6 pc in 2016
Reuters, London
Britain’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions fell by 6 percent in 2016 compared with 2015 levels, largely due to a decline in coal-fired power generation and marking the fourth straight yearly drop, preliminary government data showed on Thursday.
Output of the heat-trapping gases in Europe’s second-largest emitter behind Germany fell to 466 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e), the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) said.
Palestinian shot dead
AFP, Jerusalem
A Palestinian woman said to be the mother of a man killed last year attempted to stab Israeli police with scissors at the entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City Wednesday before being shot dead, officials said.
The woman pulled the scissors on the security force members at the entrance to Damascus Gate but was shot dead before she was able to stab anyone, a police spokeswoman said in a statement.
Chilean President begins Portugal visit
AP, Evora
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet is on a state visit to Portugal, where she is due to hold talks with local officials and preside at a bilateral trade conference.
Bachelet arrived Thursday in Evora, about 150 kilometers (90 miles) east of the capital Lisbon, where she was to receive an honorary doctorate from the city’s university.
Ethiopia extends state of emergency
AP, Addis Ababa
Ethiopian lawmakers have extended the state of emergency declared six months ago for an additional four months. The widely expected extension came amid reports of continued violence and anti-government activities in some restive remote areas. “We still have some anti-peace elements that are active and want to capitalize on disputes that arise among regional states in the country”.
