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FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2024 - Top 10 Qualifying Results
FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2024 - Race Results
2024 Formula 1 World Championship Drivers' Standings
2024 FORMULA 1 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CONSTRUCTOR STANDINGS
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2024 Formula 1 World Championship Drivers' Standings
Ukraine may ultimately have to agree to some kind of compromise with Russia to end the conflict, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has said.
In an interview with the BBC published on Saturday, the NATO chief reiterated that the West must support Ukraine in the long term “even if we believe and hope that the war will end in the near future.” He added that Western countries should invest in Kiev’s defence capabilities to make it more resilient in the event of future hostilities. At the same time, he signaled that it was up to Ukraine to choose when and under what conditions to seek peace with Russia. “At the end of the day, it has to be Ukraine that decides what kind of compromises they’re willing to do,” Stoltenberg said, adding that the West’s role is to help Kiev reach a negotiating position that could produce an “acceptable result.” That said, Stoltenberg emphasized that he was not pushing Kiev toward any concessions, adding that “real peace” can only be achieved with a Ukrainian victory. Earlier this week, the NATO boss made a strong plea to support Kiev in the long term, urging the bloc’s members to “rely less on voluntary contributions and more on NATO commitments.” According to several reports, Stoltenberg proposed a five-year €100 billion ($107 billion) military aid package to Ukraine. The exact details of the initiative are reportedly now under discussion. Throughout the conflict, Russia has maintained that it is open to talks with Ukraine. However, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky banned any negotiations with the current leadership in Moscow after four former Ukrainian territories overwhelmingly voted to join Russia in the autumn of 2022. The Ukrainian leader has been advocating a ten-point ‘peace formula’ demanding that Moscow withdraw its troops from territory Kiev claims as its own, as well as for a tribunal to be established to prosecute Russian officials for alleged war crimes. Moscow has dismissed the initiative as “detached from reality.” In an interview with Politico on Saturday, Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andrey Yermak, claimed that while Ukrainians were tired of the conflict, they would vehemently oppose any compromise with Russia. However, last month Zelensky suggested that a return to Ukraine’s 1991 borders was no longer a precondition for negotiations with Russia. Nevertheless, he still insisted that Kiev must regain the territory it lost to Moscow in 2022. Moscow has said Ukraine must take into account the fact that its borders have changed drastically since the start of the hostilities. Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg has padded her arrest record at a protest in the Netherlands, reportedly being detained twice by police after she helped block roads near the Dutch parliament.
The incidents occurred on Saturday, when a large crowd of Extinction Rebellion demonstrators tried to block the A12 highway in The Hague. A heavy police presence, including officers on horseback, prevented the activists from tying up the highway, but a small group broke away and sat down on a main road. The 21-year-old Thunberg was among the protesters, and a clip posted on social media shows two police picking her up by the arms and carrying her to a bus filled with other detained people. Reuters reported that Thunberg was held for a short time before being released, and she then was detained again after joining a group blocking a road leading to the railway station. Extinction Rebellion claims to have blocked the A12 highway dozens of times since 2022 in protests against fossil-fuel subsidies. Saturday’s demonstration called for lawmakers to halt subsidies and tax breaks for companies with ties to fossil fuels, such as oil major Shell and airline KLM. “We are here because we’re facing an existential crisis,” Thunberg told Dutch broadcaster RTL Nieuws. “We are in a planetary emergency, and we are not going to stand by and let people lose their lives and livelihood and, of course, become climate refugees when we can do something.” Thunberg was arrested for a public order offense last October, when she was among dozens of protesters who tried to block the entrance to an energy conference in London. She has repeatedly been arrested and fined for disobeying police orders during protests in Sweden, and she was detained last year at a demonstration against a coal mine in Germany. The activist, then a teenager, began attracting media attention in 2018, when she staged weekly protests outside the Swedish parliament to demand stronger government efforts to fight climate change.
FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2024 - Race Results
Mexico has suspended diplomatic relations with Ecuador after the South American country’s police stormed its embassy in Quito to arrest Ecuador’s former vice president, Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has said.
