On May 21, G7 pledged to completely stop funding coal-fired power plants. On May 21, environment ministers from the Group of Top Industrialized Countries (G7) agreed to take concrete steps by the end of the year to stop government funding for coal-fired power plants as part of efforts to curb global warming. In a statement after the two-day video conference, the G7 environment ministers said: “(We) are committed to taking concrete steps towards an absolute end to the new direct government assistance. for international coal-fired power generation by the end of 2021, including through Official Development Assistance (ODA), export finance, investment, financial support and trade promotion” . However, the statement did not mention the possibility of phasing out coal-fired power generation, leading analysts to believe that the G7’s call would have little impact on global efforts to tackle the problem. climate change issue. The removal of government support for fossil fuel financing, which emits large amounts of greenhouse gases that warm the Earth, is seen as essential to limiting the growth of fossil fuels. global temperature increase at 1.5 degrees Celsius, above pre-industrial levels. (according to Kyodo)

Israeli security forces patrol the Citadel in Jerusalem. Documentary photo: AFP / VNA This square is originally a traditional gathering point for Palestinians during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. In recent days, the city of Jerusalem has seen its worst violence in years, stemming from Israel’s decision to block Palestinians from entering the Damascus Gate after praying. Tensions are heightened after a series of videos posted online showing Arab youths attacking radical orthodox Jews, then violent Jews also went down the street to attack Arabs. On April 22, at least 125 Palestinians were injured in repeated clashes with Israeli police. A police spokesman said the decision to remove the barrier was made by police after consulting with local leaders, religious leaders and assessing the situation. “Our forces are still deployed in the field and it is impossible for the violence to increase,” the official added. Several young Palestinian men have been arrested by police. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on April 24 called for “restraint on all sides” after several nights of clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians in its annexed areas in East Jerusalem.

A Volkswagen car factory. (Image: Reuters) German Economy Minister Peter Altmaier April 24 said the country’s government is aiming to raise the forecast economic growth this year as industries are fighting well with the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. In an interview, Mr. Altmaier said that in January, Germany gave its forecast of economic growth of 3%, but current data shows that the figure will be even higher. Last year, Europe’s largest economy declined 4.9% due to restrictive policies aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19 translation . The set German Economy It is expected to publish an updated forecast on the economic growth outlook next week. According to Altmaier, Germany has reasons to be optimistic, as the statistics are better than expected amid industries benefiting from the global recovery. However, Altmaier admits that the COVID-19 anti-epidemic restriction policy – which is being tightened in Germany from the end of this week in an attempt to curb the third wave of infections – has particularly seriously affected sectors. sectors such as retail, culinary and hospitality. Still, Altmaier expects Germany’s economy to return to pre-pandemic levels by 2022. Last week, the leading German consulting organizations also warned that the current wave of pandemic will slow the recovery momentum, but it is still expected that Germany’s economy will grow 3.7% this year./.