the most lucrative variety of coffee that accounts for up to 70% of Tanzania’s production -- is vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.

“The Arabica variety requires mild rainfall and at least four months of dry weather to grow well,” he said.

Areas at lower elevations are no longer suitable for coffee farming, Mtega also said, adding that some farmers in Kilimanjaro have been forced to move to higher ground, where temperatures remain sufficiently cool.

Vicky Massawe, who is growing coffee on her 1-acre (0.4-hectare) farm in the rolling hills of Machame in north Kilimanjaro, said bad weather has disrupted the growing cycle.

“We are suffering a lot from drought. Even rains have become unpredictable,” she said.

Massawe, also the head of a local group that represents hundreds of small coffee farmers, said the region’s climate was once ideal for growing coffee, with stable temperatures and adequate rainfall.

But in recent decades, the climate has become increasingly hostile, she said. Temperatures are rising and there is a delay in rains that adversely affect coffee growers.

Extreme weather conditions such as heavy rainfall and frequent drought spells are threatening the livelihoods of many farmers like Massawe in the region.

The farmers blamed drought for damaged, twisted, or undersized beans, while also complaining that too much rain during the critical flowering stage has also damaged flowers even before the beans could take shape.

“I have lost hope with this crop. I have focused all my attention on bananas and vegetables to earn an extra income because coffee is no longer profitable,” said Verdiana Temu, a coffee farmer in Kilema.

The Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union (KNCU) is now equipping farmers with skills to adapt to changing conditions, providing resilient seeds, monitoring production, and suggesting new agriculture techniques.

Philemon Ndossi, the KNCU’s chairman, said the organization has teamed up with researchers to revive the industry by growing and developing resilient coffee seedlings.

“We have obtained more than 60,000 quality coffee seedlings which we distribute to farmers,” he said.

Arabica coffee is grown on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, under the shades of banana trees./aa