The development comes after Mexico granted political asylum on Friday to former Vice President Jorge David Glas Espinel, who had been convicted twice on corruption charges in his home country and has been staying in the embassy since late last year. Ecuador had asked Mexico’s permission to arrest the politician, but to no avail. Glas insists that he has been subjected to political persecution. While offering refuge to the former VP, Mexico’s Foreign Ministry urged Quito to grant safe passage to Glas so he could leave the country. Ecuador, however, ruled out the possibility, saying “it is not legal to grant asylum to people convicted or prosecuted for common crimes.” On Friday evening, Ecuadorian police stormed the embassy, with videos from the scene showing a heavy law enforcement presence in the area. The government of Ecuador claimed that the raid was conducted to defend its national sovereignty. “Every embassy has a single purpose: to serve as a diplomatic space with the objective of strengthening relations between countries,” it said, accusing Mexico of “abusing the immunities and privileges granted to its diplomatic mission.” In a statement on Saturday, Lopez Obrador said Glas is “a refugee” who is facing “persecution and harassment.” He denounced the raid as “a flagrant violation of international law and the sovereignty of Mexico.” “I have instructed our chancellor to issue a statement regarding this authoritarian act, proceed legally and immediately declare the suspension of diplomatic relations with the government of… Ecuador,” he added. Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said the country’s diplomatic personnel would leave Ecuador immediately. She added that Mexico would appeal to the International Court of Justice to denounce Ecuador’s actions. The ministry also said that several Mexican diplomats were injured during the operation. Even before the embassy raid, relations between Mexico and Ecuador were marred by a series of controversies. Lopez Obrador called the South American country’s presidential election “very strange,” noting that the outcome was heavily influenced by violence, including the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. In response, Ecuador declared Mexican Ambassador Raquel Serur Smeke persona non grata, demanding respect for its sovereignty and noting that the country was still mourning Villavicencio’s death.
FORMULA 1 MSC CRUISES JAPANESE GRAND PRIX 2024 - Top 10 Qualifying Results
Fruit, flowers and incense paper were laid on a table on April 5 as the authorities prepared a ceremony before demolishing a precariously tilting building that has become a symbol of Taiwan’s biggest quake in 25 years.
The glass-fronted Uranus building, located in Hualien, the city nearest to the quake’s epicentre, is a 10-storey mix of shops and apartments that has stood for nearly 40 years. The 7.4-magnitude earthquake on April 3 caused it to tilt at a 45-degree angle, its twisted exterior quickly becoming one of the most recognisable images to emerge from the disaster. By April 5, the authorities said they would start taking it apart, first preparing a table of offerings in front of the building to ensure a smooth demolition and to “soothe the lost souls” of those killed in the quake. Chips, instant noodles, bottles of soda, and folded piles of paper money for the dead were set alongside baskets of flowers and a container holding incense sticks. “(We) offer sacrifices and pray for blessing for the demolition work of the Uranus building,” an announcer said over a loudspeaker. Traditional cultural rites like blessing a new home or providing offerings to spirits after buying a plot of land are commonplace in Taiwan. Hualien county chief Hsu Chen-wei and other officials wearing construction vests each lit a joss stick and bowed to the building. “The Uranus was built in 1986. All structures age due to time, earthquakes and many other conditions,” she told reporters later. “We hope to complete the demolition within two weeks so Hualien people can return to their regular lives. We hope that everyone will not be in such a panicky situation.” Workers then began using a pink crane to smash the glass windows covering the building’s exterior, revealing the inner brick facade as rain started to drizzle. By around 1pm, a severe aftershock hit the city, alarming the construction team as the building appeared to lean more perilously forward. Accelerating the process, workers began inserting giant metal bars to stabilise the structure. Inside an exposed upper-storey floor, a piano could be seen lying on its side, surrounded by debris from an apartment damaged by the massive tremor. So far, at least 10 people are known to have died from the quake, with more than 1,100 injured – though the authorities have not specified the severity of the injuries. Hundreds remain stranded around Taroko National Park – some in a hostel, others in a luxury hotel, on local hiking trails and a school cut off by landslides. A network of tunnels traverses the mountainous region, with key roads leading to the park now blocked by falling rocks and earth. Rescue teams have been mobilised from all over Taiwan and have deployed helicopters, search drones, and small teams on foot with dogs to look for those still missing. “Rescuers are not giving up, as the search continues in the mountains for earthquake survivors,” said Taiwanese Vice-President-elect Hsiao Bi-khim, calling them the “true heroes of a resilient Taiwan”. Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Mie Prefecture in Japan, the Suzuka Circuit stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of Japanese innovation and Dutch engineering prowess.
While Suzuka is undeniably a symbol of motorsport excellence in Japan, its connection with the Netherlands adds a fascinating layer to its storied history. The genesis of Suzuka can be traced back to the visionary mind of Dutch architect John Hugenholtz. Drawing upon his expertise in circuit design, Hugenholtz was commissioned to create a world-class racing facility that would challenge drivers and captivate audiences. In 1962, his vision came to fruition with the unveiling of the Suzuka Circuit. At its core, Suzuka embodies Hugenholtz's innovative approach to circuit design. The track's figure-eight layout, a hallmark of his creativity, was a daring departure from traditional circuit configurations. By seamlessly intertwining sections of the track, Hugenholtz crafted a circuit that demanded unparalleled precision and skill from drivers, while simultaneously providing spectators with a dynamic and immersive viewing experience. While Hugenholtz's Dutch heritage laid the groundwork for Suzuka's design, it is the Japanese commitment to excellence that has elevated the circuit to its iconic status. Over the decades, Suzuka has undergone numerous renovations and improvements, ensuring that it remains at the forefront of motorsport technology and safety standards. From its challenging corners to its state-of-the-art facilities, every aspect of Suzuka reflects Japan's unwavering dedication to perfection. Despite the geographical distance between the Netherlands and Japan, the connection between the two nations extends beyond Suzuka's design. Dutch drivers and teams have left an indelible mark on the circuit's history, showcasing their talent and tenacity on its hallowed tarmac. Notable Dutch drivers, such as Jos Verstappen and Max Verstappen, have thrilled fans with their exploits at Suzuka, adding to the circuit's international appeal. Furthermore, the Suzuka Circuit serves as a platform for collaboration and exchange between Japan and the Netherlands. Through motorsport events, engineering partnerships, and cultural exchanges, Suzuka fosters a bond between the two nations, transcending borders and fostering mutual respect and admiration. Beyond the realm of motorsport, the connection between Suzuka and the Netherlands underscores the power of collaboration and cultural exchange in driving innovation and progress. By bringing together the best of Dutch design and Japanese craftsmanship, Suzuka serves as a beacon of international cooperation and excellence. In conclusion, the Suzuka Circuit represents more than just a venue for motorsport. It is a testament to the symbiotic relationship between Japan and the Netherlands, where innovation, passion, and collaboration converge on the world stage. As Suzuka continues to inspire generations of drivers and fans alike, its connection with the Netherlands serves as a reminder of the transformative power of unity and shared vision in the pursuit of greatness. The legendary guitar known as "Greeny," a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, has earned its place in the annals of rock history through its association with Peter Green, one of the most influential guitarists of his era.
The story of Greeny intertwines with the careers of several notable musicians, each leaving their mark on this iconic instrument. Peter Green, a founding member of Fleetwood Mac, acquired the guitar in 1966. Greeny quickly became his instrument of choice, shaping the distinctive sound of the early Fleetwood Mac albums and contributing to the band's rise to prominence. Green's emotive playing style and soulful tone were amplified through the rich, resonant tones of the Les Paul, making it an integral part of his musical identity. However, Green's tenure with the guitar was relatively short-lived. Following a period of personal turmoil and struggles with mental health, he left Fleetwood Mac in 1970. In the years that followed, Greeny changed hands multiple times, each new owner adding another chapter to its storied history. One of the notable owners of Greeny was Gary Moore, an Irish guitarist renowned for his virtuosic playing across various genres, including blues and hard rock. Moore acquired the guitar in the 1970s and used it extensively throughout his career. His fiery playing style and expressive phrasing breathed new life into Greeny, ensuring its continued relevance in the world of rock music. After Moore, Greeny found its way into the hands of other guitarists, each bringing their own unique flair to its sound. From Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy to Rick Vito of Fleetwood Mac, the guitar continued to be a sought-after instrument among musicians seeking to channel the spirit of its original owner, Peter Green. In 2014, Greeny found its current custodian in Kirk Hammett, the lead guitarist of Metallica. Hammett, an avid collector of vintage guitars, recognized the historical significance of Greeny and added it to his impressive collection. While primarily known for his work in metal, Hammett's appreciation for blues and classic rock makes him a fitting guardian for this iconic instrument. Today, Greeny remains a symbol of musical heritage and artistic expression. Its journey from the hands of Peter Green to its current owner, Kirk Hammett, serves as a testament to the enduring power of music and the profound impact that a single instrument can have on generations of musicians and fans alike. As long as its strings continue to resonate, Greeny will continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, carrying forward the legacy of its legendary owners. NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg urged the United States to stick with Europe as the military alliance turned 75 menaced by Russia and the spectre of Donald Trump's return to power.
"I don't believe in America alone, just as I don't believe in Europe alone. I believe in America and Europe together in NATO because we are stronger and safer together," Stoltenberg said on Thursday at a ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels. Foreign ministers from NATO's 32 countries will hold a ceremony at its Brussels headquarters to fete the organisation that bills itself as the "most powerful and successful alliance in history". But, amid the cake-cutting and speeches, NATO is grappling with one of its most serious challenges since it emerged from the ashes of World War II in 1949 to counter the Soviet Union. "As we celebrate NATO's achievements, we do not rest upon them," alliance chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Wednesday. "Europe now faces war on a scale we thought was resigned to history." Since Russia launched its all-out offensive on Ukraine two years ago, a reinvigorated NATO has added Finland and Sweden to its ranks and bolstered its forces in eastern Europe. Alliance members also have thrown their weight behind Kiev -- which is bidding to join NATO -- by sending Ukraine weapons worth tens of billions of dollars. But those supplies have now dwindled as support from leading NATO power the United States remains stuck by political wrangling. On the frontline, Ukraine's outgunned forces have been pushed onto the back foot. In the face of surging Russian missile attacks on its infrastructure, Kiev is pleading with its Western backers to send all the Patriot defence systems they can spare. Stoltenberg, meanwhile, has proposed a 100-billion-euro ($108-billion) five-year fund in a bid to ensure long-term support for Ukraine. He is also pushing to get NATO as an organisation more directly involved in coordinating deliveries, something the alliance has so far refused to do out of concern it could drag it closer to war with Russia. Part of the urgency for the plan, officials say, is to try to protect support for Ukraine from the possible return of Donald Trump to the White House after US elections in November. The former US president has worried allies by criticising backing for Kiev and he unleashed a political firestorm by saying he would "encourage" Russia to go after NATO allies who do not spend enough on defence. Today is the last day of a four-day demonstration in Jerusalem. Close to the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, hundreds of demonstrators have camped in tents in recent days.
It almost looks like a festival site. In addition to speakers, there are music performances, posters with political statements hang everywhere, and the overnight demonstrators can get food and drinks in special tents. But the joy of a festival is certainly not there. People are frustrated and angry with the government. They want elections to be held as soon as possible and Prime Minister Netanyahu to leave. When the war started, there was already dissatisfaction with the prime minister. But then there was the feeling that unity was the most important thing, and that it was not the time for demonstrations against the government. Those days are over, says Ami Dror, one of the organizers of the protest in Jerusalem: "A change is happening. The Israeli people are slowly moving away from their wait-and-see attitude to the view that they want a different government as soon as possible." In recent days, tens of thousands of people have attended the demonstration, which has become the largest anti-government protest since the start of the war. “This government no longer represents the Israeli people, they are so far away from us,” Dror said. The demonstrators believe that Netanyahu is deliberately prolonging the war and blocking a deal with Hamas to remain in power. They blame him for putting his own interests above those of the people. Political analyst Aviv Bushinsky, who was Netanyahu's political assistant for many years, also thinks that the prime minister is not looking for a deal with Hamas: "Hamas wants an end to the war as part of the deal, but that is something Netanyahu does not agree to." will agree. Because above all he wants to destroy Hamas. And he knows that if he does not succeed, the right-wing voters will punish him for it. He will then lose the support of the right, but these are precisely the voters who are now putting him on the have held power." Yet many protesters also say they want to defeat Hamas and win the war. Only they have no confidence that Netanyahu is the man who will bring the war to a successful conclusion. “I want new elections as soon as possible,” says Ilana Kaminka. Her son was in the army and was killed by Hamas on October 7. She carries a flag with his photo on it. “We need leaders who can give us hope. Who present a vision. Leaders who understand how to unite a society. Not people who tear our society apart as they have done from day one.” Netanyahu doesn't want to know anything about elections. He keeps repeating that victory is in sight and that this is not the time for elections. And the fact that such a victory would be achieved under his leadership is crucial for his political survival, says Bushinsky: "Let's say that Netanyahu achieves the ultimate victory. Then he could say that he was indeed responsible for the lack of preparedness on October 7. But that he fought himself back. And he kept his promises." The demonstrators no longer want to wait for that, says a demonstrator who is staying the night in the tent camp. "We are all here to make it clear to Netanyahu that he must leave, we don't want him anymore. He may not listen to us, but we will continue to convey that message." In times of conflict or war, nations often undergo a significant transformation in their economic structures, transitioning towards what is commonly known as a "war economy."
