amber heathealth alert
|

Amber heat-health alert issued across England

ByJustpaste.in

An Amber Heat-Health Alert has been issued across affected parts of England as hot weather continues, with the alert remaining in place until 9am on Friday, August 14.

Health authorities are urging people to take precautions during the heat, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to high temperatures.

People are advised to drink plenty of water, avoid the hottest part of the day where possible and take steps to keep cool.

Authorities have also urged the public to check on family members, friends and neighbours who may struggle to cope with the heat.

Those considered particularly vulnerable include older people, young children and babies, as well as people living with existing health conditions.

The alert is intended to raise awareness of the potential health impacts of sustained high temperatures and encourage people to take preventative measures.

People are advised to keep indoor spaces as cool as possible, stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest periods and seek medical advice if they become seriously unwell because of the heat.

The Amber Heat-Health Alert will remain in force until 9am on Friday, August 14, unless conditions change earlier.

Authorities are continuing to monitor the weather situation and are urging the public to take the heat seriously, particularly as temperatures remain elevated across parts of the country.

Similar Posts

  • | | |

    Iran says US military weaker as Hormuz crisis deep…

    ByJustpaste.in

    TEHRAN: Iran has intensified its rhetoric against the United States as attacks on commercial shipping and stalled peace efforts deepen uncertainty over the future of the war, with Tehran warning that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Washington accepts its conditions. Mohammad Reza Naqdi, an adviser to the commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said in an interview with PBS that the US military had proved “weaker than what we perceived” during the five-month conflict. Naqdi said Iran had gained valuable battlefield experience during the war and claimed Tehran would continue to emerge victorious. “The longer this war lasts, the more experience we gain,” he said, arguing that Iranian forces had learned how to confront the US military through direct experience. His comments came as maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply. Shipping data showed only eight vessels were tracked through the waterway on Tuesday, below a 10-day average of about 12 and the lowest daily figure since August 5. Before the conflict, the strait typically handled around 130 to 140 vessels a day. The slowdown has heightened fears over global energy supplies because Hormuz is a crucial route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The International Maritime Organization has previously warned of serious risks to vessels and seafarers operating in the area. Shipping attacks raise fresh alarm Tensions also spread to other maritime chokepoints. Four crew members were reportedly killed in a suspected Houthi attack on a cargo vessel in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, while two Yemeni rescuers were also killed, according to reports cited in the source material. The US military separately said an MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at a Panama-flagged cargo ship after the vessel allegedly ignored warnings linked to a blockade of Iranian ports. Maritime sources said the incident occurred off Pakistan in the Gulf of Oman. The attacks have added to concerns that the conflict could disrupt shipping routes connecting the Gulf with the Red Sea and beyond. Iran sets conditions for reopening Hormuz Iranian security official Mohsen Rezaei said the Strait of Hormuz would not reopen unless Washington agreed to Tehran’s demands, including the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to conflicts across the region. Iran’s parliament is also preparing legislation that would restrict military and commercial vessels from countries Tehran considers hostile from entering the Gulf without Iranian authorisation. The proposed law is intended to strengthen Iran’s control over the strategically important waterway. US President Donald Trump, meanwhile, has continued to combine threats with suggestions that negotiations could eventually produce a settlement. He has claimed the United States has control over the Strait and warned Iran against further escalation. Oil markets have already reacted to the uncertainty. Brent crude rose 1.4 per cent to $88.91 a barrel, while US crude gained 1.3pc to $83.20. Pakistan seeks diplomatic space Amid the worsening security situation, Pakistan has continued diplomatic engagement with Tehran. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Iran and met President Masoud Pezeshkian, with both sides stressing the importance of strengthening bilateral political, economic, trade, cultural and security ties. Pezeshkian praised Pakistan’s commitment to closer relations and said Tehran was ready to expand cooperation with Islamabad. Naqvi said his visit was aimed at following up on understandings reached between the two countries and accelerating implementation of existing agreements. With military rhetoric rising, shipping routes under pressure and negotiations at an apparent impasse, the Strait of Hormuz remains at the centre of a crisis whose consequences could extend far beyond the Middle East.

