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In China läuten Partys und Feuerwerk das Neue Jahr ein: Am 29. Januar 2025 feiern Milliarden Menschen auf der ganzen Welt das chinesische Neujahr. Was dies bedeutet und wie die chinesischen Sterne stehen, erfahrt ihr hier.

Rod Stewart ist König Charles schon seit Jahren tief verbunden. Nun wurde er zum Botschafter für dessen Wohltätigkeitsorganisation ernannt.

Die Vereinten Nationen haben die internationale Gemeinschaft aufgerufen, umgerechnet rund 3,2 Milliarden Euro Hilfsgelder für ukrainische Flüchtlinge bereitzustellen.

Steigende Strompreise und der Wunsch nach mehr Nachhaltigkeit machen Energiesparen im Haushalt wichtiger denn je. Mit kleinen Anpassungen im Alltag lässt sich der Energieverbrauch deutlich reduzieren – zum Vorteil für Umwelt und Budget.

But its bid could open up an internal rift with its CSU ally.

The post German centre-right party wants agriculture ministry back appeared first on Euractiv.

Vous promener l’après-midi dans le nouveau quartier piéton de votre ville peut vous sembler idyllique, mais le bruit et la pollution ont peut-être tout simplement été déplacés dans la rue à côté.

Hier, mercredi 15 janvier 2025, un cessez-le-feu a été annoncé dans la bande de Gaza, mettant fin à une escalade de violences qui a plongé […]

L’article Gaza sous les décombres : l’Algérie appelle à des actions concrètes pour une paix durable est apparu en premier sur .

Un coup de filet a permis de nuire à un réseau de quatre Algériens impliqués dans un trafic lucratif de rendez-vous visa Schengen pour l’Espagne. […]

L’article Rendez-vous visas Schengen: une affaire de piratage éclate en Algérie, 4 suspects devant la justice est apparu en premier sur .

A recent survey found only three of 21 Swedish healthcare regions could cope with a mass casualty event, war, or large terror attack.

The post Crisis mode failure, Swedish healthcare not prepared for attack or mass casualty event appeared first on Euractiv.

They want to address grave loopholes in the final AI Act text.

The post Civil society rallies for human rights as AI Act prohibitions deadline looms appeared first on Euractiv.

The Civil Liberties Committee selected Bruno Gencarelli as their preferred candidate for the role of European Data Protection Supervisor in a vote on Thursday.
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The Civil Liberties Committee selected Bruno Gencarelli as their preferred candidate for the role of European Data Protection Supervisor in a vote on Thursday.
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The Civil Liberties Committee selected Bruno Gencarelli as their preferred candidate for the role of European Data Protection Supervisor in a vote on Thursday.
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

The Civil Liberties Committee selected Bruno Gencarelli as their preferred candidate for the role of European Data Protection Supervisor in a vote on Thursday.
Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs

Source : © European Union, 2025 - EP

Die polnische Ratspräsidentschaft drängt auf neue Regeln für innovative biotechnologische Nutzpflanzen. Doch seine umstrittenen Vorschläge zur Patentierbarkeit bereiten kleinen landwirtschaftlichen Betrieben und der Saatgutindustrie Sorgen.

The European Data Protection Supervisor is responsible for scrutinising how the EU handles personal data, at a time when the European Commission is re-thinking its reliance on Microsoft.

The post Parliament backs Bruno Gencarelli as new privacy watchdog appeared first on Euractiv.

By Jan Lundius
STOCKHOLM, Sweden, Jan 16 2025 (IPS)

In anticipation of Donald Trump’s inauguration his gold-studded Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, is at the heart of political power games, where influential businessmen like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk are positioning themselves as key players in his orbit. Apparently unfazed by legal controversies and scandals, Trump is preparing for his return in collusion with already powerful men, who in their pursuit of personal gain and political influence reflect a disturbing trend of billionaire oligarchy merging with politics. A worrying development that might have significant consequences for the future of free speech and women’s rights.

Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Meta Platforms (which controls Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp), has increasingly aligned himself with right-wing politics. In recent months, Meta has dismantled its fact-checking program, fuelling concerns about the rise of misinformation and hate speech on its platforms. Zuckerberg justifies these changes by emphasizing “free speech” and critiquing what he calls “excessive” censorship. However, this shift has raised alarms that the company is enabling the spread of fake news and extremism. Zuckerberg’s decision to move Meta’s content moderation to Texas, a state known for its conservative politics, and appoint Joel Kaplan, a prominent conservative political advisor, to oversee global affairs further suggests a tilt toward Trump’s sphere.

These actions are particularly troubling given Zuckerberg’s recent comments about gender equality during an interview with Joe Rogan, a podcaster known for promoting conspiracy theories and pseudoscience. Zuckerberg revealed his newfound admiration for a “positive view of masculinity,” emphasizing the need to balance support for women with the celebration of “aggressive energy.” Drawing on his martial arts experience, Zuckerberg described masculinity as a necessary and positive force in global culture. While such views might be dismissed if voiced by lesser-known figures, they are deeply concerning coming from one of the world’s most powerful tech magnates.

Equally troubling is Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, whose controversial views often spill over into his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). Musk, with over 212 million followers, frequently makes headlines with his divisive opinions. In one instance, he reposted a tweet from 4chan, a notoriously unmoderated platform, which suggested that “women and low-T [testosterone] men” are incapable of free thought because they cannot defend themselves physically. The tweet stated that only “high-T alpha males and neurotypical people” are capable of making decisions, insinuating that men with higher testosterone levels are more fit for leadership. Musk’s comment to his re-tweet of such nonsense was that it was an “interesting observation,” thus signalling his tacit endorsement of pseudoscientific, misogynistic rhetoric. A discourse that plays into a growing conservative backlash against gender equality, is not only scientifically unfounded but deeply harmful.

Elon Musk

Musk’s comments echo a wider narrative within certain circles that sees testosterone levels as a determinant of a person’s political or intellectual capabilities, further perpetuating toxic masculinity. The misogyny expressed by both Zuckerberg and Musk is particularly dangerous when considering their vast influence over global discourse. Their platforms enable the spread of harmful ideas, and their actions risk undermining the progress made in advancing women’s rights.

The global context further complicates the picture. Worldwide important strides have been made toward gender equality, though there are places where women’s rights remain circumscribed and others where they have experienced a backlash. Gender-based violence remains a tool of war, used to terrorize and displace entire populations. The United Nations’ upcoming Commission on the Status of Women in March 2025 will focus on the progress and setbacks regarding the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, a groundbreaking framework for advancing women’s rights. The commission will address the fact that no country has so far achieved full gender equality, and that threats to women’s rights are in some areas becoming ever more evident.

In this context, the views of Zuckerberg and Musk take on greater significance. Their platforms amplify regressive, misogynistic ideas that not only harm women but threaten to undo years of hard-won progress. Their influence could fuel a broader cultural shift toward the normalization of sexism, as their comments provide cover for a growing global movement against gender equality. Musk’s recent confessions about his drug use—he admitted to using ketamine, a powerful anaesthetic—further cast doubt on the rationality behind some of his statements. Columnist Arwa Mahdawi humorously suggested that Musk’s bizarre musings could be attributed to ketamine use or, more likely, his deeply ingrained misogyny – “perhaps he’s just high on misogyny: it’s one hell of a drug.”

The reckless and dangerous views espoused by Zuckerberg, Musk, and other members of Trump’s inner circle are far from benign. They threaten to worsen the already precarious position of women and girls globally, whose rights and safety continue to be under siege. We must confront the role these men play in spreading dangerous ideologies. Their influence is vast, and if left unchecked, it could further erode women’s rights worldwide, leading to a future in which gender equality is relegated to the past.

Ultimately, the rhetoric of Zuckerberg and Musk is not just a matter of personal opinion; it is a reflection of a broader societal problem. As these billionaires gain political power and control over public discourse, we must remain vigilant. The dangers they pose are not just theoretical; they are real and have real-world consequences for women’s lives. The world cannot afford to let their misogynistic views go unchecked. It is time to hold these men — and the systems that enable them — accountable before their reckless influence causes even more harm.

Main sources: Mahdawi, Arwa (2024) “Elon Musk is intrigued by the idea women can’t think freely because of ‘low T’,” The Guardian, 7 September; and Remnik, David (2025) “The Inauguration of Trump’s Oligarchy,” The New Yorker, 12 January.

IPS UN Bureau

 

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UNICEF assisting in winterization efforts in Deir Al Balah by distributing winter clothes to families in a displacement shelter. Credit: UNICEF/Mohammed Nateel

By Oritro Karim
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 16 2025 (IPS)

A ceasefire agreement between the states of Israel and Palestine was reached on 15 January, 2025 , effectively putting an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip. This comes after nearly 15 months of conflict, which has caused immense damage to Palestinian infrastructure, development, and civilian life. The three-phase plan proposed for the ceasefire agreement consists of the return of Israeli hostages, Palestinian refugees returning home, and the reconstruction of Gaza. Additionally, the ceasefire is expected to essentially put an end to the Israel-Hamas War and significantly mitigate the humanitarian crisis occurring in the Gaza Strip.

In the days preceding the ceasefire agreement, U.S. officials have opined that the possibility of a ceasefire was more likely than ever before. According to U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Israel and Hamas have been close to securing a ceasefire agreement several times in the past but they had always fallen through. Sullivan stated that on January 13, talks between officials had the “general sense that this (ceasefire negotiations) is moving in the right direction.”

I think the pressure is building for Hamas to come to yes, and I think Israel also has achieved a huge amount of its military objectives in Gaza, and therefore, they are in a position to be able to say ‘yes’.The question is now, can we all collectively seize the moment and make this happen?” said Sullivan.

On January 14, the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, delivered a speech at the Atlantic Council headquarters that detailed imminent post-war plans for Gaza as the ceasefire approaches. Blinken stated that the war is “ready to be concluded” and that the ceasefire is ready to be implemented. He also addressed the criticism over the Biden administration’s response to the 15-month conflict, saying, “I wish I could stand here today and tell you with certainty that we got every decision right. I cannot.”

Although neither Israel nor Hamas have officially confirmed the news of a ceasefire as of yet, senior Hamas spokesperson Basem Neim informed reporters that Hamas has agreed to it. Other sources with direct knowledge of diplomatic talks between Israeli officials confirmed the news to reporters as well. On January 15, U.S. President-Elect Donald Trump confirmed that the ceasefire agreement had been reached on a social media post shared to the platform Truth Social

According to U.S. diplomatic sources, only a draft version of the deal has been approved by Hamas and Israel, with a revised version to be discussed and finalized in the coming days. The implementation of the ceasefire could begin this weekend.

As President Biden’s term comes to an end, President-elect Donald Trump is expected to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. The first phase of the ceasefire consists of the 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza being freed and returned to Israel within the first 42 days of the agreement being implemented. In return, Israel has agreed to release as many as 1,000 Palestinian refugees from Israeli prisons. Furthermore, Israel will begin withdrawing its troops from Gaza. Once the deal has been finalized by both parties, it is expected that thousands of displaced Palestinians will begin returning to northern Gaza, the most militaristically restricted region of the enclave, and humanitarian aid will begin to flow in regularly.

Additionally, Israel would begin withdrawing its troops from densely populated centers in Gaza while maintaining access to the buffer zone on the Gaza-Egypt border, also known as the Philadelphi Corridor.

The second phase of the ceasefire is believed to be the official marker of the end of the Israel-Hamas War. In this phase, Hamas is expected to release all remaining male Israeli civilians or soldiers while Israel returns an agreed upon number of prisoners.

Although the ceasefire is not guaranteed to be upheld following the completion of the first phase, Israel has indicated in ceasefire documentation that its officials are committed to negotiating the next two phases , which would entail a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Palestinian territory.

In the third phase of the ceasefire agreement, Hamas would return the remains of all deceased Israeli hostages while Israel returns those of the deceased Palestinian captives. Israel would then conclude the blockade of the Gaza Strip and will not rebuild military operations targeting Palestine.

Despite officials from the U.S., Israel, and Palestine expressing optimism for the ceasefire agreement, many have expressed concern over the uncertainty of the ceasefire being fully implemented. “I’ve just been advised that there’s been a ceasefire announced in Gaza. Before we all celebrate, though, obviously we’re all going to want to see how well that executes,” said U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch .

With this agreement, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is expected to improve. Airstrikes from the Israeli Defense Forces are expected to end and the cessation of the blockade in northern Gaza is expected to allow humanitarian aid organizations to access the people that are in dire need of assistance. Abdallah al-Baysouni, a Palestinian citizen residing in Gaza, informed reporters that he and his family are “very happy that this crisis — this sadness, bombing and death that happened to us — is finally over. And that we will return to our hometowns and return to our families in Beit Hanoun [in northern Gaza] … and return to our old lives and be happy and live like we used to.”

IPS UN Bureau Report

 

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Former world number two Ons Jabeur in tears on court as she struggles with breathing difficulties during her third-round Australian Open victory.

Die Internationale Energieagentur (IEA) hat eine Studie veröffentlicht, derzufolge sie weltweit ein Comeback der Atomkraft erwartet. Dazu eine Einschätzung von Claudia Kemfert, Energieökonomin und Leiterin der Abteilung Energie, Verkehr, Umwelt im Deutschen Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung (DIW Berlin):

Die Internationale Energieagentur irrt. Die angeblichen „Comeback-Indikatoren“ der IEA sind nicht durch Fakten gedeckt. Weltweit ist der Ausbau von Atomkraftwerken weitgehend zum Erliegen gekommen. Die Produktion von Strom aus Atomkraftwerken liegt erstmal seit Jahrzehnten unter zehn Prozent und sinkt weiter. Der Anteil erneuerbarer Energien steigt dagegen stetig an.  

Und der Anteil der Atomenergie an der Stromerzeugung wird weltweit weiter sinken. Bis zum Jahr 2040 gehen rund 200 Atomkraftwerke vom Netz, diesen umfangreichen Abschaltungen stehen aktuell lediglich etwa 53 laufende Neubauprojekte gegenüber. Nur in China gibt es laufende Neubauprojekte, alle anderen zeichnen sich durch Verzögerung in der Planung, Genehmigung und Fertigstellung aus, teilweise mit erheblichem Ausmaß von mehr als zehn Jahren. Zudem sind die Kosten exorbitant hoch und übersteigen oftmals die der Planungen. Atomenergie ist enorm teuer, risikoreich und löst den Bedarf an zusätzlichen Strom nicht. Auch sogenannte Small Modular Reactor (SMR) sind keine Lösung, da sie ebenfalls hohe Kosten, Risiken und Bauzeiten aufweisen würden. Die bisherigen Erfahrungen zeigen, dass sie kaum zu realisieren sind, es gibt keine technologischen Durchbrüche, die dies erwarten ließen. Es müssten tausende SMR gebaut werden, um die notwendigen Bedarfe zu decken, das ist im höchsten Maße unrealistisch, teuer und risikoreich. Die Betrachtung aktuell geplanter, im Bau oder in Betrieb befindlicher Anlagen bestätigen, dass Planungs-, Entwicklungs- und Bauzeiten die ursprünglichen Zeithorizonte in der Regel um ein Vielfaches übersteigen. Historische Erfahrungen mit nichtwassergekühlten SMR deuten zudem auf einen langfristigen Rückbau hin. 

Der Anteil der erneuerbaren Energien steigt stetig an, dieser ist zur Abdeckung von zusätzlichem Strombedarf aufgrund der Energiewende oder auch beispielsweise von Rechenzentren ausreichend. Atomenergie kann dazu keinen nennenswerten Beitrag leisten, da sie zu teuer ist, hohe Ausfallzeiten hat und nicht wettbewerbsfähig gegenüber anderen Energien ist, insbesondere der erneuerbaren Energien.  

Die IEA hat sich auch schon in der Vergangenheit oft geirrt. So hat sie beispielsweise den Ausbau erneuerbarer Energien aufgrund völlig überhöhter Kostenannahmen unterschätzt und die Atomenergie aufgrund fehlerhafter und zu niedrig angesetzter Kosten überschätzt. Die IEA geht von viel zu niedrigen Kostenannahmen für die Atomkraft aus, ignoriert Risiken und lange Bauzeiten. In Zeiten geopolitischer Risiken ist Atomenergie als Hochrisikotechnologie keine Option.