This economic model is characterized by a reorientation of resources, industries, and policies to prioritize military production and defence. While such measures may be deemed necessary for national security, the consequences of a war economy can have profound impacts on both regular citizens and the countries as a whole. A war economy refers to an economic system that is heavily geared towards supporting and sustaining the efforts of a nation during times of war or conflict. In a war economy, resources, industries, and policies are mobilized to prioritize military production, defense, and logistics over other sectors of the economy. Impact on Regular People One of the most immediate and tangible consequences of a war economy is its impact on regular citizens. As resources are diverted towards military needs, shortages of consumer goods and everyday necessities can occur. Rationing may be implemented to ensure equitable distribution, leading to reduced access to essential items for ordinary people. In addition, the disruption of labor markets due to mobilization for military service or diversion to defense industries can result in unemployment and economic hardship for individuals and families. Moreover, the psychological toll of living in a state of war, with its uncertainty and fear, can lead to anxiety, stress, and trauma among the civilian population.
Impact on Countries War economies can also have far-reaching consequences for the countries involved. The significant increase in military spending can strain national finances, leading to budget deficits and debt accumulation. This economic strain may persist long after the conflict has ended, creating challenges for economic recovery and reconstruction. Moreover, countries heavily reliant on defense industries may become dependent on continued military spending for economic growth, making it difficult to transition to peacetime economies. Socially, war economies can exacerbate inequalities and divisions within society, as certain groups may benefit disproportionately from wartime contracts and opportunities, while others bear the brunt of economic hardship and sacrifice.
In conclusion, war economies represent a fundamental reorientation of a nation's economic priorities towards military production and defence. While such measures may be deemed necessary for national security during times of conflict, the consequences for regular people and countries can be profound and long-lasting. From economic hardship and social disruption to psychological trauma and dependency on military spending, the impacts of war economies are multifaceted and complex. As such, it is essential for policymakers to consider not only the short-term imperatives of war, but also the long-term consequences for the well-being and prosperity of their citizens and nations. At least seven people were killed in a major earthquake in eastern Taiwan last night. Authorities report that more than 820 people have been injured and 127 people remain trapped in tunnels or buildings. The quake had a magnitude of 7.2, making it the strongest in Taiwan in almost 25 years.
The quake occurred during the morning rush hour, shortly before 8 a.m. local time. The epicenter was in the sea, about 25 kilometers from the coastal town of Hualien. More than a hundred aftershocks were recorded in the hours after the major quake. According to Taiwanese media, three of the fatalities died in a national park near Hualien. They were said to have been hit by a rock avalanche in the mountainous area. In the city, sagging buildings partly hang over the streets. A truck driver also died after his vehicle was hit by a landslide. President Tsai Ing-wen has promised that the army will be deployed in the rescue work. The earthquake also caused damage in the capital Taipei, more than 100 kilometers further north. Facade cladding, among other things, ended up on the street. Items also fell over in many homes. Offices and school buildings were evacuated and train traffic on the island was stopped. Hundreds of thousands of households were without power for several hours. After the quake, the Philippines and Japan issued tsunami warnings, but only small waves were generated. The quake was also felt along China's south-eastern coast, such as in the port city of Shanghai. China, which considers Taiwan a renegade province, was quick to offer aid to the island, but Taiwan has said it will not take advantage of it. Japan and Paraguay have also pledged assistance. Riots broke out in several Turkish cities on Tuesday night after the authorities invalidated the victory of Kurdish politician Abdullah Zeydan in a mayoral election.
On Sunday, Zeydan won the ballot to serve as mayor of the eastern city of Van. Two days later, the local electoral board disqualified him, citing his past criminal conviction on charges of supporting the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which Türkiye considers a terrorist group. In 2016, Zeydan was sent to prison for “abetting” and “propagandizing” the PKK. He was released in 2022. According to the prosecutors, his three-year ban to run for office has not yet expired, which makes him ineligible to serve as mayor. Zeydan’s pro-Kurdish Peoples' Equality and Democracy Party (DEM Party) slammed the disqualification as “a political coup.” The politician’s supporters took to the streets, with some launching fireworks and throwing rocks and Molotov cocktails at police officers, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. Some rioters erected barricades and set them on fire. Disturbances were reported in Van and other eastern cities, as well as in Adana in the south and Izmir on the Aegean coast. A total of 89 people have been detained in the cities of Van, Hakkari, Batman, Siirt, Sirnak and Izmir, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya wrote on X (formerly Twitter). The March 31 municipal elections delivered several major blows to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s ruling Justice and Development Party. Challengers from the Republican People’s Party (CHP) have retained the mayorships in the largest city, Istanbul, and the capital, Ankara. |
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