  • | |

    Federal Cabinet Interference in CCI matters violat…

    ByJustpaste.in

      Islamabad: The federal cabinet has no constitutional authority to decide matters reserved for the Council of Common Interests, a Senate sub committee has declared, warning that continued cabinet interference in electricity, petroleum, gas, railways, ports and regulatory bodies is damaging provincial rights and weakening constitutional protection for smaller provinces. The Senate Sub Committee on Devolution, chaired by Senator Barrister Zamir Hussain Ghumro, directed that matters falling under the CCI must not be taken to the federal cabinet. The committee said the Prime Minister should place such issues before the CCI and call its meetings frequently. According to the committee, Article 154 of the Constitution gives the CCI responsibility over subjects listed in Part II of the Federal Legislative List. The committee argued that these powers belong to the CCI rather than the federal cabinet. It said this constitutional arrangement was created to protect provinces from decisions dominated by the federal government. The committee particularly highlighted the position of smaller provinces. It noted that Punjab has 141 seats in the National Assembly while the other three provinces together have 122 seats. According to the committee, putting important provincial matters under the CCI provides protection against decisions based only on the strength of the majority in the National Assembly. The committee said the CCI should be reconstituted in a way that ensures equality among provinces. It also called for more frequent CCI meetings so important disputes between the federation and provinces are not left unresolved. The committee said the prices of electricity, petroleum, gas and medicines should be supervised and controlled through the CCI rather than the federal cabinet. It argued that federal executive authority must operate within the Constitution and that Article 154 gives the CCI authority over relevant subjects. The committee also said major national organisations and sectors connected with Part II of the Federal Legislative List should come under the CCI. These include Railways, Petroleum, Electricity, Ports and several regulatory bodies. The committee specifically named OGRA, NEPRA, PEMRA and PTA among institutions whose matters, in its view, should fall under the CCI framework. It said Planning and Development authorities and other bodies working in fields covered by Part II should also operate under CCI authority instead of federal cabinet control. The committee strongly objected to federal cabinet involvement in these areas. It said interference by the federal cabinet in CCI subjects was contrary to Article 97 read with Article 154 of the Constitution. One of the most serious issues discussed was the planned privatization of electricity distribution companies. The committee stated that the privatization of companies including IESCO, FESCO, LESCO, GESCO, SEPCO and HESCO cannot proceed without CCI approval from the Power Division or Privatization Commission. It argued that taking such decisions without the CCI would violate Articles 154 and 157 of the Constitution. The committee directed that the privatization of electricity distribution companies must be placed before the CCI. It also referred to the Supreme Court judgement in the Mian Nawaz Sharif case and said the CCI should be involved before such major decisions are taken. The committee rejected the federal government’s reliance on the Gadoon Amazai ruling regarding CCI meetings. It said Parliament had already addressed the issue of meeting frequency by requiring the CCI to meet at least once every three months or earlier when urgent matters arise. The committee therefore called on the Prime Minister to convene CCI meetings regularly. According to members, failure to use the CCI weakens the constitutional voice of provinces and allows issues affecting the entire federation to be decided through the federal cabinet. The panel also questioned several ministries, divisions and state owned bodies dealing with subjects it believes belong either to the provinces or the CCI. It said federal structures created around provincial or CCI subjects should be devolved or closed where required, without harming employees. Among the institutions and sectors the committee mentioned included Water Resources, Railways, Industries, Statistics, Petroleum, Inter-Provincial Coordination, Planning and Development and WAPDA. The committee also referred to regulatory bodies and other organisations whose functions, it said, should be examined according to the constitutional division of powers. Members said the purpose of the CCI was not simply to hold occasional meetings. They described it as a constitutional mechanism designed to allow the federation and provinces to jointly decide major national matters. The committee warned that bypassing the CCI could create mistrust between the provinces and the federal government. It said smaller provinces need the CCI to ensure they have a meaningful voice in decisions involving national resources, energy, infrastructure and regulation. The committee directed the federal government to amend its Rules of Business within 15 days so that matters falling under the CCI are handled according to the Constitution. It asked the government to submit a report explaining the changes made. The message from the committee was clear. Major decisions involving electricity, petroleum, gas, railways, ports, regulators and other CCI subjects should not be decided by the federal cabinet alone. The committee wants these matters taken back to the Council of Common Interests, with the Prime Minister required to use the constitutional forum regularly to protect provincial rights and build agreement between the federation and all four provinces.

  • | | |

    Shooting outside York mosque sparks investigation,…

    ByJustpaste.in

    A 44-year-old man has been arrested following a shooting incident outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre in the city of York, North Yorkshire, England. Police confirmed that no one was injured in the incident, while an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is underway. According to British media reports, the firing took place outside the mosque located on Bull Lane in York on Thursday. Following the incident, North Yorkshire Police arrested a local white British man in connection with the alleged shooting. Police officials said the weapon used in the incident is believed to have been an air weapon, similar to an air gun. Authorities traced the suspect after he reportedly left the scene in a silver-coloured vehicle and later took him into custody for questioning. The suspect remains in police custody as officers continue their investigation. Police have not yet confirmed the motive behind the incident and stated that it would be too early to draw conclusions about the reasons behind the concerning event. North Yorkshire Police assured the Muslim community in York that every effort is being made to establish the full circumstances and identify the factors that led to the incident. Authorities said additional patrols will continue in the area around the mosque, particularly during prayer times when worshippers gather. Police officials also said officers would meet with the mosque’s imam as part of efforts to provide reassurance and maintain community safety. The authorities emphasized that the safety of residents and worshippers remains a priority during the ongoing investigation. Investigators have appealed to witnesses and members of the public who may have relevant information to come forward. People with CCTV footage, mobile recordings, or dashcam footage from the area have been requested to share any material that could assist the investigation. The incident has raised concerns among members of the local Muslim community, although police have stressed that the investigation is still at an early stage. Authorities continue to examine all available evidence to determine the motive and circumstances behind the shooting. North Yorkshire Police have urged anyone with information related to the incident to contact them or provide details through Crime Stoppers to help officers complete their investigation.

  • |

    Oil prices climb amid US-Iran tensions as markets brace for supply risks

    ByJustpaste.in

    LONDON: Global oil prices moved higher on Friday and were set to post strong weekly gains as investors closely monitored escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, raising fears of potential disruptions to energy supplies from the Middle East. Brent crude futures advanced by 1.45%, reaching $88.33 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose 1.26% to $82.27 a barrel. The gains came as diplomatic efforts aimed at easing regional conflict showed little progress, increasing uncertainty in global energy markets. Market participants remained focused on reports that Washington could intensify economic pressure on Tehran, including the possibility of expanding maritime restrictions and tightening sanctions. Analysts said any further deterioration in relations between the two countries could have a significant impact on global crude exports, particularly given the Middle East’s critical role in oil production. Energy analysts noted that concerns over supply interruptions have become a key driver of recent price movements. While no major disruption has yet occurred, traders are pricing in the risk that a broader conflict could affect shipping routes and regional oil infrastructure. “Geopolitical developments continue to dominate market sentiment,” analysts said, adding that a major escalation could trigger a sharper increase in oil prices and add to inflationary pressures worldwide. Meanwhile, economic data from the United States added another dimension to market activity. A survey released on Friday indicated that consumer sentiment weakened in early August as households faced higher living costs, partly linked to rising energy prices and global uncertainty. US retail sales data also came in weaker than expected, leading investors to scale back expectations of another interest rate increase by the Federal Reserve next month. The softer economic outlook pushed the US dollar lower and reduced Treasury yields, offering support to commodities priced in dollars, including gold and oil. Spot gold prices climbed 0.69% to $4,380.03 per ounce, while US gold futures settled 0.4% higher at $4,437.30 an ounce as investors sought safe-haven assets amid geopolitical concerns. In currency markets, the Japanese yen strengthened slightly against the US dollar, trading near 159.37 per dollar. The movement followed reports that the Bank of Japan may consider raising interest rates as early as September. However, traders continued to watch the key 160-yen level, which could prompt intervention by Japanese authorities. Global equity markets showed mixed performance. On Wall Street, technology stocks weighed on major indexes after recent gains. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slipped 73.41 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite also closed lower. Despite Friday’s decline, both the S&P 500 and Nasdaq remained on course for a third consecutive weekly gain. European markets also ended lower, snapping a four-week winning streak as rising oil prices and geopolitical risks overshadowed generally positive corporate earnings. MSCI’s global equity index edged down 0.09%, reflecting cautious investor sentiment, while Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan recorded modest gains. Market strategists said investors are increasingly balancing optimism over corporate earnings and expectations of easier monetary policy against uncertainty surrounding international conflicts. John Sidawi, Senior Portfolio Manager at Federated Hermes, observed that financial markets have recently shown resilience despite geopolitical shocks, but warned that this calm may not last indefinitely. He noted that either a significant escalation in conflict or a clear diplomatic breakthrough could lead to a much stronger market reaction than current asset prices suggest.

  • | | | |

    Attack on one, defence of all: Makkah pact

    ByJustpaste.in

    Saudi Arabia, Türkiye and Pakistan have signed a joint defence agreement aimed at strengthening collective security and defence capabilities among the three countries. According to the Foreign Office spokesperson, the agreement was signed during a trilateral joint defence summit held in Makkah. Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the agreement. Under the pact, an armed attack against any one of the three countries will be treated as an attack against all three. The Foreign Office said the agreement is aimed at strengthening the three countries’ collective defence capabilities against any act of aggression. The development came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Makkah. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and other members of the Pakistani delegation also attended the meeting. The leaders discussed the regional situation and ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. Earlier, a trilateral summit involving Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Türkiye was scheduled to take place in Jeddah, with expectations of important developments concerning regional peace and security. According to Turkish media reports, the three countries were set to sign an agreement concerning regional security during the summit. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also arrived in Saudi Arabia to participate in the high-level meeting. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir had arrived in Saudi Arabia a day earlier at the invitation of the Saudi Crown Prince. During their visit, the Pakistani delegation also performed Umrah and offered prayers at the Holy Kaaba.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *